Archive for the ‘Future-Concepts’ Category

The Days Of The Stale Dry Coffee Cake Are Long Gone

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

The Coffee cake originated from the basic honey cake and Danish combined. It was made with coffee and the cakes came from Central and Northern Europe. Depending on the nationality that you associate with coffee cake, it can also be called Kuchen or Gugelhupf. It is believed to be as old as 300 years. Coffee cake started out just as sweet bread, but over time has developed into something that is more like bunt cake.

It is believed that recipes arrived in America when the Dutch, German and Scandinavians immigrated. The cakes recipe started out quite basic, being made from yeast, nuts, spices, dried fruit and eggs. Nowadays, you will find your coffee cake available with a variety of fillings, cheese, or covered in sugar. Most coffee cakes do not actually contain coffee, but they were associated with coffee, as you would often be eaten with a steaming mug of coffee.

Many years ago coffee cake was treated as a delicious after dinner treat. Coffee was always served as a special gift to guests; the cake would go so perfect that they would call it coffee cake. Many women would find themselves with a cup of coffee, a coffee cake, and a great amount of gossip to share. It became the ultimate cake for guests as it has always been known to be something that you talk over with.

With the modern coffee cake, you may picture something that has a strudel on top. They tend to be very sweet in taste, and include ingredients such as baking spices, blueberries and cranberries. The fruits in these cakes make them great for those who have a sweet tooth.

Coffee cake would not be served until after dinner and should be enjoyed with a pot of coffee. It is not something that is eaten quickly. You will have some coffee, stop for a nibble on a piece of cake, and mostly talk, giving time to catch up on the daily events.

For centuries the coffee cake has been eaten in this way. Today, it is considered as a light snack, more than a dessert and will be eaten at anytime throughout the day.

If you want a recipe to make your own freshly baked coffee cakes, just simply search online by entering into your favourite search engine coffee cake and another ingredient that you would like to include. You will be able to find various different coffee cake recipes made out of anything, whether it may be spices, fruits or nuts.

Darren Lintern is the author and owner of http://www.Coffee-For-All.com. For more information on Coffee, visit Coffee For All where you will find a wealth of information on Coffee at Home, Coffee Beans, and Coffee Accessories.

Coffee: How It Reaches Your Table

Friday, September 14th, 2007

Its morning and you automatically reach out for your first cup of coffee!

Coffee has become an integral part of daily diet in some societies, especially in the US and one hardly ever gives a thought to how bland coffee beans are transformed into an aromatic beverage with strong flavors that are so familiar.

Before acquiring the state in which coffee reaches the table, the coffee berry and its seeds undergo a series of processes that require a fair amount of human labor that make a coffee what it is.

Coffee processing requires a series of agricultural and industrial procedures that are needed to deliver the desired flavor to the consumer. The processes involved are:
- Picking the berry
- Defruiting
- Aging
- Roasting
- Grading
- Grinding

As expected, the first task in the efforts to make coffee beans is to pick the fruit from the shrubs or the trees, depending on the species in question. This is done in large plantations and mostly by hand. The beans are then de-fruited and sorted. In some cases the berries are even aged, since it is believed to lend a more mature aroma to the beans. Though the picking of the berries, de-fruiting and aging are essential parts of the entire process, it is the next step that is the most essential – roasting. It is this process that transforms the insipid berries into a beverage that the world loves and enjoys.

This is one process that requires a fair amount of skill and the temperature, evenness of heating, amount of time allowed for roasting and other such parameters can make all the difference between a good coffee and a bad one. Even though different species have different characteristics and some are bitterer than the others, characteristics like aroma, flavor and taste are dictated by the process of roasting and therefore extreme care and finesse needs to be maintained during this process.

The process of roasting is actually a complex chemical process where heat acts as a catalyst to kick off a chemical reaction. This transforms the carbohydrates and fats into aromatic oils like Caffeol and removes the moisture and carbon dioxide in the beans. The process also breaks down and builds acids that lend the inherent characteristic flavor and taste of the coffee.

