Category Archives: General

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

February 8, 2013 – 10:55 am

Mardi GrasMusic, parades and beads, oh my! Mardi Gras is just around the corner on February 12th, and we are here to help you celebrate the season. Whether you are a Mardi Gras veteran or have always dreamed of attending, here are 10 fun facts to get you into the spirit.

  1. Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday” in French because it is the last day to indulge before the fasting of Lent season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
  2. Mardi Gras was originally brought to Louisiana by French settlers. The first recorded celebration of the holiday was March 3, 1699.
  3. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold) were originally chosen by Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch Romanoff of Russia. Say that three times fast! No one knows for certain why he selected these colors, but it has been speculated that he chose them because they reflect a royal tone. In 1892 the parade theme was “The Symbolism of Color,” and it was then that the colors received their significance. Purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power.
  4. The parade tradition of throwing items to the crowds started in the 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers and is one of the most famous traditions of Mardi Gras. Don’t forget to shout “Throw me something, mister!”
  5. Krewes, which are parade groups, originally started as private social clubs, and each have their unique history and theme. The oldest parading krewe is the Krewe Rex, which was founded in 1872.
  6. Millions of cups and toy coins known as “doubloons” are decorated with krewe logos and thrown to parade-watchers. Some “throws” are especially prized: only the luckiest folks manage to take home the hand-decorated coconuts from the Krewe of Zulu.
  7. The Krewe of Rex, known as “the king of carnival,” was conceived primarily to celebrate the arrival of the grand duke of Russia. The duke’s mistress and lover at the time, an American actress named Lydia Thompson, sang a song entitled “If Ever I Cease To Love You.” Coincidentally, this was the duke’s favorite song, so all the bands in the Rex parade were asked to play it. This song became, and still remains today, the official song of Mardi Gras.
  8. King cakeThe King Cake is a cinnamon-roll like cake that is synonymous with Mardi Gras. The cake has a small item (usually a plastic baby) hidden inside, and tradition says that the person who “finds” the baby will be rewarded with good luck for the next year. That person also is responsible for bringing the King Cake to next year’s celebration.
  9. There will be a total of 63 parades during New Orleans Mardi Gras! Check out the complete parade schedule here.
  10. 10. The Mardi Gras slogan is “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” which means “Let the good times roll!”

Now go put on your purple, green and gold, get a big slice of King Cake, pour yourself a big cup of Community coffee, and join us in celebrating one of our favorite holidays. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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Saurage Family Christmas Traditions

December 21, 2012 – 4:18 pm

Get to know fourth generation member of the Saurage family and Chairman of Community Coffee Company, Matt Saurage. Merry Christmas, y’all!

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Ask Carl

December 18, 2012 – 10:33 pm

Here at Community Coffee Company, we pride ourselves on making the world’s best coffee. To do this, we only use the top 10 percent of ArabicaCarl R Leonard coffee beans in the world. You may ask – How do we get these coffee beans?

This is where Carl Leonard comes in. Carl is the Vice President of Green Coffee Procurement at Community Coffee Company and joined the company in 1983. He is a Licensed Q Grader, a professional cupper accredited by the Coffee Quality Institute and is a certified cupping judge of the Specialty Coffee Association of America – that means he knows his coffee!

From our beans to the best way to brew a cup, Carl is ready to answer all of your coffee-related questions. Submit your questions for Carl through Facebook, Twitter (use hashtag #AskCarl) or right here on our blog. While we gather your questions, take some time to get to know Carl!

Q: What’s your typical work day like?

A: A good percentage of my day is spent communicating with green coffee producers, cooperatives, exporters and importers that supply us with excellent coffee. We have deep-rooted relationships in many coffee regions that ensure we are always able to source the best coffees the world has to offer. It is by partnering and developing relationships (that in some cases go back for more than 50 years) that we have been able to continue to live up to the quality our loyal customers expect.

Q: What is green coffee?

A: Green coffee describes coffee beans that have not yet been roasted.

Q: What is cupping?

A: Cupping means tasting coffee. It is a procedure practiced throughout the coffee world and it can be relatively easy to learn; however, only through many years of repetitive practice does an individual become astute at this essential art to determine the best coffees. Through many years of practice, the cupper develops palate memory, which means the brain, mouth and nose work together to develop an exact memory of what the best coffees should present in aroma and flavor. Each coffee, from different growing areas within each origin, can present a uniquely different aroma and flavor profile; they can even present a different mouth feel. To date, only human sensory perception has been able to comprehend the fine distinctions of each coffee grown in different areas within each origin, and no machine or electronic equipment has been able to duplicate this art.

