20 January 2009
 The Peaberry coffee bean also goes by the name caracoli. Normally the coffee plant yields a fruit that develops as two halves inside of a cherry type enclosure. However, only one of the two seeds gets fertilized on rare occasions. This results in an oval (or pea-shaped) bean, referred to as Peaberry. Of all coffee beans harvested, Peaberries are most commonly found in about 5%.Peaberry coffees are particularly associated with coffees from Tanzania. That is why it's typically called Tanzanian Peaberry. Due to the shape of the Peaberry coffee beans, they roast differently. Because of this, the Peaberry coffee beans are separated from the flatberry coffee beans before roasting.The Peaberry coffee beans are largely accepted to be a better bean. The Peaberries are said to roast better because of their round shape which allow the bean to roll in the roasting chamber with little resistance. In our tastings, we have also found the Peaberry beans to produce a much sweeter taste than flatberry beans.  In the coffee industry, Kenya is widely considered to be one of the best producers in Africa. Wholesalers, Retailers, and Consumers alike appreciate the results they get in their cups and stores. The research and development done for the production of coffee is unequaled by other coffee producing countries. The best part of the Kenyan coffee equation is the individual coffee farmers. They continually improve their methods and practices to yield unparalleled quality and consistency. When you combine both of these things together, you get Kenya Peaberry. Tasting a bean from a country known for quality and adding to it that it's bean rarely found, you're bound to get a true coffee experience. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to use the Kenya Peaberry in the Saeco Primea Ring Plus. The coffee the came out was unbelievable. We used the espresso shot function and essentially pressure brewed the Kenya Peaberry into two distinct shots. I then added the shots to steamed milk and created the most amazing Latte I've ever experienced.The amazing beans created a flavor I had never tasted. I have truly been converted to a Kenya Peaberry drinker. It created an amazing crema and strength usually seen by top espressos and our Superautomatika. I was impressed by it's versatility as we've drank this as a regular auto drip coffee before. Very rarely do we see coffees that perform so phenomenally and so consistently. This would make a great morning cup of joe or gourmet coffee beverage. Stay warm, and as always, Happy Brewing!  Permalink
12 January 2009
To say that we appreciate you as a customers is an understatement. We have millions of people stop by our website and coffee shop each year. That fact only strengthens our commitment to serve you as best as we can. You have more choices than ever before. We would like to take an opportunity to distinguish ourselves as the best choice for you. Our firm commitment to Customer Service and high quality products has led to many things that make our company unique. We are committed to making your shopping experience at JL Hufford better than any other gourmet retailer. What sets JL Hufford apart from other retailers?JL Hufford Coffee and Tea has been serving satisfied customers since 1991. We started out as the dream of Joe Hufford and grew into what we are today. By hard work, attention to detail, and dedication, we are able give you nothing but the best. Our brick and mortar coffee shop has served over 5 million espresso shots and is located in a major Simon Mall property. Our shop serves only the finest in coffees and teas and boasts the best drink menu in the area. We value customer service over every other aspect of our business. For any questions or concerns you may have, we have easy to reach representatives during our normal business hours via phone, email, or live chat. Our customers frequently comment about the convenience of being able to talk to a real person during business hours. During the Holidays, we extended these hours due to the extraordinary number of customers wanting to make sure the gift for their loved one is just right. JL Hufford encourages its employees to think outside the box. This has inspired ideas like live chat with customer service representatives and Build-Your-Own Coffees. Many of our employees have also created some of our most popular blends of regular and flavored coffees, adding to our over 400 different types of coffee. We are the exclusive online retailer to carry Superautomatika. This custom blend was developed by senior technicians who work on Super Automatic coffee centers and taste-tested with highest approval by our employees and customers. Superautomatika® Blend is now the most popular selling coffee at JL Hufford!
