Showing posts with label coffee drinks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee drinks. Show all posts

Monday, February 2, 2009

Coffee Shop Business Plan

A coffee shop business plan would help you to do things right from the very beginning.

Whatever your purpose, however you may want to become involved with the coffee business, you'll most likely want to have a coffee shop business plan in place before taking the first step. You might even want to add a coffee angle to your existing business. Or maybe you want to buy an already existing coffee business, and want to make sure that you run it right. Or perhaps you already own a coffee shop, and are wondering what you can do to boost sales.

All reasons to have a Coffee Shop Business Plan in place. In short, you don't know too many things about the coffee business; where do you start? Do you go it independent, or do you get a franchise from some big player? What kind of location should you look for? What equipment should you buy? There are hundreds of varieties of coffee and coffee-based drinks; what drinks should you make? Will you have adequate resources to see it through till you succeed? Will it be really worth it? There are certain vital questions to be considered.

for a full-fledged coffee shop, however, it could be anything between $60,000 and $350,000, depending on your scale of operation. For a drive-thru, you should need something between $40,000 and $150,000. This should include what you intend to do, how you intend to implement it, what kind of startup finances you need, what level of sales you're looking at, and how you plan to pay the (private or institutional) investors back. First, you need to write an informed, coherent coffee shop business plan.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

History of the Coffee and Espresso Machine

Without these machines, we probably wouldn't see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso machines, themselves. A large percentage of the population loves to drink both gourmet coffee and espresso drinks.

Where did the coffee maker come from?

The first method of bean preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people.

Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too. It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade.

The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time! The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. A man by the name of Mr.

Through the years, the coffee machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960's, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee making machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style! Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.

Where did the espresso machine come from?

Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!

The first espresso maker is said to have originated in Italy in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee's coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed "The fast coffee machine", the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.

Modifications on the espresso machine has come a long way!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Cuban Coffee: Excitement in a Cup

If you're looking for an exciting and soulful blend of coffee, try a cup of Cuban coffee. Cuba produces some of the finest Arabica coffee beans in the world in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.

The origins of Cuba's coffee crop have been followed through the centuries, and can be linked to a gentleman named Jose Antonio Gelabert. In 1748, Gelabert introduced the coffee plant that has found an ideal home in the climate and rich soils of the Cuban forests. Now, Cuba does not grow the majority of the world's coffee; however, they are happy to claim they produce the finest of the world's coffees.

Coffee is such an important part of the Cuban culture that its people view their daily coffee drinking as rituals or social events. Because Cuban coffee is stronger than many commercial coffees, it is often served in much smaller containers. Cubans prefer a 'jolt' of coffee over the traditional mug of the steamy brew. The Cuban after-dinner coffee is often perked on a stovetop, or prepared in an espresso maker.

Some varieties of Cuban coffee are twice as potent as American coffee and very full-bodied; which explains why it is served in smaller shots or cups. Common coffee drinks of the Cubans are cafecito, espumita, colada, cortadito, and Cafe' con Leche. Cafecito is a sweet, strong espresso served in a small cup. By mixing a few drops of cafecito with a drew spoons of sugar, a foam called espumita is made to place on top of the beverage making it sweeter and fancier. Colada is the preferred social drink of Cuban coffee. Colada comes in a larger cup accompanied by several smaller espresso cups, and is meant to be shared by many. Cortadito is a milder version of the cafecito, produced by adding milk in different proportions to the brew. Cafe' con Leche is like a latte, which is formed by pouring a single shot or jolt of cafecito into a cup of hot milk.

Imported Cuban coffee carries a richness of flavor which lends itself perfectly to drinking at any time of the day or night. Whether it is your morning java, or a social gathering of friends and family, you are sure to enjoy the flavors and aromas of this country's coffee.

This article was written by Tomira L. Rosser of CreativePenz Copywriting Services. CreativePenz creates custom, original and engaging articles, books, stories and more. For further information, please contact her at creativepenz@aim.com or visit her website at http://www.rosser-smp.net/joomla

creativepenz@aim.com http://www.rosser-smp.net/joomla

Monday, October 13, 2008

What is Espresso Coffee?

Espresso coffee is more popular today than it has ever been at any time in its history, perhaps thanks to the marketing power of coffee giants such as Starbucks. Many of the most popular drinks that we consume everyday are made using espresso, rather than the more traditional filter or drip coffee. Drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and machiatos.

