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Our Keurig Special Edition brewer got a new baby brother, today! And he is the most gorgeous shade of shiny red! Keurig’s MINI Plus brewer is the perfect size for campers, dorm rooms, hotel rooms, tiny apartments and your office desk. Now you can have your favorite coffee, tea and beverage flavors wherever you are, [...]
Our Keurig Special Edition brewer got a new baby brother, today! And he is the most gorgeous shade of shiny red! Keurig’s MINI Plus brewer is the perfect size for campers, dorm rooms, hotel rooms, tiny apartments and your office desk. Now you can have your favorite coffee, tea and beverage flavors wherever you are, even if space is at a premium.
The new Keurig MINI Plus and K-Cups we were sent to test and review. Isn't that a gorgeous red!
The Keurig MINI Plus Brewer is gorgeous, with three choices for color – black, red and platinum. It’s more square and boxy than my special Edition Brewer and the footprint on my counter is a little smaller. Used as intended, in smaller spaces, where an individual needs a quick refreshment, the MINI Brewer is the perfect way to enjoy the same delicious hot beverages you can get from larger models. This is not the brewer you want on your kitchen counter if you have a large family, making many multiple beverages a day from it. That’s not what it was intended for. This sweet little brewer is the perfect fit in your home office/den, a vacation home or cabin, a business trip hotel room, in your camper or wherever your quiet getaway place might be. It’s intended to brew a single cup at a time. It provides the convenience of a fresh, piping hot cup, right at your fingertips, without needing to make a whole pot. And it only takes around two minutes, which includes heating the water and brewing your perfect beverage!
Filling the brewer is easy. The three gray discs on the left, show you the exact water level for whichever size cup you are brewing. Simply fill to the top of the desired disc. This is the only part I thought was a little "touchy" about the MINI Plus. You definitely want to pay attention and not overfill the brewer or the excess will run first into the drip tray underneath and then onto your counter, if it's so full the tray can't contain it. That's why I recommend keeping a close eye if children are using the machine.
I see the same Keurig quality, I have come to know and expect, in this little machine. If you follow the included instructions, using bottled or filtered water, like with all other models, you can enjoy years of variety and deliciousness from your liquid refreshments. Our Special Edition is still going strong and gets a lot of wear and tear from this big family. The MINI Plus is super simple to operate, too; and has many of the same features we have come to love in our bigger model. For instance, I can choose from three different cup sizes. It has a removable drip tray, which makes it easy to clean and helps to accommodate taller mugs or even short drinking glasses. I can brew hot or cold beverages with it and any K-Cup flavor works in it.
This handy drip tray catches any spills you make or overflow if the reservoir is too full AND it is removable so taller mugs can be used. Great feature!
When you buy a Keurig brewer, it’s important to pick the size and style that fits YOUR specific needs and believe me, they have something for everyone! There are three things, specific to it’s design and it’s intended use, that make the Keurig MINI Plus not as good an option for our beverage guzzling family, and more appropriate for a small space used by only one or two people.
- One thing I did notice is that you really need to be aware of what you’re doing when you fill the machine. Overfilling the water reservoir can result in a big mess on your counter, so I would definitely say, the MINI Plus is not as child-friendly as our Special Edition brewer. It is definitely important to be paying attention to the process.
- Also, because it’s made for small spaces, it can’t accommodate my big iced tea glasses. It is definitely designed with the hot beverage drinker in mind, although it IS possible for you to put ice in a mug and brew cold beverages.
- And you can only add enough water to make one cup at a time. This means the water isn’t heated until you start the brewing process. It’s around two minutes from start to finish, which isn’t a big deal for one person. But if all the kids and grandbabies want hot chocolate and hubby wants his coffee and I need a glass of iced tea, the Special Edition is our perfect solution. The MINI Plus is ideal for a college student or in your workshop, but our family loves the option of the large, always ready reservoir of our Special Edition Brewer.
Once the reservoir has your desired amount of water, turn the power on to your MINI Plus.
Load your favorite K-Cup flavor and then close the holder. When the lid goes down, you will hear the water stream from the reservoir into the machine to be heated. (Note: Using my large, over-sized mug means removing the drip tray for this brewing. I love having that option!)
Once the lid is closed, the brew button will flash blue. Press it and it will continue to flash, only in red, as the water is heated and your beverage is brewed.
It only takes around two minutes from the time the water begins heating until your cup is being filled! Mmmm...Apple Cider!
