Keurig K75 Platinum, Part 2

Continuing from part 1 :

Let's look at the programmable features of the Keurig K75 Platinum:

"Set clock."

"Set on time." You can pick any point on the 24 hour clock for the Keurig to turn itself on.

"Set auto off." You can also choose when the Keurig will shut off. Or you can leave the machine on all day, like I do. 

"Set auto off." The on and off features work independent of each other. I found the auto off option a little confusing at first. I thought "Wait, I can only choose the amount of time (one to nine hours) until the Keurig shuts off, but I can't choose the specific time ?" A quick look at the instruction book showed I'd misunderstood the auto off option. You can choose either an amount of time or the exact clock time. Disabling auto on or auto off requires a bit of toggling. You have to keep changing the time until it reaches 12:00 AM; the next command after that is "OFF." The auto on and auto off feature needs to be pared down.

"Set brew temp." The lowest temperature setting is 187 degrees.

"Set brew temp." The highest temperature you can choose is 192 degrees.

"Set brew size." The choices are Extra Small Cup (3.25 oz), Small Cup (5.25 oz), Small Mug (7.25 oz), Large Mug (9.25 oz) and Travel Mug (11.25 oz). I noticed that many Keurig reviews had comments about "The sizes are random. I only use two of those." I felt the same way after using the Keurig Platinum for a few days. I mostly use the 7.25 oz and 9.25 oz brews. The 3.25 and 5.25 oz drinks are smaller than I prefer. I'd love to make an 11.25 oz cup, but my large travel mugs do not fit under the brewer unless I remove the drip tray.

Another common complaint is that some Keurigs stop dispensing the correct amount of water after a few months. The instruction booklet says you'll need to descale the brewer every three to six months, to prevent mineral build up. The machine will flash "DE-SCALE" when this step is needed. I also tested out each cup setting using glass measuring cups. This is the Extra Small Cup (3.25 oz).

Small Cup (5.25 oz)

Small Mug (7.25 oz)

Large Mug (9.25 oz)

Travel Mug (11.25 oz)

Here's the changes I'd suggest to improve the Keurig K75 Platinum:

-Simplify the auto on and auto off features.

- Make a taller space for big travel mugs between the removable drip tray and the dispenser.

- Ditch the two smallest cup sizes.

Other than those three things, I am crazy about my Keurig K75 Platinum. It's fun and easy to use! I guess I will have to find a shelf to display my old kettles now.

*1/10/14: My Keurig has started making a squeaking sound when it dispenses water. Ack, so annoying! Anyone know how to fix that ?

*1/13/14: Ugh, now the Keurig stalls out before dispensing water *and* it stops and starts during the brewing process. The machine is not flashing "DESCALE" yet, but I will try descaling tonight to see if that helps. I do not look forward to trying that. 

*05/15/2017: I ended up not descaling the Keurig. I got rid of it. Who wants to clean machine needles every couple months just to get a cup of tea ? Not this lady, that's for sure! 

Keurig K75 Platinum, Part 1

I must confess something: Up until a few days ago, I was one of those people who said "Why do you need a single cup brewer ? Can't you just put a kettle on the stove ?" Then I won a Keurig K75 Platinum brewer and three boxes of K-Cups in a contest. At first I was planning to gift or sell the Keurig to someone else. But once I tried the Platinum, I was hooked. Holy cow, this is my new favorite toy!

This review is picture heavy, so I'm breaking it into two posts.

Keurig K75 Platinum. Power button is behind the brewer. 72 oz water reservoir is on the left. If the Keurig runs out of water, the screen will say "ADD WATER." You'll need to empty and clean the reservoir by hand every now and then. Don't run it through the dishwasher. 

Programmable menu for clock, brew temperature, brew size and on / off times

"Caution: Sharp Needles." K-Cups (but never fingers) go here. You should also be careful removing the used K-Cups, since they can get very warm.

Removable drip tray. Not hard to clean!

The Platinum came with a water filter kit and 12 bonus K-Cups. The water filter is simple to install. Check your Keurig boxes for a registration form; fill it out to receive 2 free K-Cup boxes when you buy two boxes online. Sweet deal!

