by Tina | Mar 20, 2015 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
Rest In Peace my friend! We lost someone very dear to us yesterday. One of our roasters “Joe” was killed in an auto accident while he was out making deliveries. He loved the coffee business, was great at roasting and most of all enjoyed working with family. My heart just aches for his children and family. What a great fun loving guy, with his great smile. Thank you for taking the time to teach, answer all my silly questions or just stopping to make us a latte before heading out to fish for the rest of the day. You are loved by many and will be sorely missed. Gone but not forgotten.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to his sweet family in their time of sorrow. May his star shine bright upon us all.
by Tina | Jan 9, 2015 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
A holiday for all you lovers out there. Some secret admirers, some, let it be known. The holiday so those that wish, can show their love and appreciation to that special someone. An extra gesture that makes you think and go out of your way. Maybe it’s a day you get up the courage to let your feelings be known. Yes, even tho we should express year round. I know, truly romantic things in life are those things you do each and every day to show that you care, and most of all that you are thinking of them. It’s going out of your way to make them happy. It’s the random text in the middle of the day to say I love you or I’m missing you. The way you hold their hand when they are scared, or how you save the last piece of cake for them. It’s dedicating his or her favorite song to them or letting them share your fries. It’s putting your phone on silence so that you can let them share their day. It’s slow dancing and kissing in the rain. Yes, true romance is in the small gestures that we can show each and every day.
Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.” It’s a day of romance, a time when people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. One special day, set a side, so we can show our expressions of love. With only a month a way, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to express your love and appreciation.
Here are a few ideas for you:
Coffee 
The perfect gift to start your day. Roasted to perfection and a variety of specialty coffees to choose from. What, you can’t decide? We have sampler gift boxes.
Chocolates 
A sure bet to ones heart. There is nothing like, melt in your mouth, let the angels sing, pure joy the truffles bring. Do you need sugar free? Try Amber Lyn chocolates.
Tea for Two
Two begin or end your perfect day. Sit back, relax and sup a cup of tea while you reminisce all the good times. A great idea for your friends.
by Tina | Dec 9, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
Gift Packages are here.
Tis the season for the Holidays, the most wonderful time of the year!
I loves the holiday seasons?
Holidays are creeping up on us. This means, we need to get shopping. Hey, are you thinking ahead? Have you started your shopping? Why not start today, get everything wrapped up and enjoy your family and friends. Who wants to be amongst the crowds and slim pickins. The holiday madness of traffic. The horrible weather and tired feet. And then, what are you going buy? Why not sit down in front of the fire, laptop in hand, a fresh cup-o- joe by your side and get to work. Wow, when you put it that way it doesn’t make it all sound so horrible. Shop from the comfort of your home and have someone else send out your gifts for you. Now that, my friends, is my kind of shopping.
UtahCoffeeExpressions.com has been on the lookout for awesome and amazing ideas that will help you in your struggles of what to get those special people in your life. One thing I just hate is trying to figure out something that is different and unique then on the same hand something that they are going to enjoy and most of all get used. What do you get the person that has everything? The ties and shirts that go unworn. Or the endless socks and under ware. My dad’s favorite is the fruit cake. I don’t guess he would complain about getting this but me on the other hand, not so much. It just isn’t fun to spin round and round trying to come up with something new. One thing I love is finding that awesome amazing something. 🙂 You know the one, right? The one that will warm their insides, the one that makes them say aww and wanting for more. This is the gift that they say, where did you find that? It’s perfect!
For the love of coffee
We can help you out with all your shopping needs. What better gift than to give life’s simple pleasures. Something that will talk to their taste buds, smell first thing in the morning or enjoy with friends around the fire at night. Coffee puts the aroma in the air that is unmistakably heaven sent.
There is just something to be said about putting on a fresh pot that makes everyone say aww. Oh how I love that moment.
