Coffee--I learned something new today.

[Bryan Simmons]

"Blooming" the coffee in the French press.
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/09/1183765334/coffee-farming-savoring

We only use a French press when camping because the espresso machine steams the milk as well as makes the brew.

--Bryan

[dsi1]

I use a French press - I refuse to let my coffee bloom. I don't believe in none of that new-age coffee mumbo-jumbo.

[Michael Trew]

I actually have an espresso machine now. Not a terribly expensive one,
but I found it at a second hand store, and figure that it was worth more
than the $15 I paid for it, in near new condition (with accessories).
Sure enough, the same model sells for $100 new on Amazon. It seems to
work, but I haven't tested it with milk and actual coffee yet; I've
simply run hot water through, and "steamed" water in a small mug with
the wand thing.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-BVMC-ECM180-Espresso-Starter/dp/B074L93L1S/ref=sr_1_1

[Dave Smith]

The most common problem with espresso machines is that they get clogged
up with minerals from hard water. Just run some vinegar through it. Put
the vinegar in the reservoir, run some through, stop it and let it sit
for a while and then run the rest through. Then run some more water
through and make sure all the vinegar is out. It won't affect the coffee
much but it will affect the milk. Once the vinegar has been purged it
will be as good as new.

[Bruce]

"With a second-hand espresso machine priced at $15, it's important to
manage your expectations accordingly."
(ChatGPT)

[Bryan Simmons]

Or one could buy a box of citric acid, and not have to deal
with the stink of the vinegar.
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Sweet-Natural-Citric-Pound/dp/B0BQFQVJ86

--Bryan

[Bering Sea Bar & Brig@MarthaStewart.GoodThing]

Or run the vinegar outside and not enrich Bezos.

[Bryan Simmons]

You don't have to buy it from Amazon. I use it for
cleaning other things too, like removing calcium
carbonate from the shower head. Again, it's like
vinegar, but w/o the odor. Other places sell it.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spicy-World-Citric-Acid-10-Lb/180463573
https://www.flickr.com/photos/36178182@N08/53037239201/in/dateposted-public/

--Bryan