"Brews in under 1 minute." I like how quickly the Keurig produces a beverage for me. Much faster than heating water on the stove! The wait time from one drink to the next is mere seconds. After you've handed a hot mug of tea to a friend, the machine is already blinking "Ready to brew."

The 12 bonus K-Cups in the box. These included hot cocoa, tea and coffee. 

"Gourmet Coffee. Hot Tea. Hot Cocoa. Iced Tea. Iced Coffee."

Lipton Iced Sweet Tea. One of three K-Cup boxes the contest sponsors sent. The other flavors were green tea and black tea.

Lipton Rich Black Tea. I had never tasted buttery tea before. But boy is it delicious! The rich black tea is excellent with a slice of cake. I drink it iced, as I don't care for warm tea.

The Gevalia cups are from a free sample giveaway. The others are part of the bonus K-Cups in the Keurig box.

I love having a Keurig station in the kitchen. It's nice having my tea, powdered coffee and lemonade all in one spot. My favorite thing at the end of the day is making a refreshing drink in the Keurig. After setting up the brewer, I realized I had been keeping each beverage in separate areas of the kitchen. Ridiculous, right ?

Click here for part 2.

Searching For Good Tea

I am picky about tea. I have a hard time finding teas that I like besides black, orange pekoe, English breakfast, etc. Plus I only drink caffeine free tea at home, since caffeine keeps me awake at night; I drink just 1 serving of caffeinated, unsweetened tea at restaurants because it's a pain in the butt finding caffeine free tea at restaurants + I'm cutting back on sugar.

I started a spreadsheet the other week to figure out what ingredients I like and dislike in tea. So far I've found that the ones I dislike have carob + vanilla, which tastes like a lollipop sans the fruit flavoring to me. Here's the breakdown so far:

- Celestial Seasonings Gingbread Spice = love it
- C.S. Safari Spice Red Tea, Red Rooibos = love it
- C.S. Sugar Plum Spice = On the fence about it. It's got a nice sweet fruit taste, but it has that gross carob and vanilla taste, too.
- C.S. Bengal Spice = It really tastes like a batch of fresh sweet tea. I don't like sweet tea, but I would serve it to people who do.
- Davidson's Coconut Vanilla = Another carob and vanilla tea. Yuck.
- C.S. Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride = Really smells like cookies, but but has carob and vanilla. Thumbs down
- C.S. Cinnamon Apple Spice = Tastes like some kind of wonky fruit scented air freshener. It has carob, too.

So I need ideas. Recommend some good teas for me to try

Partique Party: Cascal All-Natural Soda

"Fermented For A 'Grown-Up' Taste"




There's one thing I look forward to every holiday season: uniquely flavored sodas. I don't want plain cola or kiddie punch with my Christmas dinner. I crave something bold, flavorful and grown up. The downside, though, is not being able to find those awesome sodas the rest of the year.

Fortunately, there is a solution to that post-holiday soda hunt. Partique and Cascal All Natural Soda offered me the opportunity to host a Cascal taste test party over the Christmas holiday. Their five flavors of soda are fermented yet non-alcoholic, all natural and no sugar added. Plus Cascal is available year round at Whole Foods. Which makes me very happy! In addition, Partique and Cascal sent super nice favors (a cookbook, t-shirt and coupons) for my party guests.



Cascal Fine Dry Fermented Soda, With Notes of Apple and Anise
37% Juice and 80 Calories Per Bottle

The Apple-Anise soda was quite refreshing. The scent upon opening the bottle was similar to a good beer. The slight apple taste was pleasant, too. I recommend serving this variety at a cookout with a good steak.



Cascal Light Red Fermented Natural Soda, With Notes of Black Currant and Mirabelle
19% Juice and 60 Calories Per Bottle

The one variety that everyone rated so-so. A slightly meek pear flavor with a pinch of pomegranate was the closest any of us could detect (pear and pomegranate were on the ingredient label). Black currant didn't shine through. I wasn't sure what Mirabelle was, until I googled it.



