I know it's crass, but face it... we all want to kvell.

Mine:
1. Not exactly espresso, but we bought a Modern Copper Royal Coffee Maker.


2. While dithering about which grinder for the new coffee maker, I let it drop to my wife that I thought the Kitchen Aid Pro Line was really good looking. She surprised me and bought one. Oops. It stayed in the box while I dithered some more, we discussed it's lack of practical merit, and I'm going to exchange it for a Breville Smart at BB&B as soon as the lines die down.

3. One Day Barista Training from Heather Perry. I'm signed up for the January 16th class. Anyone else coming?

So? What did Sandy Paws bring you?

BDL

PS. Dithering isn't my only skill. I also do worrying and procrastination. I was briefly considered for the US Guilt Olympics Team, but decided to go pro; a decision I profoundly regret.

Not espresso either but I have been neglected of one of the most basic coffee brewing systems and we do not yet own an electric kettle, so santa brought these little surprises! Bonavita electric kettle 1 liter from 70 degrees fahrenheit to 200 degrees fahrenheit in exactly 5 minutes. No land speed record but about twice as fast as our stove top! (...and probably twice as efficient.) And also the Tiamo glass pourover.

Vario for 200. Couldn't pass it up

Santy was awesome this year... knew just what I needed

Reg Barber Olive Wood and Anodized Black base tamper!!: http://m.flickr.com/photos/10704206@N08/6482465417/

Chemex 8 cup:
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/pro...mex-brewer

BonaVita Electric Kettle:
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/pro...ric-kettle

Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale:
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/pro...ital-scale

My partner Nicole built me an espresso bar in the garage for the Mr Espresso lever, pics to come, and my parents sent me a bunch of stuff from OrphanEspresso including cappuccino cups, a knock box, shot glasses.

Thanks Nicole, Mom & Dad, and Doug and Barb!

I opened up an Espro toroid steaming pitcher on xmas, and have tried it out a few times already. It appears to work exactly as advertised, and my milk has never looked so swirly in the pitcher before. I don't think the results are necessarily better, but they're certainly easier. Although the tip does appear to make very clean lines for pouring latte art.

Not exactly from Santa as I bought it for myself, but an expobar Brewtus IV (vibe with reservoir).

I have already added some nice looking handles to the warming tray (thanks to Abe Carmeli for that idea) and will have it on a timer starting tomorrow morning since it takes a while to warm up (especially those last two degrees!)

Well, I was going to get a Cremina but they went crazy this Christmas so I decided to bide my time and buy one in a few months. So... a delayed Christmas/B'day gift.
OO

Someone on EBay bought my used Astoria on 12/24 and picked it up today. It looked kinda sad sitting in the shop by itself and I'm glad it will go on to make espresso for someone new. Merry Christmas to all.
Duke

Got a vac pot and 5 pounds of Ethiopia DP Sidama Aleta Wondo. Just roasted a batch to try out.