Monday's Question of the Day - March 20, 2017

MoochNNoodles

TCS Member
Thread starter
Veteran
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
36,646
Purraise
23,468
Location
Where my cats are
First and foremost:
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!
Last fall I stopped drinking (and eating) almost all forms of caffeine. The exception was a glass of iced tea a few times when dining out.  That included my daily coffee. I switched to just herbal teas.  DH started drinking some kind of green tea grass gross looking drink so the big coffee maker wasn't getting used.  But I still missed my coffee.  So for Christmas DH got me a single cup coffee maker.  Not a Keurig but another brand.  

So now I'm slowly trying different brands of decaff coffee pods. 

What is your favorite brand/brands for coffees and teas?

So far for coffee pods I like the Green Mountain brand.  The Newmans Organic was ok and the Donut Shop one is just ok too.  I like my coffee on the bold/dark side.  For regular coffee we've stuck with Folgers.  (The coffee maker did come with a little basket so I can use my own grounds too.)  We have tried different blends of Folgers; the smooth one, 1/2 caff, Breakfast Blend, etc.  My favorite coffee used to be a Kona blend from a chain place but they stopped carrying it years ago.  If it was late in the day I'd mix that with decaff.  It was good! 
  I am open to trying other brands; but it has to be decaff.

For tea I mostly get what I can find in the grocery store. So Celestial Seasoning, Twinnings, Red Rose.  But I have a few others.  One is local and loose leaf.  I have really enjoyed a Darjeeling tea I had; but it's not decaff.  I like having a variety of flavors.  My favorites are peppermint, chamomile, apple cinnamon and lemon.  But not lemon with so much hibiscus that you don't really taste lemon.  I have a cabinet full of different flavors; fruits, spices, floral, etc.  I do miss the spiced black and chai type teas since cutting the caffeine. 
  I have allowed some back in my diet; but I'm still limiting it.
 

My DD broke my teapot when she was putting some other dishes away a few months ago.  It was on the counter and something in her hand slipped and actually broke 2 teapots that were on the counter.  But not whatever it was that she dropped.  I think I was more focused on my pretty purple teapot.  So I'm back to just making one cup at a time.
 

Kieka

Snowshoe Servant
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Sep 6, 2016
Messages
11,394
Purraise
19,968
Location
Southern California
I keep a box of Twinings Irish Breakfast Tea at the office and will grab an iced tea when I go out for meals (preferably unsweetened). I only have one cup of hot tea in the morning at work but I usually have to wait for it cool for a while because for some odd reason more than a few ounces of hot liquids upset my stomach (that includes soups, I am special). I have been on a black tea kick lately but before it was more green teas mixed with some sort of fruit. The mostly fruit or herbal teas don't sit well and peppermint makes me nauseous. Which is counter common knowledge about peppermint and the candies don't upset me; just the tea. But I decided long ago that my body is weird anyways because of other things like I can't have more than a few ounces of apple juice/cider or a bite of applesauce without the same effect. Ditto for more than a mini pancake without feeling sick. Which both are really sad since there is a nice little apple community near me that has amazing cider (I drive an hour to get a small bottle that usually goes bad before I finish it but so worth it) and I visit Slovang for Danish pancakes but rarely eat half of it (still worth it). I don't drink coffee or sodas just by preference.

I can taste the difference in iced teas between places and have become somewhat of a snob when it comes to iced teas. I was really way too excited when the movie theater I frequent started making real black iced tea instead of the syrup based fake iced tea they had before. They probably think I am really weird asking for a large drink filled with ice to the rim with black tea in it. I know I get less liquid but it stays cold for the whole movie and I have enough left for the rest of the day too. Little watered down but they usually make it pretty strong so it works out.
 
Last edited:

Winchester

In the kitchen with my cookies
Veteran
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
29,730
Purraise
28,024
Location
In the kitchen
We have a Keurig, so I haven't bought regular coffee in a long time. My primary place for k-cups is http://www.keurig.com/ as they have a good assortment of coffees, teas, and cocoas. Shipping is free with a $49 order and, sometimes, they'll offer Buy 4, get One Free. But I only buy coffee. I prefer Timothy's Italian Roast coffee for me; it's pretty much all I drink anymore. Rick likes iced coffees and he also likes flavored coffees, so he'll experiment as he wishes. He's a fan of Sweet & Creamy k-cups and he also uses flavored International Delight creamers in his coffee as well. 

