The Note Pad - American Stationery blog... http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/ Where Personal Communication and Penmanship are Household Terms EN <![CDATA[More Fun Flavors of Chai!]]> 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!!

]]> 1/7/2009 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=241 241 <![CDATA[To grind or not to grind, that is the question.]]> 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
Rancilio Rocky from JL Hufford Baratza Virtuoso from JL Hufford Capresso Infinity from JL Hufford
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

]]> 1/5/2009 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=270 270 <![CDATA[A Lesson on Chai]]> 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.

]]> 1/5/2009 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=240 240 <![CDATA[Happy New Year!]]> Another month has gone by, but it’s been more than just a month.  This month is the last month of 2008!  And today is the last day of this amazing flavorful year.  Tonight you’ll either be in or out.  You’ll be staying in with your own guests, entertaining family and friends, or you’ll be out at another’s meeting new people and celebrating what the New Year hopes to bring.  What am I doing tonight?  Well I’m pretty low key so I’ll be staying in hosting my own little shindig.  We have a close group of friends we hang with and will probably have a lot of fun making drinks and playing games.  We don’t want to start too early otherwise we might end up playing cards all night just to pass the hours.  That might actually be fun if we make it into a poker tournament!  Last year we really laid low.  My boyfriend and I just hung out around the house all evening and watched it snow at midnight.  Then we went to bed shortly after.  I know, I’m boring, but sometimes you just need a little R&R.

In this month’s edition of RecipeGeek Favorites, we’ve decided to make it into our favorite drinks for ringing in the New Year. 

This recipe is great for anyone looking out for calories and has been a huge hit with women everywhere.

Orange Creamsicle Martini:  8 Tbsp. diet orange soda, 3 Tbsp. orange flavored vodka, 3 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Vanilla syrup, 1 tsp. Cool Whip Free

Instructions:  Place all ingredients in a martini shaker, but DO NOT shake (or the carbonated soda will explode!). Mix thoroughly with a spoon until mixture is mostly lump-free. Add about 1 cup ice (crushed, if you've got it), and stir until mixture is cold. Then place the strainer on top and pour into a large martini glass.

This one is sure to blow you away!

Atomic Irishman:  1 Tbsp. Torani Creme de Menthe syrup, 1 1/2 tsp. Irish Cream liqueur, 1 1/2 tsp. Irish whiskey, 2 shots espresso*

Instructions:  Combine all ingredients in a blender pitcher and blend until smooth.

*If needed, 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee can be substituted for 1/4 cup espresso.

Mmmm.  This recipe sounds relaxing and warm.  I don’t know where you are, but it’s freeeeezing here!

Irish Coffee:  1 Tbsp. Torani Crème de Menthe syrup, 1/2 Tbsp. Irish whiskey, 1/4 cup espresso
1 Tbsp. cream or milk

Instructions:  In a small saucepan, gently heat milk or cream and Torani together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated flavored milk or cream into a glass or mug, and add brewed espresso and whiskey.

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!

As always, drink responsibly, have a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and ENJOY!!

**For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course!  Check out the Professional Series.  (I WANT ONE!)

]]> 12/31/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=239 239 <![CDATA[Don't Forget the Frosting!]]> It seems as if this time of year is the ideal time to dust off your bakeware and apron and go to town in your kitchen.  Everyone is having holiday parties and who doesn’t like it when you bring a special homemade treat?  These brownies can be the perfect little bite sized desserts for your party.  You could even make them into holiday shapes!  If you’d rather try a different flavor, substitute their raspberry flavor for cinnamon, vanilla, strawberry, cocoa, or any other flavor you may want to experiment with.  The Chocolate Peppermint frosting can become what you’d like as well.  Have it match your flavorful brownies, or make it the perfect topping for a happy duo.  Also, try out the frosting on your other favorite desserts.  These recipes are sure to bring you and the kids together for a bakefest in the kitchen!  Have fun!!

Torani Raspberry Fudge Brownies:

1 cup Torani Raspberry syrup 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
6 oz. (6 squares) unsweetened chocolate
1/2 lb (2 sticks) butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
5 eggs + 1 egg yolk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Line a 15 1/2” x 10 1/2” by 1-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Grease the foil.
Sift the flour together with the salt and set aside. Melt the chocolate in a small double boiler over moderate heat (It’s very important not to burn the chocolate.) Stir until smooth, remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl cream the butter. Add the vanilla and sugars, mixing well. Add the Torani Raspberry syrup and beat until smooth. Add the eggs (including the yolk) one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate. On low speed, gradually add the flour, scraping the bowl as necessary and beating until smooth.
Turn the mixture into the prepared pan and spread to make smooth.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the freezer for 1 hour. Makes 28 brownies.

Top off your brownies with another great recipe from Torani.