Cascal Fine Dark Fermented Natural Soda, With Notes of Honey And Malt
38% Juice and 80 Calories Per Bottle

A+ for Honey and Malt, the hands down favorite with the AMW family. This beverage was similar to molasses flavored ginger ale. Pair this variety with a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and stuffing. You can't go wrong with that!



Cascal Crisp White Fermented Natural Soda, With Notes of Pear, Apricot and Magnolia
31% Juice and 70 Calories Per Bottle

The dominant flavor was peach first (it's on the ingredient list) and pear second. Apricot was not noticeable. I'm unsure how magnolia is supposed to taste. Aside from that confusion, I would definitely buy Pear, Apricot and Magnolia. I love the dry, slightly sweet taste. The best pairing, in my opinion, is a salad of grilled chicken and mandarin oranges.



Cascal Ripe Rouge Fermented Natural Soda, With Notes of Cherry, Chocolate and Rose
34% Juice and 60 Calories Per Bottle

The first sip will remind of you of high quality cherry soda. The aftertaste is reminiscent of rich, dark cocoa nibs. Rose is hard to detect. Overall, a splendid flavor. A perfect beverage to serve with a light dessert, after a hearty German meal.

I was very impressed with the flavors of Cascal All Natural Soda. I'll definitely pick up a couple cases for my next party. And probably a few to go with dinner, too!

I'm unable to fit all of my party photos into one post. Visit Partique to view the rest of the pictures. You can also apply to host upcoming Partique parties of your own, when applications are posted over there.

Toys R Us, Part 1: Easy Bake Super Pack

When life hands you a Toys R Us gift card, you do what ? Buy toys for the godkids ? Get something sensible for yourself ? Heck no. You grab an Easy Bake 12 Mix Super Pack and the Girl Gourmet Ultimate Deco & Sprinkler Refill.







The Easy Bake Super Pack had 3 packs of yellow cake flavored mix, 3 packs of chocolate chip cookie flavored mix, 3 packs of sugar cookie flavored mix and 3 packs of chocolate frosting flavored mix. Each mix required a dash of water. If you're wondered why I said "flavored" four times, that's Hasbro's wording, not mine.





Left to right: Chocolate frosting, yellow cake batter, sugar cookie mix and chocolate chip cookie mix. Each shot glasses holds three packets worth of mix or frosting. Yep, you're not getting a lot.

The chocolate frosting tasted & smelled like chocolate cake batter. The only reason it was better than Girl Gourmet (see review #2) is because Girl Gourmet frosting had a metallic taste.

The yellow cake batter had a sweet, buttery, pudding scent, just like other yellow cake mixes.

The sugar cookie mix smelled like Yogi Fresh Strawberry Crunch. I have no idea why.

The chocolate chip cookie mix smelled like a less buttery yellow cake mix. The chocolate chips were not solid. They were those little soft pieces that are precariously close to being labeled "chocolatey chips."



7 Chocolate chip cookies & 6 yellow cakes in a small muffin tin.



6 Sugar cookies in a small muffin tin

Yeah, I used a normal oven. I know you're supposed to buy the actual Easy Bake Oven. I couldn't justify buying it for a one time taste test.

I started off baking the treats for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the cake tops and the cookies were both fluffy, but not done. So I put the tray back in for 20 more minutes. The cakes unfortunately started to get crisp, but again, still not done. I scooped the cookies and cakes out of the muffin tin, put them on a sheet of foil and baked for another 20 minutes. That only helped partially. I gave up after that. The comment over here was "Well, duh, of course they're not coming out right. They're supposed to cook under a light bulb, not in a regular oven."

I give this product a B for taste and a C- for over all usefulness. Unless you're a big fan of Easy Bake and definitely plan to buy the refills, this is not a great value for your money.

POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice

One of my favorite drinks is fruit juice. The caveat is that many brands of juice either have unhealthy, unpronounceable ingredients or are made with imported juice from other parts of the world. Which left me with two options: (1) buy an expensive at home juicer or (2) give up fruit juice altogether. Yeah, I didn't love those two options. When the folks at POM Wonderful sent me samples recently, I found my tasty, healthy third option: POM Wonderful 100 % pomegranate juice. POM Wondeful's pomegranates are grown in the USA in orchards in California, not overseas. And there's no fillers or extra sugars. After learning that, it was goodbye to the juicer catalogues & the monotony of tap water for me.

