| Sunday, November 4, 2007 |
| Selecting and Preserving the Best Coffee Beans for your Java |
Coffee has become a booming business today, and the ground beans that fill the metal coffee cans just don’t cut it for many coffee connoisseurs any more. Avid coffee drinkers want their brews made from beans that are fresh, robust, and grown and roasted to perfection. But how many coffee lovers are well-versed in what happens to a coffee bean from the time it is grown until it ends up in your coffee maker at home? The process of growing and roasting coffee beans is a long and complex one, but the result of beans grown and harvested properly is a delicious cup of coffee every time. It is a good idea to be at least a little familiar with the process to know how to select the best coffee beans to put into your morning cup.
Where do Coffee Beans Grow?
While there are many countries throughout the world which grow coffee beans, the majority of our beans come from Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia and Mexico, respectively. Coffee trees are a bit persnickety about the sunlight, moisture and temperatures that they require to grow well. Plants that are grown at higher altitudes tend to yield more flavorful beans, since the lack of oxygen in these areas offers the plants a longer time until harvest and allows the flavor to develop more fully. Coffee beans are distinguished by whether they grow in a high or low area, the flavor of the beans and the aroma. Arabica beans tend to have the most flavor and aroma, while Robusta beans offer an earthier aroma and taste.
Keeping Coffee Beans Fresh
When you head to the store to buy your coffee, keep in mind that freshness of the beans is subject to when they were roasted. If you can buy your coffee beans on the day of roasting, or perhaps the day after, you will enjoy the freshest coffee possible. It is always best to buy your beans whole and grind them yourself on the day that you will use them. If you don’t have a grinder or you prefer to grind a few day’s worth at once, you can store your coffee in the freezer to help keep your coffee beans as fresh as possible until you use them. If you like to order your coffee beans from companies on the Internet, you can ask the company about its policies in shipping and roasting. Some companies will ship out beans the day that they are roasted to ensure the maximum freshness possible. |
posted by Brownie @ 6:45 AM  |
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| Choosing the Best Coffee Maker |
If you’re an authentic coffee drinker, choosing a quality coffee maker is a decision that should not be taken for granted. If you are planning to mix your favorite coffee on your own, you will need a coffee maker that has all the features you need. Although most coffee machines look alike, each functions differently to provide varying tastes.
The most common coffee maker is called the percolator. These types of machines work by filtering the boiling water through the coffee grounds. Used usually with lightly roasted coffees, percolators remain the traditional way of making coffee. Although many people love these types of coffee makers, some people don’t fancy the bitterness in the coffee because of prolonged boiling.
An automatic drip is the most convenient coffee maker, which is designed to work on its own. After adding cold water into its reservoir, the device heats up to a specified temperature. It then pulses repeatedly through the coffee grounds that rest in the filter. Some automatic drip models have switches that slow down the pulsing of water, allowing you to balance the taste of coffee without over-boiling.
Higher-end models of coffee makers claim to provide you with excellent reliability, state-of-the-art designs, practical features and most importantly, the accurate brewing temperature. The problem with most coffee makers is that they cannot achieve proper temperature, resulting in bitter-tasting coffees due to over boiling.
Coffee Maker Features: What Do You Really Need?
The features of the coffee maker you buy will largely affect the taste of your cup of coffee. Although there are different features offered by various brands, you need to identify what you need, from those you can live without.
Some coffee makers have programmable timers, clocks and auto shut-off. These are ideal for people who usually forget that they’re brewing coffee. Since over-boiling could change the taste of the beans, these features allow you to customize the time of boiling and program the machine when to shut down.
The water reservoir and filter basket are two important things you should look for in a coffee machine. Some models provide a large water reservoir, while others only supply a small space for water. Filter baskets have different shapes and sizes – choose between a swing-out or slide-out models.
Adjustable water temperature is an ideal feature for coffee makers because you can customize the level of hotness your coffee would turn out. The most ideal water temperature needs to be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choosing the coffee machine for your home or office will depend largely on your budget, size needed, brand and features offered. If the coffee maker fits your personal or household needs, then that is the best device for you. |
| posted by Brownie @ 6:45 AM |
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| Saturday, August 11, 2007 |
| Coffee Urns Have Many Uses |
For many years coffee urns have been used to serve coffee to many communities. You can find urns in places like churches, town halls and many other community settings. Coffee urns are not exclusive to serving only coffee. Hot chocolate, tea and many other beverages could be served in a snap. If you’re throwing a party and plan on serving refreshments to your guests you too could implement the many uses of these urns. The workplace is the most ideal location to have ready made coffee to help employees get there morning off to a great start. Typically, coffee urns are capable of making from 30 to 100 cups of coffee, depending on the size of the urn. Coffee urns are most commonly made of stainless steel for the durability that is requires holding large amounts of hot beverages.
