Friday, February 12, 2010

Coffee Tips and Tricks

* First of all, here's Heloise, still going strong after more than fifty years -- on the subject of a "slow" coffee pot:

Dear Heloise:
My coffee maker is getting slower and slower. Could it be the lime deposits in our water, and if so, what can I do about it? Thanks.
Dear Merry:
Hard water probably is the culprit! Especially if you don't have a water softener. However, there is a very easy solution, and it involves my old friend, vinegar! Cheap, safe and green!
Fill the reservoir with straight vinegar, let it go through a brew cycle, then turn off the coffee maker. Put the hot vinegar back in, let sit for about 20-30 minutes, then run through one more time. Run fresh cold water through several times, and you are all set. Don't waste that vinegar! Pour it down the drain to kill bacteria.

* And then there's this: Here are five things to do with the leftover coffee you might have in your pot.  (Never happens here...)

* And here are some things you can do with the leftover grounds. (Got plenty of those!)

* You can go here to find some very interesting hints and tips about adding some pizzazz to your coffee pre- and post-brewing.

*  Then, go here to learn how to do a magic trick that turns a cup of coffee into a cup of coins!

* And if anyone out there learns how to do any of the coffee art tricks below, I gotta hand it to you.  You have more talent, patience, and time on your hands than I do!



4 comments:

Laura said...

You know as soon as I saw the title, I HAD to visit.
My students rub coffee grounds on projects to make them look old.
The projects smell yummy...I start getting the shakes.
:)

MightyMom said...

you know...he's putting so much milk in that coffee it probably doesn't taste like coffee anymore!! and then, by the time he's done drawing in my cup I'd be drinking it cold....I think I'll pass on the edible artwork.

Diana said...

Awesome coffee tricks, Lisa. I wanted to drink every pretty cup!
Love Di

Kim H. said...

Um, I needed this post the other day. My coffee maker is puking out and not brewing right (((shudder!!!))) I tried the vinegar & water trick and a lot of sediment came out. Unfortunately it's still not brewing great. As long as I can eek a cup or two out until payday!!!! Then I might have to go get me another Mr. Coffee!!!