Our MINI Plus arrived with 12 K-Cup samples in the box and we are enjoying testing each one, as well as brewing old favorites. With fall peeking around the corner, promising to be here soon, I’m longing for cool, crisp evenings on the deck with a cup of hot apple cider and good friends to visit with. Mmmm! Plus, it’s almost time to make Apple Cider Doughnut Holes! What a great snack for fall! With my Keurig brewers, I don’t have to run to the store to buy a gallon jug of cider before I can whip up a batch. With the handy K-Cups already on hand, I can fresh brew the Hot Apple Cider, in just the amount I need and have a fabulous autumn snack in no time at all. (Be watching for the recipe in an upcoming post! You’re going to LOVE them!)
Apple Cider Doughnut Holes! We'll make some together, soon.
And for those of you, like us, who are still enjoying those hot days of Summer, Southern Sweet Tea from Celestial Seasonings, is one of many iced tea varieties that your family can enjoy to cool off and feel refreshed. Our family enjoys several of them. Believe it or not, I and my youngest LOVE to brew the English Breakfast Black Tea K-Cups from Celestial Seasonings over ice. It’s the perfect unsweetened flavor for our thirsty tastebuds! My husband thinks everything is better with sugar, though, so he loves the Half & Half K-Cups, (half lemonade, half tea). No matter what your taste, there is a K-Cup that will fit it, your mood and the season perfectly!
These are the flavors that came in the K-Cup Sampler with the MINI Plus we reviewed.
My husband is the resident coffee connoisseur in our home and that’s where Keurig has become my best friend. Rather than buying large cans or bags of coffee and beans, that can be so expensive and often sit in the cupboard until they are stale and unappealing, I can have a large variety of K-cups available for him, so he can “mix-it up” and enjoy something different every day if he chooses. He has his tried and true favorites like Nantucket Blend, but he loves to experiment and try new flavors, too. Right now he is loving Van Houtte Cafe’s French Vanilla and Barista Prima Coffeehouse’s French Roast.
And for those cool nights on the way, the kids and I always look forward to steamy, sweet and spicy mugs of Cafe Express Chai Latte (My girls call it Thanksgiving in a cup. 
) and Cafe Express Dark Hot Chocolate or Milk Hot Chocolate. Perfect treats for warming you right down to your toes on a crisp, fall evening!
- At Keurig, there is a variety, a flavor and a brewer that is the perfect fit for every household. Which one fits you?
So, what kind of household are you? Big or small? Hot or iced? Coffee, tea, or cocoa? At Keurig, there’s a brewer and a flavor that is PERFECT for you! And generous, as always, Keurig is sponsoring a giveaway to help you test that out! One Busy-at-Home reader will win a Keurig MINI Plus and assortment of K-Cups as part of my 50th Birthday Bash! Here’s how to enter.
Giveaway Rules:
You must be 18 or older and a resident of the U.S. to enter. The mandatory entry must be completed before any optional entries will count. Deadline to enter is midnight (CST) Sunday, September 4, 2011.
Mandatory Entry:
What’s your best fit? Visit the Keurig online store and find the brewer that is perfect for your home or workspace. Leave a comment below that tells me which one you chose and where you would use it.
Optional Additional Entries:
- Like Keurig on Facebook and leave them a little note letting them know how much you appreciate this fantastic giveaway at Busy-at-Home. Leave a comment below letting me know you did. Be sure to include your Facebook name, so I can find you in their fans list.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Twitter. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Google Friends Connect. Use the “Join” button in the right-hand sidebar. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter (in the right-hand sidebar). You will receive an email confirmation with a link that must be clicked to confirm your subscription. Once you click the email link to confirm your subscription, leave me a comment to let me know you’ve done it.
- Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. I’m entered to win a fabulous Keurig MINI Plus Brewer and K-Cups sampler from Keurig & Busy-at-Home! http://busy-at-home.com/blog/win-a-keurig-mini-plus-brewer-in-our-review-and-giveaway-birthday-bash-surprise-2/ Leave a comment below with a link to your post.
- Tweet this giveaway (1x daily) : I’m entered to win a fabulous Keurig MINI Plus Brewer and K-Cups sampler from Keurig & Busy-at-Home! http://busy-at-home.com/blog/win-a-keurig-mini-plus-brewer-in-our-review-and-giveaway-birthday-bash-surprise-2/ #giveaway Leave a comment below with a link to your tweet.
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I received a Keurig MINI Plus Brewer and sample K-Cups in order to test them and conduct this review. No monetary compensation was received and as always, at Busy-at-Home, views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.
Yes, it’s true. Realistically, by August 28, I SHOULD have a half century of wisdom to impart to the masses. I’m sorry. I’m not sure what went wrong. — lol – But there’s still good news! If I don’t go too dark, I can still pull off coloring all that “wisdom” out of my [...]