Governmental Uses For Urns
For many years the white house has used coffee urns to serve the president and other dignitaries. The Red Cross has also put many coffee urns to use to serve coffee to workers who have worked long hours helping others. Homes in England have made the use of coffee urns to continue there long lived tradition of serving up tea as well as coffee an example set by the beloved royal family who has acted as ambassadors to the world community for many centuries. During the hurricane Katrina disaster over 6000 coffee urns were put to use at the Superdome stadium to accommodate those affected by the storm as well as relief workers who were there to provide support and services. Many college campuses come equipped with urns to serve students and faculty and to assure everyone is pleased most campuses provide both decaffeinated coffee choices as well as regular coffee in which contains caffeine.
Law enforcement organizations utilize urns to keep there work forces alert while hospitals provide them to refresh the family of patients as well as patients themselves. Probably one of the most notable users of coffee urns is the United States military. Since 1937 the United States military has put coffee urns in there vital supplies list. It is estimated that over 1 million urns are ordered every year to assist the food service branch of the military in serving servicemen across the United States as well as in other countries in which they are serving. The many uses of coffee urns are countless but to sum it all up no matter whom you are or what line of work you are in they can provide you a valuable service regardless. |
| posted by Brownie @ 9:45 PM |
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| Friday, July 20, 2007 |
| Coffee Syrup: Is It A Liquid Wonder? |
Coffee syrup has no nutritional benefit, not one I could find in my vast online investigations. In fact when researching this product, what I could find is a simple corn syrup, plus “Flavoring” recipe. Therefore, my next step was to see how simple this really was. I took simple household corn syrup, and then added some almond extract to it. Then I slowly mixed this concoction to my hot coffee. I found that yes this worked. I had made my own coffee syrup. It mixed perfectly, no floating to the bottom of the cup, and it did not change the consistency of the beverage. I then started shopping, to see how much these liquid bottles of gold cost in the store. To my amazement, people can pay anywhere from $7.99 and upwards depending on the size and brand. My homemade coffee syrup cost less then .10cents to make. I could make any flavor that I wanted; all that I needed was some creativity, and very little money to buy the extract to add for flavor. I ha d just discovered a way to save myself a lot of money.
Thirty-One Flavors In My Own Home
I invited several coffee loving friends to my house for a coffee syrup party, unbeknownst to them. I started by seating everyone comfortably. Then I did a small poll around the room, having each person write down how they liked their coffee, where they bought their usual cup from, and about how much they spent per cup. With many raised eyebrows, they began to write. Next, I had everyone write down his or her favorite desserts. Again, with questioning looks they finished this task. I was happy to see that everyone liked coffee syrup flavoring in his or her coffees. The next not so surprising fact I was able to deduce was that each person was spending about $5.00 a cup to get his or her favorite flavor. I happily got started with my already made coffee in the cups. I added my homemade flavors to each of the cups, and then carrying them out on trays, I distributed these cups of joy to each friend.
Many oohs and aahs were emitting from everyone. They were complementing me, saying that the coffee was wonderful. The next barrage of questions was what brand of coffee syrups I had used. With a smile, I let them know what my experiment was. With my non-believing crowd at me heels, I went into my kitchen and repeated the methods I had used to make the previous cups for them. After a slow taste testing, a few people laughed, some were angered that they were spending so much on their daily fixes; others said it was nice to know but in a hurry, they would probably continue to spend the extra money to get their quick cup. Maybe after reading this article you will come to the same realization I did, or maybe you will go on spending the extra money, just to save a little more time. It is up to you, me personally, I am not the house of thirty-plus flavors. |
| posted by Brownie @ 5:49 PM |
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| Columbian Coffee Recipes |
Coffee is on of Americas favorite beverages and becomes more popular as the years go by. So naturally you would be able to find different methods of preparing Columbian coffee. You can make all sorts of tasty treats with this aromatic drink.
Below are some of the most popular recipes that are highly used today in some of the most popular coffee houses across the world. Now, you can save money by making these Columbian coffee recipes come to life in your very own kitchen. Friends and family alike will be amazed at just how delicious your coffee treats taste.
100% Iced Columbian Coffee
Double strength Columbian coffee
Cracked Ice
4 tablespoons of sugar
Brew double strength Columbian coffee by simply adding 8 tablespoons of ground coffee to every 12 ounces of water.
Fill your electric blender half way with your chilled Columbian coffee and add the cracked ice.
Add the 4 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener and blend until you have a thick foamy coffee treat.
This recipe will give you approximately 4 servings, if you need more than that simply double or triple the recipe to suit your needs. This will became a fast favorite for the Columbian coffee lovers in your life.
