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Clean the Windows with a Window Vacuum

Cleaning windows is a thing of the past, modern window vacuums are the best helpers in the household. Use the window vacuum to make cleaning the window quick and easy. We have an overview of the best devices.

Clean windows with a window vacuum

As soon as the first rays of spring peek out from behind thick clouds, your heart starts to smile. and you immediately feel better. But that changes when you look through the window. Because then you can see all the dirt on the window panes. So it’s time for a thorough house cleaning. Not really be a problem if it weren’t for the tedious cleaning of each individual window front in a conventional way. To ensure that the spring cleaning goes smoothly, you can use useful cleaning gadgets to help you. This also includes the window vacuum.

Advantages of the window vacuum

When used, the window vacuum is not specifically dependent on the size of the respective window. Consequently, he works precisely and carefully on small windows and large window fronts. This makes it a universal all-rounder when it comes to window cleaning. This helper also has other advantages over simply cleaning windows:

  • Enables streak-free cleaning.
  • Speeds up the window cleaning.
  • Available in different sizes and widths.
  • Versatile in use thanks to different attachments.
  • No pre- and post-cleaning of the windows is necessary.

Easy to use to clean windows

The mechanics and function of a window vacuum are very simple. Because window vacuums are usually operated with batteries. This gives you a high degree of mobility and flexibility when cleaning windows. When you switch on the device, the motor creates a suction that pulls the dirty water directly from the window into the collection container. Then this is collected with the help of the attached rubber lip. Once the container is full, simply rinse it out in the sink and it’s ready to use again! After use, you should clean the device and charge the battery from time to time.

To clean the window, first, moisten the window front. Then simply place the vacuum cleaner on the still damp window pane. The vacuum cleaner then attaches itself slightly and you can let it suck systematically from top to bottom, across and step by step simply along with the window. The cleaning water is completely removed from the window and the result is crystal clear. Depending on the size of the window and especially the number of panes, you can save a lot of time on cleaning.

Buy the best window vacuum

In retail and online you will find many different suppliers for vacuum cleaners. But which one is really good? While you don’t have to clean the windows every day, you should give your windows a good cleaning once a month or three times a year. But then you shouldn’t spend too much time on it. You can use the time you save with a good window vacuum as a relaxation time for yourself. The following window vacuums are recommended:

1) The test winner: AEG WX7-60CE1 window vacuum

In the test report, the window vacuum from AEG did very well with a battery life of 60 minutes. Thanks to its rubber lips made of natural rubber, it delivers perfect and streak-free results when cleaning windows.

2) A bestseller: Kärcher cordless window vacuum cleaner WV 2 Premium

The Kärcher brand offers good and effective devices in many areas of cleaning. In addition to effective steam cleaning, there are also devices for cleaning windows.

3) The reliable one: Bosch Home and Garden Battery GlassVAC

The window vacuum from Bosch is also one of the best everyday helpers in the household and guarantees you a streak-free cleaning of your windows.

4) The inexpensive variant from Leifheit

The inexpensive window vacuum from Leifheit has already been tested on various blogs on the Internet and was able to convince. Because it has a special click system with which you can use different handles quickly and easily.

5) The brave: Sophinique window cleaning robot

Admittedly it takes some getting used to, but it’s a great idea. Because this robot should clean the windows automatically. As a result, cleaning the window actually works all by itself. You can easily control this robot with your smartphone.

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Lifestyle

Tight Shoes Widen with 6 Simple Home Remedies

Useful home remedies and tricks for widening tight shoes. Surely you know the problem, you buy new shoes and after wearing them for the first time, various pressure points and blisters appear on your feet. Then you should use the following tips to stretch your footwear.

Simple home remedies and tricks for widening shoes

When you have bought new shoes, you are usually very happy. Then you want to put them on and perform them right away. But often one has to realize that after a short time pain arises due to pressure points. Shoes that are too tight can cause blisters on your feet. As a result, you don’t want to wear them anymore. However, there are some clever tricks to widen the shoes and thus ensure a comfortable fit.

1) Use spirits and alcohol to stretch

Once you have located the spot(s) where it pinches, you can rub alcohol (or high-proof alcohol or hot water) into the boot. Then wear the footwear directly for a longer period of time (several hours). It may feel a little tight at first, but this pressure will subside after a short while. Because the alcohol in combination with exercise will expand the material of your shoes. As a result, you will no longer notice any pressure, so the new footwear can be worn without any problems. Also, note tips for getting rid of smelly shoes.

