Cardio COFFEE and Kale - I feel like we've been neglecting the thing that glues our cardio and kale together...coffee!   Since we haven't posted anything about coffee, I thought I would share a couple products that make my world a little brighter.  Here are the 3 things that are feeding my coffee obsession right now. 

Bonavita Coffee Brewer

I can't express how much I love my Bonavita!  I started drinking my coffee black about a year ago, but didn't love the bitter aftertaste.  After a lot of research I found out that when coffee is brewed at the wrong temperature, either too hot or not hot enough, it completely changes the flavor of the coffee.  The correct brew temp for coffee is 195 - 205 degrees, and the result is a cup of coffee that has zero bitterness.  The Technivorm Moccamaster gets high recommendations because it also brews at this temperature, but the cost is well over $300.  The Bonavita rates very similar in taste tests and overall consumer testing, but it carries a much lower price tag - I purchased mine for around $120.  I am truly amazed at the difference in taste I have experienced using the Bonavita, regardless of the coffee brand, the coffee tastes so much better. 

Nespresso Espresso Maker

When I don't want to make an entire cup of coffee, but need a mid day "pick me up," I grab a pod for my Nespresso and make some liquid caffeine.  If you are an espresso purist that knows how to make a real cup of espresso, this is not for you, but if you love a little shot of espresso and like the idea of it being quick and convenient, the Nespresso fits the criteria.  I first tried Nespresso at a hotel in Argentina and I was perplexed by why such a small amount was coming out of the coffee machine, not realizing it made espresso.  Once I took a sip, I have been in love ever since.   

These mighty little espresso makers are similar to a keurig, in that you drop pods into the machine and push a button, but instead of coffee, it extracts a cup of espresso.  It has two sizes, single and double shots, and the pods are available in a variety of strengths and flavors.  Not only do I LOVE the espresso, I am obsessed with collecting a variety of tiny little cups too!  Many retailers like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma run sales on the machines frequently (I have the citiz version).

Passenger Coffee

This was a "fun find" Meg and I came across at a sweet little store by where we teach classes.  We both love this coffee and we love the way they source their coffee beans.  Passenger Coffee is specialty coffee maker located in Lancaster Pa.  They take meticulous care in roasting and curating a variety of blends to create a great cup of coffee.  Perhaps what Meg and I love best about them, is that they are committed to providing a living wage to the coffee farmers and producers, paying them top dollar for the quality product they are producing.  It may be a slightly more expensive bag of coffee, but it creates an incentive for farmers to cultivate the best quality product and it rewards their efforts.  You can find their website here.  If you live in the local Geneva area, Meg and I purchased ours at The Royal Wren.

I would love to hear about some of your favorite coffee products too!  Please share comments - I am always on the look out for new ways to feed my coffee obsession!