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5 January 2009
325 is the number of gourmet coffees JL Hufford has waiting for you to consider when you’re in need, stuff that you can’t pick up on every other corner or in any grocery store. The gourmet coffee we offer you is the finest in the world and we’re confident in its quality, that’s why we guarantee your satisfaction. However, deciding which of the 325 gourmet coffees you’re going to enjoy might not be the hardest choice you make. | To grind or not to grind, that is the question. |  | Why does it make a difference if we grind it here and then send it to you, or if you grind it at home once you get it? That’s a really great question and it’s what we’re going to talk about. Gourmet coffee has incredible taste and it’s important to do what’s necessary to get the best cup of coffee you can. A little bit about grinding.Grinding roasted coffee beans can be done at a roaster, a retailer, or in your home. Coffee beans can be ground to several different specifications. A burr grinder uses revolving elements to shear the bean, while a blade grinder smashes the beans. A burr grinder is considered to be the better of the two options as it leads to a more consistent grind. It also has less of a chance of overheating the beans. The type of grind is often named after the brewing method for which it is generally used. Turkish grind is the finest grind, while coffee percolators or French presses are the coarsest grind. The most common grinds are found in between the extremes; a medium grind, or automatic-drip, is used in most common home coffee brewing machines. We at JL Hufford offer 9 different grind settings for your Gourmet Coffee. What to do.For some, grinding here, there, or everywhere makes no matter. For others, it could make all the difference in the world. Grinding at home allows for many positives with few negatives. The biggest three I have identified are freshness, less chance of waste, and optimal performance. Gourmet coffee beans produce the freshest cup of coffee if brewed right after being ground. When you pre-grind beans, you are letting valuable gasses and oils escape from your gourmet coffee unnecessarily. With grinding at home, you can guarantee when your coffee was ground as well as using only what necessary. This allows for more of your gourmet coffee to be used during its optimum taste period. With utilizing your gourmet coffee more, you will need less over time. This results from needing to throw less of your coffee away because it has gone stale. While we at JL Hufford would love to sell as much gourmet coffee as possible, we believe in taking care of planet. This is why we stand behind practices that promote reducing waste. The most beneficial reason behind grinding at home lies in optimizing your home brewing system’s performance. Not all home brewing systems function the same way. This means that each coffee machine could need a specific grind size. With grinding your own coffee at home, this allows for multiple opportunities to find out exactly what your machine needs and continually get the best coffee that your machine can produce. We are big proponents of grinding at home as it allows you to have as much control over coffee experience as possible. Here are three suggestions for grinders that we find consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. | Rancilio Rocky | Baratza Virtuoso | Capresso Infinity |  |  |  | Free Gifts:
1 lb JL Hufford Espresso Blend,
1 Yr Extended Service Contract
(2 Years Total Service), Free Shipping | Free Gifts:
1/2 lb. JL Hufford House Blend, Free Shipping | Free Gifts:
1/2 lb. JL Hufford House Blend Coffee, Free Shipping | | $369.00 | $199.00 | $89.95 |
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31 January 2009
RecipeGeek Favorites! The month of January brought a plethora of recipes and it’s time, once again, to share some more interesting drinks and food thoughts. When I read the first recipe, I almost immediately shoved it aside because I’m the kind of person that keeps fruits and vegetables separate. I’ve never been able to put oranges or strawberries in my salads so this was going to be stretching it for me. I tested this one out on my family; they dubbed it fantastic so I thought I better give it a try. This vinaigrette is probably one of the most flavorful dressings I’ve ever had. You won’t be sorry you tried it and it will bring a new zest to the boring lettuce that normally takes up the beginning of dinner. Finish up your evening with a beverage delight. The Hot Apple Pie Steamer is perfect for dessert and probably has fewer calories than the real thing! The flavor really makes you feel like you just savored a piece of homemade apple pie. Before you slip into your covers tonight, enjoy a cup of Venetian Tea latte (try decaf) and let the warm milk ease your muscles and soothe your body. This was my favorite meal of the entire month! Torani Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette: 2 Tbsp. Torani Mandarin Orange syrup, 1 tsp. grated lemon zest, 2 Tbsp. champagne or white wine vinegar, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp. salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Instructions: Combine all ingredients and whisk well. Season to taste with pepper. Venetian Tea Latte: 2 Tbsp. Torani Amaretto syrup, 1 Tbsp. Torani Orgeat (Almond) syrup, 1 cup strong black tea, 1/2 cup heated milk Instructions: Pour hot brewed tea into a glass or mug and add Torani and milk. Stir gently.Torani Hot Apple Pie Steamer: 1 Tbsp. Torani Apple syrup, 1 1/2 tsp. Torani Cinnamon syrup, 1 cup milk, Caramel flavored whipped cream, for topping, Slice of apple for garnish, if desired Instructions: In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated flavored milk into a tall glass and stir gently. Top with flavored whipped cream and garnish with an apple slice, if desired.