Given this strong popularity for these espresso drinks, it's surprising that many people don't actually know what an espresso is. For anyone who has never had an espresso, the first taste can be quite shocking. An espresso is very concentrated, and comes in a very small cup. However, it packs a large punch and the flavor can take some getting used to. (In other words, your first impression might be that you just swallowed something vile. But don't worry, it gets better with experience.)

Espresso is made by forcing very hot (not boiling) water through finely ground coffee. The coffee is ground more finely than filter coffee, but is not as finely ground as Turkish coffee, which is more like a fine powder.

Originally, espresso machines used steam pressure to force the water through. Today, a spring piston lever machine is used, which used a piston to generate the pressure and force the water through the coffee. It is important that the temperature does not go too high or low, as this will spoil the beverage. The ideal temperature is 85 to 95 degrees Celsius.

If the water is too hot, the espresso will be too bitter. If it is too cold, it will be too sour. As you can see, making espresso drinks is a very exacting job, and care must be taken to do it right. The people trained to do this are called baristas (which is Italian for barman).

As the water blasts through the coffee, it extracts the flavor, oils, sugars and proteins and dissolves them. This results is a very potent mixture that has a very strong, yet rich and subtle flavor. It also has all the caffeine of a large cup of filter coffee, giving it a strong kick.

To enjoy these drink at its best, it is important to drink the coffee as soon after it is made as possible, definitely within 2 minutes. If you intend to blend it to make espresso drinks, you need to do so within 10 seconds of pulling the espresso.

This is because the flavor packed volatile molecules in the drink rapidly degrade, both through contact with oxygen and as the heat leaves the drink.

The espresso is made up of 3 different parts, the heart, body and the crema, which is the delicate, creamy foam that naturally forms on the top of the drink. The crema is a sign of good espresso, and care should be taken to ensure it is preserved. To do this, some people use pre warmed shot glasses, which prevents heat loss.

There is no such thing as an "espresso roast" - you can make good espresso from light or dark roast beans. A very dark roast is a bad idea, as it can lead to a burnt, charcoal taste. The only important thing is that the coffee is ground to the correct grade, and that the beans are freshly roast.

Selecting the blend is important when making espresso drinks, as it is for any kind of coffee drinks. The factors to concentrate on are sweetness, aromatics and smoothness.

Also, the type of grinder used is important. The best choice is a conical burr grinder. This will produce a consistent grind (the particles will all be the right size), and will also make sure that the coffee does not overheat as it is ground (this would spoil the aroma).

How to make the best espresso drinks could fill books, as there are many factors to balance. This is why coffee shops spend so much time training their staff. When you find a place that serves excellent espresso, recognize that this is not just a happy accident, and recognize the skill and care that goes into making this most demanding drink.

Malcolm Blake has written more information about gourmet coffee at http://www.coffeewebinfo.com. Come and find out more about gourmet coffees .

http://www.coffeewebinfo.com. gourmet coffees

determine your needs before buying home espresso machine

It is because of its intense nature and high concentration, espresso is widely used to lend special taste to other coffee drinks such as cappuccino, lattes, macchiato and mochas. Its uniqueness lies in its high pressure brewing process that concentrates all the flavors and ingredients of the coffee beans in a typical cup of coffee. Espresso is the most popular beverage drink of the world. While the café quality machines are still expensively priced, many of the espresso machines for home use promise excellent espressos. Today, advanced technologies ensure espresso lovers enjoy a cup of specially brewed coffee right in their homes. Since sometimes back, there has been explosion in the variety of espresso machines available in market. Though every step is essential to the taste of end product, a quality espresso machine is critical in brewing the authentic Italian espresso. It is important to understand your requirements and your preference of coffee type above anything else. Before deciding which espresso machine to buy, it is crucial to determine your needs. With so many options available with a complex set of features, style, cost and technical complexity, one may feel baffled by the range of products. The first thing that you as a buyer should consider is what kind of espresso experience you would like to have. If frothy cappuccino, chocolaty mocha, and flavored and milky lattes is your cup of coffee and the original flavor of espresso is secondary, a moderately priced machine would solve the purpose. And, if you are an espresso purist and quality, taste and ritual of brewing is of utmost priority, a superior quality semi-automatic pump machine makes a better sense. A fully automatic machine is usually for the commercial purposes and may not satisfy the cravings of a die-hard espresso drinker. The other consideration is how frequent you are at your use of espresso machine. Daily users should go for high quality machine with three-way solenoid electro-valve. If your use limits for once in a week or on the weekends or on special occasions, a less expensive machine would fit the bill amicably. At this point, you can also have a look at the pricing and other additional features of the products and select the machine that meets your idea of perfect espresso machine. Once you decide which kind of machine you would like to purchase, preliminary research on Internet would come handy in finding the specific machine that suits your needs entirely.

