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Breville Barista Express Series: What We Have Learned

December 28, 2016 by Valerie Lugonja Leave a Comment

Start 2017 out with a PERK: Buy yourself a Breville Barista Express!

What? Christmas is over! Yes! But, get thee to the store! Gift yourself by taking advantage of the extended Boxing Day and after holiday specials from coast to coast in our vast country, and buy a Breville Barista Express if you are looking for an at-home espresso machine. There are some fabulous sales going on in the stores, and online! Best Buy in Edmonton has them at 550 CA and The Bay at 599CA. For a machine priced at 799 CA on the Breville CA site and selling for 1499 CA regularly, these are fabulous prices! And, the best price I have ever seen for the cranberry red, still available today at the Linen Chest for 699.95CA.

Is it worth it? YES: 100%. In Vanja’s opinion, this was the best decision he has made regarding his morning coffee routine.

Breville Barista Express Series: What Vanja has learned

As this is the last post, we have written many facts and findings of our experience with the Breville Barista Express, but these are Vanja’s overall learnings:

  • Making a great cup of espresso is not just about buying expensive or fresh coffee beans: the machine has to be able to extract those flavours from the bean to get them into the cup
  • Making a great cup of espresso is not just about buying an expensive machine, either: the machine has to be able to perform through every step of the espresso making process with consistency and reliability, such as the ability to:
    •  grind and adjust the size of the grind
    • achieve the temperature and pressure required
    • measure the amount of grind in the porta-filter
    • consistently repeat each of the above processes in a reliable fashion
  • Making a great cup of espresso with a great bean and an effective machine is not going to happen unless you are motivated to go through the learning curve required to achieve the best results for your palate
    • the support offered by the Breville Barista Express was exceptional
    • the features and functions of the machine are intuitive, so the ability to achieve excellent results is reached within a very reasonable effort
  • Vanja is tickled pink with his decision to get the Breville Barista Express machine; it brings both of us joy every morning in a steaming hot cup!

Breville Barista Express Series: What Valerie has learned

I am not the Barista in our family, but I already knew that:

  • I had no idea Vanja was so motivated and interested in making a great cup of espresso but should have known this as it has been his morning ritual since we met
  • It is much easier to make cappuccino with this machine than our last, as I am eagerly offered a cup of it every single day, and it was just too much of an effort with our last machine
  • Vanja is an incredible naive artist! He was motivated to make a leaf design on my cappuccino! I never want a perfect one from him. There is something much more endearing in this endeavor.
  • I am tickled pink that Vanja is so happy with the gift he received for his 50th Birthday; it is the gift that keeps on giving, as everyone who stops by also gets a cup of perky pleasure as he shares his love of great espresso.

Breville Barista Express Series

breville Barista Expressbarista-express-blackscreen-shot-2016-09-24-at-7-43-16-pm

  • September Breville Barista Express Series: Why the Barista Breville Express?
  • October Breville Barista Express Series: Features and Functions
  • November Breville Barista Express Series: Making Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte and Tips
  • December Breville Barista Express Series: What We Have Learned

Breville Barista Express Series: Please Chime in!

Did you enjoy this series? Learn anything? Buy one? Would love to hear a little feedback…

Yes, I have partnered with Breville Canada to promote the Breville Barista Express, Cranberry  (available here) until December. Why? I asked them if I could because I really wanted the cranberry red machine for Vanja and it was not available and will not be until November. The cranberry red machine is a holiday specialty product that Breville Canada had available for purchase on their website, meanwhile, the silver is currently available. The company has given us the cranberry machine in exchange for my providing four very informative, practical, straightforward informational posts for my espresso loving readers. Also, the holiday cranberry is still available at The Linen Chest, as indicated in the first paragraph… best price ever!

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Filed Under: Drinks, Paid Promotion Tagged With: Espresso

About Valerie Lugonja

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Educator, Writer, Gardener and Traveler who believes in buying and eating locally, and most importantly cooking at home! As a brand new Gramsy, so be prepared to hear a lot about this new role in her life!
Please connect with Valerie to buy a Thermomix Machine!

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🇨🇦Retired Food Blogger! 🍳Food + 🌎Travel Writer, Gramsy 👶🏼! Tried a recipe? 🛎TAG #ACanadianFoodieRecipe 🔻Cook at home!

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CONGRATULATIONS @cecsparrow for creating this simp CONGRATULATIONS @cecsparrow for creating this simple, DELICIOUS, SUPER FAST and SUPER EASY recipe on the new PINEAPPLE PASSION collection launched just today on Cookidoo!
#pineapplepassion #pineapplepassioncanada 

We love THE ALOHA CARROT CAKE by Cec Sparrow from the CANADIAN PRAIRIES BRANCH launching TODAY in the new Pineapple Passion Collection on Cookidoo

TIP: Using DRAINED tidbits worked for us! (Mom did not use Turbo after adding them)

We’re so proud of you, Cec!
https://cookidoo.thermomix.com/recipes/recipe/en-US/r750328

My 91-year-old mom Helen McKinney made it in her Thermomix. She loves it, too! Vanja Lugonja doesn’t like carrot cake and he loved it! 

https://youtu.be/P8IcVZi0SOU 

#thermomixcanada
Fresh Raspberry Tart Raspberry season is here! T Fresh Raspberry Tart

Raspberry season is here! 
This sumptuous tart first made its debut on my website back in 2010 and has been on our tables every year.