**Email me at support3@jlhufford.com with the subject "RecipeGeek Favorites" and maybe give me a few of your favorite recipes. I'd be more than happy to post our customer's favorites! Thanks!ENJOY!!
27 January 2009
It’s time to thaw out those frozen pecans you’ve been hording in your freezer all winter. Wait. What? You mean to tell me that you didn’t stock up for the seasons? Wow you were unprepared! Just kidding, but seriously Torani’s Candied Pecans are simply scrumptious! Now is also a great time to perfect Grandma’s Pecan Pie recipe! Go ahead and indulge in a handful of pecans because they contain antioxidants and plant sterols which help reduce high cholesterol by reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged this and related research and approved the following qualified health claim: "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease." So however you say it, enjoy them and their flavor! Torani Candied Pecans: 1/2 cup Torani Caramel syrup, 1 egg, separated, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 3 cups pecans (or walnuts, or a mixture of both) Instructions Preheat oven to 250F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk egg white (save yolk for another use or discard) until light in color and foamy - about 2 minutes. Add Torani syrup, sugar and salt and continue to whisk until well mixed. Stir in nuts and mix until they are evenly coated.
Spread nuts in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet. Place baking sheet in the oven. Using a spatula, stir nuts twice during cooking time to allow the nuts to have an even candied coating. Bake until nuts are a very light golden, and all of the liquid has dried - about 45 minutes. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Makes 3 cups. Butter Pecan Latte 12oz.: 3/4oz. Torani Butter Pecan Syrup (3 Pumps), 6oz. Milk, 1 Shot Espresso 16oz.: 1oz. Torani Butter Pecan Syrup (4 Pumps), 8oz. Milk, 2 Shots Espresso 20oz.: 1 1/4oz. Torani Butter Pecan Syrup (5 Pumps), 10oz. Milk, 3 Shots Espresso **Steam Torani and Milk, Add espresso to appropriate sized glass and pour flavored mlk over, topping with a layer of foam. Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired. ***For iced lattes, combine Torani and milk in appropriate sized glass filled with ice, stir well and pour espresso (preferably chilled) over.
ENJOY!!
22 January 2009
When it comes to beverages, size totally matters. Whether it be a 12oz drink, or a 20oz big one, you know what your body needs in the morning. These next recipes are amazing and they give you the recipe for every size you could get at a regular coffee shop. So if it’s been one of those mornings, you know the ones where you had to literally roll out of bed into your slippers, let’s call it a 20oz morning. If you wake up and feel fine, but know you have to go to work that day, you might need a 16oz. morning. If you’re ready to go when you wake up, but need that eye opener push in the morning, this one would be classified as a 12oz. morning. What is tomorrow going to bring? Sticky Bun Latte 12oz.: 3/4oz. Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup (3 Pumps), 6oz. Milk, 1 Shot Espresso. *add 1/2oz. Torani’s Caramel Sauce (approx ½ Pump) for the Cinnamon Roll Caramella! 16oz.: 1oz. Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup (4 Pumps), 8oz. Milk, 2 Shots Espresso. *add 1oz. Torani’s Caramel Sauce (approx 1 Pump) for the Cinnamon Roll Caramella! 20oz.: 1 1/4oz. Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup (5 Pumps), 10oz. Milk, 3 Shots Espresso. *add 1 1/2oz. Torani’s Caramel Sauce (approx 1 1/2 Pumps) for the Cinnamon Roll Caramella! Peanut Butter Mocha 12oz.: 1/2oz. Torani Peanut Butter Syrup (2 Pumps), 1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce (approx ½ pump), 6oz. Milk, 1 Shot Espresso. *substitute Torani’s Chocolate Sauce for the same amount in Torani’s Caramel Sauce for the Peanut Brittle Caramella! 16oz.: 3/4oz. Torani Peanut Butter Syrup (3 Pumps), 1oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce (1 Pump), 8oz. Milk, 2 Shot Espresso. *substitute Torani’s Chocolate Sauce for the same amount in Torani’s Caramel Sauce for the Peanut Brittle Caramella! 20oz.: 1oz. Torani Peanut Butter Syrup (4 Pumps), 1 1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce (approx 1½ pump), 10oz. Milk, 3 Shot Espresso. *substitute Torani’s Chocolate Sauce for the same amount in Torani’s Caramel Sauce for the Peanut Brittle Caramella! **Steam Torani and Milk, Add espresso to appropriate sized glass and pour flavored mlk over, topping with a layer of foam. Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon if desired. ***For iced lattes, combine Torani and milk in appropriate sized glass filled with ice, stir well and pour espresso (preferably chilled) over. ENJOY!!