It is because of its intense nature and high concentration, espresso is widely used to lend special taste to other coffee drinks such as cappuccino, lattes, macchiato and mochas. Its uniqueness lies in its high pressure brewing process that concentrates all the flavors and ingredients of the coffee beans in a typical cup of coffee. Espresso is the most popular beverage drink of the world.While the café quality machines are still expensively priced, many of the espresso machines for home use promise excellent espressos. Today, advanced technologies ensure espresso lovers enjoy a cup of specially brewed coffee right in their homes. Since sometimes back, there has been explosion in the variety of espresso machines available in market. Though every step is essential to the taste of end product, a quality espresso machine is critical in brewing the authentic Italian espresso.It is important to understand your requirements and your preference of coffee type above anything else. Before deciding which espresso machine to buy, it is crucial to determine your needs. With so many options available with a complex set of features, style, cost and technical complexity, one may feel baffled by the range of products.At this point, you can also have a look at the pricing and other additional features of the products and select the machine that meets your idea of perfect espresso machine. Once you decide which kind of machine you would like to purchase, preliminary research on Internet would come handy in finding the specific machine that suits your needs entirely.

Monday, October 6, 2008

best coffee maker

Flavia Coffee Maker Their machines are available for great prices and they are perfect for home use, small office use, and even large office use. Flavia offer great coffees, teas, and a whole lot more to their customers. Flavia is a name that is well renowned when it comes to coffee makers, but they are actually known for far more than just their coffee machines as well. Those in pursuit of some of the best coffee makers should definitely take a look at a Flavia coffee maker. Russell Hobbs Coffee Maker A Russell Hobbs coffee maker is an excellent choice among many coffee makers. This brand of coffee makers has been around for more than fifty years and it has long been known for quality, innovation, and for style as well. The company was founded back in the early 50’s by Peter Hobbs and Bill Russell. Today there are many different products offered by the company, including toasters, kettles, irons, and even the well known Russell Hobbs coffee maker. It is now one of the top brands when it comes to kitchen appliances. Krups Coffee Maker If you’re looking for a great coffee maker, a Krups coffee maker makes a great choice. The company that we know of today was founded by Robert Krups. Over time, it quickly became one of the leading companies in Germany, known for its’ work on achieving precision in each piece of equipment. Today the company offers a variety of different coffee makers, and their coffee makers are some of the best machines that you can purchase out there on the market today. Keurig Coffee Maker Any Keurig coffee maker is an excellent choice for coffee drinks and they come from a company with a great background. The company was founded by people who love coffee and they believe that good coffee should always be served when it is hot and fresh. When it comes to single cup coffee makers, Keurig is the leading brand today for both offices and for home use as well. Tassimo Coffee Maker If you want a coffee maker that stands out above the rest, you’ll find the Tassimo coffee maker to be an excellent choice. You see, it offers you the perfect way to make your hot drinks when you are at home and they work very simply as well. All you need is a Tassimo coffee maker machine and the discs that go with them and you’ll be able to get the drink that you want whenever you want. Braun Coffee Makers Braun coffee makers are excellent coffee makers that you are sure to enjoy. Created by the well known Braun company, they are well known for excellence and many customers have enjoyed the coffee that is made by these machines. They are also well known for offering great coffee at a price that you can afford as well. Kitchenaid Coffee Makers Probably one of the most popular names when it comes to coffee makers is Kitchenaid coffee makers. The Kitchenaid name is known not only in coffee makers but in other great kitchen appliances as well. They have been around for years and have been well known for offering innovative kitchen products that are helpful and great looking for any kitchen. Cuisinart Coffee Maker The Cuisinart company is one that has been around for some time and they are well known for coming up with culinary tools that are useful and innovative. A Cuisinart coffee maker is a great buy, and you’ll be sure that you are purchasing a coffee maker from a great company.

Flavia Coffee MakerTheir machines are available for great prices and they are perfect for home use, small office use, and even large office use. Flavia offer great coffees, teas, and a whole lot more to their customers. Flavia is a name that is well renowned when it comes to coffee makers, but they are actually known for far more than just their coffee machines as well. Those in pursuit of some of the best coffee makers should definitely take a look at a Flavia coffee maker.Russell Hobbs Coffee MakerThe Cuisinart company is one that has been around for some time and they are well known for coming up with culinary tools that are useful and innovative. A Cuisinart coffee maker is a great buy, and you’ll be sure that you are purchasing a coffee maker from a great company.