2) Vinegar on hard leather shoes

You can also do something about older models that pinch in certain places. If leather shoes have become hard over time and are therefore painful in certain areas, another home remedy can help: using vinegar. It is also rubbed inside the leather shoes and causes the pressure to ease. For this, you have to put them on and move. In addition, note how you can freshen up old leather so that your leather shoes last a long time.

3) Shoes expand with heat

Another very effective method against shoes that are too tight in heat. Accordingly, take a hot spoon and hold it from the inside to the respective oppressive areas. Alternatively, a warm shoe tree is also suitable for this purpose. You can also try stretching your footwear with a hairdryer. For this, you put on thick socks and slip into the sneakers. Then heat them up with the hairdryer and try to widen the shoes by stretching and moving your feet. Also, read how to gently clean white shoes.

4) Push the seams of leather shoes outwards

If you have leather shoes that are painful on the outside seams, you can push them outwards very gently. In order for the shoes to expand, repeat the process several times until they are comfortable to wear. Also, note the proper care of patent leather shoes.

5) Potatoes and newspaper to stretch shoes

Potatoes are also suitable as a home remedy for use on tight leather shoes. To do this, you have to cut open a potato and place the open side against the leather. So that it doesn’t slip, you can simply put some newspaper inside to fix it. Then leave the potato and paper there overnight. In this way, the footwear is supplied with moisture and it expands. A nice side effect is that the shoes become soft due to the starch in the potato.

6) gel pads in leatherette shoes

If you have faux leather shoes, it’s not that easy to widen those shoes because faux leather doesn’t really yield. Nevertheless, you can do something with these models to prevent any pressure. Accordingly, put a gel cushion in the imitation leather shoe so that the material gives way when you wear it and you no longer feel any pressure. You can avoid blisters on your feet in the future.

Avoid tight and tight shoes

As you can see, there are numerous simple tips on how to widen tight shoes or provide relief in other ways. So you can continue to wear your favorite shoes and don’t have to buy new ones. If the tips listed above don’t help, you should visit a cobbler to help you mend the shoes. However, it is even better when trying on and buying shoes to decide on slightly larger models.

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Lifestyle

13 Household Tips with Bananas and Banana Peels

Clever household tips for storing bananas properly and making them last longer. You will also learn tricks for peeling bananas and the versatile use of banana peels. Because these can be helpful for cleaning, skincare, and in the garden.

Proper use of bananas and banana peels

Bananas are delicious and very healthy. Because they contain vitamins such as vitamins A, C, K, and B6. It also contains minerals such as magnesium and potassium. And these are important for the function of our muscles and nerves. They are also important for energy production. And you will also find nutrients such as phosphorus, iron, calcium, and zinc here. That sounds like a super fruit. Although it is not one of the usual superfoods, it and especially its banana peel are versatile. In the following we have collected the most important tips and tricks for recycling:

1) Store bananas properly

Since bananas are tropical fruit that quickly continues to ripen and spoil at room temperature, the most important thing after purchase is the correct storage of the food. So there are two things you can do to make those delicious fruits last longer. For one thing, you shouldn’t store bananas with apples. And on the other hand, you should divide the banana tree. Consequently, place the fruit individually in a fruit basket. Then the yellow fruits do not spoil so quickly and stay fresh longer.

2) Make bananas last longer

There are many tips for making food last longer. The simplest form is to put the bananas in the fridge. Because it’s dark and cool there. And a lower temperature and lack of light protect the banana from ripening. It can also help to hang up the bananas or wrap the stalk in cling film.

3) Use banana for a delicious smoothie

In many recipes for making smoothies you use the banana. Because this gives the smoothie a nice and creamy consistency. You can also bring in a great sweetness by using very ripe banana fruits. SO it’s a good way to use up slightly older bananas.

4) Banana peel for a headache?

Some people swear by banana peels as a home remedy for headaches. Then put the bowl on your forehead and try to relax. If you want to get a better effect, the bowl should be cool. Or put a cold compress over it. However, you have to try it yourself to see if it works for you.

5) Use as a home remedy to whiten teeth

Many dreams of sparkling white teeth and are meticulously looking for ways to whiten their teeth. One possibility is to use the banana, more precisely all of its skin. To do this, you need to rub your teeth regularly on the inside of the shell. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence and the high acid content is suspected of damaging teeth.

6) To treat insect bites

If you suffer from skin irritation, itching, or nasty insect bites, you can relieve the discomfort with the peel of a banana. Accordingly, to relieve insect bites, place the inside on the affected area for a few minutes. Itching and swelling are then reduced. So it’s a great way to recycle old banana skins.