Yes, it’s true. Realistically, by August 28, I SHOULD have a half century of wisdom to impart to the masses. I’m sorry. I’m not sure what went wrong. — lol – But there’s still good news!
- If I don’t go too dark, I can still pull off coloring all that “wisdom” out of my hair!
- I have all of you to celebrate with me! It still amazes me that you all keep coming back and reading. Without you, there wouldn’t be a blog and the love and support you have shown is, frankly, overwhelming and so appreciated. You rock!
- Some of the best sponsors on this planet are celebrating with us and there will be fabulous giveaways for you!
I have truly been blessed to have met and worked with some amazing people and companies, since starting my blogging journey. If you’ve been reading my blog for very long, it isn’t hard to figure out, that some are special — I love their products and value their partnerships. Would you like a sneak peek at a few (well, I’ll give you three for now. 
) of the Birthday Bash participating sponsors? You’re going to love what’s coming!
I know you love them, as much as I do. I can't wait for you to see what's brewing!
Brighter Blooms is new at Busy-at-Home, but you'll see why they are on a fast-track to our favorites list. Love, love, love their offerings and you won't believe the birthday giveaway gift! HUGE!!! lol
You already know King Arthur has my heart -- their people and their products! The fun Birthday Bash giveaway from King Arthur Flour will be the kick-off for a brand new series on my experiences at their first-ever Blog and Bake in Vermont, this summer, things you need to know about their company and flour, plus fabulous recipes. It's going to be DELISH! You won't want to miss a minute!
So, watch for the first giveaway post coming on Monday, August 8th! My 50th Birthday Bash is going to be AWESOME! Just like all of you!
The giveaway for the Keurig Special Edition Brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cups ended at midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Congratulations to the winner, Laureen Boticelli, #656! The giveaway for the Gaddy Nipper Crayons ended at midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Congratulations to the winner, Leah Walker, #72! You have both been emailed [...]
The giveaway for the Keurig Special Edition Brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cups ended at midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Congratulations to the winner, Laureen Boticelli, #656!
The giveaway for the Gaddy Nipper Crayons ended at midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Congratulations to the winner, Leah Walker, #72!
You have both been emailed with details for claiming your prize. Please reply to the email within 48 hours. Merry Christmas!
This Giveaway Ended at Midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Congratulations to the winner, Lauren Boticelli, #656! We have added a “little brother” to our Keurig Special Edition Brewer family. It’s no secret to any of you that we love our Keurig Special Edition brewer. When we first reviewed this wonderful machine, we were [...]
This Giveaway Ended at Midnight (CST), Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010.
Congratulations to the winner, Lauren Boticelli, #656!
We have added a “little brother” to our Keurig Special Edition Brewer family. It’s no secret to any of you that we love our Keurig Special Edition brewer. When we first reviewed this wonderful machine, we were captivated by the simplicity, convenience and variety it added to serving hot or iced beverages, whether we are just relaxing at home or have a house full of people we are entertaining. You can read my full review of the Special Edition brewer, here, but today, I am excited to tell you all about Keurig’s Cafe One-Touch Milk Frother, the perfect accessory for the brewer, and how both machines can fit into your Homemade Holiday!
The Keurig Milk Frother has allowed us to take our favorite Keurig beverages to the “gourmet coffee shop” level and create yummy, gourmet coffee, chocolate and tea drinks without the high coffee shop prices. The frother is simple to use, easy to clean and turns our own skim milk into a creamy, frothy accompaniment to our favorite drinks. Just when I think I couldn’t be more excited about or pleased with Keurig as a company, I try a new product and my excitement over them and their products is reignited.
The milk frother truly is one-touch. Using skim milk, fill the frother to the fill line inside the pot. Insert the frother into the pot by snapping the lid into place. (Another great feature! – See that round wire spring-looking thingy? That’s what whips your skim milk into a fluffy frenzy, BUT it’s also easy to slide off the post and then you can just heat milk without frothing it. They thought of everything!)
Putting the lid on the frother.
One push of the button conveniently located on the front of the frother and the machine heats and foams your skim milk in a matter of seconds.
A green light glows on the button when the machine is heating and frothing.
When the light stops glowing, push the button on the frother handle to release the lid . Look at that delicious whipped milk ready to dress up your favorite beverage!
Can you believe that was skim milk!!??!!
Once the milk has been added to your drink, just set the frother back on the base.
Frother base.
You can visit the Keurig website and click on the recipe books on the counter, at the center-left edge of the picture, to get some delicious recipe ideas from the coffee experts. But in the meantime, I wanted to share some of our family favorites.