Monday, September 29, 2008

what is cappuccino

The main difference between the two is that a caffe latte has twice the amount of milk (usually whole milk, but one can order it with 2 percent or even skim) and no milk foam. Many people confuse this coffee drink with a caffe latte, another form of Italian coffee found at most coffee houses in America. What is cappuccino? Paper and glass cups tend to allow the heat to seep out faster. Additionally, the porcelain acts as another heat retainer. Served traditionally in a porcelain cup, the foam acts as an insulator and keeps the drink hotter longer. The milk foam that floats on top of a cappuccino is what distinguishes it from most other coffee drinks, in fact. If the texture and temperature of the milk is wrong, the drink won't be as good as it should be. The barista then steams the milk, which is the second most important ingredient. A cappuccino starts out with a shot of espresso. When the milk is properly steamed, it will be velvety and sweet. The barista will then float one centimeter of the foamed milk on top of the espresso. If one prefers their cappuccino to have more or less milk, the order would be for a wet or dry cappuccino, respectively. Until the mid 1990s, Americans didn't really enjoy cappuccino. Whether it was because people didn't know what the drink was or because it wasn't quite cool enough to drink isn't known. However, when upscale coffee houses started sprouting up en masse, more and more people began ordering the beverage. Hopefully, now that you've learned the question to "what is cappuccino", you'll be able to impress your friends with the new found knowledge. Typically speaking, Italians exclusively drink them in the morning, although in other countries it is customary to drink them after dinner. Traditionally, cappuccinos in Italy are served with breakfast.

The main difference between the two is that a caffe latte has twice the amount of milk (usually whole milk, but one can order it with 2 percent or even skim) and no milk foam. Many people confuse this coffee drink with a caffe latte, another form of Italian coffee found at most coffee houses in America. What is cappuccino?Paper and glass cups tend to allow the heat to seep out faster. Additionally, the porcelain acts as another heat retainer. Served traditionally in a porcelain cup, the foam acts as an insulator and keeps the drink hotter longer. The milk foam that floats on top of a cappuccino is what distinguishes it from most other coffee drinks, in fact.If the texture and temperature of the milk is wrong, the drink won't be as good as it should be. The barista then steams the milk, which is the second most important ingredient. A cappuccino starts out with a shot of espresso.Hopefully, now that you've learned the question to "what is cappuccino", you'll be able to impress your friends with the new found knowledge. Typically speaking, Italians exclusively drink them in the morning, although in other countries it is customary to drink them after dinner. Traditionally, cappuccinos in Italy are served with breakfast.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

how gourmet coffee can be beneficial for your health

Between the negative attentions that it has garnered due to its caffeine content and a few misreported findings that hinted at health problems caused by drinking coffee, many people believe that coffee is not good for you. Coffee has gotten a bad reputation over the years. With the surge in popularity of gourmet coffees, it has been discovered that some of these gourmet roasts can actually have an even greater health benefit than standard coffee roasts. Actually, not only is this generally untrue but drinking coffee has several health-related benefits. The perception is that coffee is great for a pick-me-up but it can cause health problems down the road. These antioxidants have a variety of health benefits ranging from an improved immune system to healthier skin, teeth, and hair. Because gourmet coffees are usually more carefully roasted than standard coffees which will be powdered or freeze-dried, more of the oils that are rich in antioxidants will be preserved throughout the roasting process and make it in to your cup of coffee. Coffee beans tend to be quite high in antioxidants, and many gourmet coffees have even higher antioxidant content. Contrary to what was believed for many years, drinking coffee can actually be quite good for you, provided that it is done in moderation. Though there are a number of artificial and non-dairy creamers available, many people still prefer to use milk, cream, or half-and-half for their coffee. Gourmet coffee shops tend to use real dairy products in lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks. By using real milk or dairy products instead of a non-dairy substitute you can gain the additional health benefits of milk and dairy when you have your coffee. This includes added calcium and fatty acids, with the calcium being good for your bones and joints and fatty acids helping to keep your brain healthy and your memory strong. Various studies have found a number of health conditions that coffee can help to prevent. Some of the most prominent of these include serious health concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and even some types of skin cancer. In addition to the preventative effect that antioxidant-rich coffee can have when it comes to these conditions, some studies have even shown that drinking coffee every day can help to slow the progression of some of these diseases if they are already present and may even help to make other treatment options function better. This is not to say that coffee alone will cure these serious conditions, but there is a lot of evidence which shows that it can at least have somewhat of a positive benefit when it comes to both prevention and treatment. Another condition that gourmet coffee can help to prevent has been getting a lot of attention due to a study released in 2007. A link has been found which seems to suggest that drinking coffee daily can greatly reduce the damage which is done to the liver by alcohol and that it can either slow or prevent cirrhosis of the liver both due to alcohol consumption and other causes. At first it was considered to simply be the caffeine contained in the coffee that caused this effect, but a similar prevention was not noted among tea drinkers or others who had similar caffeine intakes; though the specific ingredient in coffee which causes this benefit has not been identified, it is clear that it is a coffee-specific compound and is most likely one or a combination of the antioxidants contained in coffee oil. Since gourmet coffee tends to contain a higher amount of these antioxidants it is likely that it will provide exceptional protection against liver damage. Despite all of the warnings that have been given over the years about how the caffeine in coffee can cause excess stress on the heart and higher blood pressure, newer research has shown just the opposite; it is believed that the caffeine in coffee combined with a number of antioxidants can actually help to prevent some types of heart disease. These implications of are of special importance to the elderly, as the study showed that individuals over 65 who regularly drank coffee were at a significantly reduced risk of heart disease than others who drank decaf coffee or no coffee at all. However, provided that you do not overdo it, coffee can be a great part of your daily routine and can give you a health boost that you were not expecting. Even with all of its health benefits, gourmet coffee can still cause problems if it is enjoyed in too large of quantities or too frequently. Similar to many other things, coffee should be consumed in moderation.

