Contributed by Tim Brugger, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

A good, steaming cup of coffee in the morning is about as good as it gets.

For coffee drinkers to fully appreciate just how rewarding this special time can be, try getting your day started without a cup; just for research purposes. Make sure to warn any passersby; you haven’t succumbed to an epileptic seizure, just a science experiment gone awry.

Why put up with the lady in front of you ordering the skim, mocha-mocha, light cream vanilla-vanilla latte with just a hint of caramel at the local coffee shop when you can have specialty coffee delivered to your door. Now that’s the way to get the day started.

Whole beans

Fresh with flavor

Unless you pound a half gallon of coffee daily, you’ll need to make it last to retain the best flavor. There’s no better way to keep specialty coffee fresh than buying it whole bean. Gourmet coffee shops have a selection of whole bean java for all tastes, including a decaffeinated option. Yes, drinking decaf is akin to kissing your sister, but a fine option for coffee lovers adhering to a medically prescribed coffee regimen.

Coffee Grinder

Fresh ground in the morning

Okay, now you have a few pounds of newly delivered specialty coffee, but no way to grind it? Brylane Home can help you here. Check out this grinder from Cuisinart; easily adjustable to get the beans just the right consistency before brewing, with a large, sealable bean hopper to pour the whole beans into. Nothing worse then picking coffee beans off the floor, even with a 3-second rule in effect.

Sample the best blends

Organic and free trade deliciousness

Why settle for just one amazing coffee blend when you can enjoy two rich and amazing blends in one gift pack? Start with a South American Family Blend for a medium roast cup that’s perfect with breakfast, a mid-afternoon break or your after dinner relaxation. Or wake up to the day with a dark, rich Rittenhouse French Roast for a bold, smoky coffee treat. Both are organic and free trade, so you’ll be helping the earth with every sip.

Peruvian roast

Organic import

Another rich dark coffee bean, Pachamama Organic is from Peru. The name is derived from “Mother Earth,” and this earthy roast will satisfy the most discerning gourmet coffee drinker.

Filters

Brewing essential

Look for a wide selection of filters for specialty and gourmet coffee brewers. The permanent coffee filters are an economical and eco-friendly alternative to paper filters. They hold finely ground coffee while letting water flow freely while coffee oils are released for the perfect morning cup.

Coffee flavored chocolate

After dinner espresso

Who says your specialty coffee must come in a mug? Espresso flavored chocolate gets our vote any time of the day, and the best is a premium espresso bar which is luxuriously deep and velvety 60% Cacao dark chocolate infused with deep-roasted espresso beans.

Monk’s Mountain Coffee Ground

Heavenly aroma

Grown in the shade of trees native to the hills of Nicaragua, these coffee beans are hand picked and dried in the sun. Monk’s Mountain Coffee Ground is a treat for any coffee lover. The coffee is also organic; so you’ll feel good spending your java money here. Check out their other specialty products including fudge, biscotti and honey.