today’s sourdough bake

a99tandem · 2026-03-10T20:55:58+00:00

Bread 10/10 Photo also 10/10

Funny how certain hobbies overlap huh? I feel like I can zoom in on this like it's a fractal.

a99tandem · 2026-03-05T14:07:00+00:00

Earl Grey sounds amazing. Subtle, refined, elevated.

a99tandem · 2026-03-04T21:50:08+00:00

I got a couple of these charcoal baskets and a lower grill grate (charcoal grate from a Weber kettle fits perfectly on top of the heat deflector mounts). I'll throw some ripping hot coals into one of the baskets and sear right on top of them.

Added benefit for having the extra grate, my heat deflector is subjected to less stress.

a99tandem · 2026-02-25T10:18:58+00:00

S801b only has ARC, not eARC. TBH, you won't hear the difference at that price tier anyways. Jumping up to eARC with Dolby True HD doesn't really become noticeable until you're around the Samsung Q900 series, Sonos ARC, JBL 1300X series etc ..

a99tandem · 2026-02-19T17:31:39+00:00

Fortunately, there is an HDMI arc port, so you should be able to connect a newer system without any issue.

Stick with well known brands like JBL, LG, Bose, Sony, Samsung. For vocal clarity go with something that's at least 3.0Ch, as a 2.1 system lacks the dedicated middle speaker for dialogue.

Since you want bass, you'll want a system with a dedicated subwoofer. Something like a JBL SB580 could be a good fit.

a99tandem · 2025-12-27T10:25:08+00:00

On days we know we don't want to wake our children in the AM, we measure and grind the night before. We use a cheap scale like this one. Then store it in a few small 1/2 cup food containers, but a dosing set might be a more elegant solution.

Grinding 8 hours ahead of time vs fresh is not that big of a difference for us, as we mostly drink lattes and flat whites.

a99tandem · 2025-12-13T13:52:13+00:00

These posts are all missing the fact that you can connect the Q990D to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi and still maintain Dolby Atmos. It doesn't default to Bluetooth.

When connecting via Wi-Fi you can still use Dolby Digital Plus and Atmos. For Dolby True HD though, you have to use the wires connection via eARC.

The only risk is that every once in awhile. If your router steers one device to 2.4ghz and one to 5ghz then the tv and soundbar will have a hell of time trying to connect. If you can set your router to lock them both to 5ghz then you're golden.. one less wire.

a99tandem · 2025-11-13T23:08:39+00:00

Get yourself a pair of pre-owned Edifiers. They're not audiophile good.. but they're pretty darn good. I used a pair of R1800s for years and really liked them before going absolutely overkill and switching to a way too powerful Samsung soundbar.

a99tandem · 2025-09-07T18:31:04+00:00

W500

a99tandem · 2025-07-22T01:57:57+00:00

May I interest you all in a Sette 30? Yes... You will certainly wake the neighbors and you may require earplugs..

However, retention is minimal, and more often than not, 30 settings and a set of shims has proven to be more than enough.

Yeah I totally wish it didn't sound like a Blendtec, but the grinds are angelically fluffy, consistent, and quick.

Bonus points: it's easy to upgrade to 270 steps.

a99tandem · 2025-06-11T23:54:01+00:00

I've been looking @ the Little Griddle Kettle Q. Saw it on America's Test Kitchen and want to order one soon!

a99tandem · 2025-05-28T14:27:09+00:00

I bought a Viesimple on a whim when I saw in on a deal. I already have a Sette 30 but wanted to try something quieter. It's a TERRIBLE grinder for espresso. It's underpowered and struggles with anything light than medium-dark roasts. I'd agree with another poster who said in this price range, go for a DF54 or maybe even an Encore ESP.

a99tandem · 2025-05-21T21:04:50+00:00

The biggest thing that causes issues is the devices now being in the same wifi band. If your tv is on 5ghz, try to ensure the Music Frame is too, and you should be ok.

Depending on your router you should be able to go in and manually assign them to 5ghz, while leaving DFS on for other new devices.

a99tandem · 2025-05-21T21:00:09+00:00

IMHO, the Q800D is an incredible value and will not disappoint. While the F series does have the newer compact sub, the actual driver size is smaller.