Between the negative attentions that it has garnered due to its caffeine content and a few misreported findings that hinted at health problems caused by drinking coffee, many people believe that coffee is not good for you. Coffee has gotten a bad reputation over the years.With the surge in popularity of gourmet coffees, it has been discovered that some of these gourmet roasts can actually have an even greater health benefit than standard coffee roasts. Actually, not only is this generally untrue but drinking coffee has several health-related benefits. The perception is that coffee is great for a pick-me-up but it can cause health problems down the road.These antioxidants have a variety of health benefits ranging from an improved immune system to healthier skin, teeth, and hair. Because gourmet coffees are usually more carefully roasted than standard coffees which will be powdered or freeze-dried, more of the oils that are rich in antioxidants will be preserved throughout the roasting process and make it in to your cup of coffee. Coffee beans tend to be quite high in antioxidants, and many gourmet coffees have even higher antioxidant content. Contrary to what was believed for many years, drinking coffee can actually be quite good for you, provided that it is done in moderation.However, provided that you do not overdo it, coffee can be a great part of your daily routine and can give you a health boost that you were not expecting. Even with all of its health benefits, gourmet coffee can still cause problems if it is enjoyed in too large of quantities or too frequently. Similar to many other things, coffee should be consumed in moderation.

Monday, September 22, 2008

the secret of espresso coffee makers

Espresso coffee makers are one of the most used worldwide. Some like it weak and others like it strong, whatever the choice, you need to have good coffee makers that will do the trick. Virtually everyone in the world nowadays loves drinking all kinds of coffee and not everyone has the same preferences. You can buy new models big or small that can be used for parties and smaller ones Moreover, espresso coffee makers are for everyone to enjoy and not just for restaurants and coffee bars and so forth. You can buy new models big or small that can be used for parties and smaller ones for making just a few cups. Moreover, espresso coffee makers are for everyone to enjoy and not just for restaurants and coffee bars and so forth. You can buy new models big or small that can be used for parties and smaller ones for making just a few cups. Moreover, espresso coffee makers are for everyone to enjoy and not just for restaurants and coffee bars and so forth. The big ones can be used for parties and smaller ones for making just a few cups. The big ones can be used in your house too. The big ones can be used in your house too. You can buy new models big or small that can be used in your house too. The first thing to say is that all espresso coffee makers are for everyone to enjoy and not just for restaurants and coffee bars and so forth. Kinds of Espresso Coffee 1. You can also make a cappuccino which is made of just equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and milk froth, together with some spices or cocoa available that you can add if needed. One part espresso and two parts of steamed milk make a flat white and is served in a cappuccino cup which is bigger than an espresso cup. This drink is popular in Europe, especially in Italy, and in New Zealand. 2. Café Latte is just espresso mixed with steamed milk topped with milk froth from steaming the milk. It is generally served it in a tall glass. You can sweeten the taste if you like by using flavored syrup instead of sugar. Thanks to espresso coffee makers there is an opportunity of creating a perfect coffee beverage. 3. Americano coffee is espresso with hot water for those who find espresso too strong for their tastes. 4. Café macchiato is just espresso with a little steamed milk on top. You can use flavored syrup with this one, too. You'll look like an experienced coffee barman if you make this for your guests. 5. Latte macchiato is the opposite of a café macchiato and is served in a tall glass filled with steamed milk topped with a little espresso. 6. Café breve is made when you steam half and half in your espresso. You can practically enjoy new espresso recipes any time, thanks to the popularity of espresso coffee makers. At the end of the day, the dream of becoming a coffee barman will finally overwhelm you. Moreover, you can look over the latest in espresso coffee makers and maybe one day one of those very same espresso coffee makers will find a home with you. At that point, you will be able to offer all of the espresso-based drinks that your family and friends can enjoy, making you the number one coffee espresso barista in your neck of the woods! These were only a few suggestions, a few commonsensical tips to you about espresso coffee makers. If you have grasped these few insights and the right espresso coffee maker, the probability of making mistakes in making espresso coffee would be very less.