7) Reduce blemishes with banana peels

Banana peels are also said to work well for treating blemishes like acne. It helps in particular with acne symptoms because it contains valuable iron, zinc, vitamins, and antioxidants. So wear it inside out on your skin and watch how you see improvement and beautiful skin after a few weeks.

8) Use as a natural anti-aging agent

The banana is also used in dermatology, as already mentioned in the point above. The vitamins and antioxidants in particular ensure that the skin remains young and firm. So if you want to use banana peels as a clever anti-aging remedy, rub the inside regularly around your problem areas, such as your eyes and forehead.

9) Banana peel helps remove warts

At the same time, you can use the banana peel to remove warts. Accordingly, you must leave the peel on the wart overnight for at least a week. Then the enzymes contained help to fight this nuisance. It is best to cut a small piece out of the shell and attach it to the wart with a plaster.

10) Clean shoes with banana peel

The empty skin of the banana is an inexpensive, ecological and effective shoe polish for smooth leather shoes! So just rub the inside of the banana peel on your shoes and let it soak in for a moment. Then you have to polish the shoes with a clean and dry cloth and you’re done. The oils and potassium contained in the banana peel care for smooth leather shoes and give them a great shine! Cleaning shoes has never been so easy.

11) Polish cutlery and jewelry with banana peels

You can just as well use the leftover shell to polish cutlery or jewelry. You can use it to clean chrome, stainless steel, and silver in particular. So you can clean sustainably and do without chemical cleaning agents. Please also note our tips for cleaning cutlery and jewelry.

12) Repel aphids with banana peels

There are many tricks to get rid of aphids. One of them is the use of banana peels. To do this, cut the peel of the banana into small pieces and spread them around the affected plant. In the best-case scenario, other pests can also be kept away in this way.

13) Use as a natural fertilizer

At the same time, you can recycle old banana peels by using them as a natural fertilizer. This is particularly useful for caring for indoor plants. To do this, put the bowl in the watering can fill with water. Then leave her in it. Consequently, valuable nutrients are released from the shell into the water. However, you should change the shell regularly so that no mold develops.

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Lifestyle

Clean Smelly Washing Machine with Home Remedies

A smelly washing machine and smelly laundry are annoying. In order to effectively remove bad odors, you need to clean your washing machine regularly. Simple tricks and natural home remedies can help here.

Reasons for an unpleasant smell of the laundry

Laundry that is freshly removed from the washing machine and smells unpleasant is very annoying. But why is this? Experts agree that liquid detergent and fabric softener are the main causes of this problem. Of course, the liquid detergent is a win for the environment, but the washing machine doesn’t like it that much. In order to be able to avoid smelly laundry, you should look around for clever detergent alternatives.

How often to clean the washing machine?

You should also clean your washing machine regularly to avoid smelly washing machines and smelly laundry. So you can benefit from the long service life of your device. But how often do I have to clean the device?

At the latest when your clothes smell bad after washing, you should clean your washing machine. It is also advisable to run a wash cycle at hot temperatures once a month without laundry. As a result, you can fight germs and bacteria. You should also regularly remove dust from the device with a damp cloth. You should also clean the fluff filter, the seals, and the detergent container once a month. In this way, you can prevent and neutralize unpleasant odors. Simple household remedies are sufficient for cleaning the washing machine.

1) Vinegar against limescale

If there are coarser deposits, you should instead use the home remedy vinegar essence. Then put this home remedy in the washing machine with an old bed sheet and let it work at 95 degrees to clean the washing machine. Then run a program 1-2 more times. This is the only way to completely remove the vinegar essence. Fat and other deposits are then effectively removed.

2) Citric acid for cleaning washing machines

Citric acid is cheap, environmentally friendly, efficient, and available in every drugstore. It will help you loosen limescale without damaging delicate rubber components as vinegar does. It is also a good way to descale the washing machine. Accordingly, put a maximum of eight tablespoons of citric acid in the empty washing machine (directly in the drum). Then choose a washing program with a maximum of 40 °C and start the machine without laundry. Once 50 percent of the wash time has elapsed, pause the wash program for two hours. This allows the citric acid to take effect. Then end the washing program. In the following video, you can watch the cleaning procedure with citric acid and find out why the acid must not be heated above 40 degrees.

3) Baking soda against dirt

Using baking soda can also keep the machine clean. To do this, mix two bags of baking soda with a little water. Then put the paste directly into the washing drum or detergent compartment. Then run the smelly washing machine on a hot wash cycle. You will quickly enjoy nice-smelling and clean laundry. In addition, note useful tips for descaling the kettle.