Chocolate Peppermint Frosting:  1/2 cup Torani Peppermint syrup, 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, 2/3 cup cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered (confectioners') sugar, 1 Tbsp. milk

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Turn heat off and whisk in cocoa. Add about 1/2 cup sugar and 2 Tbsp. Peppermint syrup and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed. While beating, continue to add sugar and Torani a little bit at a time, until all the sugar and syrup are mixed in and the frosting is a good consistency for spreading (add more syrup if needed). Add milk and beat until smooth.
Makes about 2 cups; enough for 30 cupcakes or brownies, or 2 9-inch cakes

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/29/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=237 237 <![CDATA[Rise and Shine!]]> Wake your family up this morning with the sweet smell of waffles (or pancakes) and a warm cup of Torani’s Hot Chocolate.  Maybe even wake up your sweetie with breakfast in bed!  I’ve asked for a waffle iron for Christmas this year because waffles are my absolute FAVORITE type of breakfast food.  Maybe I should snoop through the gifts real quick while everyone’s still sleeping, use it to make their breakfast, and then wrap it up again and act surprised!  Actually now that I’ve written it down, it doesn’t sound like such a good plan.  I’m not too suave about those things and am sure to get caught.  Oh I know what to do!  I’ll just wake everyone up now so we can open up our gifts and then make them breakfast with my new iron!  They’ll be a little grumpy because it’s so early, but I’m sure these waffles can put a smile on anyone’s face.  Enjoy the holidays and these mouth smiling recipes this morning!

Torani Hot Chocolate:  1 Tbsp. Torani Chocolate sauce, 1 Tbsp. Torani syrup*, 1 cup milk

Instructions:  In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated flavored cocoa into a tall glass and stir gently.

*Great with Torani Caramel, Hazelnut, Irish Cream, Peppermint and Vanilla Bean syrups.

Torani English Toffee Waffle: 

1/2 cup Torani English Toffee syrup
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs, separated
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Instructions:  Preheat a waffle iron.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Combine the egg yolks, milk, English Toffee syrup, and butter and whisk into the flour mixture just until smooth. Beat the egg whites into soft peaks and fold into the batter.
Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS  and ENJOY!!

]]> 12/25/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=238 238 <![CDATA[A Duet]]> You can “Have it your way” right at home!  Try out this deliciously creamy caramel cheesecake that you can actually bit into, or just drink it up with Torani’s Original Cheesecake Latte.  Most think cheesecake is difficult to master, but I’ve made a cheesecake or two in my time and have found it to be a somewhat simple process and fairly easy with the right directions.  But, if baking isn’t your thing, just mix together this and that and add some espresso and you’re out the door.  Don’t like caramel flavoring?  No problem!  The caramel can be substituted for raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate, or any other flavor your big heart desires.  If you’re not a fan of original flavor, in the latte add a splash of one of the above flavors mentioned.  Whatever you do, please enjoy these recipes and share them with others.  There really isn’t a better combo!

 Torani Crème Caramel Cheesecake: 

"Cheesecake:
1/2 cup Torani Caramel syrup
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 prepared graham cracker crust

Topping:
4 Tbsp. Torani Vanilla syrup
1/2 cup sour cream
Cocoa powder, for dusting
1/2 cup chilled whipping cream"

Instructions

"Preheat oven to 350F.

Beat the cream cheese until soft. Add the Caramel syrup and the 1/3 cup of sour cream and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Pour mixture into the crust and bake for 30 minutes or until set. Transfer to a rack to cool for 10 minutes.

Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup sour cream with 2 tablespoons of the Vanilla syrup. Spread mixture over the top of the cheesecake. Chill for 5 hours, or overnight. Just before serving dust the top with cocoa powder.

Whip the cream to soft peaks with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the Vanilla syrup. Pipe the whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake with a pastry bag fitted with a star tip."

 

Original Cheesecake Latte:  2oz. Torani Cheesecake Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

*Steam Torani and milk, add espresso to 16oz glass and pour flavored milk over.  Top with a layer of foam and dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon, if desired.

 

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/23/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=236 236 <![CDATA[Don't Eat Me...I'm the Gingerbread Man!]]> I have never made a gingerbread house.  I’ve seen homes in Germany that look like they would be fun to replicate as a gingerbread house, but I’ve never actually made one.  Gingerbread has such a delicious aroma when it’s being baked, it would be hard to resist eating it while trying to build a house.  I think this Christmas is the perfect time to try something new.  I love to decorate for Christmas with my big Charlie Brown lights, so I can’t think of a better decoration than a personalized gingerbread house!

The first recorded idea of gingerbread being baked dates back to 1793, but has been rumored to have been quite popular back in the mid 1600s.  Gingerbread became widely available in the 1700s.  A different kind of gingerbread dough is used to build the gingerbread houses like the witch’s house encountered by Hansel and Gretel.  These houses can be covered with a variety of candies and icing and are most notably seen nearing the Christmas holiday.   Enjoy the flavor of gingerbread in these scrumptious beverages!

 

Gingerbread Latte:  3/4oz. Torani Ginger Spice Syrup, 1/4oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

Thai Iced Latte:  1oz. Torani Coconut Syrup, 1/4oz. Ginger Spice Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso, Ice.

*Steam Torani and milk, add espresso to a 16oz. cup and pour flavored milk over, top with a layer of foam.  Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon, if desired.

 

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/18/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=235 235 <![CDATA[A White Wonderland]]> Introduced in 1955 first by Herbert Candies, Mars Inc. was the first to actually produce white chocolate in the US.  They had seen the product made in Europe just one year earlier.  With the introduction of Nestle’s Alpine White Chocolate bar, America began its love for the white chocolate and chopped almonds confection.  In Britain white chocolate is sold by Cadbury.

