Nov. 11 foodie diary: Quality java
Lately we've been drinking a lot of coffee in our attempt to find some really good brands that are also grocery store available. Several are good enough for those times when you can't get to the specialty shop (or just want something special to impress your coffee snob friends). Here are two terrific Canadian brands worth picking up.
KICKING HORSE organic coffees are shade-grown under the rain forest canopy, which provides shelter to flora and fauna, as well as good water quality and health conditions for farmers. Look for delicious whole bean blends in their attractive black packaging. Try Kick Ass (dark but smooth), Three Sisters (individually roasted blend of Central and South American beans with a touch of South Pacific) and their very tasty, water-filtered Decaf.
VAN HOUTTE's single origin coffees in the silver packages represent some of the greatest coffee-producing regions of the world: Costa Rica (light roast, sweet and aromatic); Guatemala (dark and smoky, yet smooth); Kenya (dark, floral and tangy) and Sumatra (dark and rich). Plus there's Mexico Fair Trade Organic (medium roast with light bitter notes and a little acidity). Each pre-ground pouch has a unique personality with satisfying flavour and depth.
Appliance pick: Our friends at KitchenAid have lent us their new Pro LineTM 12-Cup Coffee Maker (shown on this page). Besides having a great industrial look, the coffee is hot and very tasty. And its second warming plate and glass carafe come in handy when entertaining.