There's a stall at the Green Dragon (I've talked about the GD several times on the forum) that sells individual k-cups for people to try. Rick is usually on 
 when we go there because he tries a lot of flavored coffees. Me, I'm strictly hot and black (and pretty much all Timothy's Italian at this point). If Rick has a really sweet k-cup, then we always pour a mug of hot water right afterward to keep any stickiness off the needle of the Keurig. Same with cocoas; we either dump the cocoa right into the mug and then add the hot water or make sure we bring one mugful of hot water through the system.

I don't drink hot tea that often at all....I'm really a coffee drinker. We used to drink sugared iced tea, but Rick has pretty much given it up and we've started drinking more water.  One of Graham's old GFs was Japanese and she used to keep me supplied in a wonderful loose-leaf Breakfast Tea; it was delicious. I have no idea what the container said as it was all in Japanese. I love a good Earl Grey, too. But I'm pretty much a die-hard coffee drinker. 

I normally don't drink any coffee after, say, 2:00 in the afternoon. I will drink a cola, though, or a diet Mt. Dew. If we're having dinner with friends, either at home, or in a restaurant, then I will often finish my meal with coffee instead of dessert, unless it's a dessert that I've been really looking forward to trying. I rarely eat dessert in a restaurant and prefer coffee then. And it's rare that caffeine will keep me awake at night.....I'm always pretty much in "OMG, I am sooooo pooped!" mode. 

You will pry my coffee mug out of my cold, dead hands.
 

sivyaleah

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
6,259
Purraise
5,222
Location
New Jersey
Currently we are using Lavazza "Santa Marta" Columbian.  Extremely good coffee which is on the bold side, which we like. And not too expensive. We have a Cuisinart drip brewer for that.

We also have a Nespresso Pixie machine and use espresso pods with that one.  Most of their offerings are darn good. That gets used for making lattes 


For hot tea, Twinings is our go-to. We always have Earl Grey, Lady Grey and Irish Breakfast in the house.  Those are Tom's favs - he also like their Chai tea.  Usually we have an herbal tea around also such as chamomile. 

I prefer drinking iced tea and buy the non-sweetened Arizona brew which comes in a big container. It's inexpensive and tastes pretty good and is much easier than brewing my own.  

Last we also have a French Press and buy beans to grind fresh for it.  We rarely use it although it came in handy during Hurricane Sandy when the electric was out for a week.  I had ground up a lot before hand just in case and well, that happened!
 

1CatOverTheLine

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 6, 2017
Messages
8,674
Purraise
34,611
 
Currently we are using Lavazza "Santa Marta" Columbian.  Extremely good coffee which is on the bold side, which we like. And not too expensive. We have a Cuisinart drip brewer for that.
Bravo !  I use Café Aroma Espresso - roasted in your home state of New Jersey - and re-grind it on, "Turkish."  Priced about the same as Lavazza (and Medaglia D'Oro - both of which I've used years ago), it makes coffee which you can actually taste.

,
 

Mamanyt1953

Rules my home with an iron paw
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Oct 16, 2015
Messages
31,182
Purraise
67,770
Location
North Carolina
Coffee...not too picky, although when I can get my hands on Community Dark Roast with chickory, I'm a happy camper.  That doesn't happen too often, as it is only readily available in Louisianna.  I have to wait until one of my neighbors makes a trip to visit family.  She is kind enough to bring me a bag back.  Otherwise, whatever is cheapest, usually Great Value Dark Roast or Arabica.  Tea...for hot tea, Bigelow (Earl Grey or Constant Comment).  For iced tea, Luzianne.  That seems to be a more Southern thing.  I never could find it up north.  For herbals, if I don't have the money for specialty companies online, I get Celestial Seasonings.
 

sivyaleah

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
6,259
Purraise
5,222
Location
New Jersey
 
Bravo !  I use Café Aroma Espresso - roasted in your home state of New Jersey - and re-grind it on, "Turkish."  Priced about the same as Lavazza (and Medaglia D'Oro - both of which I've used years ago), it makes coffee which you can actually taste.

