My new Breville espresso maker!

It was about time... The old coffee maker was very old and didn't work very good anymore. A few weeks ago we decided to buy a new coffee maker and wanted to go for an espresso machine! We love espresso! 

We've been doing our research online to get some idea about all the features and specs and in the end we went to several shops in the city. Some of those salesmen were just horrible and some were very honest and knowledgable. In the end we came home with a Breville ESP8XL cafe roma espresso machine! 

See further our complete review of this wonderful machine :) Yes, we're very fond of it!

Ideal for those who are deeply in love with designer lattes and espresso, the Breville ESP8XL espresso maker would make you want to skip on your daily coffee spending without skimping on luxurious coffee. This espresso maker strikes the perfect balance between just the right temperature and pressure to achieve such heavenly coffee.

The Breville espresso maker features a heavy-duty stainless steel housing which makes it extremely durable. It also has a 15-bar Thermoblock pump with synchronizing filters which makes it possible to produce the best-tasting espressos and latte.

As noted above, the pump uses the right amount of water force to the coffee grounds to get the maximum but not overdone taste. As a result, the machine leaves you with a luscious espresso with a good amount of crema, just the way you want it.

Specifications

• Stainless steel espresso machine
• 15-bar Thermoblock pump
• Dual-wall filter system
• Froth enhancer
• Frothing jug
• Cup-warming plate
• Removable drip tray and grid
• Stainless steel espresso cup set
• External water window
• Large 1-2/7-quart water tank
• Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches
• Comes with 1-year limited warranty

The Breville ESP8XL is the perfect solution to make amazing coffee right at the comfort of your home. It makes it so easy to recreate authentic Italian café coffee drinks in no time.

Operate this machine is easy. Best part is that it even leaves room for experimenting should one want to try something else. Above all these, it is not the most expensive one in the market today yet it is made from only high quality materials and has a very well-constructed appearance. It looks modern with a contemporary design.

This espresso machine is really the best and also features an adjustable brew strength, clock display, ready indicator light, and an auto shut off. So for everybody who really loves espresso after breakfast as much as we do, don't even doubt, this Breville is really the best espresso maker available on the market today!

Why You Want to Own This

The ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker by Breville features various wonderful features that makes each day better with an amazing cup of coffee.

1.     Highly Durable

Since it is made from high quality parts, this machine is made to stand the test of time. Both the housing and the internal parts are made from heavy-duty stainless steel which makes it as sturdy as it can be. The pump is made in Italy which truly brings you closer to the real Italian thing.

2.     Outstanding Crema Quality

Crema is one of the things that makes a great espresso or any designer latte for that matter. You have to try the Breville ESP8XL to know how excellent its crema is. Thanks to the dual-wall filter system, this machine produces a consistent crema which takes the espresso experience to a higher level.

3.     Easy Assembly and Maintenance

The Breville ESP8XL is extremely easy to assemble and maintain. There are no confusing complicated instructions and assembly while maintenance is a breeze as everything is removable and therefore, easy to clean.

The stainless steel exterior can easily be wiped clean while everything else can be washed with soap and water. With these easy maintenance tips, this espresso maker will last a very long time while producing consistently superior cups of coffee. 

It's just perfect for everybody that likes espresso! Did you know that many sport experts believe in a coffee enhancing diet to improve training and competition? 

What Will Get You Confused

Since there really are no cons about this Breville espresso maker, let us take this part to clear what could be a misunderstanding between customers and the Breville ad. The ad photos show a black baffle which most customers look for once they receive the package.

The thing is you really do not need that in this specific model. Aside from that, you would not find anything else that might get you confused or disappoint you.   

The Truth

There is no need to spend tens of thousands of dollars for a fully automated espresso machine that claims to copy designer espressos and lattes in no time. Our test proved that this Breville ESP8XL Cafe espresso maker takes a few more seconds but produces the same glorious coffee each and every time.

Best Breakfast Ever – Fresh Juice and Homemade Bread

How many times have you been told of how important breakfast is? Did you actually believe it or did you dismiss it as some sort of an old folk tale? Did you follow it and see a significant improvement in your energy throughout the day? Great to start the day for work, early sport or fitness session or whatever you plans are!

Generally, a great and hearty breakfast serves as one’s fuel to be up and ready to fulfil everyday tasks. It is the most frequently skipped meal of the day since everybody’s so busy hurrying up to work. People nowadays tend grab whatever they can regardless if it is healthy or not. As a result, these people become quite irritable and feels tired mid-day.

Nutritionally speaking, breakfast must be taken within the first two hours of waking up. It should also provide 20-35% of the calories as per the guideline daily allowance. This should give you an idea that points towards healthy breakfast choices.

Even a simple breakfast with homemade bread (just think about waking up with the smell of freshly made bread of your bread maker) and a glass of freshly pressed orange juice is a lot better than having no breakfast at all! From cognitive function to energy needs and to long-term health, breakfast brings in a lot of benefits for the body and if you want to keep receiving them, you may want to try these healthy combinations that will surely fire up your energy for the rough days ahead.

1.     Apricot Cream Cheese Babka and Orange Juice

There is nothing simpler than orange juice to energize you on a slow morning. More than that, it is very rich in vitamin C and a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It can reduce inflammation and lowers the bad cholesterol in the blood, therefore, leading eventually to a balanced blood pressure. Since oranges also helps produce collagen, one can get that healthy and radiant glow the most natural way possible.

