Instant Pot pressure cooker. It's been a lot of fun to use and I'm trying to expand my recipes that use it since I've had it.
Curvature is caused by the cardstock absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. The paper expands slightly, while the metallic front is unchanged. So the foil is effectively pulled taut across the paper, which bends it.
The fix is to remove the moisture from the cardstock. A food dehydrator is the cheapest and most convenient solution I've found. You can get them cheaply online. Here's the model I use:
Keep in mind that this also heats the cards, so the metal will expand, causing it to bend back the other way. But once the foil cools down, it will go back. However, if you left it in long enough, the cardstock will actually dry out, and when the card cools off, it will be straight.
It's not an exact science. I usually have to put my cards in a couple times. But it does last once you get it right, as long as you make sure to store them in a dry place afterwards.
I heavily recommend against any attempts at "flattening" with heavy objects or such. Those methods aren't really addressing the real issue, and you're actually damaging your cards.
Coffee nerd checking in. I used to bring 16oz of french pressed coffee in a thermos to each shift. Got tired of the mud in my drink and the 10-15min of brew/cleanup time each morning. I'd tried cold brew in the past, it's super clean in the cup, huge decrease (>50%) in acid, and is concentrated, so I get more cups to drink per container. In concentrate, it'll last up to two weeks in the fridge. Plus it can be brewed in advance. I usually start the process two days before work, letting it brew in the fridge for 24hrs, then filter it twice the day before work. I bought this cold brewer on amazon. It tastes great even in concentrate, or add some milk. Personally, I boil 2-4oz of water in the microwave, let it rest 10 sec to drop temp, add coffee concentrate and drink it black. I have at least 5 different coffee making devices and have yet to make a cup of black coffee that is as sweet or as flavorful as what I can make with cold brew.
I worked in a lot of high end scratch restaurants. I had a Hattori HD 9.4" gyuto that I used as a daily prep knife. I always kept it sharpened on my natural whetstones. I walk back into the kitchen one day and a server had grabbed it to cut lemons. He was "sharpening" it with a tabletop sharpener. I lost my shit on that guy.
A few weeks later I walked back into the kitchen and the same guy had taken the Sous chef's 8" MAC gyuto and was stabbing at a container of frozen strawberries. That was enough. I let loose on the guy and told him to get the fuck out of my kitchen. I talked to the GM and he was never allowed past the kitchen doors again. He literally had to ask the dishwashers to grab stuff for him.
Electric kettle. It will heat the tea to the exact temperature.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYSLNQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not only does it help control flavor, but for green tea I can start drinking immediately after steep. Whereas with boiling the water you usually need to let it sit longer than steep time.
I just bought this one for myself today on Amazon. Seems like a killer deal $78.50 normally $235.
Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6Qt/1000W, Stainless Steel Cooking Pot and Exterior, Latest 3rd Generation Technology https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_a4nwwbWE4BTXC
Now I just need to learn how to use it
In all honesty, if I was faced with a decision about what brand of instant coffee to buy, I'd drink tea.
That being said Tom Petty liked Maxwell House. Not instant, I know, but it's something.
I know you said you aren't looking to buy any coffee makers, but Aeropress is only $30 and I've used mine for going on 5 years now.
Definitely NTA. And if you are looking for another place to live to make it more bearable in the meantime for the last months you live there it might be worth it to get an induction cooktop like this
Duxtop 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045QEPYM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XGBUCb8NZ4ATH.
So if your landlord complains about you using HER stove, you can just say that you bought your own and she can just screw off.
No such thing as a 'healthy slow cooker', because you don't eat the slow cooker itself.
That being said, it's all about the Instant Pot. These things are awesome.
The Bonavita variable temp kettle is on sale at Amazon right now for only $43. It's definitely "fancy", it's normally around $70-80 but it is under your budget. This would work great for you.
I know you specifically asked about automatic drip, but have they considered a nice electric kettle and a french press?
I've had more than a couple people realize their love for coffee after trying a different brewing method.
>Stove
bruv
What the fuck are you smoking?
One of the more popular kettles in the tea community is this and it is great https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YR0F40/ there are a few higher end ones that heat up even faster as well.
The variable temp is important for tea ofc but lmfao @ you thinking that I'm using a stove or that it would be unsafe. This thing will hold the temp for 2 hours before it gives up and turns off.
They're great. More of an "entry-level" item for moving into good coffee. Like only $25, brews in about a minute, and makes one cup. I mainly use a French press, but I still use my old aeropress a few times a month.
I bought a $5 metal filter so i didn't have to keep buying the paper ones. Also, Google the "inverted method" for using an aeropress. The book doesn't tell you, but it's really the superior way to use the product.
https://www.amazon.com/Aeropress-Coffee-and-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK
This one for me, the variable temp control is a really nice feature. seems like it's on sale, looks like a darn good price to me.
