coffee roaster

Want to roast your own coffee beans, but don't want to splurge big bucks on a home coffee roaster? Then try using a hot-air popcorn popper. Sweet Maria's has a full how to, and the folks at KK just put it to the test.

You order unroasted green beans, and put them in the popper like you would popcorn. As the beans roast (they're not going to pop like the popcorn does), the bean casings separate. The skins will float up and make a big mess. However, after a few minutes, you'll have wonderfully roasted beans — they'll need to be cooled, but you can use them like you would normal.

At least, this is how it works in theory. I personally haven't tried it, and I don't have an air-popper at the moment. But I might just have to go out and get one. How about you? Would you try to roast your coffee beans this way?

Whether it's an aunt or an uncle, seems like everyone has a coffee addict on their holiday shopping list. My coffee addict doesn't actually need any other gadgets — although the Bravi Home Coffee Bean Roaster would probably be well received — so I'm opting for a monthly coffee subscription from Blue Bottle Coffee Co. If your coffee addict has enough java to last a lifetime, treat him or her to a book like I Love Coffee! that will help hone their barista skills. Scroll through for more coffee gift ideas.