Chocolates- the purest pleasure cacao has to offer
Maybe your special someone loves chocolate. We also carry cacao. Pure chocolate bliss. A healthy alternative. Supporting your heart, digestive system, brain and bones. Boosts the immune system. Feels great, increases focus, reduces stress and helps you sleep better. Now, I really love chocolate, and with cacao I can just tell you that I have never had chocolate like this before. You can put it in your mouth and for some time later you’re still indulging in the flavors that linger. The flavors and arrangements are amazing. Dark chocolates, milk chocolates and some white chocolate. We have gift boxes or gift bags, from elegant to fun. Like I said we have something for everyone.
Sugar Free, Carb Controlled All Natural
That’s right, chocolate that is amazing and sugar free. The Amber-lyn collection. Made with fine Belgian Chocolate. I myself found it more preferred, maybe because I could eat more without feeling guilty :). Or was it that my sugar levels didn’t go through the roof. I would have never known it was sugar free, until I was told. Smooth, melt in your mouth heaven.
Yes, something for everyone and the best part is, I really don’t think anyone else will duplicate your choices. But hey if they do, I don’t think they will complain. We can make your shopping experience most enjoyable and take the work load from you. Shopping for the holidays doesn’t have to be hard, it doesn’t have to break the bank. It is suppose to be enjoyable and special. The best is finding something that is unique but will make everyone smile. Go ahead, relax and get to shopping!
Happy Holidays to you all
We at Utah Coffee Expressions hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We hope that you enjoy each others company and most of all we thank you for allowing us to be a part of it. Thank you!
by Tina | Oct 29, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
We Sell Burlap Coffee Bags
I remember when I was younger we used to have reunions with the families and we would play games. One of which was the two legged relay where you had two people each with one leg in a burlap bag or gunny sack is what we called it, the bell went off and you raced together toward the other side, trying to beat all other competitors. Funny what you remember.
Those were the good ole days.
Okay just so you don’t get the wrong idea….I’m not that old.
Today I see so many making or doing projects out of burlap bags, gunny sacks or for a better term ‘Hessian cloth’ which is really what it is. All come with the different stamps on them from the different regions of their origin. Loose weave burlap bag. Rough to the touch. Light in color and distinct markings. with the exception our Peruvian farms have no markings.
Two Fun Burlap Coffee Bag Projects
Note: All burlap coffee bag sales are final. This item is not returnable.
They are all different in graphics, colors and origin.
Craft Projects Galore
Coffee Bag Planter Pots: From our friends at apartment therapy they walk you through a how to make project here http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-coffee-bag-planter-151432Â Â Here they turn pots into a work of art. What a fun idea to spice up an old pot.
Pillows: It’s crazy how folks are so creative. Another fabulous and oh so cute idea. Check out beyondthescreendoor .com for a decor that is priceless using the Colombian bag.
Burlap Coffee Bags: Oh my goodness, can you say bags galore.. Pinterest is a great resource for fun with fashion in the burlap-coffee-bag department. You can find do it your self’s on pillows, bags, lamp shades. seat covers, photo boards, cork boards, super cute bulletin boards and on and on. You could go burlap crazy. http://www.pinterest.com/explore/burlap-coffee-bags/ so many fun projects.
by Tina | Oct 29, 2014 | Coffee Talk |
Samplers, Who doesn’t like to sample?
Whether you’re trying to find that perfect gift for someone that is hard to buy for or just want  to give yourself an affordable variety before making a larger purchase, why not try all our specialty roasted coffees?
Not everyone likes the same things and not everyone knows what they like. We came up with a way for you to be able to sample smaller amounts of coffee without you having to purchase a larger amount that you may not enjoy. We know you work hard for your money and we wouldn’t want you to waste it on something that wasn’t pleasing to your pallet.
Specialty Coffee Sampler Packs Now Available
- The 6 Pack Sampler: Here is where you can choose six of the two ounce packages to give it a taste test if you will. Each 2 ounce bag will brew up to a 12 cup pot of coffee. A perfect way to try before buying a larger quantity.