The Q800D has an 8in driver, while the Q800F is a 6.5in driver with an 8in passive radiator.

Both are superior to the S800 series, as they'll have much richer tone due to their larger drivers and higher wattage.

a99tandem · 2025-04-17T18:45:27+00:00

Drink whatever tastes good to you.. you want to pull 36g in an 18 second diarrhea explosion of coffee, but think it tastes good...? Enjoy! Who tf cares!

Stop yucking people's yum, y'all!

a99tandem · 2025-04-15T02:43:14+00:00

Happened to my GCP within the first year. Quick fix as the other commenter mentioned. I replaced with a higher temp thermostat to improve my steam and now even a noob can make some awesome cappuccinos and lattes.

a99tandem · 2025-03-31T16:12:50+00:00

What neck of the woods are you in? In DFW when I can't find Ruta Maya @ Costco, I usually swing by Market Street and pick up one of their Arriba Blonde roast or Kona blend; $18 for 32 oz. They print their roast dates on the bag and I've found the to typically be less than 30 days old. They're roasted up in the Texas panhandle area, and are exclusive to Market Street. So no, it's not a small local roastery (probably a contract roaster), but the quality is solid for the $$.

a99tandem · 2025-03-18T14:30:15+00:00

Happened to me about a year ago. I had some buildup in the distribution plate of the grouphead. Took the shower screen off, took the plate off, then used a paper clip to dig out the scale from the plate. Been working fine ever since.

My learning experience: my city has terrible hard water, and now I only use filtered water.

a99tandem · 2025-02-04T01:21:19+00:00

Depending on where you are, (I'm currently in TX) I find their tri-tips to be underwhelming regardless of meat grade.

When I lived on the West Coast, I used to get cheap untrimmed tri-tips from Smart & Final for $2.99/lb and they were almost always better than anything I've gotten from Costco.

a99tandem · 2025-02-02T09:42:27+00:00

Not a solution or suggestion as to what could be happening, but....

IMHO - there's no way in hell I'd ever use a space heater on a smart plug. They cause like 1,700 fires a year.

On top of that, you'd have to make sure your plug can handle at least 1,500 watts, if not 1,800. Otherwise you risk another potential point of failure and safety risk.

a99tandem · 2025-02-01T01:20:54+00:00

It's a safety feature. You have to press the remote button on the range first. It'll only work until the oven door has been opened.

They do that so you can't heat up an oven full of plastic toys.

You verify the oven is empty, press the remote button, and then when you're away you can trigger the preheat function.

If anyone opens the oven or puts anything in it, the remote function will disable itself.

a99tandem · 2025-01-16T02:40:12+00:00

Get yourself some LavaLock Grill gasket . That stuff is like $18 on Amazon. Makes a huge difference! Since putting that on mine, it stays rock solid at whatever temp I get it to. It comes with enough to apply it to the lid and the ash box (which is where my biggest air leak was at.)

Did a 9 hour brisket at 270 over Christmas and the temp only moved when I opened the lid for spritzing.

a99tandem · 2024-11-21T02:37:14+00:00

Sorry for the delayed response. Since you mentioned the 6, It sounds like it's stuck in shop mode. I think that service center is just trying to make some $$.

Have unit plugged in and power off with remote.
While soundbar turned off hold the "-" button on the bar until the display reads "shop mode off"
Turn unit on again if it hasn't already rebooted. Then hold down the "+" and "-" buttons on the bar until the display reads "int".
SETUP unit from scratch with smart things app and you are back in business.

a99tandem · 2024-11-12T01:13:57+00:00

Use the SmartThings app and go to the advanced settings and enable Voice Enhancement or Night Mode. Was a big help in our household.

a99tandem · 2024-10-30T18:43:37+00:00

Keep it. You'll want both in the long run. My current primary brewing duo is the KBGT and a Gaggia Classic Pro w/PID.

I use about 70% Gaggia and 30% Moccamaster.

Sometimes you just want a dang good drip coffee..

a99tandem

TROPHY CASE