White chocolate can be difficult to work with however; some brands respond better to baking than other, and other have a tendency to brown from being baked.

Around this time of year, as a creative fun gift, my sister will make chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate molds for Christmas parties they are invited to.  White chocolate is the best for making colorful chocolates and my sister is the best at making the chocolates so good they melt in your mouth!  Try out these mocha recipes; they’re sure to make your mouth water!

Classic White Chocolate Mocha:  1oz. Torani White Chocolate Sauce, 8oz. Milk 1-2 Shots Espresso.

Black ‘n’ White Mocha:  1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Mocha Sauce, 1/2oz. Torani White Chocolate Sauce, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso

Seville Mocha:  1oz. Torani White Chocolate Sauce, 1/2oz. Torani Mandarin Orange Syrup, 8oz. Milk 1-2 Shots Espresso.

*Steam Torani and milk, add Espresso to a 16oz. glass and pour flavored milk over.  Garnish with wipped cream and cocoa powder, if desired. 

** For iced mochas, combine Torani and milk in a 16oz. glass of ice, stir well and pour espresso (preferably chilled) over.  Stir again and garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder, if desired.

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/16/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=234 234 <![CDATA[The Hazelnut Flavornut]]> Hazelnuts have a distinctive flavor that can be snooped out of any dish.  They are used in confectionery to make chocolate truffles and praline.  Have you ever tried Nutella?  In high school we had a German exchange student who introduced me to this wonderful spread.  Of course, you can find it in just about any Wal-Mart grocery isle, but I was convinced he brought it with him.  Nutella is this chocolate hazelnut spread that is super creamy and is tasty on just about everything!  As a snack I would dip graham crackers and even regular saltines in it.  For breakfast, bagels, toast, French toast, waffles, and pancakes help make this spread the best out there, according to me!

What’s great about hazelnuts is they are rich in protein and unsaturated fat.  They have significant amounts of thiamine and vitamin B6.  Hazelnuts are especially important to a place like Vienna, Austria due to their world famous torts such as the Viennese Hazelnut Tort.  Hazelnut paste is a very important ingredient in these treats. 

Enjoy hazelnut’s nutty flavor in these delicious cappuccino recipes!

Hazelnut Cappuccino:  1/2oz. Torani Hazelnut Syrup, 4oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

Hazelnut Cream Cappuccino:  1/2oz. Torani Hazelnut Syrup, 1/4oz. Torani French Vanilla Syrup, 4oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots  Espresso.

*Steam Torani and Milk, pour espresso into 6oz. cup and gently add steamed milk until the cup is 2/3 full.  Top with foamed milk and dust with cocoa powder or nutmeg.

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/11/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=233 233 <![CDATA[Cappuccinos Galore]]> To define a cappuccino, only one country can really lay its claim.  It is an Italian coffee based drink.  Cappuccino is made with espresso, hot milk, and milk foam.  The foam that goes on top of the cappuccino actually acts as an insulator and helps it retain the heat of the liquid, allowing it to stay hotter longer.  It is also advised to serve it in a porcelain cup, instead of glass or paper.

The beverage originated in Italy and is known to have become popular around the early 1900s.  As the espresso machines in cafes and restaurants were improving during and after WWII, so was the drink.  By the 1950s, the Italian cappuccino had found its home in many people’s daily routines.

Convenience store cappuccinos really aren’t even close to the real deal.  It is basically a flavored powder whipped with water and dispensed into your cup.  I’ll admit I was in love with those kinds of drinks, but when I was visiting Europe I had the opportunity to try some real cappuccino, and I might never go back!  The deal is that you have to keep an open mind when trying authentically made drinks when you are used to what we sometimes drink here in the states, then you won’t be disappointed with your experience!

Cool Mint Cappuccino:  1/2oz. Torani Crème de Menthe Syrup, 4oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

Cinnamon Delight Cappuccino:  1/2oz. Torani Cinnamon Syrup, Splash Torani Vanilla Syrup, 4oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

*Steam Torani and Milk, pour espresso into 6oz. cup and gently add steamed milk unti lthe cup is 2/3 full.  Top with foamed milk and dust with cocoa powder or nutmeg.

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/9/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=232 232 <![CDATA[Gift Giving]]> So my sister-in-law called me today.  No surprise there, we usually talk a few times a week, but today was different.  She was all bubbly and excited.  Wanna know why?  She's getting kitchen appliances for an early Christmas gift!  These appliances are special because they exist simply to fulfill your every morning need.  A coffee maker of course!  She just wanted me to know how happy she was that she was being treated to gourmet coffee every morning.

The story begins two weeks ago when she and my brother came up to visit and go to a football game.  She really enjoys drinking coffee during the cold months and has been "enjoying" Folgers for the last few weeks.  Well I currently own the Capresso Coffee Team S and LOVE it.  It matches my black and green kitchen perfectly!  She also loved the way it would grind the coffee and then immediately begin the brewing process.  Your beans stay fresher longer, which means your coffee will be superb. 