A good percentage of my day also is spent carefully evaluating and cupping the coffees that we have chosen to go into our special blends. This skill was initially handed down to me and others at our Port Allen Roasting Plant from Bill Weber, a dedicated evaluator of our coffees who spent almost 50 years at Community Coffee Company. These evaluating and cupping skills are practiced daily and are often attended by our Chairman of the Board and Owner, Matt Saurage, President and CEO David Belanger, and Board Director, H. Norman Saurage III.

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Try It Today: Mocha Java!

December 14, 2012 – 3:55 pm

XXXX_12ozPR_MochaJavaGRC_lrgMocha Java is not just a nickname for coffee – it’s the world’s oldest recorded coffee blend. This unique Middle Eastern and Indonesian blend hails from the Port of Java, where coffee originated and the city of Mocha, now in modern day Yemen.

From the 15th to 17th centuries, Mocha was the largest port in Yemen, where coffee beans were traded and transported. Sailors would often travel between Mocha and Java, and as a result, this traditional coffee blend was created.

Our Private Reserve® Mocha Java coffee makes a bold, rich cup of coffee that is perfect for the holidays. Mocha Java is a powerful, yet well-balanced medium-dark roast coffee that will have you in high spirits with its rich chocolate and dark cherry aroma.

Mocha Java tastes great with rich desserts like chocolate cake and with flavorful berries like raspberry, blackberry or cherry. For an extra serving of delight, try a cup of Mocha Java with some chocolate-covered fruit! Previously available only in the fall, you can now find our Mocha Java year-round on CommunityCoffee.com.

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Community® Coffee Employee Spotlight: Henry Watson

November 29, 2012 – 5:14 pm

You have probably heard the saying “If these walls could talk,” but how about “If these boards could talk?”

According to Community Coffee Company’s quality assurance technician, Henry Watson, the 100+ year-old cypress wood boards he uses for his art have a lot of history to share. While a normal day for Henry at our Port Allen Manufacturing Facility includes testing and inspecting Community® products to ensure a great tasting cup, his other waking hours are spent in his workshop. Ask anyone around and they will tell you he does it all with an infectious smile on his face.

Henry grew up in the small community of Valverda, La., where he spent many afternoons with his blind grandmother. They would ride around the back roads of Louisiana and Henry would be her eyes, describing everything he saw as best he could. It was because of her that Henry says he was truly able to see and why he became an artist. He set out to create artwork that would allow his grandmother to see not with her eyes, but with her hands.

Henry was 15 when he began carving wood and has been using a chisel and mallet to create three dimensional works of art that tell the story and history of Louisiana ever since.

Henry now works on his pieces in his wood carving studio located next to Parlange Plantation on False River in Livonia. His work not only hangs in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion, but his portrait of Pope John Paul II is on display in the Vatican and other works also have traveled worldwide.

We are so impressed with his talent and look forward to seeing his future creations. Visit his website to see more of his impressive art work.

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Need an Energy Boost for Black Friday?

November 21, 2012 – 8:00 pm

With Black Friday just around the corner, it’s time to scout for the best sales in your city and prepare to shop the day away. When you rise at the crack of dawn to hit the stores, it’s important to energize yourself for the shopping marathon that lies ahead. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best Community® coffee blends to help you keep your energy up and stay alert throughout Black Friday.Cafe Special

Café Special

After a long day of credit card swiping, there’s nothing you will want to do more than relax. Sit back and enjoy a cup of warm, delicious Community coffee! Our Café Special® is sure to please with its full-bodied yet smooth taste and distinctive aroma.Holiday Jazz

Holiday Jazz

With Thanksgiving behind us, Black Friday is the perfect time to begin to embrace the Christmas season. What better way to get into the holiday cheer than with a seasonal blend? Our Private Reserve® Holiday Jazz  coffee carries hints of floral aromas and spices, bringing with it visions of sugar-plums and Papa Noel.

Cinnamon RollCinnamon Roll

After the workout of carrying all those shopping bags home, you will have earned a tasty treat. Try a cup of our delicious Private Reserve® Cinnamon Roll  coffee! With its snappy aroma and flavor of cinnamon sticks and just the right marriage of Central American coffee intensity, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Flavored Coffee Myth: Even if you prefer your coffee black, it’s important to add sugar and cream to any flavored coffee. The flavor will be accentuated with the addition of sugar and cream and is the best way to enjoy your flavored coffee.

Happy shopping!

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Community® Coffee Marinated Rack of Lamb

November 16, 2012 – 4:22 pm

Tired of turkey?  This Thanksgiving, consider treating your guests to this Community® coffee marinated rack of lamb from Chef Jeremy Langlois of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

  • 4 four bone racks of lamb, Frenched
  • 5 cups Community coffee, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Place racks of lamb in a container and completely cover with Community coffee. Marinate between 12 and 24 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove lamb from marinade and pat dry with a towel. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large sauté pan over high heat and add olive oil. Sauté lamb on each side until the meat is golden brown. Place on a roasting pan and cook in the oven until the internal temperature is 130 degrees, about 12 minute. Remove the lamb from the oven and allow the meat to rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. Slice the meat between the bones into chops and serve.