4) Cleaning with soda

Cleaning the washing machine with the home remedy washing soda is environmentally friendly and easy. Because you can add this to the laundry during a normal washing program. This saves water and energy. Consequently, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of soda directly into the detergent drawer with the detergent. In addition, soda has outstanding advantages:

  • more powerful than baking soda
  • gentle on seals
  • versatile usable
  • Cheap

5) Clean in washing machine with baking soda

If you don’t have soda at home, you can also use the popular home remedy baking soda to clean a smelly washing machine because baking soda helps against odors, limescale, and bacteria. It is used without washing: Put 50 grams in the washing machine and run a full wash cycle at a minimum of 40 °C.

Important tips for using the washing machine

In addition to the home remedies mentioned, there are a few tips and tricks that you should take to heart. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that you have to buy a new washing machine. But don’t panic with the following tip your washing machine will last for a long time without problems:

6) Allow moisture to escape

To keep your washing machine from smelling, you should always let the moisture escape. To do this, avoid closing the washing machine door. It must always be open so that the device can dry well after use and no mold forms. You should also keep the detergent compartment open so that the residual moisture can escape. In line with the topic, also note tips for reducing high humidity.

7) Occasional heat wash

As already mentioned, low temperatures are often to blame when clothes smell bad. Microorganisms multiply rapidly in humid climates. Therefore, occasionally run your machine at high temperatures (60 – 95 degrees. Then germs and bacteria die. At 30 – 40 degrees, only a small part of the microbes in the laundry is washed out. While at 60 degrees, significantly more Therefore, wash underwear, tea towels, and cleaning cloths at this temperature. For all other clothes, follow the care instructions for the textiles. However, if a family member is ill, it would be advisable to wash their laundry separately at 60 degrees.

8) Clean detergent compartment and lint filter

High temperatures at regular intervals are good but only help to a limited extent with dirt in the detergent compartment. Because detergent and fabric softener residues often remain in the compartments, causing mold to form. Since the entire detergent drawer can usually be removed in just a few simple steps, cleaning is possible without any problems. How to remove the element can be found in the instructions for use of the washing machine.

Then hot water and a good brush are enough to remove dirt without leaving any residue. You can also use some citric acid if necessary. Then let all components dry thoroughly. Likewise, a foul smell can emanate from the fluff filter. If this is rarely emptied, hair, lint, and many other components accumulate. The machine manufacturers provide individual information about the correct removal and cleaning of the sieve.

9) Maintain door seal

The door seal in the porthole of the washing machine provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Since the surfaces here are constantly damp and clogged with hair, fluff, and detergent residue, soiling is inevitable. Here, too, citric acid is a reliable helper. Accordingly, put a few squirts of the home remedy on a rag and wipe the entire sealing ring thoroughly with it. And your washing machine stays clean.

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Remove Tar Stains with Simple Home Remedies

Now remove tar stains with simple home remedies. We will show you how you can quickly and easily remove tar stains from textiles and your skin without any special or chemical cleaners.

Home remedies for tar stains

It’s rare for tar stains to get stuck in clothing, skin, or cars. But it can happen that you find tar on the body or the skin. Some professions in particular have the problem of tar stains on their work clothes. Then you wonder how to effectively clean the work clothes and get rid of the tar pollution? Here are the best tips at a glance:

1) Remove tar stains from clothes

There is a simple trick to cleaning work clothes and removing tar. To do this, spread some butter on the tar stain. Then leave it on until the tar dissolves. Then wash as normal with a mild detergent. You can also clean clothes soiled with tar with the household remedy gall soap. Accordingly, moisten the area with water and rub it with the gall soap. Then leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with clear water.

Aftercare and caution with delicate laundry!
If the stain is still very clear, you should treat it further with alcohol and wash it out thoroughly again. However, note that the home remedies are not suitable for fine textiles such as cashmere or silk.

2) Remove tar from the car

Since tar stains on cars are rare, hardly anyone has any advice. But you can help yourself in such a case with butter, margarine, or oils. So put one of these fats on the affected area and let it soak for 10 minutes. To then remove the tar stains, take a soft cloth moistened with water and detergent. You can use this to wipe everything clean. It works similarly when cleaning shoes.

3) Remove tar stains from the skin

You can also get rid of tar stains on the skin. The best way to do this is to use butter. Then apply some butter to the affected areas and let it work for a short time. You can then simply wipe off the tar residue without damaging your skin.