I also had some of JL Hufford's coffee in my cupboard, which she enjoyed immensely as well.  I pretty much had her hooked.  She begged me to bring home the Capresso Coffee Team Therm (it matches HER kitchen perfectly) for Thanksgiving.  The previous week she emailed me a list of coffees that she wanted to try as well as a few of the Big Train Iced Coffee single serving flavors.  The following list is my sister-in-law's Christmas wish list.  Now I know why she is so excited for me to come home for the holidays.  (Haha just kidding, I know she misses me too!)

1.       Pre Brewed Capresso Coffee Team Therm

2.       Urnex Dezcal 7oz. Activated Descale Powder

3.       Big Train Iced Coffee

a.       Mocha

b.       Vanilla Latte

c.       Cookies ‘n Cream

4.       Big Train 20 Below Frozen Hot Chocolate

5.       JL Hufford Coffee

a.       French Vanilla Decaf

b.       Cookies and Cream

c.       French Vanilla

d.       Milky Way

e.       Turtle Sundae

f.         Grasshopper

g.       Mocha Mint Julep

h.       Snickermmon

i.         Cinnamon Roll

j.         Christmas Cookie

k.       Vanilla Almond

 

Go to www.jlhufford.com and start making your Christmas wish list!

Cheers!

]]> 12/8/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=269 269 <![CDATA[The Right Fix]]> When I am on road trips, whether it be to visit family, friends, or just heading back up to school, I will most likely need some sort of caffeine to keep me going.  My stomach can’t handle carbonated beverages very well, so coffee is my drink of choice.  I usually stop at a gas station and load up with the tallest cup I can get.  It used to be that I had to try every flavor of cappuccino any gas station I came across would offer.  Then I switched to coffee, but I put so many different flavors of creamer in it, it’s not much like coffee anymore.  I usually take my coffee with one or two sugars and creamer.  I can drink regular or flavored coffee, regular or flavored creamer, and either Splenda or Equal as my sweetener.  My taste buds aren’t much for the bitter taste, but when in need, I can drink it black!  After working with JL Hufford for a while, I began learning more and more about coffee, tea, and chai.  This month I’d definitely like to give the readers a bit more direction on espresso, coffee and other beverages we sell so you can enjoy your cup, your way every morning.  How you do you like your coffee, tea, or espresso?  I'd really like to know and maybe we can find some cool ways to spice up your routine!  Let me know by emailing me at support3@jlhufford.com with the subject "RecipeGeek".  Stay tuned to find out more about your favorite cup and in the meantime, please enjoy the recipes while you wait!

Classic Orgeat Cappuccino:  1/2oz. Torani Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, 4oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

*Steam Torani and Milk, gently add steamed milk to espresso in a 6oz. cup until the cup is 2/3 full.  Top with foamed milk and dust with cocoa powder or nutmeg.

Minty Mocha:  1oz. Torani Chocolate Mocha Sauce, 1/2oz. Torani Peppermint 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.

*Steam Torani and Milk, Pour flavored milk over espresso in 16oz. cup. Garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder if desired. 

**For iced mochas, combine Torani and milk in a 16oz glass of ice.  Stir well and pour espresso(chilled) over.  Stir again and garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder if desired.

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/5/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=231 231 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - December 5]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Combo
Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Combo from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Rancilio is pleased to offer the perfect pairing of professional home espresso equipment. The Silvia and Rocky go together like hot dogs and baseball games. Rocky turns gourmet espresso beans into perfectly ground powder with its heavy duty motor and 55 fineness settings. Silvia takes that powder and makes delicious espresso topped with perfect crema. She can also froth milk in just over a minute to make lovely cappuccinos and macchiatos. With the Rancilio Base, these two components form a genuine coffee bar that will satisfy all of your espresso needs. Enjoy the fine engineering and design work of the team at Rancilio.”

Why it makes a great gift?
This is everything an espresso lover needs to get started. You can give this as a gift and be confident you’ve done your job. Rancilio represents the best is espresso. With this product combo, you’ll leave the gift getter wanting for nothing.

$959 with free gifts and free shipping!

Talk To Someone About it

Buy it Now

Bodum Assam Double Wall Glass Set of 2
Bodum Assam Double Wall Glass set from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Bodum’s insulated glassware is made from durable Borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is a strong heat-resistant glass that weighs less than traditional glassware. Used to make scientific lab glass, borosilicate glass (medical grade glass) is stronger than traditional "soda-lime" glass and can be used for everything from drinkware to cookware. Borosilicate glass substitutes boron oxide in place of the soda and lime used in traditional glassware. The boron oxide acts as a glue holding the silicate together and due to the small size of boron particles, the glass is held together tighter, resulting in a stronger glass. Some customers may perceive the glass to be "thin" as they hold it. It is important to explain the difference between borosilicate and soda lime glass. Borosilicate glass doesn't need to be as thick as traditional glass to be just as strong. Borosilicate is simply a different type of glass that is resistant to temperature swings and scratching. Because the particles are held together so tightly, borosilicate glass is dishwasher safe and will not become cloudy over time; you can rest assured that after 100 cycles, the glass will be as clear as the day you bought it. Simply treat it as you would any glass product and it will stand up to every day use. Dishwasher & microwave safe. Bodum insulated, double wall glass is handmade by expert artisans. Because this glass is mouth-blown, each one may have slight differences in height, thickness & weight. Please use care when placing ice into the glass to avoid fracturing the inner layer. We suggest placing the liquid first and then the ice. Please also avoid using metal spoons or placing the glass into a crowded dishwasher. These glasses will help to keep hot drinks warmer and cool drinks cooler. For best results retaining heat, pre-heat the glass before use.”