Columbian Coffee Mousse
½ a cup of brewed 100% Columbian coffee
1 ¾ cups of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 package of unflavored gelatin
3 eggs; separated
¾ cup of brown sugar
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coffee concentrates (1 cup ground to every 8 ounces of cold water)
Sprinkle the gelatin over a cup of cold water and let it soften while preparing the custard.
Heat milk to its boiling point in a saucepan. Beat egg yolks using a wire whisk or electric mixer. Pour the hot milk over beaten egg yolks slowly, beating constantly with wire whisk. Return mixture to saucepan, add brown sugar, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until custard has thickened slightly, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add gelatin to the hot custard and stir until dissolved. Add coffee concentrate, vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and refrigerate. Keep refrigerated and stir every five minutes until custard has thickened to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites, approximately 25-45 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, whip the cream until it softens and refrigerate.
5. Beat egg whites until they are stiff but not dry. Fold coffee custard base into egg whites. Gently fold in whipped cream. Pour mixture into 8 individual custard cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
When you have finished, you will have created a delicious surprise for all to enjoy. |
| posted by Brownie @ 5:49 PM |
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| A Brief Guide to Choosing Coffee Tables |
Coffee tables may not be the most expensive furniture in your home or office, but they definitely can make an impression in your living room or lobby. The room can benefit from a coffee table because it could enhance a room’s theme and save space with its “extendable” spaces or double storage with hidden drawers.
A coffee table reflects the owner’s taste in décor. The most common tables are rectangular with four legs, sitting about two feet from the ground. Some traditional tables are also available in square or rounds with different sizes. The majority of coffee tables are made of glass, wood and metal. Some are designed with drawers for storage, while others save space by implementing hidden storage. Other models have shelves underneath, which are used to hold books and magazines.
Choosing a coffee table will depend on a room’s theme, budget, size, shape and materials. While some people can make their own tables to fit their needs and tastes, others have no time or skills to make their own furniture.
Material
For this reason, you need to identify the types of coffee tables available in the market. The first thing you need to consider is materials as tables are made in wood, glass, metal, aluminum, plastic and other materials too. Check out your living room or office lobby and determine what kinds of materials will be perfect for the theme of your room.
For traditional settings, wooden and glass tables can add elegance to the room, while modern themes can add style from coffee tables made of aluminum, metal, plastic, glass or a combination of these materials.
Size and Shape
The size of the table will depend on the space available in your room. For an office lobby, a rectangular table will give visitors a place to put down their things, while a circular table can hold magazines and books. The shape of your coffee table depends on your taste. However, be aware that some shapes could add depth to the room, while others can give the room a more spacious look.
Function
The most important factor in choosing the table for your living room is functionality and flexibility. Some tables are designed to save space by adding extra storages or giving you the option of relocating the tables with a set of casters or wheels. Others ‘nest’ in to one another to save space when not in use.
Regardless of the type of coffee table you choose, you should never clutter up the table because it will only look untidy. The idea of coffee tables is to organize your living room in style and function – so choose wisely. |
| posted by Brownie @ 5:48 PM |
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| Thursday, June 21, 2007 |
| Gourmet Coffee: Not Just for Special Occasions Any More |
Through the years, coffee has been that quick and easy beverage that offered a kick but very few options other than cream or sugar. As the consumer has become more sophisticated; so has his coffee. Instead of simply a choice of brewed or instant, coffee now comes in just about any flavor, strength or combination to please even the pickiest of drinkers. Instead of being a rare treat, more and more coffee drinkers keep gourmet coffee stocked in their cupboard for any and all occasions.
Where Do I Buy Gourmet Coffee?
Gourmet coffee is readily available in most grocery stores as well as café’s but the easiest way to buy and get the best selection and price is by doing a search on the internet. There are many gourmet coffee websites available with something for any taste along with a price range from fairly inexpensive to over $100 a pound.
Does Gourmet Coffee Make a Good Gift?
Gourmet coffee makes a great gift - in fact many couples are adding it to their bridal registry! Gourmet coffee gifts are always a hit for housewarming or business gifts as well. Many coffee makers even offer their own gift registry along with gift baskets that include not only the gourmet coffee but also accessories to go along with it. Once again these gifts can range from under $20 to well into the hundreds of dollars depending on what kind of gift you want.
It is pretty clear with all of the gourmet coffee houses that are springing up on almost every street corner of every main business and college town that gourmet coffee is not only here to stay but is also good business. Starbucks comes out in the top ten most popular stocks on a regular basis and over the holidays they are as packed as any department store with shoppers looking for the perfect gift.
Gourmet coffee is not just for special occasions anymore and with the wide variety available there is no reason that you can’t enjoy a cup in the morning, at your desk or when sitting back and watching television. Look around and try out some the many varieties that are available until you find the gourmet coffee that is right for you. You are sure to find at least one favorite but it is more likely you will find several to suit your many moods. |
| posted by Brownie @ 6:40 AM |
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