Before the coffee is released in the market, it needs to be graded. The grading is based on the assessment of professional tasters who are connoisseurs of coffee. The process of tasting requires them to sniff deeply of slurp the coffee loudly to carry it back to their tongues. With this, they determine the texture (mouth feel), oiliness, acidity (a sharp tangy feeling as in biting a citrus fruit), and harmony (the harmony of different flavors in the coffee).

Grinding the coffee beans can be done at various levels and the bean can be ground coarse or fine. The Turkish grind is considered to be the finest and can be mixed with water directly. The coarsest grinds are considered to be the coffee percolator and the French Press.

Grinding can be done by the coffee company, the grocery shop or at home. And these days, many people prefer to buy whole beans even though the grinding process does involve higher levels of effort at home. The most common home coffee machines use the drip and paper filter grinds. These machines give a grind that is somewhere between the finest and the coarsest grinds. The drip machines pass near-boiling water through the coffee in a filter. The other method that is used to make coffee from coffee beans is the espresso method. This method is more technologically advanced and involves hot steaming water that is forced through the grounded coffee to give coffee that is frothy and great to taste.

But there are many people who do not want to put in large amounts of effort to make a cup of coffee. For the convenience of such people, there are many instant coffee brands available in the market. Instant coffee is dried into soluble powder or frozen-dried into granules so that all a consumer needs to do is to mix hot or cold water to prepare the beverage.

So whether you like cappuccino or café latte, ensure that you appreciate the effort, perseverance and skill that it is required to make the coffee what it is.

Coffee City | Offers extensive articles and resources on coffee, espresso, coffee beans, coffee making, etc.

Brewing The Best With A Home Espresso Machine

Friday, August 31st, 2007

There are those among us who have an addiction. It’s an all-encompassing fever that holds us hostage until we answer its call. It’s coffee; and hot or cold, black or light, sweet or bitter, we love it all. But sometimes an ordinary coffee just won’t do. When espresso is your caffeine fix of choice, it can be inconvenient and pricey to visit to a specialty coffee store every time you need a fix. For these moments – and for those who want to enjoy espresso at any time – a home espresso machine is the answer.

There are several different definitions of a home espresso machine; they generally fit into three categories.

The manual home espresso machine requires full operator participation; the user adds water and coffee grinds and maintains control over the beverage until it is completely brewed.

The semi-automatic home espresso machine is a combination of user and machine. The user actually starts the machine, the machine takes over to brew the coffee, and the user turns the machine off.

The full automatic home espresso machine requires no operator participation. The machine goes through the entire brewing process from start to finish.

Finding the perfect home espresso machine for you is as easy as visiting your local home goods retailer. There, you will find a variety of machines that vary in components, color, and price. Online shopping can also be a great alternative for finding that home espresso machine that works best for your space restrictions and lifestyle. You can also find a variety of consumer reports that can alert you to those brands that have performed well in the marketplace.

A home espresso machine means a new world of coffee self-sufficiency where the lines at the local coffee house need no longer call your name. Now, the perfect brew can be yours at any time of day, right in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

For easy to understand, in depth information about espresso visit our ezGuide 2 Espresso.

Stainless Steel Coffee Makers Not Just Another Pretty Face

Friday, August 10th, 2007

It’s likely that the majority of stainless steel coffee makers are sold because they have that different look. The brushed stainless finish almost always looks nicer then a regular white plastic coffee maker, and glass carafe. Especially with the kitchens of today being extra stylish, and often having stainless steel appliances, don’t we all want it to match?

What some people might not realize is that there is more to a stainless steel coffee maker then just another pretty face. There are specifically two key advantages I like about a stainless steel maker versus my old regular plastic glass carafe coffee maker. One is to do with replacement parts, the other to do with how my coffee tastes each morning.

Possibly you haven’t done this, but leaving a glass carafe in the sink for a day then doing dishes that evening offers a pretty good chance you could crack that carafe. Especially if you’re loading more dishes in on top of that carafe through the day. Of course we can all leave it on the counter, or in the coffee maker, but bottom line is coffee maker carafes aren’t indestructible especially those made of glass.

A stainless steel coffee maker often comes with a stainless steel carafe. Guess what, really tough to break a stainless steel coffee carafe. You can drop it on the floor, leave it in the sink, some even put in the dish washer to reduce clean up time. I love it, can’t beat something that I don’t have to wash and I can’t break it.