Why it makes a great gift?
As you can tell from the pictures, this tableware is beautiful and modern. However, these cups’ form is only outmatched by their function. With double wall insulation, these glasses are sure to keep your hot beverages hot and your cold beverages cold. Makes a great second gift to give with an espresso machine or coffee.

$11.95 for a set of two

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Buy it Now]]> 12/5/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=268 268 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - December 4]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Jura-Capresso ENA 3
Jura-Capresso ENA 3 from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Welcome to the ENA 3, Jura-Capresso's first in a new series of slim and power saving automatic coffee centers. Don't be fooled by its size. The ENA 3 may be the most compact super automatic on the market, but it will go head to head with many of the big boys and win. Built with Jura-Capresso's well-established brewing system, the ENA 3 will produce cup after cup of coffee house quality espresso. It packs the power to quickly steam and froth your milk. The ENA 3 also saves power with green technology, such as its new Zero Energy Switch. Save your taste buds and your money. Throw out your old coffee maker and bring home the ENA 3 today!”

Why it makes a great gift?
The Jura-Capresso ENA 3 comes from the most advanced Super Automatic Coffee Center out. It’s incredibly energy efficient and has a high standard for performance. This will fit in the smallest of places and match just about any kitchen. With a two year warranty through Jura-Capresso, you can stand confident that your gift will be around for a while.

$899 with many free gifts and free shipping!

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Illy Brewed Lover’s Gift Set
Illy Coffee Gift Set from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Illy has built a solid reputation with their fantastic coffee. Now, they have made giving the gift of espresso even easier. We present, the Illy Brewed Lover's Gift Set. Indulge friends, family members, and colleagues with Illy coffee, beautifully packaged in an elegant gift pack. Perfect for the regular coffee lover, this gift set comes with one 8.8 oz can of auto-drip medium roast coffee, one 8.8 oz of auto-drip dark roast coffee, and one 7 gram Illy measuring scoop. Give the gift of coffee!”

Why it makes a great gift?
The Illy Brewed Lover’s Gift Set takes the guess work out of buying a coffee gift for a coffee lover. Illy is a world renowned brand when it comes to fine coffees and espressos. This gift set will not disappoint.

$29.99

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Buy it Now]]> 12/4/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=267 267 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - December 3]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Fine T Gourmet Tea Machine
The Fine T Machine from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Tea brewing may seem like a simple process: Drop a tea bag or infuser into boiling water, wait a couple of minutes, and sip. Right? Actually, brewing tea is considered an art form in many parts of the world. Different teas need quite different brewing conditions to bring out the very best of their flavor and character. Proper temperatures for steeping fine tea vary between 175°F to 208°F, and steeping times range from 2 to 10 minutes depending on the type of tea. And who really wants to hover over their tea with a timer and thermometer? The Fine T gourmet tea machine is equipped with leading edge technology to take out all of the guesswork, so you can focus on enjoying your tea. The FINE T machine is fully programmable for all varities of tea, so all you have to do is add water and tea, press a button and enjoy.”

Why it makes a great gift?
Perfect for any tea drinker, this machine makes brewing tea simple. This machine knows what to do for herbal, green, red, white, and black tea blends. Brewing temperatures, times, and water amounts are all automatic with this machine.

$299.99

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Around the World in 12 Coffees
Around the World in 12 Coffees Gift Pack from JL Hufford


What is it?
“We invite you to explore the treasures of our cupping adventures with our Around the World gift pack. A worldwide tour of twelve of the finest Arabica coffees packaged in freshly ground, pre-measured Perfect Potful packets: Brazil Santos "Liberdade", Colombian Supremo "Popoyan", Costa Rican SHB "La Fuente", Ethiopian Harrar "Horse", Guatemala "Pacaman", Haitian Bleu, Hawaiian Isle Blend, Indian Monsooned Malabar AA, Mexican SHB "Coatepec", Reggae Java Blend, Sumatra Mandheling Grade #1 "TP Select", and Tanzanian Peaberry.”

Why it makes a great gift?
No guessing required, this will please any coffee drinker you know.

$19.99

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Buy it Now]]> 12/3/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=266 266 <![CDATA[Ah Nuts! (From Michelle on Full House? Come on.)]]> One of my favorite snacks is salted almonds.  They’re great because they aren’t messy and really easy to take to-go.  I always thought I was eating a nut when I consumed an almond; this, however, is not the case.  An almond is actually the seed of a tree.  Botanically, the almond is a fruit, not a nut!  It’s hard to believe, but before the almond is roasted and still green, it is actually quite sour if eaten.  Almonds are low in carbohydrates and have been used ground into flour as an ingredient in low carbohydrate diets.  It has been claimed that almonds can help improve complexion, improve movement of food through the colon and the prevention of cancer. The almond plant grows mainly in the Middle East during a small portion of the year.  The next recipe will take you on a rocky road through the many levels of pleasure as you sip down this delicious beverage.