I’m pretty sure that I have expressed, in a previous post, that one of my many personal favorite K-Cups is the Cafe Escapes Chai Latte. It is one of the most spicy, delicious treats just as a stand-alone beverage, but the addition of warm milk and/or froth takes it to a heavenly creaminess level, that will find you fighting the urge to make multiple mugsful (Did I invent another new word?) in one evening! I wanted to show you a beautiful cup of it, piled high with foam and dusted with nutmeg, but I am forced to admit I had the last one, yesterday, and will need to make a run to the store to be stocked up before the holidays. But no worries! I have several other creations to share. These are all “dressed up” versions of K-Cups we use on their own every single day. These dressed up versions are definitely holiday party worthy and will have your guests clambering for more.
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Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa
- Cafe Express Milk Chocolate Cocoa K-Cup
- Chocolate Syrup
- skim milk
- cocoa powder (small amount to dust as decoration)
Pour skim milk into the Keurig Cafe One-Touch Milk Frother.
Brew the Milk Chocolate Cocoa with 6 or 8 oz of water while your milk is frothing.
In a separate mug, add 2 or 3 Tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
Top the chocolate syrup layer with a thick layer of milk foam from your frother.
Add a layer of frothed milk to the top of the chocolate syrup layer.
Slowly drizzle your brewed hot chocolate, in a thin stream, over the center of the milk foam and watch the magic happen! Your layers will switch as the chocolate takes on creaminess from the milk and the froth rises to the top. It’s beautiful!
See the beautiful layers that dress up this wonderful cool weather treat and make it something truly festive? Just wait until you taste it with the chocolate and creamy frothed milk stirred in! Yum!
Dust the top of the foam with a little cocoa powder and serve to impressed guests and grateful family!
Double Chocolate Cocoa dressed for your holiday party!
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French Vanilla Caramel Latte
- French Vanilla Coffee K-Cup
- Caramel Syrup
- sugar
- vanilla
- skim milk
- whipped cream, optional
Fill frother to fill line and heat and froth the milk.
While the milk is frothing, brew the French Vanilla Coffee K-Cup.
French Vanilla Coffee K-Cup loaded in the Special Edition brewer, ready to be brewed.
Once your coffee is brewed, stir in about 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, some warmed milk (there will be a small amount in the bottom of the frother, underneath all the foam) and sugar, to taste. David likes two teaspoons. Add 2 – 3 Tablespoons of caramel syrup, which will settle to the bottom of the mug for just a second. Then you will note a yummy caramel ring, rising and forming around the top of your mug.
See the caramel ring?
Stir in the caramel. Spoon in a thick layer of milk froth and if desired, add a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle a little extra caramel syrup over the top and you’ll rival any coffee shop brew!
A yummy French Vanilla Caramel Latte with frothed milk and a dollop of whipped cream.
With the addition of frothed milk and some holiday flavors, any hot chocolate, tea or coffee beverages can become something special and a delicious treat! Who could resist Gingerbread Hot Chocolate? It’s topped with warm and frothy skimmed milk, gingerbread marshmallows and a cinnamon stick garnish? Yum! And nothing could be simpler than topping hot chocolate with some frothy skim milk, crushed peppermint candy and a candy cane garnish.
What grandchild wouldn't be wide eyed with delight at the sight of Gingerbread Hot Chocolate or Peppermint Hot Chocolate?
I know some of you don’t drink coffee or sometimes you want something lighter and not so creamy. Keurig has lots of options for you. One of the most wonderful seasonal specialty beverages that has been released for our cool weather enjoyment is Hot Apple Cider K-Cups. We brew it with 8 oz of water and it is a wonderful, appley sweet treat that warms you through on a nippy winter evening or afternoon!
Keurig's delicious, new Hot Apple Cider!
To dress it up for a holiday party you could add sliced citrus and cinnamon sticks for a pretty presentation.
An orange slice and cinnamon stick to spice up a delicious beverage for your holiday party.
All the coffees and teas you can make in the Keurig Special Edition Brewer, can also be brewed over ice. If you love iced coffee this is a perfect solution to save money over expensive coffee shop drinks. I’m an iced tea fan, any time of the year. I love Earl Gray tea, served hot, but my favorite K-Cup for Iced Tea is Celestial Seasoning’s English Breakfast Tea. It is the perfect brewed flavor, without being too weak or too strong. Another benefit is that I actually get two glasses of iced tea from an English Breakfast Tea K-Cup.
Two iced teas brewed with 8 oz of water each, from a single K-Cup.
Spruced up iced tea with a slice of lemon and a little fresh mint.
Iced tea, worthy of a special guest.