Espresso coffee makers are one of the most used worldwide. Some like it weak and others like it strong, whatever the choice, you need to have good coffee makers that will do the trick. Virtually everyone in the world nowadays loves drinking all kinds of coffee and not everyone has the same preferences.At least, they only make espresso, but espresso is the base for other coffee drinks too. The first thing to say is that all espresso coffee makers make more than just espresso.Kinds of Espresso Coffee

Friday, September 19, 2008

coffee drink basics

When you enter a coffee house, you have a multitude of drink choices like latté, cappuccino, straight shot and caffé mocha just to name a few.

Sometimes knowing what to order can be overwhelming unless you know what you are getting. After all, who wants to pay an outrageous amount of money for a mystery drink that you may not even like?

So http://www.perfectcoffees.com has come to the rescue, and after you read this, you'll have a basic understanding of how the most popular coffee drinks are made and what they are made of.

Most coffee drinks start with espresso and espresso is just coffee that is brewed a certain way. It is finely ground to almost a powder then very hot water is forced through the grounds under intense pressure.

The brewing process is timed so that the flavorful and aromatic oils are extracted from the coffee and not the bitter components. This produces a strong flavored, but not bitter, concentrated shot of coffee.

Straight Shot

The straight shot refers to espresso coffee and the secret to good espresso is the extraction time, volume, and golden crema which is a thick light brown layer of frothed coffee oils that float on top of a properly extracted espresso.

The short shot or ristretto is extracted to a volume of three-quarters of an ounce. The shorter restricted pour magnifies the essence of the coffee and the chance of any bitter elements being extracted is minimized. If you have ever ordered an espresso shot in Europe they usually serve the ristretto.

The long shot or lungo is extracted to a volume of one and one-half ounces.

The double shot is a 2 ounce shot using twice as much coffee in the portafilter.

The correct way to serve a straight shot is to extract it directly into a warmed demitasse cup. The warm demitasse cup will keep the straight shot warm and prolong the crema. A straight shot is best enjoyed immediately after brewing.

It is rare to see people drinking straight shots of espresso in the US. Most people here drink variations using steamed milk mixed with the shots to make the different coffee drinks listed here.

Espresso Macchiato

The Espresso Macchiato starts with a shot of espresso and then a small amount of foamed milk is spooned over the shot. Macchiato in Italian means "marked," as the espresso is marked with foam.

Espresso Con Panna

This is an Espresso Macchiato using whipped cream in place of the foamed milk. The drink gets its name Con Panna which means "with cream."

Caffé Americano

The Caffé Americano is a drink similar to American brewed coffee. It is made with a single or double shot of espresso combined with 6 to 8 ounces of hot water out of an espresso machine. The result is a very smooth cup of coffee that is much hotter than brewed coffee.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is made with a fluffy, wet foam, mixed with espresso coffee upon the pour to create a blend of the two flavors. Cold milk is essential, as is expertise in the foaming process. Cappuccino has a large volume of foam making it a light weight drink and less filling.

Caffé Latté

Caffé Latté is similar to the cappuccino but with much less foam and more steamed milk. A latté is made by holding back the foam with a spoon while pouring the frothed milk from the steaming pitcher. The caffé latté is completed by being topped with a small amount of the held back foam.