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Food

Which Side Dish Goes With the Coffee?

Caramel pastries, waffles, homemade cookies, sweets and much more – the selection is enormous. But which coffee side dish is the right one?

The accompaniment to the coffee makes the difference

Our streets and shopping alleys are now littered with a variety of cafes. But which one appeals to people the most and where does it taste best? As a café operator, you shouldn’t just think about the perfect coffee, but also include everything that goes around it. A very special topic here is the accompaniment to the coffee.

An aromatic coffee, which is also served beautifully, can secure some regular customers. However, if you want to be on the safe side with your café, you should also work on your coffee side dishes. Just such little things can significantly influence the taste experience and make the coffee something special. A small biscuit on the side of the saucer, a crunchy croissant or pastry specialties from the region sweeten a visit to the café. A special attention speaks to people directly and creates a homely atmosphere – just like at home. Of course, everyone should decide for themselves which side dish is the right one for their coffee. In general, however, it is advisable to rely on homemade products or to offer specialties. In this way, a café can stand out from its competitors and offer its customers that little something extra. Which coffee drinker wouldn’t be happy about a home-baked cookie or a pastry specialty from the nearby pastry shop?

Finished pastries and sweets for the business environment

Of course, homemade delicacies can impress in terms of quality, taste and individuality. Nevertheless, homemade and fresh pastries also have a number of negative aspects, especially when it comes to use in the business sector. The key keywords here are above all consistent quality, hygiene, shelf life, storage and price.

Depending on the size of the company, countless coffees are prepared for employees, guests and customers every day. Homemade accompaniments to every hot drink are sure to be a pleasant surprise, but they prove to be an extremely expensive investment that is difficult to plan for the business operator. It is not uncommon for homemade products to be used up on the same day, otherwise they lose quality or even their shelf life. If less coffee is drunk than planned on a day, the surplus of elaborately made homemade coffee unfortunately has to be disposed of. This means not only a high cost factor, but also unnecessary food waste.

As beautiful and tasty as homemade pastries may appear, they quickly lose quality, do not always meet all the necessary hygiene standards, can only be stored for a short time due to their short shelf life and are often more expensive than ready-made pastries. This certainly doesn’t bother baking cookies and preparing homemade cakes in the kitchen at home, but in the business area every step must be monitored and quality checked for the customer.

Ready-made pastries from well-known manufacturers offer many advantages in the business sector. It has a high and consistent quality and meets all hygiene standards. Many ready-made products can also compete with home-made products when it comes to taste. During production, care is taken to ensure that the pastries go perfectly with the coffee. Business operators in particular enjoy the individually wrapped pastries and inexpensive sweets. Whether biscuits, chocolates or other delicacies – ready-made baked goods can definitely hold their own against homemade ones. This applies to quality as well as taste.

The pastry also has a much longer shelf life than homemade delicacies, can be served to the customer in hygienic individual packaging and can be stored for weeks without losing quality. On top of that, the finished pastries are usually cheaper than homemade ones, which is clearly reflected in the purchase price, especially for larger quantities. In the business environment, the finished baked goods are convincing across the board. Employees, customers and guests also enjoy the little delicacies, as they always inspire with their diversity, excellent taste and optimally emphasize the enjoyment of coffee, tea and co.

A large selection of coffee side dishes

The selection of coffee side dishes is almost endless. Companies and cafés around the world compete for every customer and come up with new ideas every day on how they can stand out from the competition. Individuality and unusual campaigns are always worthwhile here. Get a head start by opting for special coffee side dishes. You should choose a delicious specialty for each hot drink. It is also worthwhile to refresh the assortment again and again. Every coffee lover will appreciate such attention.

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health

Insert Feta: Recipe with Feta Cheese and Olive Oil

Pickling feta is one of the classic ways of preparing sheep’s milk cheese. We’ll show you a simple recipe that you can use to make pickled sheep’s cheese at home – also with vegan alternatives.

To pickle feta, you need olive oil, fresh herbs, and a little patience. The preparation of the Mediterranean appetizer is quick and uncomplicated, but in order for the flavor of the herbs to develop fully, the cheese must then sit for at least 24 hours. You should pay particular attention to this quiet time if you are expecting guests.

You can insert feta in one piece or diced. We show you a recipe for pickled feta cubes here – but you can also use the same ingredients to pickle two whole slices of feta. You may need a little less olive oil.

Especially when it comes to dairy products like feta, it is important that you choose products with an organic seal when shopping. This is how you support companies that keep their animals in a more species-appropriate manner. If you generally do not consume any animal-based foods, we will give you tips for vegan variants of pickled feta at the end of this article.