Rocky Road Mocha:  1oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce, 1/2oz. Torani Toasted marshmallow Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

We had a walnut tree in our back yard when I was little.  It was a great tree for our tire swing, until the rope broke and I fell flat on my face.  No joke.  My face has never felt so numb. It always produces so many walnuts.  No surprise there.  But it was annoying when I had to push mow our back yard because they were so big that they made it really scary to run over them with a rotating blade.  Despite all that, I still love walnuts, especially when they are frozen.  Try this drink out and see if it’s as good to you as it was to me!

Divinity Latte:  3/4oz. Torani Toasted Walnut Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 8oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

ENJOY!!

]]> 12/3/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=229 229 <![CDATA[Holiday Treats]]> This month is when I begin to listen to Christmas music.  All month I try to have it on wherever I am to get me through finals.  It’s really the only thing that will keep my spirits up because I’m thinking about shopping.  Being a poor college student, it’s not always easy to get people the greatest gifts, but one of the best gifts I’ve ever given was a dish.  A dish of food!  When you bring food with you, people are always grateful because there is usually never enough to go around and it eases some of their cost.  Try a potluck party where everyone pitches in.  These next recipes will keep everyone hydrated and cool because everyone knows it’s always hot at parties! 

Blended Marshmallow Caffioco:  2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Caffioco Crème, 1oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 2oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

Blended Marshmallow Crème:  2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Caffioco Crème, 1oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 4oz. Milk.

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake:  1 1/4oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 2oz. Milk, 14oz. Vanilla Ice Cream.

S’more Milkshake:  1/2oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce, 2oz. Milk, 14oz. Vanilla Ice Cream.  Garnish with graham cracker crumbs.

We hope you enjoy your winter holidays and that they may be filled with love from family and friends!

ENJOY!!

**For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course!  Check out the Professional Series.  (I WANT ONE!)

]]> 12/1/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=230 230 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - December 1]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


La Pavoni Napolitana
La Pavoni’s Napolitana from JL Hufford


What is it?
“La Pavoni has always been on the forefront of espresso innovation, and their Napolitana is no exception. The Napolitana is a semi-automatic espresso machine with an integrated conical burr grinder. You would normally have to buy two separate machines at a cost of around one thousand dollars, but Napolitana gets the same job done for under $600. The Napolitana starts with an outside body made of strong 18/8 guage stainless steel, polished to a glossy finish. Its commercial brew group and large water tank provide a fine starting point for excellent espresso. The built-in industrial grade conical burr grinder utilizes a low RPM grinding process to ensure a better grind by not overheating the coffee beans. At only 12 inches wide, the La Pavoni Napolitana will only take up a very small area of your countertop, much less than purchasing two separate units.”

Why it makes a great gift?
Quality, convenience, and price all come together with this incredible unit. This makes a great gift for any espresso lover because of it perfect matching of grinder and brewing system. Any espresso enthusiast will tell you how important grinding is to brewing espresso. With this unit, having the grinder and brewing system in the same unit allows for optimum performance.

ONLY $569!

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Espresso Shot Glass, 1 ounce
Espresso Shot glasses from JL Hufford


What is it?
“To prepare perfect espresso, you need a standard by which to measure your results. This 1 ounce shot glass has a marking at the 1 ounce level to tell you when you have dispensed a shot's worth of espresso. The golden rule for espresso is that both 1 shot (1 ounce) and 2 shots (2 ounces) should take between 20 and 30 seconds to brew. Eliminate the guess work with this shot glass and start enjoying the best espresso that your machine can make. We recommend that you purchase at least 2 shot glasses, so you can calibrate your machine for 2 shots at once.”

Why it makes a great gift?
Perfect accessory for any espresso lover.

$5.00

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Buy it Now]]> 12/1/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=265 265 <![CDATA[November's RecipeGeek Favorites]]> Time for another RecipeGeek Favorites list!!  This month was so much fun using the Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup!  My favorites this month include a lot of milkshakes.  It’s really what calms me down after a long stressful day at class or after an exam.  I don’t care how cold I am from being outside; I’ll snuggle up on my couch and enjoy a cold, creamy shake.  I’ll usually get about halfway through before my tongue freezes and I can’t talk anymore, but it’s well worth it!  Make it feel like summertime again and whip up a milkshake for you and a friend!

 

S’more Milkshake:  1/2oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce, 2oz. Milk, 14oz. Vanilla Ice Cream.  *Garnish with graham cracker crumbs!

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake:  1 1/4oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 2oz. Milk, 14oz. Vanilla Ice Cream.

S’more Caffioco:  2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Caffioco Mocha, 1oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 4oz. Milk.  *Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

Blended Marshmallow Crème:  2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Caffioco Crème, 1oz. Torani Toasted marshmallow Syrup, 4oz. Milk

Blended marshmallow Caffioco:  2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Caffioco Crème, 1oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 2oz. Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso.

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!!

**For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course!  Check out the Professional Series.  (I WANT ONE!)

]]> 11/30/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=227 227 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - November 28]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Jura-Capresso S9 Refurb
Jura-Capresso S9 from JL Hufford


What is it?
“The coffee that comes from the Jura-Capresso S9 Avantgarde will impress you as well as its distinguishing looks. You could call this machine a masterpiece. Amazing crema won't be the only thing to grab your attention but it will probably be the first. Paired with the Froth Xpress Add On (which is included), and beautiful stainless steel front panels, the Jura-Capresso S9 Avantgarde will consistently attract compliments as family and friends gush about the fantastic drinks it produces.”