,
I will have to look for that!
 

sivyaleah

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
6,259
Purraise
5,222
Location
New Jersey
 
Coffee...not too picky, although when I can get my hands on Community Dark Roast with chickory, I'm a happy camper.  That doesn't happen too often, as it is only readily available in Louisianna.  I have to wait until one of my neighbors makes a trip to visit family.  She is kind enough to bring me a bag back.  Otherwise, whatever is cheapest, usually Great Value Dark Roast or Arabica.  Tea...for hot tea, Bigelow (Earl Grey or Constant Comment).  For iced tea, Luzianne.  That seems to be a more Southern thing.  I never could find it up north.  For herbals, if I don't have the money for specialty companies online, I get Celestial Seasonings.
Oooo chicory coffee and NOLA!  I had that every day when I was there some years back. Would get up early and head to Cafe du Monde for beignets, OJ and coffee!  Great start to a day!
 

denice

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Feb 7, 2006
Messages
18,836
Purraise
13,144
Location
Columbus OH
The supermarket I go to has two lines of store brands, regular and Private Selection.  I like the Private Selection Breakfast Blend dark roast.

I also have a Nespresso machine and make a latte every day.  I like the stronger espresso pods from them.  
 

sivyaleah

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
6,259
Purraise
5,222
Location
New Jersey
 
The supermarket I go to has two lines of store brands, regular and Private Selection.  I like the Private Selection Breakfast Blend dark roast.

I also have a Nespresso machine and make a latte every day.  I like the stronger espresso pods from them.  
I always buy the pods rated 8/9/10 

Love darker coffee for lattes. 
 

micknsnicks2mom

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
11,590
Purraise
5,295
Location
...with the cats...
i don't do any caffeine, haven't for quite a few years now. i don't drink tea or coffee, at all. occasionally i'll think about buying some herbal tea, but that thought doesn't last for long. 
 

Primula

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
6,838
Purraise
533
Location
Connecticut, USA
I buy decaff teabags, but have forgotten the name. Begins with S. Tea with breakfast, never later. Will never drink tea unless I make it.

Coffee - I go out for coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Got one at the corner of my block, but there are loads of others to choose from. I know too many people at the one on my street so find I can relax better if I go elsewhere. Always a medium or small - two creams, one Sweet 'n Low.
 

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
19,637
Purraise
47,806
 
I always buy the pods rated 8/9/10 

Love darker coffee for lattes. 
I also have a Nespresso, the Innisia espresso machine  In fact, I was at one of the Nespresso stores today and picked up 2 sleeves.  I prefer the darker roasts, e.g. Kazar, Arpeggio or Ristretto.  

However, first thing in the morning I need a large mug of coffee and swear by the Allegro brand from Whole Foods.  I don't do very much shopping at W.F. but do buy their coffee.  I get the Extra Dark French Roast and drink it black.  It's so unbelievably good on a cold and crisp winter morning - coffee is my one bad habit! 
 
 
Last edited:

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,105
Location
near Boston
I like Pete's Coffee. It is nice and smooth-- does not come in decaf.  Also, Trader Joe's has good coffee. 

For tea, I am using Tazo Green Tea. It is really good. For decaf Green Tea, Celestial Seasons. 

For black tea, I got hooked on P G Tips tea. It is really good tea.  For Decaf Black, I buy Barry's Decaf.

P G Tips is from England, and Barry's is from Ireland, but they are both in the regular tea section in my grocery.

I can not take chicory.. It does not agree with me.. and my microscopic colitis. Each time I have it, I have an issue. 
 