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

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Honoring All of Those Who Have Served

November 11, 2012 – 9:00 am

Veterans Day is a time to remember and recognize those brave men and women who have gone into harm’s way and the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom. Community Coffee Company would like to say THANK YOU to all our veterans past, present and future!

The History of Veterans Day

To commemorate the ending of World War I, an “unknown soldier” was buried in the highest place of honor in both England and France. Both of these ceremonies took place on November 11th and in 1921, the United States followed suit by lying to rest the remains of a World War I American. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

In 1926, Congress adopts a resolution declaring November 11th Armistice Day, and in 1947, Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham Ala., organized the first “Veterans Day” parade to honor all of America’s veterans for their service, not just those from WWI. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. Rees (Kansas) introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day and in 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

We encourage you to take time today (and every day) to thank a veteran or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for other ways you can show your appreciation.

Community Coffee Company proudly continues our Military Match program to show our support for those bravely serving in our armed forces. You can also get the kids involved by coloring our “Thank You” cards. You can find the cards and mailing instructions here. All cards received will be used in Military Match packages shipped overseas.

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Clever Halloween Costume Ideas for Coffee Lovers

October 25, 2012 – 5:07 pm

This Halloween, Community Coffee Company wants to brew up a little more than the perfect cup of coffee – the perfect costume! As each October day passes, time is running out to find your costume. If you’re still percolating on what to be this year, here are some fun coffee-inspired costume ideas to keep you warm and energized for a long night of trick-or-treating.

 

The Classic Mr. (or Ms.) Cup o’ Joe

This costume is an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit. The one piece costume is available for purchase, but if you are feeling extra crafty, you can make it yourself! Accessorize with a pot of Community® coffee, and you’ll definitely be the hit of the party.

 

Even at Halloween, Accessories Make the Outfit

Details matter, consider this clever trick-or-treating bag to set off your costume. Not trick or treating? Carry this as your purse, and even stock it with all of the fixings to jazz up your next cup of coffee!

 

 

Need More Than Just Coffee to Get You Going?

If you’re in the market for a couples’ costume idea this year, this one is a slam dunk, literally. Pair your coffee cup with the perfect treat – a donut. Click here for an easy DIY version using an inner tube!  

 

 

Get Inspired By Coffee

If you want to use the coffee theme a little less literally, here are some unique ways to use coffee filters to amp up your costume.

Coffee-Filter Fairy

Check out this coffee-filter fairy godmother costume! Martha Stewart knows her crafts, and this unique costume will have spectators wishing they’d been as creative with their Halloween outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Clown

For children, this adorable clown with a collar made from coffee filters. You’ll have everyone smiling, including your little one!

Whether you are dressing up or not this year, there is one thing we’d recommend! Make sure you have plenty of Community coffee on hand, so you can stay up for all of those late-night trick or treaters! Hand out some to your neighbors, and everyone will be thanking you for the rest of the year.

With Halloween right around the corner, we are excited to see what creative, fun and scary costume ideas you come up with! Be sure to share your Halloween pictures with us on Facebook!
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Try It: Brazil Santos Bourbon!

October 19, 2012 – 2:27 pm

The fall season is officially upon us, and along with it comes one of Community Coffee Company’s favorite seasonal coffees: Brazil Santos Bourbon. Pronounced “boar-bawn,” this decadent blend is named in honor of the French King Louis XIV, from whose royal greenhouse came the beginning of Brazil’s entire coffee-growing industry.

Our Brazil Santos Bourbon blend comes from a strain of Arabica bean that originated in Africa before being grown in the Brazilian mountain region. Legend has it that Louis XIV smuggled the flavorful bean out of Africa and transplanted it in Brazil in the mid-18th century, kicking off the country’s coffee trade. Coffee had never before been grown in Brazil, but today Brazil is responsible for one third of the world’s coffee supply, making it the largest producer on Earth.

The strain of Arabica bean used to make Brazil Santos Bourbon is becoming rarer as hybrid variations of the coffee plant are emerging, but we work with many Brazilian cooperatives and producers to use only the pure Bourbon plant as our coffee source.

The Brazil Santos Bourbon coffee makes a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee. Its smooth sweetness gives it a palatable, mellow flavor with a rich aroma. Community Coffee’s Brazil Santos Bourbon pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful desserts, such as molten chocolate cake or bourbon-soaked bread pudding. You can find a bag at your local store from October to December, but it also is available year-round online here!


Louis XIV: A Brief History
Known as “Louis the Great” or the “Sun King,” King Louis XIV was a Bourbon monarch who ruled as the king of France and Navarre. The “Sun King” holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning king in European history, reigning for 72 years and 110 days.

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