Why it makes a great gift?
Super Automatic machines represent the best luxury and convenience. This machine has the ability to brew shots of espresso and large cups of crema coffee. This is a gift for the espresso lover. It will not disappoint.

$1299

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Espressione Cage Chic
Espression Café Chic from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Satisfy your espresso cravings with the Espressione Cafe Chic. The Cafe Chic is the perfect choice for the budget-minded consumer who will not settle for a tiny and weak espresso machine. The Cafe Chic measures less than 10 inches wide, taking up less space than an average drip coffee maker. Do not let its compact size fool you. The Cafe Chic has all the power necessary for proper espresso brewing, and can also deliver plentiful steam and hot water. The Chic comes with many conveniences, normally found on more expensive units, such as a self-priming pump for quick start up times and a no-drip valve to keep your counter clean. The engineers at Espressione also gave the Cafe Chic an advanced frothing wand to assist in making perfect milk froth with ease. The Chic is quite versatile, too. You can make your espresso using either ground coffee or E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Pods.”

Why it makes a great gift?
This is a great entry level machine for anyone coffee lover wanting to take it to the next level. You can’t beat this price!

$119.99

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Buy it Now ]]> 11/28/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=264 264 <![CDATA[Happy Turkey Day!]]> Happy Thanksgiving!  Today is a day to voice everything you are thankful for.  Tell your parents you love them, let your siblings know you really do care, and if you have kids, make an example for them.  Thanksgiving isn’t the only day of the year to remember the things you’re thankful for, carry this holiday throughout the rest of the year and share your joy with others! 

Today we have some special recipes to try out.  First is the salad part of Thanksgiving dinner.  Enjoy this luscious fruity lettuce concoction that even the kids will love!

Simple Raspberry Vinaigrette:  2 Tbsp. Torani Raspberry syrup, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 6 Tbsp. raspberry vinegar, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp. finely minced shallot, Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:  Combine all ingredients and whisk well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Makes about 1 cup.

The main course of this Thanksgiving feast is great when you have a recipe hand-me-down.   My immediate family just recently has gotten away from traditional turkey for thanksgiving.  We served turkey and prime rib this last year which was a real treat!  My mom’s side of the family was huge, like I had 44 cousins huge. When we would go to eat at my grandma’s, my uncle would bring the turkey because he was a turkey farmer, and my other uncle would bring some pork because he was a pig farmer.  We always had leftovers of the meat, but there were never enough of the sides to go around.  I hope you enjoy your main course this year, whatever it may be!

And for dessert, I hope you saved some of that day old bread because this recipe wants to use it for you.  This caramel infused pudding is just sweet enough to satisfy your taste buds.

Torani Caramel Bread Pudding:  1/2 cup Torani Caramel syrup, 6 cups day old bread cubes, 1/2 cup sliced, toasted almonds, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 eggs, separated, pinch of salt

Instructions:  Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 6 individual 8 oz. ramekins. Mix the bread and almonds. Whisk cream with egg yolks and syrup. Pour this mixture over bread and almond mix and stir. Whip egg whites and salt to soft peaks and fold into bread mixture. Portion into ramekins and bake in a hot water bath for 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

ENJOY and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

]]> 11/27/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=228 228 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - November 26]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Espressione Café Roma Deluxe
Espressione Café Roma Deluxe from JL Hufford


What is it?


“The Espressione Cafe Roma Deluxe bridges the gap between semi-automatic espresso machines and the ultra convenient Super Automatic Coffee Centers. Save space and money with this budget-conscious brewer, as separate units cost significantly more. The Cafe Roma Deluxe comes standard with a built-in grinder, so that you can enjoy high quality espresso beverages. It is widely accepted that the best espresso comes only from freshly ground beans. With the Cafe Roma Deluxe, you can grind (or dose) directly into your espresso portafilter and then move it over just a few inches to brew your delicious drink. True to the Espressione tradition, the Cafe Roma Deluxe is amazingly user-friendly. And at only 14 inches wide, this all-in-one marvel leaves you with room to spare for food preparation or other gourmet appliances.

Why it makes a great gift?
This is the all in one gift for the espresso lover in your life. An espresso machine and an espresso grinder all in one box, how great is that? You can give someone the complete gift of espresso this holiday season without breaking the bank.

$299.99

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Capresso Coffee TEAM Therm Refurb
Capresso Coffee TEAM Therm from JL Hufford


What is it?

Effortless Programming
The CoffeeTEAM Therm lets you program the amount of coffee you want to grind: choose from 4, 6, 8 or 10 cups and select mild, regular or strong. Incredibly simple one-button control allows for two completely different settings, one for manual operation and one for automatic operation. This way you always enjoy exactly the same coffee taste. An AM/PM Programmable Clock/Timer lets you set the time when to grind and brew automatically. The “Stop-And-Serve” function allows you to enjoy a cup of coffee before brewing is completely finished, and the Safety Shut-Off activate itself conserving energy and giving you peace of mind.