Winchester

In the kitchen with my cookies
Veteran
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
29,730
Purraise
28,024
Location
In the kitchen
 
Coffee...not too picky, although when I can get my hands on Community Dark Roast with chickory, I'm a happy camper.  That doesn't happen too often, as it is only readily available in Louisianna.  I have to wait until one of my neighbors makes a trip to visit family.  She is kind enough to bring me a bag back.  Otherwise, whatever is cheapest, usually Great Value Dark Roast or Arabica.  Tea...for hot tea, Bigelow (Earl Grey or Constant Comment).  For iced tea, Luzianne.  That seems to be a more Southern thing.  I never could find it up north.  For herbals, if I don't have the money for specialty companies online, I get Celestial Seasonings.
I always though Luzianne made the best iced tea.....good stuff. Our stores up here no longer carry it. (Same with White Lily flour)
 

Willowy

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
31,886
Purraise
28,287
Location
South Dakota
Hmm, we have Luzianne here, that's what I always make iced tea with. I don't remember which store I got it at but I don't think it was hard to find. And we're about as "up north" as you can get :lol3:. Lipton also has a gallon-size bag of "iced tea blend" but I think Luzianne has a better flavor. Sometimes I make iced tea with Earl Grey, or throw a bag of peach herbal tea in, or something else to change the flavor a bit for variety.

I like Twinings English Breakfast but I don't have any real preference when it comes to hot teas. Most brands are fine. Can't go wrong with Twinings or Tazo.

I prefer a darker roast coffee, but some dark roasts taste burned :/. I bought a box of Green Mountain regular roast at Costco so I have to use that up before I buy more, lol. I use lots of cream and sugar.
 
Last edited:

Winchester

In the kitchen with my cookies
Veteran
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
29,730
Purraise
28,024
Location
In the kitchen
We shop at a Giant Food, have for years. Up until the last couple of months, I've been fairly happy with Giant, but that's starting to change. Last night, I had some coupons that I wanted to use and the store had none of the items. It no longer carries Bounty Basic or Wisk detergent. 

I get that manufacturers pay for their space in the store and they're willing to pay for as much space as they can get. Combine that with the store needing to put all of its own store brands out on the shelves and well, the lack of variety is really starting to show. We're lucky to find Friskies Buffet pate anymore and have been going to PetSmart now for most of our cat food. I'm not switching cat food, just to patronize Giant.

Combine that with the lack of caring that many of Giant's store cashiers are starting to show and, well, Rick and I have been saying that maybe it's time to start shopping at the Weis store for a while. We're tired of bagging our own groceries (although really, I'm better off to do it myself so that eggs or tomatoes don't get put into the same bag as canned goods). It seems that the cashiers are in a race to see who can toss the items down the belt the quickest and things get smashed, corners get dented, produce gets bruised. Last night, the cashier finished throwing items down the belt, had already given Rick his change, and stood there and waited for me to finish bagging. I looked at her and said, "Seriously??" She sighed and threw some stuff in a bag.

To keep on topic, no we can no longer buy Luzianne at our store. It made a good iced tea. I also keep some decaf tea bags on hand for our DIL who, due to heart issues, cannot have caffeine. I also keep decaf k-cups on hand for her. She says that since she doesn't drink caffeinated anything, when she does drink even a little bit, she can really tell.
 

sivyaleah

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
6,259
Purraise
5,222
Location
New Jersey
 
I always though Luzianne made the best iced tea.....good stuff. Our stores up here no longer carry it. (Same with White Lily flour)
I can't get Luzianne in NJ - but surprisingly, a few grocery stores now stock White Lily flours! So that IS a plus!
 

foxxycat

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
8,089
Purraise
13,358
Location
Honeybee on my lap, music playing in background
Wish I could get into drinking coffee and tea but yuck. The only tea I will drink is lipton tea in a can but it's too sweet. I quit Diet Coke on Aug 15 2015ish and since then I don't care for caffeine but I will drink a soda if I have a migraine and don't have Excedrin as I have heard this helps..but not that often. I was having trouble sleeping because I drank too much of it. 2 liter bottle a day...hmm..a nice ice cold coke sounds good right now but I know the sleep will elude me if I partake...I love the smell of coffee but just don't drink it. I only had ice coffee very rarely...coffee flavored ice cream occasionally...does that count?
 
Top