Love me, love my coffee mouth!

That's what I just told my husband, as I planted an unwanted kiss on his lips. I say unwanted because I have a bad case of "coffee mouth" right now, and he hates coffee. Yes, that's right, I'm drinking coffee again. I thought I'd just do it occasionally... but I might have to change my tune now that I've experienced such a grande cappuccino....

You see, it all started with a gift certificate to Crate & Barrel. We recieved it as a late wedding gift last week. Actually, I didn't even know we had it until I was about to throw some mail away. With the gift card came a little catalogue (to lure you in, of course!). Well, I happen to work next to C & B, but I had never gone inside. The next day I went there and got a few kitchen necessities that we had not yet acquired.

When I got home, I realized I had to make a few returns (there were a few items I realized I could buy for cheaper with a gift card we had for a different store). So, I leafed through the little catalogue to see what we could get with the return balance.

That's when I saw it. Shimmering, shiny, right there on the glossy page. It promised a cappuccino in 5 minutes-- no dials, digits, electrical outlets, or complicated machinery. The Bialletti Mukka Express.

I ransacked the house for unused gifts that needed to be returned (don't worry, there really weren't that many... our place is so tiny, though, we kind of needed to minimize). After some careful calculation and a few visits to the returns counter at our original place of registry (Bed Bath and Beyond has wonderful service, and a great return policy!), I proceeded to Crate & Barrel. There, I exchanged my small bounty for my very own Mukka Express. Otherwise, I would have never been able to afford it. Eek! Heaven's no.

After a few botched go's at making a cappuccino, this evening I finally managed to get the hang of it all. I used Peet's fresh Espresso Forte blend, and some Silk Soy Milk.

If I had enough money, I'd buy one of these things for everyone I loved dearly (who happened to love coffee). But since I'm not able to purchase one for you, do yourself a little favor and start up your Christmas list with THIS at the top!
Got an anniversary coming up? "Sweety, nix the diamonds/Benz/mink-- it's the Mukka Express I want!"

That's really all I can say. It's up to you now to taste the wonder... or at least come on over and I'll happily make you a cup! Enjoy with fresh Peets and soy (my humble recommendation). And like everything else in this life-- consume in moderation.

:)
Xenia the hopeless coffee fan