Coffee

Although electric coffee makers are used by millions of people around the world everyday, true coffee connoisseurs actually consider the coffee that comes out of these machines to be of poor quality. While it is true that many electric drip coffee makers produce coffee that isn’t so great, some coffee makers are very capable indeed of churning out excellent tasting coffee.

Great Ingredients Make Great Coffee

It all starts with what you put in the machine. You can have the best machine in the world, but if you toss in lousy beans or funky tasting water, what comes out will be lousy. Buy quality coffee beans, preferably organic. Conventional coffee is sprayed with lots of pesticides, and organic coffee tastes better. Use filtered or bottled water that tastes good when you drink it cold.

What to Look For in a Coffee Maker

First of all, it is generally agreed upon that grinding the coffee beans shortly before you brew the coffee results in a better tasting brew. Most people realize this, but quickly find out that grinding coffee beans every day just doesn’t get done. Fortunately, you can get a coffee maker that has a built-in grinder, so you don’t even have to think about this step anymore. The machine will just do it all for you. You can even set a timer so the grind and brew machine has your coffee finished at the time you want it.

Another thing you should look for when choosing an electric coffee maker is the temperature of the water when brewing. Although this fact has eluded the masses, real coffee aficionados know that the optimum temperature for brewing coffee is 200 Fahrenheit, or 93 Celsius. Many of the cheap electric coffee makers never actually get the water this hot. You have to purchase a good quality machine from a reputable brand that actually says how hot the water temperature gets in the brewing process.

Finally, the pot that the finished coffee goes into has an impact on the coffee’s final taste. Lousy machines can give the coffee a “burnt” taste from heating the bottom of the pot. Some of the better coffee makers these days use stainless steel insulated carafes to keep the coffee hot until it is consumed.

Most experts advise purchasing the best coffee maker that you can afford. Read the reviews and compare machines as much as possible before choosing. By investing in a good quality machine, you will enjoy better cups of coffee for years, and small things like this can have big impacts on your life.

Chad Damon is the author of the Best Electric Coffee Makers and the guide to single cup electric coffee makers. His automatic coffee grinder wakes him up at precisely 7:30 AM every morning.

Author: Chad Damon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Gourmet coffee is good, gourmet coffee drinks are fabulous. Using your own gourmet flavored coffee or espresso as a base you can make those tasty treats at home and save yourself a lot of money while impressing your friends at the same time. Gourmet coffee drinks can vary from lattes and cappuccinos to exotic ice cream drinks. There are also alcohol drinks that feature coffee which can be very relaxing after a stressful day at the office.

Gourmet Coffee Recipes

Chocolate Cappuccino: For the chocoholic who loves their coffee this satisfies both desires.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vanilla syrup
• 4-6 oz. Chocolate Milk or Chocolate Soy Milk if lactose intolerant
• 4 oz. Espresso or Very Strong Coffee – can use gourmet chocolate flavored coffee if desired
• Chocolate Shavings
• Whipped Cream

Directions

1. First pour the vanilla syrup into a cappuccino mug.
2. Now add your fresh brewed espresso or coffee to the vanilla syrup and blend the two ingredients together.
3. Next, steam your chocolate milk to 160 degrees F. (Use a candy thermometer to test the milk).
4. Add to the coffee mixture.
5. Top with a dollop of whip cream and chocolate shavings.

Variation: For a relaxing after dinner drink, add a 2 oz. Shot of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or other chocolate liqueur.

Iced Latte with Flavor Variations: The traditional latte served up cold and creamy for those hot sultry days when you need a boost.

Ingredients

• 2-4 oz. Espresso or Strong Coffee
• 4-6 oz. Milk
• Ice Cubes
• Flavorings as desired (see variations)

Directions

1. Pour the espresso and milk into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice cubes and shake until well chilled. For variations use one of the following flavors. Note: For frozen latte, use a blender instead of cocktail shaker.

Variations: Add any one of the following flavorings to the blender or cocktail shaker. *Coffee syrups available in coffee section of grocer or at coffee shops.

2 oz Vanilla Syrup

2 oz. Chocolate Syrup

2 oz. Hazelnut Syrup

Iced Mint Mocha: This is a wonderful coffee drink for those hot summer days. For a spirited version you can add a liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Ingredients

• Ice
• 1 oz. of mint chocolate coffee syrup
• 2 scoops of mint choc chip ice cream
• 2-4 oz. espresso shots or strong coffee
• Cold milk
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings/sprinkles

Directions

1. Place ice in blender, add mint chocolate chip ice cream and mint chocolate syrup.
2. Pour in milk based on how thick you want the drink to be.
3. Blend to desired consistency.
4. Top with whip cream, chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

Fall Cappuccino: This coffee drink with a touch of cinnamon and cloves invokes those autumn nights when there is just a hint of chill in the air.

Ingredients

• 4-6 Whole cloves
• 1 Cinnamon Sticks
• 4-6 Whole Green Cardoman
• 3 tsp. Brown Sugar
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate Shavings and Ground Cinnamon
• 2-4 oz. Espresso
• 4-6 oz. Steamed Milk

Directions

1. Add 2 cups water to small saucepan.
2. Add all spices to the water and heat to boiling.
3. Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, steam 4-6 oz. of milk to 160 degrees F.
5. Pour the espresso into a cappuccino mug, add the spice mixture and stir well. Top with the steamed milk. Decorate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and sprinkled cinnamon.

Variations: For more of a coffee drink, you can replace the espresso and steamed milk with 6-8 oz. of strong coffee.

For an adult beverage, add 2 oz. of your favorite brandy

Gourmet coffee drinks can be made without just about any flavorings you can imagine. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Using coffee syrups available online and at your local coffee shop combined with flavorings and spices in your kitchen you can serve up an array of gourmet drinks that would rival even the fanciest of coffee shops.

Sharon V Chapman writes on the joys of coffee and provides information on gourmet coffee drinks for Gourmet Coffee Guide – your number one online resource for gourmet coffee!

Author: Sharon V Chapman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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