Edit. Sale price is gone. That was quick
A pressure cooker makes eating a diet heavy in beans and grains much easier. I'm going to shill without compensation for the Instant Pot IP-DUO which is a popular countertop multi-function cooker (pressure cooking, slow cooking, hot plate saute mode, yogurt making) you see recommended on a lot of food blogs for good reason. It's convenient because you just punch in the cooking time and let it do its pressure thing without monitoring a burner. You can cook most any dried bean variety in an hour (tastes better than canned and cheaper), long-cooking grains like barley and wild rice take about half the usual amount of time, and whole white and sweet potatoes steam up in 10 minutes. I use mine all the time to cook rice, dried beans, and one-pot dinners. Think chickpea curry, fast rice pilafs and lentils, wheat berries, risotto without all the stirring, and homemade hummus. It has been going on sale on Amazon pretty often: yesterday was down to $72 and has been as low as $69, is $99 right now (honestly still worth it even at that price but keep your eyes peeled if you're looking for the best deal).
edit: $79 today (12/20): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ
just get an Aeropress, Hario mini mill, and a Bonavita 1L variable temp gooseneck kettle (which is on sale)
You'll be set for a long time to come.
From there, try different coffees at a wide range of prices and go with the one that is the best balance between satisfaction and cost. Especially with that liquid sugar milk stuff, you might find some cheaper beans that perform just as well as anything else.. and if you're happy with that, that is the goal :)
Get yourself an Instant Pot off Amazon.
It can be used to sauté/brown meat, scramble eggs, cook bacon, etc.
With a little effort you can make probably 90% of the foods you’d use a stove / oven for.
On field day if anyone asks what it is, tell them it’s a fancy rice cooker (it can do that as well).
Or, just hide it in the trunk of your car and bring it in after inspection.
Oh, and if you like hard boiled eggs, get one of these egg cookers.
It sounds crazy, but you put six eggs in it, measure out a small amount of water, and it’ll soft, medium, or hard boil the eggs based just on the amount of water you put inside.
Thug life.
Or if you don't want to buy an entire stove, you can just buy a cook top.
https://www.amazon.ca/Secura-8100MC-Portable-Induction-Countertop/dp/B0045QEPYM/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=induction+cooktop&qid=1600027350&sr=8-5
I use the Takeya cold brew pitcher! You can find it on Amazon. I use it every week, and it has saved me so much money! I also just think it is so dang convenient. I absolutely adore it.
I just went ahead and linked the one I use :)
I agree with the Roasterie. They also sell the 'AeroPress' which makes the best cup of coffee I've ever had. It's less about the roast than technique I think. They sell it fro the same price as amazon so there's that. https://www.amazon.com/Aeropress-Coffee-and-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK
I'm in the same boat but I pulled the trigger because this also replaces my NuWave oven(wife's purchase long before we got together) that I ONLY ever use to incubate my own yogurt. This will save me quite the hassle of ever having to lug that thing up and down from the basement every two weeks. This and I have seriosuly limited cabinet space. This will help me out tremendously.
Also, if you live in an area that qualifies for PrimeNow through Amazon, order it through them(not the same site as amazon), get it delivered TODAY, and save another $15 if you use the code 15OFFNOW. Plus get another $5 credit for future use. Got mine for $66 including tax and delivery.
AeroPress coffee maker! Got it with one of the reusable metal filters like these ones. Have the older one serving me for 6 years now.
All the maintenance I had to do is change the rubber once - my girlfriend pointed out the shaft was getting floppy.
Bose QC35 Noise Cancelling Headphones - well worth the price
Amazon Prime membership
External/second monitor
The Instant Pot is a very popular combination pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more. A top seller on Amazon.
However, what she'd probably like more is some pampering -- a babysitter, a spa day, a massage, something like that. Or for you to do all her chores for one weekend. Or (if it's her thing) some jewelry.
I love love love my instapot. My favorite go-to Indian recipe is butter chicken. So easy, and the chicken always ends up tender.
I bought mine as a replacent for the rice cooker, and I now barely use the stove anymore. I didn't think it was going to be that way, but something about how easy it is to cook, to clean, and just to get things done in 40 minutes worth of cooking.
Edit: In fact, I just saw this deal on an Instapot from Amazon at r/instapot: https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B00FLYWNYQ
Might be late to the party, but....
INSTA POT ON AMAZON PRIME DAY - $58.99
Just picked mine up, heard they are life changing for prep and bulk cooking. I know it's a bit early for Foodie Friday, but anyone got some good recipes or suggestions for meals to try it out with?
I bought a $20 pitcher on Amazon and make cold brew at home. Prep it the night before, put it in the fridge, and you’re good to go in the morning. Linked to Amazon below.
Takeya 10310 Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker with Airtight Lid & Silicone Handle, 1 Quart, Black - Made in USA BPA-Free Dishwasher-Safe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFLY64U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ck4jDbMT49F9Z
Bonavita is the best you're going to get. It's a little slower at 1000W with no fast boil option, but honestly by the time I've dosed, grinded, and set up to brew, the kettle is usually ready.
If you're willing to stretch a little above $50, Amazon has a very good electric kettle on sale at $54 (down from $99): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YR0F40/
I've been using it for over a year and its still going strong.
Get a Takeya pitcher on Amazon. $15-20, reusable, dishwasher safe, and a batch made in this pitcher will easily give you 5-7+ cups of cold brew.