Wednesday 21 November 2012

New use for a cafétière

I discovered something really great today, and I just HAVE to share it. 

Who knew that a cafétière can be used to froth milk?! Its super easy to do and the results are fab. 

Step 1. Pour milk into your cafétière about 1/4 of the way up (obviously this will depend on how much frothy milk you want, but this is a rough guide).

Step 2. Heat the milk in the microwave for about 60 seconds.
 (*If you're cafétière has any metal components DO NOT put it in the microwave! Heat the milk separately and then transfer to the cafétière.)
You will get more froth if you use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, but if you prefer a richer flavour to your frothy coffee, you'll want to use some whole milk.

Step 3. Put the lid with the plunger on the cafétière  Move the plunger up and down quickly, in and out of the milk (Go slowly until you get the hang of this - you don't want to be squirting milk all over the place!). Keep doing this for about 45-60 seconds. You'll notice that the milk will start foaming, but it will still be quite liquid.

Leave the frothed milk for about a minute to settle down - this lets the foam rise up to the top.
It's the perfect  amount of time to pour your coffee into your favourite cup, sweeten it to taste, and to get any "sprinkles" ready (chocolate, cinnamon, or otherwise) that you might want to add on top.

Step 4. Gently pull the plunger lid out of the cafétière  You'll see the foam collected on the mesh, as well as sitting on the top of the liquid milk. If you are going to pour some of the warm milk into your coffee, you can use a spoon to hold back some of the foam. You can then scoop up the lovely frothiness onto your coffee, and enjoy!

I found this great video on You Tube that shows exactly how easy it is, if the 4 easy steps didn't convince you!

Enjoy!

(And thanks to rogerxps550 for making such a simple video!)

Monday 19 November 2012

Objets d'Amour

Couva is now pleased to be available online through a new online boutique "Objets d'Amour" (http://www.objetsdamour.co.uk/).

Bringing together a collection of beautiful range of lovely gift items, this site feels more like a specialty gift boutique than an online store. Ok, I might be a little biased (with a gorgeous "English Rose" Couva adorning the home page), but in all honesty, the product range is exquisite. I know where I'll be doing some of my Christmas shopping!

Image copyright: Objets D'Amour

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Stop by for a visit...Couva is now on Facebook!

We finally have a home on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/CouvaCoffeeCouture


Please come by for a visit and see our lovely products. Small, medium, large, stripey, spotty, flowery - we've got a Couva to suit everyone's style!

Hope to see you soon!

Monday 12 November 2012

Now in stores across the UK!

After years and years of dreaming of bringing Couva to the masses, 
they are finally in stores!! 


I am so excited to say that Couva is being stocked at the following stores across the UK: 

England
Annabels
Annabel's Luxury English Gifts, Chislehurst, Kent 


Worldly, Wicked & Wise, London



Scotland

Home

Clementine Home & Gifts, Edinburgh


Ireland
Lysaght Gallery, Howth, Co. Dublin


Plus some other lovely online retailers very shortly!! 


Until our own e-shop is ready to accept orders on www.couva.co.uk, we are happy to fulfil requests and enquiries at info@couva.co.uk
Couva Coffee Couture - Oxford, United Kingdom

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Couva in the media

A few months ago, I attended a fantastic event for budding entrepreneurs. Start-Up Saturday is a one-day business course for those looking to start their own business. Each month, the wonderfully enthusiastic Emma Jones covers the basics of what it takes to turn an idea into a successful business. 

By the end of the day, you'll learn about: 

  • researching the market
  • how to write a business plane
  • the basics of using social media to your business's advantage
  • marketing strategies
  • and many other really useful things. 


I met a number of really great people, all with terrific business ideas, and I left feeling utterly inspired and energised about the prospect of being my own boss. Not bad for £30!! 

Information about registering is found at www.enterprisenation.com/events/startup-saturday-2012


StartUp Saturday
Shortly after attending, I was contacted by one of Emma's colleagues who was interested in the Couva story. They have included Couva in a story about starting a business in Britain. 

Take a look! 
 http://www.startupbritain.org/new/2012/08/06/startup-britain-tracker-delivers-good-news-for-british-business-every-day/