I love that I can provide a variety of beverages that fit a wide range of tastes when serving guests. You’ll never have to settle for reheated leftover coffee, again, when you can brew it fresh for each individual cup! I could continue to sing the praises of Keurig’s Special Edition Brewer, but this post has already gotten lengthy and I have some AMAZING news for you! You can add to the list of things that I love about Keurig, that they are incredibly generous. One lucky Busy-at-Home reader is going to benefit tremendously from that generosity. Keurig is providing a Special Edition Brewer AND a box of limited edition Apple Cider K-Cups for a Busy-at-Home giveaway!
Giveaway Rules:
You must be 18 or older and a resident of the U.S. to enter. The mandatory entry must be completed before any optional entries will count. Deadline to enter is midnight (CST) Sunday, December 19, 2010.
Mandatory Entry:
Visit the Keurig online store and look at the hundreds of flavors of coffee, tea and beverages available. Leave a comment below that tells me the flavor you think you would most love to try and what you would like the best about owning a Keurig Special Edition brewer.
Optional Additional Entries:
- Like Keurig on Facebook. Leave a comment below letting me know you did. Be sure to include your Facebook name, so I can find you in their fans list.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Twitter. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Like Busy-at-Home on Facebook. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Follow Busy-at-Home on Google Friends Connect. Use the “Join” button in the right-hand sidebar. Leave a comment letting me know you’ve done it.
- Subscribe to the Busy-at-Home Newsletter with this link (or in the right-hand sidebar). You will receive an email confirmation with a link that must be clicked to confirm your subscription. Once you click the email link to confirm your subscription, leave me a comment to let me know you’ve done it.
- Post this giveaway on your Facebook page. I’m entered to win a fabulous Keurig Special Edition brewer and Apple Cider K-Cups from Keurig and Busy-at-Home! http://busy-at-home.com/blog/keurig-milk-frother-review-another-special-edition-brewer-giveaway/
Leave a comment below with a link to your post. - Tweet this giveaway (1x daily) : I’m entered to win a spectacular Keurig Special Edition Brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cups @busyathome http://ow.ly/3mVdx #giveaway Leave a comment below with a link to your tweet.
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I received a Keurig Cafe One-Touch Milk Frother and a box of Apple Cider K-Cups in order to conduct this review. No monetary compensation was received and a positive review was not required. Additionally, Keurig will provide a Special Edition Brewer and box of Hot Apple Cider K-Cups to the giveaway winner. As always, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.
It’s time! It’s here! At midnight on September 16 (CST), it will all be over and some of you will be the winners of the over $1500 in prizes being sponsored here at Busy-at-Home for our Christmas at Home: A Celebration event!!!! That means today, September 14, is the last day to complete any Bonus [...]
It's arrived! The Winter Song china from Lenox is here!
It’s time! It’s here! At midnight on September 16 (CST), it will all be over and some of you will be the winners of the over $1500 in prizes being sponsored here at Busy-at-Home for our Christmas at Home: A Celebration event!!!! That means today, September 14, is the last day to complete any Bonus entries. At midnight tonight, those are all going away and being replaced by the official Blogmania entry page, which can only be submitted one time on the 15th and one time on the 16th.
Dinner plate detail.
Salad plate detail. Aren't they gorgeous!!???!!!
To inspire you to catch up on your bonuses and remind you how awesome our Busy at Home sponsors are, I want to share the pictures of the new Winter Song china from Lenox that arrived here, a couple of days ago. It is even more beautiful than the stock pictures I shared with you in my earlier Lenox review. The place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, mug and and a bowl. It will make a gorgeous Christmas table, but I also love the idea that this pattern translates to use all winter long with its lovely winter scenes. The branches, berries, greenery and pinecones twining around and across the pieces are perfect table complements throughout the whole season and you will fall in love with the hand-painted birds perched delicately on the salad plate. I know I have. You are going to get to see it many times, in pictures of delicious food, for my upcoming recipe posts!
Attention to the most beautiful detail - even INSIDE the bowl!
Beautiful bowl!
I have one last Blogmania Bonus Entry for you, in honor of receiving this beautiful place setting to review.
2. Paste this message on the Lenox Facebook wall. “The new Winter Song holiday pattern is absolutely gorgeous! I’m entered to win it at Busy-at-Home http://busy-at-home.com/blog/blogmania-2010-begins-at-1201-am-sept-15-final-bonus/. Thanks for being a Blogmania 2010 sponsor!
3. BONUS ENTRIES HAVE NOW EXPIRED. Don’t miss the main event! Enter now at our main Blogmania entry page!
INSIDE the mug! I love the attention to detail!
Tall, gorgeous mug! (Very weird lighting on my counter in this one, but the mug looks great!)