15 January 2009
Because it’s still a bit chilly outside for us here in Indiana, and because I’m freezing from walking to class, I’ve decided some good ‘ol hot recipes will be my topic today. And as a bonus for the Sugar Free lovers out there, this blog is for you. Sometimes when I drink a mocha or cappuccino from a machine, I feel like my teeth and mouth get covered in sugar. It’s almost the grossest feeling in the world. I wish I had a toothbrush handy when this happens, but I usually don’t, so I’ve been trying to find better ways to deal with this sugar problem. Torani helped me find a solution this past summer with their sugar free syrups I used in my iced tea. Now that I’ve found great recipes for warm drinks that use sugar free syrups as well, I don’t think I could ask for anything better! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! No Guilt Vanilla Mocha: 3 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla syrup, 2 Tbsp. Torani, Sugar Free Chocolate syrup, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1/4 cup espresso Instructions: In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani syrup together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated flavored milk into a tall glass and add brewed espresso*. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over top of beverage.
*If needed, 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee can be substituted for 1/4 cup brewed espresso.Torani Sugar Free Turtle Tea 2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Caramel syrup
1 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Almond syrup
1 cup strong brewed black tea
1/2 cup heated milk
Instructions: Pour hot brewed tea into a glass or mug and add Torani and milk. Stir gently. *Some say it’s great to cub your appetite! No Guild Coconut Mocha: 3 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Coconut syrup, 2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Chocolate syrup, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1/4 espresso Instructions: In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani syrup together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated flavored milk into a tall glass and add brewed espresso*. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over top of beverage.
*If needed, 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee can be substituted for 1/4 cup brewed espresso.
ENJOY!!
13 January 2009
Today I really want to share the art of making a beautiful beverage. I have posted a video of a barista crafting designs in a latte. I also have an interesting technique you can try at home with these sweet drinks. It will take some practice, but your friends and family will be very impressed with your barista skills! These recipes are super easy and can be made and ready to take with you within minutes. Are you already a pro at making beautiful lattes? We’d really love to see your masterpieces even if it’s your first time! Please share your experiences with us by emailing me with the subject “RecipeGeek”. We’ll see what we can do about posting some of your comments. Thanks!! Caramel Cream Mocha: 1/2oz. Torani chocolate Mocha Sauce, 1/2oz. Torani Caramel Sauce, 1/4oz. Torani French Vanilla Syrup, 8oz. Milk 1-2 Shots Espresso. Skinny Caramel Latte: 1/2oz. Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Sugar Free Caramel Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso. Vanilla Caviar Mocha: 1oz. Torani Vanilla Bean Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Mocha Sauce, 8oz. Milk 1-2 Shots Espresso. Raspberry Layered Latte: 1oz. Torani Raspberry Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso. The Layered Look: Steam together Torani and milk and pour into a 16oz. glass until the glass is about two thirds full. Gently add foam up to one inch below glass rim. Pour espresso through the middle of the foam peak. The espresso will form a rich, dark layer between the layers of milk. This layered latte method may be used for all Torani latte and mocha recipes. ENJOY!!