Here are some easy recipes you can make at home, using POM Wonderful pomegranate juice and a few simple ingredients:



Pineapple, Onion & POM Burgers

4 vegan meatless burger patties, thawed
1 cup POM Wonderful pomegranate juice
1/2 cup chopped white onions
1/2 cup pineapple chunks

In a medium mixing bowl, combine vegan patties, POM, onions and pineapple. Marinate for 10 minutes. Grill for 5-7 minutes. This is one burger recipe where buns aren't really necessary, since the POM juice adds such a great flavor to the food.



POM And Buttermilk Biscuits

My biscuits were inspired by Vaish Ali's recipe for vegan buttermilk biscuits. Instead of 1 cup of buttermilk, I went with 2/3 cup buttermilk + 1/3 cup POM juice. Also, I used heart shaped muffin tins. These were the lightest, fluffiest biscuits I've ever made. The next time I make this recipe, I think I'll add in pomegranate seeds.



Buttermilk And POM Pie

The filling of this pie is Emeril Lagasse's recipe combined with 1/2 cup of POM juice. The POM replaced the lemon called for in the pie.

The crust was 2 1/4 cups of crushed sandwich cookies, 5 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of POM juice.

The buttermilk pie took about 45 minutes to bake. It was definitely worth making, though. You won't believe your mouth when you taste the filling of POM and buttermilk. It is out of this world good!



POM Rock Candy
My yummy homemade candy started with wikihow's rock candy recipe. I replaced the flavored food coloring with 1/4 cup POM juice. I'm normally not big on hard candy, but I was very impressed with how the rock candy turned out. I also liked the kick of natural flavor from the POM juice. This recipe is great for holiday gifts and wedding favors.

POMx Iced Coffee

"A delicious blend of antioxidants, caffeine and rich coffee"

Confession time: I don't drink hot coffee. Iced coffee, though, I love. Sipping an iced coffee at the park is just so relaxing to me. The downside to that past time is spilling your cup on the drive to the park : P But there is a solution to that: POMx Iced Coffee. Their coffees come in cute, portable bottles you can toss in your tote bag for a day at the park.

POMx comes in three yummy flavors: vanilla, chocolate and cafe au lait. Some of you are probably wondering "Wait, isn't POM a fruit juice ? I don't want juice in my coffee." No worries. Only the pomegranate antioxidants are in POMx iced coffee, not the actual pomegranate flavor. Plus, this beverage is preservative free and made with hormone-free milk.

Aside from drinking the POMx iced coffee, I liked trying it in recipes. For breakfast, I recommend a glass of POMx cafe au lait, fruit, toast and cafe au lait butter. The cafe au lait butter was easy to make. Just mix a smidge of the POMx and some butter in a small bowl with a fork. Don't add too much, as you just want to add the flavor and not make the butter soggy.

For dessert, I added 1/4 cup POMx cafe au lait to a chocolate chip cookie mix. That was the best idea ever. Like chocolate chip cookies aren't addictive enough! X D

As a late night snack, I would suggest the chocolate POMx. I had a bowl of black pepper popcorn and the chocolate flavor. That was a very odd combination, but absolutely delicious. (I sort of get the whole chili and chocolate craze now) I dipped the popcorn in the chocolate POMx. What, it tasted good.

Thumbs up for POMx Iced Coffee *skips off to produce aisle for more*


POMx cafe au lait & POMx chocolate iced coffees


POMx cafe au lait & POMx chocolate iced coffees


POMx chocolate iced coffee and black pepper popcorn


POMx cafe au lait iced coffee and toast with POMx cafe au lait butter

Starbucks Espresso Truffles

"Intense, indulgent dark chocolate delights infused with our bold Espresso Roast coffee"







Compared to the chai variety, the espresso truffles were much better. I enjoyed the strong espresso roast flavor. I've had better dark chocolate, though; it reminded me of hard shell chocolate used for ice cream.

I probably would not buy these again, as they are very rich tasting. Half of one piece was more than enough for me. I would recommend these as stocking stuffers for a coffee lover.