Remember, you only have until midnight, tonight, September 14 to complete your Bonuses. You must be 18 or older and a resident of the United States to win. Winners will be selected by random drawing from all qualified entries, using random.org and will be notified on September 17, 2010.
K-Cup loaded in the brewer As the only non-coffee drinker in my household, you would think I would be less excited about the Keurig Special Edition Brewer sitting on my kitchen counter, this morning, but I can’t wait for all of you to see it! I wish you could all come by and have a [...]
- K-Cup loaded in the brewer
As the only non-coffee drinker in my household, you would think I would be less excited about the Keurig Special Edition Brewer sitting on my kitchen counter, this morning, but I can’t wait for all of you to see it! I wish you could all come by and have a cup of your favorite coffee, tea or cocoa. We could sit around the kitchen table and visit while we each had our own custom-made beverages.
- Freshly brewed coffee being made. It smells wonderful!
When I think coffee brewer, I think of hot liquid and a welcoming coffee aroma. While the Keurig certainly does produce both, it does SO much more than that. It will totally change the way you think about making coffee. First of all, the vast array of available flavors is almost overwhelming! There are so many wonderful varieties to choose from. My family has been enjoying Wolfgang Puck’s Breakfast Blend coffee. It’s more mild and one of my husband’s favorites. My son-in-law and brother-in-law like more bold flavors in their coffee and have enjoyed trying Emeril Lagasse’s Big Easy Bold Coffee, as well as the Black Tiger Coffee and Jet Fuel, both by Coffee People. Green Mountain’s Flavored coffee variety pack with Hazelnut Dark Roast Extra Bold, Carmel Vanilla Cream, Wild Mountain Blueberry and French Vanilla flavors has also been a favorite. This barely scratches the surface of the multitude of hot coffee flavors that are available.
- Some of the K-Cup flavors we have been reviewing.
But what makes this brewer so completely unique is that it doesn’t stop at making just hot coffee. We were fortunate enough to also receive a yummy French Vanilla Iced Coffee to try and have since learned that any of the flavors available can be brewed over ice. Not a coffee drinker? Well, you’re in my club and I can tell you I still put plenty of miles on the Keurig Special Edition Brewer. I have enjoyed freshly brewed iced tea by the glass, multiple times a day, since we received this little gem. I absolutely love it! I can make hot tea, too and the kids have been drinking cocoa and white hot chocolate like there is no tomorrow, even in this ridiculous heat! This really is a machine that can accommodate every member of your family. The tea and cocoa varieties are as plentiful as coffee. Celestial Seasonings makes several varieties of herbal teas for the Keurig and we got to try them in their variety box that contains Green Tea, English Breakfast Tea, Lemon Zinger Herbal Tea and Sleepytime Herbal Tea. I’m looking forward to trying an Earl Grey, as that is always one of my favorite wintertime teas. There are so many more flavors to choose from than I could ever list here. You really MUST go to the Keurig website and browse through what’s available. You just won’t believe the options!
- Loading an English Breakfast Blend Tea K-Cup
Iced Tea Brewing right over the ice
- Beautiful, freshly brewed, delicious iced tea!
Since, I’m not a sugar-in-my-drinks kind of person, and it has been 9288 degrees here , every day for a week, now, I have been loving the option of brewing tea over ice. The English Breakfast Tea is amazing that way. There are tons of iced tea varieties available, too. We got to try the Half and Half Perfect Iced Tea, which is half tea and half lemonade. We also sampled the Southern Sweet Perfect Iced Tea. I have a list of others I plan on trying, too. How about Tropical Breeze White Iced Tea, Sweet Berry Lime Green Iced Tea or Sweet Raspberry Perfect Iced Tea? Oh my goodness, I almost forgot to tell you about one of the most delicious teas of all. I had to come back here and edit this paragraph, because you have to know. It’s the Chai Latte by Cafe Escapes. Can I just say, “Aaaaaaagggghhhhhh.” It is every warm, wonderful Thanksgiving memory you have ever experienced all rolled up in a cup! Smooth, cinnamony, spicy, delish!!!
So far, we have tried Timothy’s White Hot Chocolate and the Hot Cocoa (Milk Chocolate) by Green Mountain. Both have been a hit with adults and kids, alike. In addition, there are two more Hot Chocolate varieties from Cafe Express and one from Ghiardelli.
Okay, so there are definitely a lot of flavors and varieties of beverages to choose from when you own a Keurig brewer, but let me give you a list of everything I love about this machine and why I believe it is such an amazing value.
- It is SIMPLE to use. Once the water reservoir was filled, my eight-year-old mastered this machine in a matter of seconds. Just fill the water reservoir, insert a K-cup, close the K-cup holder lid and select the button specific water amount for the strength you want for your beverage. Less than 30 seconds later, be sipping your custom drink!