Conical Burr Grinder
Capresso was the first to launch a premium coffee maker that sports a commercial grade stainless steel conical burr grinder. The Capresso CoffeeTEAM Therm has the same grinder that is found in the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder and all Jura-Capresso Impressa Automatic Coffee Centers. This grinder, precision-made in Switzerland, turns slowly to prevent the beans from heating up and losing flavor. Four fineness settings allow for an ideal grind size for light, medium, or dark beans (the lighter the bean, the finer the setting). Simply slide the filter assembly underneath the grinder, turn on the brew cycle (or set the Auto On), and the CoffeeTEAM Therm does the rest of the work for you.

Stainless Steel Construction
Brushed stainless steel and rugged ABS plastic combine to give the CoffeeTEAM Therm a truly durable frame. The stainless steel thermal vacuum carafe with drip-free pouring spout keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours. A convenient Brew-Through-Closed-Lid design means you waste no heat opening the lid during brewing. When your coffee is finished brewing the carafe is already securely closed. This coffee maker looks great in any kitchen and performs like a champ. Additionally, the Capresso CoffeeTEAM Therm offers premium coffee filtration with the dishwasher-safe GoldTone filter which eliminates all of those wasted paper filters.

Fresh Flavorful Coffee
Coffee experts agree on at least one aspect of making coffee--fresh ground coffee makes for the best possible beverage. Those wonderful smells floating around local coffee shops are made of the aromas released when coffee beans are ground. Aroma is the key ingredient to the flavor of any style of coffee. Once coffee beans have been ground, aroma continues to escape, so the Capresso CoffeeTeam Therm offers a hassle-free integrated conical burr grinder preserve as much flavor as possible.

Unrivaled Service and Support
Capresso's unparalleled customer service ensures that your days are spent as they should be...drinking consistently delicious coffee beverages! A three-tiered customer support service with evening week-day and even Saturday hours means that all of your pressing coffee questions get answered whenever you are in need. All new Capresso coffee makers come standard with an exclusive 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty with shipping included to and from the factory service center. No other company currently matches this level of service.”

Why it makes a great gift?
This is the perfect gift for any coffee lover. Ultimate freshness is achieved with grinding your beans seconds before brewing them. The Coffee TEAM Therm allows for ultimate convenience.

$159

Talk To Someone About it

Buy it Now]]> 11/26/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=263 263 <![CDATA[A Camper's Cocktail]]> I like the outdoors and enjoy going fishing and don't mind getting my hands dirty.  That being said, I don't really care for bugs, won't bait my own hook, and like to take a shower at a minimum of every other day.  So we decided to update our camping gear about two years ago.  My boyfriend is an industrial designer and wouldn't buy anything that wouldn't match.  So we got the same sleeping bags, and our tent matched our chairs, sleeping bags, and backpacks.  At the time, he was in to black, white, and red; I’m sure you can picture the scene. 

So there we were last weekend, sitting behind my sister's house near the fire roasting marshmallows and making S'mores when I remembered I had a surprise for everyone.  Torani came out with these awesome recipes for cocktails and you really feel as if you're enjoying a S'more by the fire.  Luckily my sister had just finished stocking her bar for the winter holidays so she had everything we needed.  I turned her into a firm Torani believer that night!  They were a hit!

S’more-tini:  1/2oz. Torani Toasted marshmallow Syrup, 1 1/2oz. Chocolate Liqueur, 1oz. Vodka, 2oz. Half and Half.

Camper’s Delight:  1oz. Torani Toasted Marshmallow Syrup, 2oz. Vodka, 2oz. Half and Half, 1/2oz. Crème de Cacao.  ** Serve in a martini glass with a graham cracker crumb rim!

*Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well , strain and serve.  Yields one 6oz. drink.

 

As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!

]]> 11/25/2008 http://www.americanstationery.com/blog/?view=plink&id=226 226 <![CDATA[JL Hufford Holiday Gift Guide - November 25]]> We at JL Hufford understand that the Holidays can be a little tricky. Finding the perfect gift can feel like a job for only the most skilled explorer. We are here to help. With our Holiday Gift Guide, we take the guessing out. We’ll give you ideas for a “big” gift and a “small” gift. We’ll give you a few reasons why these make great gifts and a few reasons why getting them from us is a huge bonus. Good luck with the hunt. Remember, we’re here 9-5est to answer any questions you might have. Chat live or call 1.877.554.8336.


Espressione Café Retro
Café Retro from JL Hufford


What is it?
“Jazz up your kitchen with the Espressione Cafe Retro. The Italian-made Retro breaks the traditional mold of stainless steel semi-automatic espresso machines. A heavy duty metal body still protects the Retro, but this time, a powder coated color finish has been baked on to create this beautiful machine. You can choose any one of 5 stylish colors. Compact, yet powerful, the Cafe Retro will fit beneath any overhead cabinets with extra room, so you can store your espresso or cappuccino cups in the top warming platform. Already easy to operate with a lever and metal switches, the Cafe Retro even tells you the temperature inside the boiler with a classy gauge perfectly centered on the front panel. The engineers at Espressione also gave the Cafe Retro an advanced frothing wand to assist in making perfect milk froth with ease. The Retro is quite versatile, too. You can make your espresso using either ground coffee or E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Pods.”

Why it makes a great gift?
The price is unbeatable.

$349.99 for this week only! (11/