- The 4 Pack Gift Box: This gift selection has four of the two ounce packages. It all will come in a package for a no hassle gift that is sure to please anyone on your list. It’s a gift that is unique, thinking out of the box but it comes in a box. I’ll bet no one else will give them the same thing and will leave them wanting for more.
- The Perfect Pound Selection: This is a favorite for all. You will have four 4 ounce selections. This one is for the coffee lover. A gift that will be sure to please everyone. Just imagine waking up to a different variety of coffee bliss.
The selections are made from our artisan roasters, so you will enjoy the same great freshness we provide with all of our specialty coffees. These fine selections are specific to your tastes and types of grinds that you desire.
The Perfect Holiday Gift for Coffee Lovers
A unique and affordable gesture. A way to set yourself a part. Friends, family, school mates, employees to marketing tools. A box neatly wrapped just for you. No hassle shopping at your finger tips. The gift that will allure their senses with that magnificent aroma and flavor. What better way to show that your thinking of them. We hope that you find these affordable collections to be a great option for any occasion.
For the Dark Chocolate Lover
The cube collection, for the non coffee drinker. The cube has a variety of gourmet chocolate bars from Utah’s own Millcreek Cacao Roasters to indulge your senses. The healthier way to enjoy your chocolate.
Never too sweet, never too bitter.
Order your Coffee Sampler Packs Today
Note: If there is a varietal that we are not showing please feel free to contact us and I will get back to you. The coffees shown are our most popular but we have and can roast coffee from regions not shown.
See All Specialty Coffee
If you want to be able to see all the fun things that we will be adding to our site, along with specials that we may run then please make sure you sign up for our newsletter with a valid e-mail and we will let you know when we have new arrivals. Also for signing up you can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order.
Keep watching there is more to come. 🙂
-Tina
by Tina | Sep 29, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
International Coffee Day!
Who knew, right.
An international coffee day? It only makes since. Coffee makes everything better. You think clearer, have better attitudes, make friends or solve the worlds problems all around this little cup of goodness. So what better way to honor it than to have an international coffee day. So I’m honoring it all day, okay your right I honor it all year. I just can’t get enough of it. Hot or cold, I’ll take it.
So to honor that fabulous cup of goodness, coffee fanatics world wide celebrate September 29, 2014 as International Coffee Day.
Go ahead make yourself a cup. I’m enjoying a fresh roasted Ethiopian variety today. Can I just tell you that it is amazing……..
by Tina | Jul 29, 2014 | Recipes, Blog, Coffee Talk |
Iced coffee! A luxury that doesn’t have to break the bank.
I’ll bet you have tried this at home.
It can’t be that hard, right?
Yep, here it comes aaaaaand “oh yuck”, now you’re wondering how do they make it taste so good at the coffee shop?
Iced, Cold Brewed Coffee
Filter, Chill and Serve
What everyone needs to know, but the coffee shop won’t tell you. You can’t just turn on the coffee pot, brew a pot of specialty coffee, stick it in the fridge and viola iced coffee. It just doesn’t work that way. However, it is not rocket science either. Have you ever wondered why sun tea taste so much better? You add your tea bags to the jar of water and put it out in the sun and let it do its thing. Making cold brew is kind of the same concept. It does take some planning and waiting time, but the results are amazing.
Some things are just worth the wait and this is one of them. Not everyone has the same tastes so you might want to tweak this to your own liking. Some like it stronger and some like it weak regardless you will not spend your hard earned dollars anymore for this luxurious treat.
Cold Brewed Coffee
INGREDIENTS (CONCENTRATED LIQUID)
- 1 LB of your favorite coffee
note: a dark rich coffee blend works best, also a coarse grind (like a French press) if not available just use a regular grind.
- 2 gallons water (8 quarts)
Combine Ingredients in a large container, half this if necessary. Now give it a stir making sure that the coffee meets with the water and let it steep a good 8 hours. After 8 or so hours you are going to filter it.
