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Do You Own a Coffee Maker?

partysugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:50:34 -0700

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Kitchen Diva

partysugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:15:46 -0800

She's the queen of the kitchen, can whip up a double chocolate souffle while sleeping, and has dined at Momofuko Ko, David Chang's notoriously difficult-to-get-into restaurant, twice. Think there's nothing to get this kitchen diva - the girl whose been there, done that, got the t-shirt? Think again! She'll swoon at the site of a fabulously frilly apron and will die and go to heaven when she holds a bottle of the coveted cult classic 2004 Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Or wow her with this "Red Diva" espresso machine: she'll have wonderfully fresh espresso at the push of a button!

Get more gift ideas in the widget below, or head to HolidaySugar for gift guides galore!

And The New Owner of the Breville Espresso Machine is...

YumSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:57:38 -0700

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Breville Espresso Machine contest. With over 1900 entries, we had to get the geeks to work their magic random number spells, and as much as I would love to give one to everyone, there can only be one winner. So who's the new owner? This time the lucky gal is vilas79! Congrats!

Thanks again to everyone who entered. Maybe next time I'll be able to congratulate you!

Win a Breville Espresso Machine!

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:39:29 -0700

Contest ends today!

If you didn't like what the Starbucks Oracle had to say about you, maybe you should try making your own espresso at home. If you don't have your own espresso machine, you're in luck, we're giving one away! The Breville Espresso Machine is a heavy-duty, sleek machine designed to make consistently tasty espresso, and it'll look great in someone's home!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below and we'll do a random drawing on Monday, August 27 at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time. Don't forget to email this to friends and family who may be interested in winning.

Click here for Official Rules. One entry per person - all repeat comments will be ignored. Also, you must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here for an account.

Good luck!

My Afternoon as a Starbucks Barista

YumSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:10:52 -0700

Chaotic as things may appear behind a Starbucks counter, every drink is made custom and to order in a systematic, organized way. I know this because I spent an afternoon as a Starbucks barista. Laurel Village Starbucks store manager Deanna Barbagiovvanni put me to work yesterday behind the espresso machines.

The trickiest part of being a barista is deciphering the code on the side of a Starbucks cup. It was like trying to read an unknown foreign language. "That's a nonfat, two-pump white mocha," Deanna said, reaching for espresso shots, as I stood there, still trying to make sense of the notations. Customers rarely place orders for standard drinks, she explained: "One girl comes in every day and orders a venti Coffee Frappuccino with a grande scoop of ice, double blended, with light whip and just a little chocolate drizzle." Find out what else I learned and check out a video of me as barista when you read more

Starbucks Renames Several Stores

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:37:46 -0700

This year alone, Starbucks has put its name on everything from instant coffee to super-premium ice cream, so it comes as a surprise that the corporate coffee titan is now moving to get rid of its name. The Seattle Times reports that the company is conducting a test to remove its ubiquitous name and mermaid logo from at least three of its Seattle stores and replace it with new names that emphasize the coffeehouses' surrounding neighborhoods. The first test location is slated to reopen next week bearing the new name 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea. The Starbucks corporate logo will be absent from the company's coffee and products and rebranded with the 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea name. To add to the classic coffeehouse vibe, the store will feature live music and poetry readings, a manual espresso machine, and wine and beer options.

The pilot comes at a time when large casual chains - including Starbucks - are suffering from sluggish sales and slower foot traffic. If the name change proves successful, the company may test this out in other markets. I find this step for Starbucks to be somewhat bizarre - but perhaps it's a measure that will ultimately pay off. What do you think of the move?

Source: Flickr User jimg944

Yummy Links: From Chocolate Keyboards to Espresso

YumSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:01:31 -0800

Nom nom nom, I hope somebody takes this chocolate keyboard out of concept and into reality. - Serious Eats
Hamburgers and peanut butter? Would you eat any of these weird food combinations? - iVillage
Like granola? Try new Feed Granola. I've had a few bites and it is delicious - FitSugar
Still looking for another drink for the big game? Try mixing up Go Team! - Al Dente
Just in time for Valentine's Day, sweetheart cake pans. - Baking Bites
Asian Costcos seem a lot cooler than the ones in the US. - Slashfood
Don't miss out on these lined glasses from Cheong and Nogtev. - CasaSugar
Are Amou berries really the "Kobe Beef of Strawberries"? - Chow
This Handpresso espresso machine allows you to have coffee anywhere. - The Food Section
Can you replace espresso powder with espresso? - The Kitchn

Starbucks Buys Fancy-Pants Machines, Also Promises to Treat You Better

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Yesterday, many wild announcements were made during Starbucks' annual shareholder meeting. It's no secret, they've been making a lot of interesting changes, but some of the announcements were quite surprising. While the launch of their own social networking website is shocking, it was actually their purchase of Coffee Equipment Company, the makers of the fancy-pants Clover coffee machines.

Clover coffee machines cost $11,000 each and are thought by many coffee snobs to be "amazing, absolutely amazing" - those are quotes from actual coffee snob friends of mine. The Clover machines will be put into select markets, and rumor has it that non-Starbucks cafés will no longer be able to purchase them.

Other changes that they announced included improved automated espresso machines that grind beans fresh for each drink, as well as a new coffee blend and a rewards program. That's right, they're finally going to give you that soy milk or vanilla splash for free. It's about time, no?

So what do you think, will these changes alter the way you think about Starbucks?

Source

Coffee and Tea, Please

partysugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:56:31 -0800

Unlike the seasonal changes in fruits and veggies, the consumption of coffee and tea remains constant year round. It's no surprise that even though warm weather is almost here, the Yum Market on TeamSugar is full of coffee and tea accessories. From teapots to cappuccino machines and coffee beans, you are eager to enjoy the rich brown beverages. Being an avid espresso drinker, I love this floral print espresso cup and saucer set. CupcakeGal10 saved these teeny cups that scream Spring! If you're crazy about coffee and tantalized by tea, browse the collection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!

Happy Hour: Espresso Martini

YumSugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:13:12 -0800

My guy is addicted, and I mean ADDICTED to coffee (in fact, we had to lose the microwave to make room for the espresso machine). When we go out he's always looking for a drink that involves coffee, Kahlua, espresso, etc. So yesterday, when I asked him to choose a drink for today's happy hour, it really should have come as no surprise when he said, "how about an Espresso Martini?"

Go figure! But, at least he's got good taste and found a delicious recipe for all of us.

Espresso Martini
From Drinks Mixer

1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz Kahlua (or any other coffee liqueur)
1 oz Bailey's Irish cream
3 oz espresso - the stronger the better!

Brew espresso fresh.
Pour into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes and add other ingredients.
Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Print recipe with images | without images