- Yes, that’s right! I said select the water amount used to brew your beverage. There are THREE options: 6 oz, 8 oz or 12 oz. So, you can brew according to your mug or glass size and according to the strength you prefer. Awesome!
- The footprint on my counter is small. About one square foot or less, I would say. I haven’t actually measured, but it’s not much.
- It’s modern and stylish looking. Most of you know I don’t keep appliances on my counter. I hate clutter on my countertops and everything is stored in a cabinet or cubby until I need it, but as much use as this Keurig brewer is getting and as good as it looks, it has a place of honor on my counter.
English Breakfast Tea over Ice in a Standard Iced Tea Glass
This goblet was a little too tall. I removed the drip tray, brewed the tea and then slid the drip tray right back into place. Perfect!
- I have used all different sizes, shapes and types of cups and mugs in this machine, with the same great results. Ceramic mugs, glass drinking glasses and goblets and even plastic drinking glasses. The goblet I used for making a glass of tea was a hair’s width too tall and so I removed the drip tray and set the glass on the base of the brewer, where it fit beautifully. I brewed the tea, replaced the drip tray and it was back to business as usual.
- It is SO fun to be able to offer guests a choice from such a wide selection of delicious varieties. You will literally be able to offer something for every taste, perfectly brewed and instantly fresh!
- The machine comes with a one-year warranty and when I went online to register it, I received a coupon code for two free boxes of K-Cups with the purchase of two.
- The drinks are always up-to-the-minute fresh. No more stale coffee left in the pot from this morning or the end of a pitcher of iced tea made yesterday afternoon. The freshest most delicious taste is at your fingertips all the time!
- It’s FAST!!! I need to time this, but I am certain that it takes 15 seconds or less for the drink to actually brew. It’s simply amazing to watch.
- While this might not be as economical as brewing a plain old pot of coffee at home, I am convinced that anyone who is in the daily habit of purchasing a cup of coffee or specialty coffee drinks will save tons of money with this machine and K-Cups. Depending on the variety you are drinking and where you purchase them, the K-Cups we have been using are around 50¢- 70¢ each. Compare that to coffee out, which will be several dollars for a single cup. Plus, you get the variety and freshness right in your own home.
Keurig generously provided us their Special Edition Brewer and all the wonderful K-Cups, so that we could complete this review. They are also sponsoring a giveaway in our Blogmania 2010 giveaway event. One lucky Busy-at-Home reader will win a Keurig Special Edition Brewer and four assorted boxes of K-Cups. That’s almost a $200 value! Keurig has been such an amazing sponsor and their product quality and service have been great. I’m offering one Bonus Entry in our Blogmania drawings to readers who complete the following requirements.
Visit the Keurig website and select a variety of K-Cups that you would like to try. Then go to the Keurig Facebook page to copy and paste this note.
I’m visiting from Busy-at-Home http://busy-at-home.com/blog/coffee-tea-or-a-keurig-review-giveaway-plus-a-blogmania-bonus/ . I would love to try the <—–Put your flavor choice, here——>K-Cups. Thanks for being a Blogmania 2010 sponsor!
BONUS ENTRIES HAVE NOW EXPIRED. Don’t miss the main event! Enter now at our main Blogmania entry page!
Need more info about the over $1500 in Giveaway prizes available here at Busy-at-Home for Blogmania 2010? Did you know we will be linking to the over 150 other blogs, participating in the event, with prizes totaling nearly $40,000? Read all about it here and save Sept 15 & 16 for a day of Blogmania Giveaway fun!
I received the Keurig Special Edition Brewer and assorted K-Cups in order to complete this review. The views and opinions expressed are wholly my own and no payment was received to write the review.
I wanted to write this morning to make sure everyone understands the entry process for Blogmania. Even if you only submit one entry, that one entry will be entered in EVERY single “Christmas at Home: A Celebration!” giveaway. So, if by September 15, you have completed 30 Bonus entries, you will have 30 Bonus entries [...]
I wanted to write this morning to make sure everyone understands the entry process for Blogmania. Even if you only submit one entry, that one entry will be entered in EVERY single “Christmas at Home: A Celebration!” giveaway. So, if by September 15, you have completed 30 Bonus entries, you will have 30 Bonus entries in EVERY single one of our Busy-at-Home giveaways. This really increases your odds of winning one of our prize packages on Sept 16, because at midnight Sept 14, Bonus Entry opportunities go away. You won’t have the option of going back to get them. People who come to the main event on Sept 15 and 16, will be allowed ONE ENTRY each of those two days, so they will have missed out on all the extra chances to win. I’m so glad you are all making the most of the opportunities, because our sponsors are amazing and have been incredibly generous. The prize list (see the list at the bottom of this post) is growing and it will make celebrating Christmas at home a blast!