Caffé latté gets its name from the addition of coffee to milk. For an iced latté, cold milk is combined with the espresso and then the ice is added.

Caffé Mocha

A caffé mocha is made by adding powdered or chocolate syrup to a hot shot of espresso and blended. Steamed milk is then be added to the espresso-chocolate mixture and usually it is topped with whipped cream.

Iced mochas are made with cold milk and the ice added after the coffee and chocolate have been blended.

Flavored Coffee Drinks

Some popular coffee flavors are: vanilla, Irish creme, almond, hazelnut, caramel and fruit flavors such as orange and raspberry. These drinks usually start with a flavored syrup that is mixed with hot espresso and stirred. Then steamed milk is stirred in like in a latté.

An iced version of these flavored coffees made with cold milk instead of steamed makes a delicious cold drink in the summer months.

So now that you know what's in the basic coffee drinks, try one you haven't tasted yet. Who knows, you might find a new favorite.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

coffee grinders are the choice of people who are truly in love with coffee

Preparing fresh coffee can mean lots of things for different people: you can either buy it ground or prepare it at home just as fine or as coarse as it pleases you. Coffee grinders are very often the choice of people who are truly in love with coffee and want to make sure that flavor and the aroma are unique, authentic and the most intense one they can get. The problem with pre-ground coffee is that it loses the flavor within days after the manufacturing process, not that it would become tasteless, but you don't discover the same intensity of the original in it.

On the other hand, those who choose to buy whole coffee beans and prepare them with the help of coffee grinders at home know that the freshness and the strength of the taste will remain present for weeks on end. However, there is one other advantage of using coffee grinders beside that of flavor preservation: I'm talking about the possibility to control the strength of the coffee depending on the way you choose to grind it. For instance, largely ground coffee works excellent for after dinner occasions when you don't need to make the coffee drinks too strong; on the other hand, in the morning, one may definitely need a super fine grind to prepare an espresso and get the maximum of caffeine out of it.

There are many types of coffee grinders on the market, how can one know which to choose? Some of these special machines are created to grind large amounts of coffee that are used in cafés for instance; but this is not the case for a regular person who needs a lower capacity to use at home. When buying coffee grinders, people should ask themselves several question to make sure that it is worth making the investment. First of all, what is your budget? How often do you need to grind coffee? Who else drinks coffee in your house?

Usually, there are two types of coffee grinders to choose from: blade grinders and burr grinders. Blade coffee grinders are less expensive and fit very well in any kitchen due to their reduced dimensions; yet they cannot grind coffee the super fine way that is necessary for a Turkish coffee for example. Furthermore, they are quite difficult to clean, but that is not an operation you'll do too often. On the other hand, burr coffee grinders are the choice for true coffee lovers; the aroma of the coffee is thoroughly preserved, and though they are more expensive, users claim they are definitely worth the money.







Friday, August 29, 2008

a look at the four varieties of folgers coffee flavors

From the many companies in the coffee business, not many can boast with the history and the tradition Folgers coffee has not just in North America, but worldwide. With its origins going back to the 19th century, Folgers coffee saw the making of one of the biggest concerns in American history. Presently there are eight types of coffee available under the Folgers brand, almost all of them enjoying a decaf version too; here we could mention Coffeehouse Series, Classic Roast, Instant Coffees, Flavored Coffee and so on. All varieties have their fans, so that it is impossible to say which of them is the most popular, not to mention that there are also all sorts of additional drinks made of Folgers coffee as well.

Receiving incredible boosts from advertising campaigns both online and on TV, Folgers coffee ad creators make slogans that actually stick to your mind. The best one that comes to the coffee drinker's mind is that with the happy mornings Folgers coffee triggers; they are cheerful and lively, so that you can almost feel the energy a strong coffee can stimulate in your body. However, Folgers coffee does not rely uniquely on promotion campaigns to remain on top, as quality standards are closely monitored to make sure that the best kind of coffee gets to the user.

The official Folgers site helps visitors make up their mind which Folgers coffee best suits them; a special tool such as the roast meter is used to find out the coffee intensity that best suits you. For instance, anyone who'd like a strongly flavored, well-roasted drink should choose Gourmet Supreme Folgers coffee. On the other hand, if your taste goes more towards a mellow roast, then the Breakfast Blend should work for you. Furthermore, on the Folgers site you can find all sorts of recipes to prepare special coffee drinks as well as tips for great coffee making.