Now the second benefit of a stainless steel coffee maker also has to do with the carafe. Often times when I brew half a pot of coffee just for myself, I don’t get around to drinking it all while it’s fresh. The burner on the coffee maker tends to burn the coffee and reduce the taste and aroma, with a stainless carafe they’re usually thermal as well. Meaning they don’t require another heat source they keep the coffee warm inside by sealing in the warmth, and being insulated in the body. Just like a thermos you’d take to work with you.

Prices vary from under a hundred to several hundred dollars for a stainless coffee maker. All the major brands offer a stainless version of their top selling models including Cuisinart, Black and Decker, and Kitchen Aid. If you’re shopping for a new drip coffee maker, be sure to consider a stainless steel model, and remember the extra few dollars it might cost isn’t just for that sharp looking brushed stainless appearance it’s for the added features to.

To see some of the most popular stainless steel coffee makers take a moment to visit our website on coffee and espresso makers.

What is an Electric French Press Coffee Maker?

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007

An Electric French Press Coffee Maker is the absolute best way to make coffee. If you have never experienced the brew of a French Press you are really missing out on how premium coffee should taste. In this brief article you will learn what a French Press is and how to properly use an Electric French Press Coffee Maker to brew perfect coffee every time.

Quite simply an electric French press coffee maker is a handy tool that brews silky smooth coffee. It is a style of coffee pot that stands upright and contains a lid and plunger mechanism that allows you to brew and strain the coffee and brews coffee in about 4 minutes. Brewing coffee this way allows coffee to lay directly in the water allowing the water to soak up the flavor and develop a creamy, silky and rich taste. It is as easy to use as a regular coffee pot or coffee maker and makes your coffee taste a whole lot better. The electric version also means you don’t have to warm it on the stove, you easily just plug it in and brew.

So you may ask is an Electric French Press Coffee Maker easy to use? Yes it is in fact as a easy as a simple coffee pot. First Plug in and add cold water to the carafe. Next turn the power switch on & in about 4 minutes the water should be boiling and the power switch will automatically shut off. Thirdly you should add fresh coarse ground coffee waiting a few minutes for the brew to extract. Lift the cordless carafe off the base and serve yourself or your guests. Keep in mind that you can also brew tea and soups in a French Press. So its not just for coffee. Most Electric French Press Coffee Makers hold about 8 cups or 32 oz. of water or liquid. They are a great addition to any kitchen and also take up less space than a regular coffee pot as well as look elegant. So Thats a quick easy guide for How To Use a French Press Coffee Pot. Thats really how simple to use and clean they are.

For more information about or to find coffee visit my website
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For more articles on French press coffee makers or coffee Information and Resources on Coffee Makers and Coffee Grinders

How To Impress The Neighbors With A Built In Coffee Maker!

Tuesday, June 26th, 2007

Built in coffee makers are becoming increasingly popular with home owners looking at ways of maximising bench space in their homes. When coffee makers were first becoming part of the home landscape, just having one would have made an impression on friends and family however, it seems like we are entering a new phase.

Built in coffee makers certainly look great as part of the overall look and feel of a home’s kitchen and living areas however, cost will certainly be a factor for many people. You could expect to be set back several thousand dollars for a top of the range unit fully installed but you need to think sensibly and economically before going to this level.

Before You Buy

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before shopping for a built in unit:

- Will the coffee maker be in regular use?
- Are you a big entertainter?
- Or, are you a regular coffee drinker and would and expensive built in unit be a viable option at this stage?

The Advantages

Now, if you answered yes to at least two of these questions and are in a position to afford the more expensive units, then it looks like you are in the market for a built in coffee maker. Let’s take a look at the advantages, ignoring cost:

- A built in coffee maker will clear up clutter on your kitchen bench
- You don’t have to add water each time you use it because the unit is plumbed straight into your house supply
- Adds value and enhances appearance of the home and you will also be making a statement on design

How Much Can You Expect To Pay?

While the cost can range up to several thousand dollars, built in coffee makers can be picked up for as low as $440.00. Brew Express now produce a built in the wall drip coffee maker with some impressive features including programmable timer and clock, pause and serve and adjustable cup selector.