So, with that said, I have three BONUS ENTRIES available for you, today!
Bonus Entry #6
Have you always wanted to write a blog, but didn’t know where to start? Do you already write using a Blogger platform and your blog just needs a face-lift? I have the perfect place for you to get a theme to match your personality and vision for your blog. Let Brianne at busy.b{custom}designs kick-start your writing with a beautiful custom blogger theme!
- “Like” busy.b{custom}designs on Facebook.
- Copy this note to busy.b{custom}designs Facebook Wall. I’m visiting from Busy-at-Home. http://www.busy-at-home.com/blog/http://busy-at-home.com/blog/who-wants-bonus-entries-who-wants-three/ I can’t wait for Blogmania 2010! The Busy-at-Home blog graphics were awesome!
- BONUS ENTRIES HAVE NOW EXPIRED. Don’t miss the main event! Enter now at our main Blogmania entry page!
Bonus Entry #7
I know you love this sponsor as much as I do! And they are so awesome, this is their second giveaway at Busy-at-Home! Bodycology makes pampering yourself with beautifully scented, luxurious products affordable and easy.
- “Like” Bodycology on Facebook.
- Copy this note to Bodycology’s Facebook Wall. I’m visiting from Busy-at-Home. http://www.busy-at-home.com/blog/http://busy-at-home.com/blog/who-wants-bonus-entries-who-wants-three/ I can’t wait for Blogmania 2010!
- BONUS ENTRIES HAVE NOW EXPIRED. Don’t miss the main event! Enter now at our main Blogmania entry page!
Bonus Entry #8
Who doesn’t want the absolute best to serve their guests – something customized to their specific tastes? Keurig makes it simple to indulge yourself and those you are entertaining with your favorite flavors – whether it is flavored coffees, teas, cocoas or even iced coffee! A Keurig Special Edition Brewer and assortment of K-Cups will be the talk of every party!
- “Like” Keurig on Facebook. (If you already “like” them, just paste the message below on their wall and snag that extra entry!)
- Copy this note to Keurig’s Facebook Wall. I’m visiting from Busy-at-Home. http://www.busy-at-home.com/blog/http://busy-at-home.com/blog/who-wants-bonus-entries-who-wants-three/ I can’t wait for Blogmania 2010 and a perfectly brewed Keurig K-Cup beverage!
- BONUS ENTRIES HAVE NOW EXPIRED. Don’t miss the main event! Enter now at our main Blogmania entry page!
So far, you have five other Busy-at-Home opportunities to collect bonus entries for Blogmania 2010. It won’t take you long to catch up, at all. Go for it!
Our Fabulous Sponsors
It’s almost too exciting for me to stand, that we have so many great sponsors and products to bring to you between now and September! And the giveaways are spectacular! I can’t wait for the list to be complete and you to catch the mania that keeps me blogging away about this. You won’t believe all that is in store! Review products have started arriving, here, at Busy-at-Home and once we have tested and tried them, and taken all the pictures, we’ll be posting our reviews for you. In the meantime, I want to share our list, to date, and thank these outstanding companies, stores and shops for participating! I’ll keep you posted as new sponsors add their gifts to your prize opportunities.
Balsam Hill – 36″ Noble Fir Lighted Christmas Wreath Bodycology – Holiday Gift Basket of Brown Sugar Vanilla Products Busy.B{Custom}Designs – Complete Blogger Theme w/ Add-ons Gimmee Jimmy’s Cookies – Classic Assortment 20 Hard Candy – Holiday Gift Basket of Makeup Products Keurig – Single Cup Coffee Brewer and K-Cup Variety Pack Lil’s Garden – precious, handmade stick horse head Lollipop Patch Kids – a set of adorable his and hers ShirtSaver bibs Poppin’ Dots Boutique – Toddler Pillowcase Dress stella & dot – $100 Gift Certificate Scentsy – $50 Gift Certificate The Cake Pan Lady – Custom Engraved 9×13 Cake Pan The Two Savvy Sisters – Christmas Word Blocks Decor
How about a sneak peek at the other blogs and fabulous sponsors taking part in Blogmania 2010? I can do that!! Visit the main Blogmania site, where traffic has become so intense that it will be moved to a larger server in mid-August. When you’re there you’ll be able to read about other blogs and sponsors for giveaways you can enter Sept. 15 & 16. Or you can check out the main Blogmania Facebook Page. New sponsors and prizes are being listed there daily!
