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WHY HOME ROASTING PRODUCES THE BEST COFFEE

Why Home Roasting Produces the Best Coffee
At Lavanta Coffee Roasters in NJ, we are coffee roasters! In fact, it’s even in our name. But, as coffee lovers, we know just how great a freshly roasted cup of coffee can taste. While we pride ourselves on our roasting capabilities and store our roasted coffee beans for the utmost in freshness, we also know that there’s “no place like home” when you love coffee. Read on to find out why home roasting produces the best coffee, how you can get started, and some special products to make it easier!

Why Home Roast?
Have you ever toasted a marshmallow? It gets warm, gooey, and lightly browned on the outside. It would certainly be edible, and likely even delicious a few hours later. But you know that the best bite is going to be right after it is toasted. Most foods work the same way, including coffee beans. If you roast coffee, grind it, and, and use it immediately, you will get a coffee experience that is out of this world! Unfortunately, this level of freshness can only occur at home, as the time spent packaging and storing the roasted coffee will slowly deteriorate its taste.

Getting Started
Roasting your own coffee is (relatively) easy. You start with green coffee beans and roast, usually 11-14 minutes, at 375-500 degrees. Some people have had success using a thick, cast iron skillet, others prefer to purchase a dedicated roasting device, which makes things much easier. Place your beans in the heated device and keep them moving. The beans will crack, much like popping popcorn, and will eventually start to smoke. At the smoke point, you have a medium roast. If you keep roasting until the oils “sweat” out, you have reached a dark roast.

Lavanta Helps
Many people find that their coffee tastes are different when they can experience freshly roasted beans. To experiment with a variety of coffees, check out our “A Taste Around the World” sampler pack, featuring 13 of our most popular single-origin coffees from around the world. Need help? Give us a call and we’d be happy to advise.

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Ingredients

For the Pork
  • 5 lbs pork butt or shoulder (trimmed and cut into 2 pieces)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste, rub all over pork)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic
  • 1 white onion, sliced

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee ☕
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  •  

Directions

  • In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until combined.
  • Layer the bottom of your crockpot with the sliced onions and garlic.
  • Place the seasoned pork on top of the onion and garlic layer.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the pork.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  • Remove the pork and shred with two forks.

Optional

For a thicker sauce, transfer it to a pot and simmer on the stove for 10 minutes. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded pork before serving.
Enjoy this tender, flavorful dish with your favorite sides or piled high on a sandwich bun! 🤤

Here’s how to whip it up:

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup whole milk 🥛
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
  • 1 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee ☕
  • 1 candy cane (or 1/4 tsp peppermint extract)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
  2. Heat gently until small bubbles form around the edges.
  3. Stir in your coffee, vanilla extract, and half of the candy cane (or peppermint extract). Remove from heat.
    Pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and garnish with the other half of the candy cane.

✨ Pro tip: Sip by a window and watch the snow fall for maximum cozy vibes!

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your technique, this guide will walk you through making smooth, delicious cold brew coffee right in your kitchen.

Why Make Cold Brew at Home?

  • Smoother, less acidic taste
  • Highlights the natural sweetness of beans
  • Customizable strength and flavors
  • Longer shelf life (up to 2 weeks in the fridge)
  • Easy to make in batches for convenience

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Here’s the difference:

  • Iced Coffee: Brewed hot, then poured over ice. Quick and bright, but more acidic.
  • Cold Brew: Made by steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result? A smooth, low-acid, subtly sweet coffee concentrate.

What You’ll Need

Basic equipment:

  • Coarsely ground coffee
  • Cold or room temperature water
  • Jar (e.g., mason jar),
  • French press, or cold brew maker
  • Fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter

Optional:

  • Spoon for stirring
  • Pitcher or bottle for storage

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Method 1: Mason Jar + Strainer

  • Ratio: 1 cup coffee (113g) to 4 cups water
  • Add grounds to jar, pour in water, and stir
  • Cover and let steep at room temperature
    for 12–24 hours
  • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (use a coffee filter for finer clarity)
  • Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
  • Serve diluted to taste with water, milk, or sweetener over ice

Method 2: French Press or Cold Brew Maker

  • Use same 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio
  • Stir to saturate grounds
  • Steep in fridge for 12–24 hours
  • Press plunger or follow device’s straining instructions
  • Store concentrate in the fridge
  • Dilute and serve as desired

Flavor Ideas & Customizations

Try infusing or enhancing your cold brew with:

  • Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cardamom, vanilla beans
  • Sweeteners: Caramel, hazelnut, or flavored syrups (prefer liquid sweeteners for better mixing)
  • Milk options: Almond, oat, coconut, or traditional milk
  • Fruits: Citrus zest, berries, or apple slices for a refreshing twist

Serving Tips

Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Here’s the difference:

  • Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover cold brew in ice trays to avoid watering down your drink
  • Glass or Stainless Steel Tumblers: Keep your brew colder, longer—and avoid plastic aftertaste

Storage Tips

  • Keep cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  • Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination
  • Lasts up to 2 weeks if kept properly

Enjoy crafting your own cold brew at home—smooth, simple, and exactly how you like it.

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We’re brewing up something fresh, flavorful, and fabulous behind the scenes. Stay tuned—it’s launching soon!

Need coffee now? Email info@lavantacoffee.com or call (862) 881-4683. We’ve got you covered!

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