Use a strainer lined with cheese cloth if you have it, I find it works best. A paper towel or coffee filter would also work, now pour your mixture into another container through the filter.
This takes a little time so be patient making sure you get rid of the grounds. Chill in a tightly covered container. This will last up to a month.
Okay folks that is it, this makes that glorious concentration that you will use now fill a glass with ice, pour half full with your coffee concentration.
THE OTHER HALF
2% milk or half and half topped with
- Irish Cream
- French Vanilla
- Mocha
- A favorite 2 or 3 Tlbs. Eagle Condensed Milk with some 2% milk then add some caramel syrup
Any syrup you desire……… You can also add a dash of sugar but I find the syrups sweeten it up just fine.
Did you know this about Iced Coffee?
Soaking coffee vs., brewing reduces the acidity by up to 70% and takes away the bitterness, in fact this brewing method enhances the flavor of those glorious little coffee beans. So, if you are one of those that just love your coffee but you have trouble with the acidity bothering your stomach. then you must give this a try.
You will once again love your coffee without the belly ache!
Go ahead express yourself. Treat yourself daily. Experiment. And most importantly, ENJOY iced cold brew coffee! Â Â Â
by Tina | Jul 26, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
Did you know there are hundreds of different flavored coffee bean profiles?
Any purist will say the only way to drink coffee is straight. It is just unthinkable to flavor coffee. What? No cream, no sugar, and no flavoring. Not everyone has the same tastes. I can tell you that I myself like to venture over to the flavored side of coffee. I switch up my coffees often and I think flavored coffee beans are the best. I guess you could say that I’m not a purist. Oh NO! To have the same thing day after day gets old.
Colombian specialty coffee is great at its purest, even one of my favorites, somehow, to think that it is the only specialty coffee out there. It would be like me telling you that you had to eat a tuna sandwich for every meal. BORING! Yep, give me a Vanilla Mocha, or some Highlander Grogg lingering in the mix. I just have to have the variety, the spice, if you will. There is just something about the aroma and flavors that engage my sense of smell and warm my heart.
So how are the flavored coffee beans made?
First you have to find the finest blends of beans (this makes a huge difference) and then roast them to perfection. Once the coffee 
beans are roasted, the flavored syrups are hand poured onto the coffee beans then agitated either by machine or in a bag, mixing it to provide an even distribution or coating.
You want to allow the flavored coffee beans to sit for a period. Depending on who you ask, some say for fifteen minutes, I like mine to sit a twenty four hour period so that the flavors can marry with the bean. Coffee beans are like little sponges so the longer you let the beans sit the more flavoring they can soak up. Note, flavored syrups are a strong concentration and are geared to your sense of smell as much as towards your taste.
Honestly, there is nothing like smelling the Pumpkin Spice or an Irish Cream for the holidays. Different artisans will have different profiles. Making up different holiday blends, or using different beans to add to the flavors. No two are alike.
Flavored Coffee Beans as a Cover Up
Now let’s be honest here. When I talk flavored coffee beans I’m not talking about masking the flavor of bad coffee to make it taste better. There are some out there that flavor their coffee to hide the pour qualities of their coffee. I’m sure you know and have tasted the ones I’m talking about, they just have a stale taste, or maybe you can taste the bitterness.
You end up adding a bit more cream or a lot more sugar, give me extra caramel. By the time you have finished making your coffee taste good enough to drink, you have just added half your calories for the day.
Buy Fresh Quality Coffee Beans
There is something to be said about buying the freshest quality from a specialty coffee roaster. And then try throwing some flavored coffee beans in the mix to put a different twist to your daily treat. Not only will you know the quality you are getting, but your coffee experience is most enjoyable. The possibilities are endless.
Please tell us about your favorite flavored coffee beans in the comments section below.
by Tina | Jul 4, 2014 | Coffee Talk, Blog |
We at UtahCoffeeExpressions.com would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy 4th of July. May you enjoy the day, each others company and most of all your independence.