9 January 2009
Big Train also offers what I like to call their two special flavors of chai. They have their No Sugar Added Vanilla Chai and Decaf Spiced Chai. I think my descriptions below pretty much tell it all. Check out the rest of our flavors and sizes on our Chai page. No Sugar Added Vanilla Chai tricks your taste buds into thinking they’re getting what they want: a sugary beverage. This is not the case; in fact, the NSA Vanilla allows you to get away with only 4 grams of sugar (from lactose) and the same great flavor as regular vanilla Chai. We think that’s just about as good as it gets! Sold in single serving, 12oz., and 3.5lb bags. Decaf Spiced Chai is great right before bed to help soothe and relax your mind and muscles. All cares from the day will melt away when your mug reaches your lips and you taste this unforgettable blend of spices. Decaf Spiced Chai takes all the flavor of regular Spiced Chai and tones it down so that there is only 15 mg of caffeine per serving. Sold in single serving, 12oz., and 3.5lb bags. WAIT! I have been rambling on and on about these great flavors Big Train offers, and you’ve just been sitting there salivating because I didn’t tell you how to make them! Please forgive me. Single Serving Directions: Hot Chai Latte: Empty entire contents of bag into 6 oz of hot water, stir and serve. Iced Chai: Add entire contents of bag into 2 oz of hot water, stir rapidly. Pour over 8 oz. of ice, then add 2 oz. of cold water or milk. Serve and enjoy. Frozen 16 oz. serving: Add TWO single servings chai mix to the bottom of a blender, 16 oz cup of ice (to the top) and milk, and blend. Mix on high for 20 seconds. 12oz. and 3.5lb Bag Directions: Hot Chai Latte: Add one scoop of bag into 6 oz of hot water, stir and serve.
Iced Chai: Add one scoop into 2 oz of hot water, stir rapidly. Pour over 8 oz. of ice, then add 2 oz. of cold water or milk. Serve and enjoy.
Frozen 16 oz. serving: Add 2 scoops chai mix to the bottom of a blender, 16 oz cup of ice (to the top) and milk, and blend. Mix on high for 20 seconds. ENJOY!!
7 January 2009
On Monday I only gave you half of the flavors we carry. These next three are fun flavors our customers really enjoy hot, cold, and frozen! Your kids will love them too. Try all three today by visiting our Chai page. Raspberry Chai is reminiscent of warm raspberry cobbler swirling around your taste buds. No chewing required! Smoother than regular tea, this chai tea offers a blend of spices and flavor. Nothing more than hot water or milk is needed to satisfy your cravings! Sold in single serving, 12oz., and 3.5lb bags. Green Tea Chai is calm compared to the other flavors. A subtle green tea flavor lingers with a hint of spice after every sip. This flavor will not overpower your senses, but helps calm your taste buds when a "something sweet" craving comes along. Sold in 12oz., and 3.5lb bags. Spiced Apple Chai is the ideal drink to get you in the mood for the fall and winter holidays. When hot, cooked apples and cider excite your senses to indulge in this creamy drink. When you cool it down a bit, an apple pie bursting with cinnamon comes to life in your mouth! Sold in 12oz., and 3.5lb bags, seasonal. ENJOY!!
5 January 2009
I thought I'd give you all a few days to recoup from the holidays. It all sort of hits you at once. The shopping, the wrapping, the visiting, the drinking; it just gets to be a bit overwhelming. It’s like you need a vacation. Well that’s what I’m giving you, a vacation from recipes. I really wanted to start this new year off telling you more about one of our best products, Big Train Chai. What is chai, or chai tea as some say? For many English speakers outside the regions of the Middle East and Asia, the term "chai" is synonymous with "masala chai". The redundant term chai tea is sometimes used to indicate spiced milky tea. Numerous coffee houses use the term chai latte for their version to indicate that the steamed milk of a normal cafe latte is being flavored with a spiced tea concentrate instead of with espresso. Big Train is a leading seller of Chai with numerous flavors of powdered and even an organic liquid. A short description of a few of their flavors follows: Vanilla Chai has beamed itself to the top of the list right next to Spiced Chai for a satisfying year-round drink. This chai tones down other spices to make room for cinnamon and vanilla, which helps it stand apart from the other Big Train flavors offered. The softer spices appeal to those who have more sensitive taste buds and enjoy a drink that keeps them wanting more, down to the last drop. Spiced Chai remains one of the most popular selling flavors throughout the entire year. It boasts its spice-infused blend no matter what condition it’s in: Hot, Iced, or Blended! Cinnamon and spice with hints of honey and ginger allow this cup of tea to be your cup of tea all year round. We’ve heard many say it even tastes like Christmas! Chocolate Chai is hot chocolate’s better half. Kids and adults alike love this flavor because of its little kid taste with the big kid attitude. It’s chocolate at its best with a delightful taste of tea and spice. With less calories, it will also cub the choc-o-holic’s daily carving for sweet treats and therefore, less guilt! Enjoy these flavors and more by checking out our Chai page.
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