Coffee~Cafe~...My Starbucks Addiction

It was such a treat to have a caramel flavored iced coffee topped with a beautiful mound of whip cream. I remember gourmet coffee being something I enjoyed with a trip to the mall now and then as a teenager/young adult in Florida. Florida is so hot that I wasn't one for hot coffee every day.

Years later -Present Day-I'm in New Jersey...my best friend Marilynn introduced to me to the wonderful world of Starbucks hot Cappuccinos...and to make it real expensive, Starbucks is 2 blocks from my home.

She works part time and spends a lot of mommy days at home with me, we are blessed to have children close in age. As you can imagine, it gets pricey getting 2 Grande Cappuccinos 2 or 3 times a week.

I decided it was time to brew it at home!

Now don't get me wrong, I love having an excuse to get a coffee from Starbucks and I always grab a cup when I pick up a bag of coffee grounds.

The key is to buy the grounds from Starbucks and have them grind for you. I found that buying Starbucks brand coffee beans from a grocery store was not as good because you grind the beans in the same machine other brands are ground in. It's just not as good in my opinion.

I bought a Mr. Coffee espresso maker from Target for about $60 on sale... within 6 months it died out.. it might be a bargain for those who don't brew cappuccino's every day but I used mine daily.

French Press

My girlfriend who is a manager for Starbucks mentioned getting a French Press.  That was the best suggestion - saves counter space and no electricity!


When getting your grounds from Starbucks, here is what I have tried and enjoy.

• Espresso Machine-  Dark Espresso Roast - I originally used the Breakfast Blend but soon found out there is Espresso Roast!  Have them grind for espresso machine. (according to my local barista, those are the grounds they use for the cappuccinos)
• Standard Coffee Machine - Breakfast Blend -  For coffee machine I have them grind for paper filter but ground very fine...close to espresso.  (I like my coffee STRONG)
• French Press - Breakfast Blend - request them to grind for French Press.. you cannot have them finely ground because it will steep through the metal filter.

I tried the Blonde Roast and the Tribute...Blonde was too light for me, Tribute wasn't too bad but I prefer the Breakfast Blend.

I need a GOOD strong cup of coffee in the morning to Open My Eyes... or late in the afternoon to help me chase my 3 kids.. ENJOY!