What is your favourite Raspberry recipe?

Find this recipe here at https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2010/08/11/french-raspberry-tart-with-vanilla-cream/

Subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for this and more recipes!

#raspberry #raspberries #tart #fruittart #frenchtart #dreamdessert #eatdessertfirst #butfirstdessert #berries #yeg #yegfood #thermomix #tm6 #athewiththermomix #madeinmythermomix #acanadianfoodie
Thermomix SEEDLESS Raspberry Ice Cream My grand b Thermomix SEEDLESS Raspberry Ice Cream

My grand babies have their own mini Thermomix®️ and have been more excited using it, however my little Grandson’s only complaint was they did NOT like the seeds. So I went back to my archives for this!

Find this recipe here 

https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2016/08/05/thermomix-seedless-raspberry-ice-cream/

Subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for more!

#icecream #iscreamyouscreamweallscreamforicecream #raspberry #raspberries #freshfruit #thermomix #thermomixcanada #tm6 #yegfood #dessert #dessertfirst
#thermomixocanada #thermomixocanada
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𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒏’

My daughter @solosmart.ragan created and shared a FABULOUS recipe her with Momsey!

Once you use the guided recipes, you can use the Thermomix® manually, and soon you find you are able to create your own gorgeous concoctions, just like Ragan did!

We are going to add it to a Brioche Recipe she found on Cookidoo®! Here's her recipe and tag her if you make it. It is DELICIOUS!
Ragan’s Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam

Yield: 2 ½ cups

Ingredients:
500 grams rhubarb, chopped or sliced thickly
300 grams strawberries, cleaned, hulled and quartered
450 grams sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Materials needed:
Sterile jar
Canning funnel

Instructions:
Place all ingredients into mixing bowl and set time for 30 minutes at Varoma speed 3
Pour into sterilized jar through funnel; seal and refrigerate until ready to use!

#thatsmyjam #jamin #jam #toastandjam #strawberryrhubarb #strawberryrhubarbjam #strawberry #rhubarb #strawberryjam #rhubarbjam #thermomix #athomewiththermomix #madeinmythermomix #madewithmythermomix #yeg yegfood #berry #berryjam #foodie #thatsmyjam #photography #foodphotography #yeg #yegfood
Refreshing through the heat!! We all know summer Refreshing through the heat!! 

We all know summers are the time for Reunions and potlucks! Even in the time of Covid when things possibly are still being postponed! But if you are with your family, here are some delicious fresh recipes to share with your loved ones.

𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
-Sliced Fresh Sweet Strawberries
-Diced Sweet Fresh Pineapple
-Whole Green Grapes (or Red Seedless Grapes, but green add visual appeal)
-Cherries (Fresh Pitted or high quality frozen)
-Fresh Firm Sliced Bananas
-Sweet Fresh Diced Watermelon
-Sweet Diced Apples or Peach
(A black fruit if in season (blue berry, blackberry, Saskatoon) for visual appeal, as well)

When was the last time you made a fresh fruit salad for your family or guests? This is our new standard, in the fridge daily, summer treat!

Find this recipe here https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2016/06/12/fresh-fruit-salad/

Subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for this recipe and more!

#familyreunionfood #familyfood #familiesthateattogetherstaytogether #fruitsalad #freshfruitsalad #seasonalfruit #summerfruit #summersalads
When it’s cold outside… For Vanja it is often When it’s cold outside…

For Vanja it is often his favourite platter of bacon and eggs. This morning, the browned butter and caramelized onion were tossed with the Spaetzle and a little fresh green onion, and oh, my. This was another plate lickin’ lip-smackin’ wonder.

#spatzle #breakfast #lunch #dinner #germanfood #acanadianfoodie
𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏’ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏’

Pina Colada Frozen Yogurt

Three simple healthy ingredients create a tart refreshing and satisfying hot summer day treat! 

Want to join me in Hawaii?? Ask me how!! 

Find this recipe at https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1-Pinacolada-Frozen-Yogurt.jpg

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎?

#thermomix #thermomixcanada #thermomixCA #feedyourpassion #acanadianfoodie #solosmart #savvyshopper #fastfoodie #healthynut #gourmetguru #cookidoo #cooklikeachef #cooktoimpress #rhubarb #iscreamforicecream #iscreamyouscreamweallscreamforicecream #icecream #backtobasics #quarentinecuisine #prairies #albertaprairies #familyrecipe #yeg #travelalberta #yegfood #acanadianfoodie @thermomixcanada @canadathermomix @thermomixusa #pinacolada #pineapple #coconut #banana
Picnic for Saturday! ‘My mom’s is better than Picnic for Saturday!

