Espresso Machines and Espresso Makers - Coffee Made Easy!

Who doesn't love a good cup o' coffee in the morning? Nothing like that quick pick-me-up to jump start your morning and send you out the door with the energy and alertness you need to get through the day. On second thought, you don't want to just get through the day, you want to power through the day. An espresso maker may be the perfect solution to your coffee needs.

Espresso makers create a powerful and strong coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. You see, a shot of espresso is a concentrated coffee drink. Espresso is made by forcing about 1.5 ounces of hot water through finely ground and extremely tightly packed espresso coffee. Generally speaking, a shot of espresso is stronger and has a more concentrated amount of caffeine than your normal cup of black coffee.

With an espresso maker, all these drinks (plus many more) are available to you at your finger tips. Try adding in various syrups, creamers, and other ingredients for the perfect coffee drink that you crave each and every morning! Having an espresso maker was one of the best investments I've ever made. I used to spend at least $30 a week on coffee, but with a small investment of buying my espresso maker, the only expense I have now are the coffee beans and any syrups or creamers I choose to put in. In the long run, buying an espresso maker can save you a lot of money as well as provide you great espresso drinks for life!

The answer is simple: GET AN ESPRESSO MAKER!!! Seriously, a great espresso maker is one of the best investments anyone can make!

Now there are plenty of different espresso makers, espresso machines, and coffee makers out there. You could just run out of the house in a mad dash and buy the first one you see sitting on the shelf at your store of choice, but wouldn't you like to do a little research and find out which espresso maker is right for you? Well, for those of you still here, read on...

Now, if you want to make sure that you get the top of the line, cream of the crop espresso maker, you're going to want to look at some of the features that separate the men from the boys, so to speak. However, if you're just looking for a basic, back-to-basics espresso maker for your everyday coffee needs, there are many choices out there. Many expresso makers have super-neat features like stainless steal exteriors, different size coffee cups (depending on how many you are preparing coffee for), cup warmers, and all come in different shapes, colors and sizes.

Make no mistake about it; if you've read this far you obviously have an interest in the realm of coffee and espresso drinks. The time has come to buy that espresso maker you've always wanted and secretly dreamed of! So take my advice, sit down and think about how much you're willing to spend and exactly what features you need. Make no mistake; buying a quality espresso maker is one of the best investments you'll ever make!

Expresso Maker www.MyExpressoMaker.com

Expresso Maker www.MyExpressoMaker.com

The Best Pot of Coffee I Ever Made

I think the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning wakes up your senses and starts the day off with a feeling of vitality. With no coffee in the morning a lot of people have a hard time getting started. Coffee jump-starts my day.

I have used just about every type of coffeemaker there is. The percolators make a fine brew as do the programmable automatic ones. Whether you use glass or prefer stainless steel the finished product is only as good as the water you started with. Too much iron in the water tends to turn it green. Chlorine or fluoride will give the coffee an odd taste. Good water is essential. If you are lucky enough to have an artisan well I am jealous. I get coffee water from my neighbor, he has an artisan well with no iron.

I generally use a French Press coffeemaker but my favorite way to make the brew is with an egg.You are probably thinking, an egg? Yes, an egg. My great grandmother made egg coffee and it is a real treat. I make it for special occasions or when I want to share a cup with someone who has never heard of egg coffee.

To make egg coffee you need a clean pot and fresh cold water. I use an enamel one. Measure your coffee grounds into a cup and add a beaten egg. Stir the mixture into the cold water and put the pot over a low heat. Slowly heat to a boil, stirring often. When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Let sit for about two minutes then strain it into a cup.

That may sound like a lot of monkey business but I think it is well worth the effort. Coffee made like this over a campfire in the outdoors is delicious. At Christmas we add a little Irish Creme for flavor. Santa sure enjoys it.

I am such a cooking enthusiast that I made a website as a tribute to five generations of country cooks. You will find other cooking tips at http://www.pothaven.com

http://www.pothaven.com

Coffee Tips & Teazers

I hope you are able to enjoy them as much as I have. These are a few tips and recipes given to me by various people over the years. I want to introduce you to my Coffee Tips & TEAzers. Many people are sick of the same old routine, and want to try something different. I like my coffee fresh, hot, and black. It is said that change is good, but not for everyone.

Coffee Tip #1

It will keep your coffee & teas fresher longer. This prevents the air from making your coffee and teas stale. The only way to guarantee fresh Coffee & Tea every time is to vacuum pack your beans, grounds, tea bags, or loose-leaf teas. The only thing that beats a hot cup of coffee in the morning is a FRESH cup of hot coffee.

Coffee Tip #2

You have a hot cup of chocolate mocha! Presto! Then add whip cream and chocolate sprinkles. Stir completely until your coffee is a tan color. Then add a splash of half & half creamer. Try adding some chocolate syrup to your coffee. Try flavored syrups there are many different flavors to choose from and you can combine the flavors to make something unique. If you are board with the traditional way coffee is presented then I have some ideas that will give your coffee some pizzazz.

Coffee Tip #3

This is a unique recipe Cafe Speciale

· 4 teaspoons chocolate syrup
· 1/2 cup heavy cream
· 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1-1/2 cups extra-strength hot coffee

Put 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup into each of 4 small cups. Combine cream. 1/4-teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Whip. Stir remaining 1/2-teaspoon cinnamon into hot coffee. Pour coffee into cups. Stir to blend with syrup. Top with whipped cream. Makes 4 servings.

TEAser#1
The problem with tea bags is that you really don't know how fresh the tea is. With loose-leaf teas you can feel the texture and see the tea more clearly. The smell alone can be deceiving. Some companies have been known to spray their teas with scents that make them smell fresh, but are they really?

TEAser#2
Mango Tea (By The Pitcher)
Fill Pitcher with Ice
Add 5 oz. Monin Mango Tea
Fill with 50 oz. Water
Stir Well

Raspberry Tea (By The Glass)
Fill 12 oz. Glass with Ice
Add 1 oz. Monin Raspberry Tea
Top off with 10 oz. Water
Stir Well

Minted Mango Tea
1 cup chopped refrigerated mango slices
1-cup pineapple juice
8 green tea bags
2 4-inch mint sprigs
4 cups boiling water
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
Ice cubes

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan bring water to boiling. Add tea bags, anise, and cinnamon stick. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and cinnamon stick. Stir in nectar, honey, and lemon juice. Heat through.

2. Pour tea mixture into four heatproof cups, floating a star anise on top of each. Makes 4 servings.

Don is the owner of several free information websites and the sole proprietor of Java Jakes Gourmet Coffee Co.