Remember those that gave such sacrifice so that we could enjoy our freedom. I for one am thankful and humbled for these heroes. No other act can measure up to the sacrifice they have given to our country…. Thank you!
I will fly the flag today with honor.
Please Be Safe!
by Tina | May 18, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
The question here that has many confused are the terms of specialty versus gourmet coffee. What defines specialty coffee? What is gourmet coffee? Are specialty and gourmet coffees one in the same?
First off, I think we need to clarify the two terms ‘Specialty’ vs. ‘Gourmet’.
Gourmet is a “marketing” term used to distinguish higher quality products. Therefore the term gourmet just means higher quality.
The term ‘specialty coffee’ was first mentioned by Erna Knutsen, of Knutsen Coffee Ltd., in a speech to the delegates of an international coffee conference in Montreuil, France, in 1978. Her concept of the term specialty was that of special geographic microclimate produce beans with unique flavor profiles, which she referred to as ‘specialty coffees’. Her concept was that the fundamentals for specialty coffee meant that specialty coffee beans would always be well prepared, freshly roasted, and properly brewed.
What impacts the way we define and promote specialty coffee?
In an Article published by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) – June 2009 written by Ric Rhinehart. “The first key concept here and through the supply chain, is potential. Until the moment that the roasted coffee is brewed and transformed into a beverage, the concept of specialty coffee is locked up as a possibility, just a potentially wonderful gustatory experience. Starting at ground level, so to speak, we must limit specialty coffee to those that are drawn from the appropriate intersection of cultivar, microclimate, soil chemistry and husbandry. Plant a great variety of coffee at the wrong altitude or in the wrong soil and no specialty product can be produced or get the right combination of cultivar and chemistry, but the wrong climate and the potential for quality is destroyed. Ultimately, plant husbandry is essential to the preservation of potential.
The next key concept is preservation. A ripe coffee cherry on a healthy plant of suitable ancestry planted in the right soil, blessed with appropriate climatic conditions and cared for properly must be picked at the peak of ripeness in order to preserve the potential for greatness that it holds. Coffee buyers often tell coffee growers that the single most impactful thing that they can do for coffee quality is to harvest only ripe cherry.
From the point of harvest a new round of pitfalls arises. The coffee cherry must undergo some initial processing at this point. For the majority of specialty coffee this begins with the delivery of the ripe cherry to a wet mill of some type, large or small. The time that elapses between harvest and the beginning of processing can have a dramatic impact on the final results for the coffee. Specialty coffee is dependent on a quick delivery from the tree to the mill for potential to be preserved.
Whether the coffee is mechanically pulped and then fully washed or if it is processed in a demucilaging machine, the initial processing stage must be carefully managed so that the coffee is not harmed. After removal of the skin and pulp, the coffee must be dried, another critical activity. Dried too quickly or too slowly, dried unevenly, dried and then rewetted, not dried sufficiently – all of these can be disastrous to the final quality of the coffee. From here the coffee must be rested before undergoing the last stages of raw processing and preparation for shipping. At this time relative humidity, temperature and storage containers and conditions all become critical. Finally, the coffee must be hulled, separated by size and packaged for shipping. More critical points arise here, and small mistakes in screening or larger mistakes in the selection of packaging or the storage conditions prior to shipping can bleed the coffee of its potential.
The coffee changes hands again and begins the next stage of transformation, from green bean to roasted coffee. Here we must grapple with the third key concept, revelation. The roaster must accurately identify the potential for the coffee, properly develop the flavors and ultimately properly package the roasted product. An unskilled roaster, equipment that is not operating properly, poor packaging materials or practices can all lead to disaster. Provided that all goes well here and the coffee’s potential remains intact, there are two remaining steps before the long chain of custody that is unique to coffee ends in the consumption of a specialty coffee beverage.