It is also worth paying attention to organic quality and regional origin for the other ingredients. You can get thyme and rosemary, for example, from German cultivation and can thus avoid unnecessarily long transport routes. Or you grow your herbs yourself. You can find tips on this here, for example: Creating a herb bed: Tips on types, care and harvest.

Pickle Feta: Easy recipe for feta in olive oil

Ingredients:

5 sprigs of thyme 2 sprigs of rosemary 2 small chili peppers
4 cloves) garlic
400 g feta
400 mlolive oil

Directions:

Prepare two mason jars, about 250 milliliters each.
Wash the thyme and rosemary and then shake them dry. Pluck the thyme leaves from the sprigs and cut the rosemary sprigs into short pieces.
Wash the chillies and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the core casings. Then cut the chili halves into strips.
Peel the garlic and cut it into thin slices.
Dice the feta. If you want to insert it in one go, skip this step.
Pour the feta cubes into the provided mason jars. If you want to pickle two whole pieces of feta, place them side by side in a shallow lidded container instead.
Sprinkle the feta with herbs, garlic and chili.
Distribute the olive oil evenly between the two glasses or pour it over the two feta pieces.
Close the jars tightly and leave them in the fridge for at least 24 hours. The longer the glasses stand, the more intense the herbal aroma becomes. However, you should not leave the pickled feta for longer than a week.

Insert feta: Serving suggestions and vegan alternatives

Pickled feta cheese goes well with most Mediterranean herbs. You can therefore change the herbs in the recipe according to your own taste and, for example, use oregano, basil or marjoram. The feta also tastes very good with herbs de Provence.

For example, you can serve flatbread or ciabatta bread with the pickled feta. It is also good for antipasti plates or a Greek salad. It is best to take the feta out of the fridge about half an hour before serving. At room temperature, its taste is stronger.

By the way, if you avoid animal products in your diet, you can simply swap the feta for the same amount of untreated tofu. This is the simplest alternative. You can find detailed instructions here: Vegan Feta: With this recipe you make it yourself.

In many health food stores you can now also find other plant-based substitutes for feta, most of which are based on coconut oil. As a rule, you can process them in the same way as real feta made from sheep’s milk.

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Cooking Tips

Preparing Espresso With The Portafilter: Here’s How

In our guide you will find helpful tips for preparing your espresso with the portafilter machine. We show you how it works.

What is a portafilter machine?

The portafilter machine was developed in Italy to simplify the preparation of an espresso. No wonder it is often referred to as an espresso machine. The first portafilter machine came onto the market as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The aim of such a machine was to better extract the aromatic substances from the coffee beans. When preparing an espresso manually, the contact time between water and coffee powder was too long, so the coffee often tasted bitter. The right pressure with which the water is pressed through the coffee powder is decisive for a short contact time. In the beginning, portafilter machines worked with a lever. Then semi-automatic machines followed, and there are now modern devices with many parameters that can be set individually.

How a portafilter machine works

The portafilter machine is named after the removable portafilter. This is the holder for the sieve. The sieve is filled with freshly ground coffee powder and fixed in the machine. For perfect coffee enjoyment, water is pressed through the coffee powder in the sieve at high pressure. In addition to the portafilter, the machine consists of the following elements:
Electric pump for optimal pressure
Heating element and boiler to achieve the right brewing temperature
Steam lance for frothing the milk
water tank
brew group

This is how the perfect espresso succeeds

Use our eight-step guide for an espresso from the portafilter machine. This shows you all the important basics:

