Archive through May 15, 2002
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The ClubHouse: Archives: ANYONE ROAST THEIR OWN COFFEE BEANS?: Archive through May 15, 2002

Kstme

Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 04:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Long story...short version...my reliable, fabulous, NEVER burnt the beans Roaster has QUIT!!! I am thinking of trying to roast my own because, as my dh puts it so nicely, I am the ultimate "coffee snob!"

I have checked so many resources on the net, my eyes are past blurred! I have found a place that sells "green beans" and offers roasters for sale. It looks like it might be the way to go. Is there ANYONE among us that has/is done/doing this?

Any input is GREATLY appreciated!

Gail

Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 04:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme, my brother is the ultimate coffee snob. I know he roasts his own beans. He only roasts enough for about 2 - 3 days because it is only in that time period they are at their peak. At work, we drink only Yuban (which is pretty good for canned coffee) at home, I usually get the kind you grind in the store.

I didn't have the heart to tell my brother last month when he visited for a few days that the coffee in my canister was at least a month old. I would like to find a really unusual coffee roaster for him as a Christmas gift. He is actually kicking around the idea of opening a coffee shop someday.

Now, I know you can get coffee roasters occasionally on ebay. I personally have not done any coffee roasting or seen it done. There was a good show on the Food Network last month about a couple of guys that make roast and ship coffee. Those guys were the ultimate coffee snobs.

Kstme

Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 04:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Gail...thanks so much! I was amazed to find green beans can last up to 3 years! One place I found online has 4 different roasters along with all the ins & outs of using your best hot air corn popper! They have a wonderful assortment of beans too. You might get some ideas for your brother from here.

http://www.sweetmarias.com

Gail

Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 05:24 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Kstme! That first old time roaster is really neat looking. I was thinking it might be kind of fun to roast your own coffee. For me, it would me handy - I only drink coffee at home on weekends.

Llkoolaid

Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 11:25 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Did you guys ever hear of a coffee press. My brother had one and brewed us a cup of coffee in it. I loved it. He got us one for christmas and I am enjoying a cup of coffee like I never did before.

Kstme

Monday, April 22, 2002 - 07:14 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Gail...I'm definitely thinking the investment will be worth it!

Likoolaid...I've had a French Press for years and they are terrific! So glad you love yours!!!! It makes a wonderful pot of tea also!

Twiggyish

Monday, April 22, 2002 - 07:23 am EditMoveDeleteIP
If we talk about beans, how about Hawaiian Kona. I have a grinder, but not a press or a roaster. They sound like something to look into buying.

Kstme

Monday, April 22, 2002 - 10:33 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Twiggyish...my OWN opinion! Kona is way too bland for my taste. It is over priced because the small crops produced each year. I feel the same about Jamaican Blue Mountain. I prefer Ethiopian and Costa Rican coffees. More subtle undertones with bright boldness. (Sorry, if this is more info than you wanted or needed! )

Twiggyish

Monday, April 22, 2002 - 10:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
No, I know it's expensive. I saw one place had it for almost $30.00 a pound. For me, it has a rich flavor, not found in commercial brands.

I'll have to try the Jamaican Blue Mountain, that sounds good.

Kstme

Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 03:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well...I'm now "into" roasting my own beans and I LOVE IT!! The taste is terrific if the beans don't get burnt...lol It only takes 7 minutes to roast a batch of beans!! I do two batches at a time and that's a two day supply. It's so much fun to try different beans and combinations!

So...anyone, (yep, Gail, that means YOU!) if you want to spend a few minutes of your time and it's so much cheaper (it will pay for itself in less than 3 months!)...GO FOR IT!

Gail

Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 04:02 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme - I ordered a coffee bean roaster a few days ago along with 3 pounds of beans and a sampler package of beans. I was thinking about it as I was driving home - they should be delivered this coming Monday. Can't wait!!! :) I also ordered a french press just for kicks. As I was driving home, it dawned on me .. . I don't have a coffee grinder. I will look for one this weekend.

Kstme

Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 04:24 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
ROFL...Gail! Coffee grinder is sort of, kind of, REALLY important! !

Let me know how you like "doing it yourself!" Did you order from the company I'm using or did you find another one? I've been very happy with Sweet Maria's.

Gail

Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 04:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I ordered from Sweet Maria's - they had everything right there. :) I'm pretty sure I will just love doing it myself. I do a lot of stuff from scratch already. I am just starting to be able to use the soaps I made last month and I made some pretty good kahlua back around Christmas that is getting pretty tasty now.

Faerygdds

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 02:20 am EditMoveDeleteIP
My Husband loves coffee, and spends a fortune on Starbucks! UGH... I just ordered a roaster and a sampler pack. His Birthday is just around the corner, so I'll make it an early Birthday present!

I am SO excited!

Thank you to whoever started those that started and contributed to this thread... I can't WAIT!!!

