Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate - Anyone?

I’ve never tasted coffee. I know. That’s strange.
My caffeine fix is taken care of with several cans of diet Coke each day, including one the moment I wake up in the morning. I can’t get going without the diet Coke.

All of this makes it even stranger, I guess, that I just bought a new coffee maker. This particular one is the kind we had in an office where I used to work. I’ve wanted one for a long time but didn’t make the purchase until a store was going out of business and the machine was discounted.

The coffee isn’t brewed a pot at a time but rather a cup or mug at a time. It’s great for folks who have varying tastes and likes. Some like strong coffee, some weak, some flavored, some decaf. This machine comes with individual little packets or containers to satisfy all kinds of tastes. There are also containers available for various teas. This is terrific for guests when one would like hazelnut coffee, another a bold French roast; well, you get the idea.

And you can set the machine to brew a small cup or a large mug; choose your size!

I’ve never been very confident about my ability to make coffee for guests. Sometimes when I cook something, I can just “feel” whether it’s turning out right or not, based on what I like. I can’t do that with coffee because I don’t drink it and don’t have a “feel” for it.
But a smell for it is something totally different. One thing I’ve discovered is that I love the smell of coffee. The aroma makes it awfully tempting.

I’ve taken a step in the direction of that temptation. In the last two weeks, I’ve started sipping hot tea occasionally. (I decided to brew a cup of pomegranate tea while writing this; see the steam in this picture.)

Maybe one day I’ll finally taste coffee. And, then again, maybe not.