‘My mom’s is better than your moms!’

The quintessential summer salad that reminds me of growing up on the Alberta prairies. This salad says something had arrived, but most importantly, it says family.

Salad 
-4 eggs, hard “boiled”
-5 pounds of potatoes, or so (2.3K)
-one bunch of small radishes, and if you pick them from your garden, one bunch
-one small bunch of chives
-2-3 stalks of celery
1 small onion

Dressing
-200g homemade mayonnaise
-20g Dijon mustard
-10g salt, or to taste
-5g pepper, or to taste (I like lots)

Find this recipe here https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2013/06/07/the-canadian-food-experience-project-potato-salad/ 

Subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for this recipe and more!

#familyreunionfood #familyfood #familiesthateattogetherstaytogether #potatosalad  #potatoes #seasonalsalad #traditionalsalad #summersalads
Soup for dinner! Summer Dinners are the perfect t Soup for dinner!

Summer Dinners are the perfect time to test out my creation of this homemade preserved Asparagus Soup Concentrate on the family and it was a slam dunk! It is not a fresh asparagus soup. It is a concentrate, re-constituted with added ingredients that enables a seemingly fresh homemade soup later in the year with little effort. The finished soup is a delicate blend of flavours with a more subtle asparagus note than a fresh asparagus soup would present, yet renders a compelling appeal that consistency evokes that same strong pleasurable response.

Find this recipe here at https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2016/06/14/preserved-asparagus-soup-concentrate/ 

#acanadianfoodie #asparagus #soup #soupdejour #soupoftheday #soupson #yeg #yegfood
A Healthy dose of fresh! What better way to start A Healthy dose of fresh!

What better way to start your Sunday, than with a delicious toast with healthy homemade HOMEMADE Almond Milk!

The dry pulp is delicious. If you don’t mind the texture, leave it in. Many do. The above pulp is creamy and delicious. Throw it into another recipe. Don’t waste it! It is almonds and rice. Absolutely delicious. Me? I ate a little ball of it every day til it was gone. Yummy. And the Homemade Almond Milk.

#thermomixedmonton #ThermomixCanada #yegfood #healthyeats #whatsinyourfood 
#acanadianfoodie #solosmart.ragan 
#homemadealmondmilk #almondmilk #thermomixalmondmilk
Salted Caramel Ice Cream The addition of the crun Salted Caramel Ice Cream

The addition of the crunchy hand-mined fleur de sel on the top elevates the taste over the top of any salted caramel ice cream bar! As well as the silken creamy texture, it held the freeze well. The addition of the salted caramel sauce was too decadent for words. No need for words when savoring this luxurious, velvet-sweet-salty-sumptuous reprieve amid a hot summer day. M-m-m-m-m…

Find this recipe here: https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2012/07/11/salted-caramel-ice-cream/ 

subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for this recipe and more!

How will you beating the heat this summer? Or enjoy it?

#icecream #iscreamyouscreamweallscreamforicecream #thermomix #hotdays #summervibes #saltedcaramel #beattheheat #sweetandsalty  #acanadianfoodie #yeg #yegfood #madewithmythermomix #memories
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐑𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐛!

Few things say prairies like rhubarb and this ice cream will no doubt be a favourite in the spring and summer heat! Long weekend here we come!

Find this recipe here at  https://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2012/07/18/the-best-rhubarb-ice-cream-ever/

Subscribe to www.acanadianfoodie.com for this recipe and more!

#thermomix #thermomixcanada #thermomixCA #feedyourpassion #acanadianfoodie #solosmart #savvyshopper #fastfoodie #healthynut #gourmetguru #cookidoo #cooklikeachef #cooktoimpress #rhubarb #iscreamforicecream #iscreamyouscreamweallscreamforicecream #icecream #backtobasics #quarentinecuisine #prairies #albertaprairies #familyrecipe #yeg #travelalberta #yegfood #acanadianfoodie @thermomixcanada @thermomixusa
Japanese Cheesecake! Thank you @kidsleadingkids f Japanese Cheesecake!

Thank you @kidsleadingkids for your class on this delicate cheesecake! So light and airy with a cotton texture. 

I learned so much and really enjoyed all the tips from you Linda!

What is something you have always wanted to make but when you did, it did not turn out?

#japanesecheesecake #cheesecake #madeinmythermomix #thermomix #dessert #eatdessertfirst #yeg #yegfood
Keto Strawberry Panna Cotta Everyone will love th Keto Strawberry Panna Cotta

Everyone will love this sweet little ditty but it is especially great as a celebration of Spring or Summer!

Finding new ways to bring sweetness into our lives! Tomorrow- Sunday supper will be complete!

#keto #strawberry #pannacotta #sugarfree #acanadianfoodie #eatdessertfirst #sweetendings #acanadianfoodie
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