Mamaanja

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 06:15 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Gail,
How did you make Kahlua? Will you share the recipie? Yum yum.

Kstme

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 09:06 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Faery...I think you're husband is in for a treat! The beans roast so quickly, when you're done, you think, "What'll I do now?"

Gail...I forgot about your soap!!!! What a fantastic project!!

If anyone uses a "drip" maker...PLEASE invest in the Gold Filter! It's worth the initial cost and
AGAIN, it will pay for itself in a short time!

Gail...which beans did you order? I just ordered 10 lbs. of Columbian Narino to use as my "base" Vienna Roast. I love to mix and blend. This is a good stable, solid bean for doing that.

Gail...Have you TOLD your brother yet???

Gail

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 04:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The recipe for Kahlua? Sure! I found it on the internet - I looked at about 10 different recipes before picking this one. It tastes pretty good. Now, what I did was make a double batch - that way I could sample on bottle without feeling too guilty.

Kahlua

1.5 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. instant coffee powder
3 c. vodka (for Kahlua) or rum (for Tia)
1/2 vanilla bean, split or 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Combine sugars with 2 c. water. Boil 5 minutes. Gradually add coffee, using a wire wisk until blended, cool. Pour into tall bottle, add vodka and vanilla. Cover and let stand for at least two weeks. Remove vanilla bean if used. Makes about 40 oz.


(alot of recipes say to let it sit for about 6 months)

Gail

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 04:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Kstme, I ordered two different costa rican beans and one sumatra one. CostaRican has always been my favorite.

The soapmaking is going great! I am getting better each week and having a blast. I got some more sophisticated supplies in over the past 2 weeks - some nice molds and a cutter as well. Now, my bars should start looking more uniform in size. (so far, I was cuting them with a big butcher knife and couldn't get them all the same size. The best thing about making soap is that it really makes me work with my hands pretty good. No wimping out and whining about arthritis - and that is a good thing - between soaping and occupational therapy, my right hand is in better shape then it has been in 3 years. I saw my hand surgeon yesterday and told him about soaping and he thought it was pretty great and was disappointed that I didn't bring him any samples. I will make something just for him when I go back in 2 months.

I also bought some supplies to make candles - hoping to do that in a few weeks when I get a chance. I also bought a book on making paper. We have a pretty good shredder at work so that will make it easier. I have no idea what I am going to do with homemade paper but I figure it would be fun to try. I might make some labels for my soap for starters. :)

Kstme

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 07:14 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Gail...How AWSOME!! I have a friend that made candles for years and she has so much fun doing them! She does more of the ones you continually dip than others, but has done the spectrum! Enjoy!

Wow! I'm so glad your hand is doing so well!! You've paid the price! I like the idea of using the paper for your labels for the soap!

I agree with you...the CostaRican coffees are great!! I bought a small bag on the La Minita and it's good!

LOL...I haven't seen that recipe in years! It DOES make a mean Kahlua!

Sia

Friday, May 10, 2002 - 08:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hey, Gail, what about making some beautiful greeting cards for friends and family with your home-made paper? You could illustrate them with watercolors or you could use block-stamps and then hand-letter the sentiments in fancy calligraphy with pen and ink.

Gail

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 05:09 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Well, I have to say - fresh roast is the most! I did not use my french press this morning - I wanted to just see the difference with my Mr Coffee. IT was really good. :) I roasted two batches yesterday right after I unpacked the roaster. It sure doesn't take much to set off smoke detectors, does it. :)

Next time, I will remember to turn on the stove fan. I did have the window wide open but I think that blew the smoke in - it wasn't really that smokey though. Seems like it was a lot worse a few times when I used to smoke. :)

Kstme

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 - 05:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
OH MY! Isn't it FUN! And it's soooooooooooo good!!!

Faerygdds

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 02:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

ok... first off I am NOT a coffee drinker (but my hubby is)... I just made my first cup of coffee with my first roast...

Guess what I'm doing now...........

Having my SECOND CUP!!! I NEVER have a second cup... come to think of it I rarely finish my first cup! I am NEVER drinking store bought coffee again... I can't wait until my dh gets home! I wanted to make sure I did it right. All I can say is YUMMY!

Webkitty

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 03:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh dear, I think Faery is having a caffine rush!!
Do you feel like this?
You will end up feeling like this if you don't watch out there little Faery!!

Hope your hubby likes his coffee roaster!

Kstme

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 03:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
LOL...Faery!! I've been drinking almost two pots a day since I got this thing! And I DO feel like Webkitty's spaced out face! LOL Actually, there isn't as much caffine in fresh roasted coffee. The caffine builds up as the roasted beans sit.

Soooooooooooo....LET's ALL DRINK UP!!!!

I'm having a blast blending all different kinds and roasting the beans to different levels! I LOVE the fact that this coffee TASTE LIKE coffee SMELLS!

Hey Gail, how are you doing with yours now? Met the entire Fire Dept. yet?