Preheat the espresso cup and machine
To ensure that the espresso does not cool down too quickly and that the drink is not exposed to severe temperature changes that negatively affect the coffee aroma, you should fill the cup with hot water in advance and set it aside. Most portafilter machines have an integrated hot water dispenser for this purpose. The portafilter machine itself must also be warm. Therefore, turn on the machine at least 25 minutes before preparation and let it warm up.
Clean portafilter machine
As with any coffee maker, you should first remove old coffee grounds from the portafilter and then carefully wipe off oils, fats and other residues. These can then no longer influence the taste of the espresso. Make sure the portafilter is dry before filling.
grind the coffee finely
A coffee grinder with a disc grinder grinds the beans extremely evenly and thus delivers a perfect grinding result. Be sure to grind the coffee beans finely. Beans that are ground too coarsely can quickly taste bitter. In addition, finely ground beans have more surface area and therefore require less contact time to release the aromas.
Dose the coffee powder correctly
The portafilter should ideally be filled to the base for dosing. The dose is crucial – the powder should therefore only be slightly heaped. In most cases, a portafilter contains around 7 – 9 grams of coffee powder for 25 ml of espresso.
Smooth the surface
As soon as you have filled the portafilter to the brim, you can gently tap the espresso powder and smooth it out with your index finger. With an optimal surface you do the preparatory work for the subsequent tamping.
Tamp espresso powder
When it comes to the tamper, one usually speaks of the so-called “coffee tamper”. This is used to compress the powder and compact it enough to withstand the incoming water pressure, allowing the flavors to unfold slowly. For an optimal result, a pressure of 10 – 15 kilograms is recommended.
Pre-rinse group head
Like almost all parts of the portafilter machine, the brewing head must be cleaned before use. To do this, you can simply run hot water through the group head. This is called making an empty reference. Any coffee residues from the last extraction are loosened and the water that is too hot is drained.
Clamp in the portafilter
Now all the precautions for a perfect espresso have been taken. Finally, clamp the portafilter into the machine and press the lever to brew. After about eight seconds, the first espresso flows into the preheated cup. For 25 ml of espresso, wait around 25 seconds before you pull the lever up again. Stir in the crema before drinking so that the aromas can unfold in the espresso.

Espresso without portafilter

In order for the perfect espresso to be successful even for beginners, the right equipment must of course be used. In the home, the user usually does not have professional catering equipment. Even a small portafilter machine is not cheap. Part of the investment is in accessories such as the espresso grinder. This does a crucial part of the work and helps you to find the perfect degree of grinding. If you want something a little less artisanal, but still just as tasteful, then rely on a fully automatic coffee machine. At the push of a button, this not only brews espresso, but also all coffee specialties with espresso, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Good to know: The espresso maker cannot make an espresso at all because there is not enough pressure. Nevertheless, the coffee can be espresso-like.

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Cooking Tips

Muckefuck – the Substitute Coffee With the Funny Mame

Muckefuck, i.e. substitute coffee, not only has many names, but also a long history. In any case, the taste should not be underestimated. We’ll tell you what it’s made of and how it’s made.

What is Muckefuck and what does it consist of?

The Muckefuck is a kind of substitute coffee that is very reminiscent of the original in terms of taste and colour. Since it is caffeine-free and can therefore also be drunk by children, it is often referred to as children’s coffee. Other names are country coffee, grain coffee, chicory coffee or malt coffee. The substitute coffee can be obtained from different foods: from dandelion, date kernels, figs and asparagus to corn kernels, potatoes and acorns. In most cases, however, cereals such as spelt, rye and barley are used as the main ingredients. There is also the chicory plant (also common/common chicory), a so-called composite plant that grows along the way. Chicory roots give the drink a slightly bitter note. As a result, the taste of the Muckefuck is reminiscent of that of a real coffee.

The origins of Muckefuck coffee

Muckefuck is not as old as normal coffee, which was probably drunk as early as the mid-15th century. But the Muckefuck is already a few years old. It is said that Friedrich II ordered the production of the substitute coffee when he drastically increased the coffee tariffs in the 18th century. Muckefuck gained importance especially during wartime, since there were hardly any opportunities to buy normal coffee. People became inventive because nobody wanted to give up the taste of coffee entirely.

Where does the word muck fuck come from?

There are two different theories as to the origin of the name Muckefuck: On the one hand, it could be derived from the French “mocca faux”, which means something like “wrong coffee”. It is also suspected that it is also composed of the Rhenish words “Mucke” for “brown wood mulch” or “brown dusty earth” and “fuck” from “lazy”. Both theories provide information about the special nature of the substitute coffee. That it is not real coffee, but tastes slightly like coffee due to the chicory ingredient and its color is reminiscent of brown earth.

Is the Muckefuck healthy?

The substitute coffee is currently experiencing a small revival, which could be due in particular to its healthy properties. Above all, the natural food movement relies on the biological origin of many Muckefuck coffees. Especially for coffee drinkers who want or have to do without caffeine, it is a good alternative in terms of taste.

The chicory plant is said to have a digestive and appetizing effect, as it contains bitter substances and inulin. In addition, it is particularly gentle on the stomach and intestines. The minerals and trace elements should also have a positive effect. Chicory was voted Medicinal Plant of the Year in 2020. Of course, if you are not making the coffee yourself, you always have to check how much of the plant is in the substitute coffee.

