Ever tried shopping for a moka pot and thought, “Wait, what’s a 6-cup? And why does it look smaller than my morning mug?” I remember my first time picking one out. I assumed a “3-cup” moka pot meant three big cups of coffee. And guess what? It didn’t! What I ended up with was three…
Ever brewed coffee in a moka pot and wondered why it tasted more like burnt ash than smooth espresso? When I first started brewing with a moka pot many years ago, it was way before I even had my espresso machine. More often than not, the coffee came out bitter and harsh, almost undrinkable. I…
I’m not exactly the person who thrives in the woods, but as a coffee lover, there’s one thing I refuse to compromise on: a good cup of coffee. The first time I tried bringing a glass French press along, it was a disaster. Between worrying about it shattering in my backpack and dealing with gritty…
Ever had your moka pot refuse to cooperate right when you want that perfect cup? I have a large, classic Italian moka pot, and after a couple of months, things went sideways. The coffee stopped brewing properly. In other words, nothing came out. I’d turn off the heat from the stove, switch it back on,…
Ever wondered if you should be using syrup or sauce in your coffee? You’re not alone! These two flavoring agents often sit side-by-side in cafés and pantries, yet they serve very different purposes. Syrups are smooth, sweet, and mix effortlessly into cold drinks. Sauces, on the other hand, are thicker, richer, and perfect for hot…
Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of its total protein content? Basically, it’s the glue that holds everything together, such as your skin, joints, bones, and even your gut lining. A few years back, I started looking for ways to manage an old…
Ever wonder why your espresso machine never quite runs like the one at your favorite café even though you swear you clean it? I get it. I’ve always said I don’t run a coffee shop. I’m more of a home barista kind of guy. But a couple of my close friends do run actual cafés,…
Ever wondered why Sweden takes its coffee breaks so seriously? I’ve written about the coffee culture from several countries. From Italy, France, Portugal (me being Portuguese). All of them have their unique drinks and traditions. However, out of all, I’d say Sweden is the most surprising. I have a friend from Uppsala who once told…
Do you need all those buttons to make good espresso? I sure thought so. A few years back, I got swept away by the sleek design, flashing lights, and promises of “café-quality coffee at home.” I won’t even mention the brand, let’s just say it rhymed with “Regret-presso.” It looked amazing on my counter, but…
Did you know that some Nespresso machines can brew a better-iced latte than your neighborhood café? No kidding. Recently, I’ve found myself way more into Nespresso than I expected. I think it’s the whole summer vibe creeping in. You know warm mornings, slower pace, a little laziness in the air. I didn’t want to mess…