After roasting and before brewing, the coffee must be ground. Grinding is best done as close in time to brewing as possible, as many delicate aromatic compounds are fully released upon grinding and the dramatic increase in surface area necessary to effect brewing also opens the coffee to rapid oxidation and staling. The size of the ground particles is also important and driven by the method of brewing to be employed. Too fine a grind for the selected brewing process and the coffee may be destroyed by over extraction. Too coarse a grind and the coffee may never develop its full flavor potential in the cup.
Finally, after every step from coffee tree to the end consumer has been carefully orchestrated, the final process must take place – the coffee must be brewed. Whether the coffee is to be prepared as an espresso, as drip coffee or in a steeping method like a French press, the exacting application of standards of water quality, brewing temperature, coffee to water ratio and extraction must be applied to create a specialty coffee beverage. ”
Here at Utah Coffee Expressions we value specialty coffees. Our expressions, are in the enjoyment of the aromas and flavor you pour into your cup.
I hope that you found this to be helpful in knowing the differences of the terms Specialty versus Gourmet.
by Tina | May 5, 2014 | Blog, Coffee Talk |
The cocoa bean (also known as the cacao bean) is one of nature’s most amazing superfoods, offering high antioxidant value, mineral benefits and natural energy. Doctors and dieticians have espoused the benefits of dark chocolate for years, teaching us that the cacoa beans used to make this healthy chocolate can become a critical part of a healthy diet. All this found naturally in a perfect little package – the cocoa bean.
Here are 4 great reasons to incorporate cocoa beans into your life:
1. Boost your immune system
Antioxidants fight oxidative damage and free radicals in the body. Cocoa (or Zinc plays a critical role in supporting your immune system, liver, pancreas and cacao) contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world, including polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins. By weight, cocoa has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, açai, pomegranates, and goji berries combined.
2. Theobromine Increases Energy Naturally
Cocoa beans contain a natural stimulant called theobromine that is a relative of caffeine. Unlike caffeine, theobromine gives you a noticeable increase in energy without making you feel nervous or jittery. Cacao naturally contains about 1% theobromine. Theobromine is gentle, mild, has a slow onset, is long lasting, and non-addictive whereas caffeine is intense, strong, fast acting, short lived and addictive. In short, it gives you healthy energy as part of a healthy diet.
- Curb your appetite and lose weight
- Cocoa is one of the great weight loss foods because within its extraordinary
- nutrition profile it contains the minerals and molecules that help curb appetite,
- promote weight loss and healthy living.
- Compared to soda, fruit juice and other drinks, cacao beverages have a nominal number of calories and only 1.5 carbs per serving with many health benefits making it an incredibly healthy drink and a great addition to any health and fitness program.
3. Supports your heart, digestive system, brain and bones
Cocoa has more magnesium than any other food, which supports the heart, aids digestion, balances brain chemistry and builds strong bones. Over 80% of Americans are chronically magnesium deficient.
- Oxygenate the blood and maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- The trace mineral manganese found in cacao assists iron to oxygenate the blood and form hemoglobin.
- Found naturally in cacao, copper helps build healthy blood. Nearly 80% of Americans are deficient of the trace mineral chromium that helps promote a healthy blood sugar level. This is another reason Crio Beans are truly a healthy chocolate.
4. Feels great, increases focus, reduces stress and helps you sleep better
An endorphin or “bliss chemical” called anadamide is produced by our body after exercise that makes us feel great. It has also been found in one plant –cacao. Our body produces the chemical phenylethylamine when we fall in love and increases focus and alertness. This natural chemical is also found abundantly incacao.
- Cacao contains serotonin, a primary neurotransmitter in the body that helps build a “stress defense shield”.
- Tryptophan is a natural anti-depressant amino acid contained in cacao that transforms into stress-protective neurotransmitters that enhance relaxation and promote better sleep.
Adding brewed cacao to your diet will help you take advantage of the benefits and nutrience in the cacao bean, therefore enabling you to lead a healthier and happier life.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Sources: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9566.php | Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe and Shazzie