Recipe for making Muckefuck coffee

You can prepare a fresh Muckefuck in various ways. We will show you a variant of how you can make the substitute coffee yourself with just two ingredients and do without grain.

The basic ingredients:

dandelion root
chicory root

Step 1: Gather and chop

Dig up dandelion and chicory roots. Then tap the soil well and wash the roots. Cut them into small pieces.

Step 2: Dry in the oven

Dry the root pieces on a baking sheet in the oven at about 50 degrees for 90 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 225 degrees and roast the roots fat-free until they have some roasted aromas. Turn them occasionally.

Step 3: Grind and infuse

After the roasting process, allow the roots to cool. Grind them into a fine powder or pulp mixture. For a Muckefuck, put a teaspoon of the powder in a 200ml cup and pour hot water over the powder. Alternatively, you can first pour the powder into a filter and then pour it on to avoid any pieces.

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Cooking Tips

This is How Coffee is Prepared with the Chemex

Have you ever made coffee with the Chemex? No? No problem, we’ll explain how you can use the glass filter carafe to make a particularly clear and aromatic coffee.

What is a Chemex?

The Chemex is a traditional way of preparing filter coffee. The German chemist Peter Schlumbohm invented the filter carafe in the mid-20th century by building a glass funnel onto a simple Erlenmeyer flask. You may remember the latter from your school lessons, because the Erlenmeyer flask is normally used for chemical experiments. Schlumbohm traveled to the United States to sell patents for other inventions there. In 1941 Schlumbohm registered the patent for the invented filter carafe. To this day, the Chemex and its special filters are manufactured by the Chemex Corporation in Chicopee (Massachusetts, USA) and distributed worldwide.

At the time, Schlumbohm was probably not aware that he had invented a real cult device. The shape of the machine is reminiscent of an hourglass. The heat-resistant wooden belt that connects the two pieces of glass and also serves as a handle is striking.

What is special about a Chemex?

In 1958, thanks to its design, the Chemex even made it into the New York Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, one of the most important art museums in the world, and it is still there today. However, the long-standing popularity of the machine can be explained above all with the consistently high-quality coffee result. Its secret lies in the extra thick coffee filter, in which oils, suspended matter or sediments are retained. This gives you a very pure and tasty coffee without a lot of bitter substances. In addition, the filter is shaped like a cone, which means that the coffee is extracted very evenly with this pour-over method. You usually have to buy the coffee filters separately.

How to make coffee with a Chemex

Preparation with a Chemex is quick and easy. Nevertheless, it is important that you follow the individual steps in order to be able to enjoy the full coffee aroma at the end. This is the pour-over method with a filter, which we will now present in more detail.

Ingredients needed for one liter:

60 grams of ground coffee with a medium to coarse grind
1 L of water with a temperature of 96 degrees

Step 1: Heat the water

The ideal water temperature is about 96 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat water in a kettle and then wait two minutes. The water is then almost at the perfect temperature.

Step 2: Unfold and insert the filter

When you unfold the filter, you get a page with three layers of paper. It is very important that this side is on the Chemex spout. This makes the filter paper more stable on this side and prevents it from getting stuck in the spout during extraction and preventing air from escaping from the carafe.

Step 3: Rinse the filter

Pour hot water into the filter without coffee in it. In this way, you already warm up the filter and can use the water that has passed through to remove any residue from previous preparations. At the same time, the inherent odor of the filter disappears. Then throw away the water that has run through. Then reinsert the filter.

Step 4: grind coffee

Grind the coffee on a medium to coarse setting. After grinding, the coffee should resemble the structure of sea salt.

In general, the more coffee you use, the coarser the grind should be.

Maybe try a little bit here. You have found the best result when the extraction of the coffee, i.e. the process in which the coffee runs through the filter, takes between four and five minutes.

Step 5: Start blooming process

Put the appropriate amount of coffee  in the filter and add some water. The amount of water depends on the amount of coffee. For blooming, you should always take twice as much water as coffee. It is advisable to add the water slowly and in circles from the inside out. The ground coffee should be completely covered with water. Now wait about 40-45 seconds. During this time, the remaining CO2 escapes and the coffee soaks up the water. By allowing the CO2 to escape, blooming ensures a more even extraction and a more stable coffee bed.

Step 6: Add water

Slowly pour in the rest of the water in a circular motion. There should be at least an inch of space between the water and the top of the funnel. Avoid pouring water directly onto the filter. In this case, the water would pull through the paper and not come into contact with the coffee. You may have to refill several times.
If the coffee has seeped into the lower part of the Chemex, remove the filter. The Chemex coffee is ready!

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