Since orange juice is so simple, we decided to pair it up with something fancy – an apricot cream cheese babka which is a twist from the more famous and traditional chocolate babka. But hey, you want a healthy breakfast right?

It looks quite complicated but it is actually very doable. It is like having a Danish pastry in a bread form. If you want more twist, put some crunchy toppings. We picked out apricots because it is rich in fiber but low in fat. It is also rich in vitamin A which is responsible for a healthy vision and a stronger immune system.

2.     Whole Wheat Bagels and Berry-Flaxseed Smoothie

For the longest time, bagels are one of the favorite breads of Americans. However, there has been a debate whether it is good or bad for the body. Some say that one should not get more than one serving. To make bagels healthier and more appropriate, we have chosen whole wheat bagels.

Whole grains are believed to be the healthiest kind of grain there is. When used in bagels, it turns an ordinary bread into something nutritious and well-balanced that is perfect for breakfast or quick snacks. It is also rich in fiber which should promote a healthy digestive system and prevent heart problems.

Flaxseeds, on the other hand, are loaded with lignans which slows down growth of most cancer cells. It contains magnesium and omega-3-fatty acids and so, this has been a favorite healthy addition to any kind of smoothie or even salads. Berries, in general, are highly prized in the medical world because of their numerous advantages. They bring in lots of antioxidants which basically fights oxidative stress in the body.

3.     Panettone and Avocado-Mango Smoothie

Panettone or more famously referred to as Italian Christmas bread is a staple in every home in Italy during Christmas season. However, let us not make this delicious and healthy bread for that time of the year alone. Basically, this is a traditional sweet yeast bread loaded up with candied citron, lemon zest, and raisins. When done properly, this is a show stopper and you surely would not mind sitting down and spending a real breakfast because of this.

To load you up with even more nutrients, we paired this up with an avocado-mango smoothie which basically gives the body a slew of healthy fats and a wide variety of nutrients.

4.     Ciabatta Bread and Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

Ciabatta bread is famous for its chewy exterior and the softest crumb with air holes. You see this commonly paired up with soups like those of pumpkin soup because it is perfect for dunking or with coffee or juice and smoothies.

Ciabatta can give your much-needed dose of carbohydrates to give you enough energy to go through the day. This is why we paired this up with a strawberry yogurt smoothie to with Ciabatta bread. Even if you are getting mainly carbs and only a bit of protein and fiber from the Ciabatta bread, you get a powerhouse smoothie with the strawberry yogurt combo.

The strawberry-yogurt smoothie is low in calories yet high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber making it all you actually need for a healthy but fulfilling breakfast.

5.     Pita Bread and Orange-Banana Smoothie

Pita bread has always been a great choice since the olden days. Not known by many, this bread actually brings a whole lot of benefits. It boosts vitamin levels even at the average serving that it pretty much covers a huge fraction of the human body’s daily nutrient needs. This also contains dietary fibers which helps prevent diabetes, heart problems, and gives immune levels a boost. This is also a famous choice for those trying to lose weight.

The orange-banana smoothie provides the body with enough potassium and vitamin B6 which helps maintain blood sugar. Together, they make a wonderful breakfast combination.

Breakfasts need not to be luxurious. It just needs to be nutritious. Whether you prefer bread and juices or salads and smoothies, the choice is all yours for as long you eat healthy and not skip your most important meal of the day.

Best Breakfast for Sporters

As an athlete, if you want to perform at a high level and get the most out of your workouts, you need to fuel your body properly. It all starts with what you eat for breakfast. Failing to start you day off on the right foot can lead to making poor decisions about your diet for the rest of your day. The breakfast of champions doesn’t have to be hard to prepare or even require any cooking at all. Some of the best breakfast foods are those that you can eat on the go, even when you are in a big hurry to get your day started. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, because it gets your metabolism going and helps to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at a high level. Don’t skip out on this meal.

Here are some easy breakfast foods that you can pair together for a great start to your day:

What equates to a good breakfast varies, but the broad guidelines to follow include a meal that is at least 500 calories with half from carbohydrates and about 25 percent from protein. You should mix together fruits, vegetables and whole grains to form a complete morning meal. There are so many different foods that you can choose from, you should have no trouble finding food options that are pleasing to your taste buds.

Breakfast Meal 1:

If you like nuts, you can always begin your day with a breakfast that includes a handful of nuts and seeds combined with a low fat yogurt. Best is to make your homemade yogurt in a machine so you can maker enough yogurt every day (check these yogurt makers). Good yogurt makers are Cuisinart and Dash for instance. You can wash this down with a glass of milk (extra protein) for a full breakfast meal that provides the nourishment that you need to perform your sport of choice at a high level. This meal (recipe) is over 600 calories, so it is well within the guidelines.

Breakfast Meal 2:

An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, but it can also be great breakfast fuel for sporters. Try pairing some apple slices with peanut butter along with whole grain toast. If you drink a glass of milk along with these breakfast foods, you have a complete meal that is just under 500 calories, but will leave you feeling fuelled and ready for your day.

Breakfast Meal 3:

Why not try making your very own breakfast sandwich. Instead of stopping off at a fast food restaurant you can make your very own healthy breakfast sandwich from the comfort of your own kitchen. Start with a whole grain bagel and add an egg and cheese paired with a side of orange slices for your very own breakfast happy meal (ideas). These breakfast foods paired together equal just over 600 calories, but will keep you going until you crave a late lunch after your grueling workout.

As an athlete, you need to make breakfast a priority and can start your day of right by mixing and matching these healthy breakfast foods.