As for the Folgers coffee flavors, there are four varieties to choose from: vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate and cinnamon. They all offer a different experience of what it means to combine the taste of well-roasted coffee beans and sweet flavors; other drinks can be prepared by using such Folgers coffee varieties in association with milk, cream or a little rum too. The good part is that you can be just as creative as you like, serving innovative coffee drinks at day or in the evening. Enjoy every sip!







Thursday, August 28, 2008

a few suggestions about how to make some excellent coffee drinks to spoil yourself with

With coffee being one of the most popular drinks all over the world, there's no wonder that there are a great deal of combinations that use it together with other flavors for some of the most delicious of results. Just as coffee has become an important ingredient in many types of dessert, the same observation can be made about the large number of coffee drinks that are served in bars, restaurants or in the coziness of your home. Here are a few suggestions about how to make some excellent coffee drinks to spoil yourself with or to impress family and friends at parties.

One of the most frequent coffee drinks relies on the combined effect of caffeine and alcohol, with the impact of the latter drastically reduced. Some great beverages are based on coffee and rum or cream liqueur varieties; chocolate also works great in the combination, particularly the dark kind, with at least 55% cocoa content. All you need to do is prepare some fresh coffee and add the rum or liqueur as well as the hot chocolate and mix them. The best way to serve it is warm, and you may also feel like adding a little cream for both the aesthetic effect and the taste it gives to such coffee drinks.

Among the large number of coffee drinks that are served in pubs and restaurants, we also need to mention a the sugar-caramel latte that also works great for home making. The best type of sugar to be used for the matter is cane brown sugar; add it in some milk while stirring with a whisk, then pour coffee and caramel sauce continuing to mix the combination. From the coffee drinks you may have tried, this one really works great either served cold or warm, not to mention that it is both tasty and easy to prepare.

Amaretto is one more of the many coffee drinks worth mentioning here; it mainly relies on the flavor and properties of very strong coffee, served hot in combination with whipped cream, or milk froth. You may add sugar depending on the taste, but the sweeter you make it, the more likely it is that the coffee flavor should fade. The latest trend in bars is to serve this kind of coffee drinks in wine glasses, preferably with a straw, otherwise you may enjoy drinking it with a mustache and have fun with your friends.







Sunday, August 24, 2008

what is espresso

It was invented in 1843 by Edward Loysel de Santais and premiered at the Paris Exposition of 1855. The coffee is ground so small, it's almost a powder. It is a concentrated coffee beverage that is brewed by forcing extremely hot water (but not boiling) under very high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. What is espresso? When the spring piston lever that was used in the late 1940s to make espresso is the same one that is used today. That said, it was made with steam pressure until the mid 1940s. People in Milan, Italy perfected espresso in the early 1900s. Furthermore, a standard cup of espresso is just one ounce. Also, there are more dissolved solids in espresso than there are in coffee. For example, espresso is thicker. There are several differences between espresso and coffee. Espresso is a chemically complex fluid and is comprised of three different parts: the body, the heart and the crema. The latter is the most distinguishing characteristic of espresso, and is a reddish brown foam that floats on top of the espresso. Made out of proteins, sugars and vegetable oils, crema has elements of foam colloid and emulsion. Essentially, espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee. The flavors are stronger than coffee because of the finely grated beans and the high pressure used during brewing. Because espresso is so intense and concentrated, it mixes well with other liquids to form different coffee based drinks. It turns out, the question of ìwhat is espresso?î is one that takes a longer amount of time than expected to answer. When mixed with milk, hot water, sugar or chocolate, you can turn espresso into lattes, mochas, cappuccini and macchiati.

It was invented in 1843 by Edward Loysel de Santais and premiered at the Paris Exposition of 1855. The coffee is ground so small, it's almost a powder. It is a concentrated coffee beverage that is brewed by forcing extremely hot water (but not boiling) under very high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. What is espresso?The same type of spring piston lever that was used in the late 1940s to make espresso is the same one that is used today. When the spring piston lever machine was invented, commercial success was huge as it pertained to espresso machines. That said, it was made with steam pressure until the mid 1940s. People in Milan, Italy perfected espresso in the early 1900s.Furthermore, a standard cup of coffee is 8 fluid ounces while a standard cup of espresso is just one ounce. Also, there are more dissolved solids in espresso than there are in coffee. For example, espresso is thicker. There are several differences between espresso and coffee.It turns out, the question of ìwhat is espresso?î is one that takes a longer amount of time than expected to answer. When mixed with milk, hot water, sugar or chocolate, you can turn espresso into lattes, mochas, cappuccini and macchiati.

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