At the other end of the spectrum, Miele, which was responsible for introducing the world’s first built in system has a range of quality and adaptable units which cost anywhere from $700 and upwards. The definite advantage of the more expensive machines include the extra features such as a self filling ability, while many models come with extra plug outlets for greater convenience.

A built in coffee maker will definitely give your home some added appeal but as mentioned earlier, you need to be sure it’s what you need. Shop around and compare prices and features and then select the machine that looks suited to your needs.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster who has a passion for all things coffee. If you are thinking of a built in coffee maker then read this report before you buy. Plus, get the latest coffee related news and information at:http://www.coffeemakerheaven.com

Can’t Cure Common Cold, But Coffee Benefits Perk

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

Moderate consumption of coffee an all-world beverage if ever there was one, is being shown to have generally positive and protective effects on the emergence of disease conditions according to this month’s issue of Food Technology magazine.

In its regular Food, Medicine & Health column, Food Technology reports that recent studies of coffee in combination with reviews of research gathered over the past 30 years reveal that consumption improves glucose regulation and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, among other favorable effects.

“Many negative health myths about coffee drinking may now be transformed into validated health benefits,” says the column’s co-author, Roger A. Clemens, a functional food expert with the Institute of Food Technologists and nutritional biochemist.

“Scientific evidence now suggests that moderate coffee consumption 3 to 5 cups a day may be associated with reduced risks of certain disease conditions,” he says, such as Alzheimer’s disease, kidney stones, depression, and others.”

Another area of coffee’s positive affect on the body is its possible cancer-protective properties, possibly due to its naturally occurring and brewing-produced antioxidants.

Some research strongly links coffee’s properties to protect blood vessels from dilating as one possible mechanism that brain cells use to defend against Parkinson’s disease. One cup of coffee a day may as much as halve the risk of developing this disease, the article states.

Published monthly by IFT, Food Technology provides news and analysis of the development, use, quality, safety, and regulation of food sources, products, and processes. The latest issue is accessible online at www.ift.org/foodtechnology

Coffee Drinking Findings Are Inconsistent

Tuesday, May 1st, 2007

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. There have been numerous studies of the affects of coffee on our health, especially long-term coffee consumption and heavy drinkers of coffee. Most of the studies reveal that long-term coffee consumption may not increase the risk of coronary heart disease for most Americans, even if they drink six or more cups a day.

Researchers say however, these results did not exclude the possibility that coffee may increase the risk of coronary heart disease for “some people.”

One example, a recent study suggested coffee could be detrimental in people with certain genotypes. These findings still require confirmation.

Studies consistently show that drinking a lot of French press coffee increases low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad cholesterol.
Researchers also say that even though the topic of coffee drinking and cardiovascular disease has been studied extensively, the findings have been inconsistent. They also say they recently found that people who drink more coffee have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

In one study some of the key findings include:

• Frequent coffee drinking was very much associated with men and women who smoked cigarettes also. Most men and women who drank six or more cups of coffee a day also smoked.

• People who drink alcohol, use aspirin, not likely to drink tea, not likely to exercise or use multivitamins and vitamin E supplements were heavy coffee drinkers

• There was no significant difference in risk of CHD between women who frequently drank decaffeinated coffee and women who did not.

• There was no significant difference in total cholesterol, good or bad cholesterol in men and women coffee drinkers whether they favored caffeinated or decaffeinated

• Researchers found no difference in CHD risk associated with drinking coffee between people with or without type 2 diabetes.

The above findings were from a study done in 2006 that was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

High caffeine intake affects upon the risk of coronary heart disease is still under study according to the American Heart Association. However, researchers and the American Heart Association seem to be in agreement that moderate coffee drinking, one to two cups per day is not harmful.

Source: American Heart Association

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 2-2007.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.

Getting the Most Flavor From Your Coffee Beans

Sunday, April 22nd, 2007

The flavor of the coffee bean starts with the plant and the climate where it is grown. But what happens to the bean from picking until it is poured into your cup also has a lot to do with the flavor and the extent that you enjoy the end result or experience disappointment.

Roasting - What it Does

Roasting the coffee beans brings out the vibrant flavor of the beans. The heat from the process causes the coffee bean’s carbohydrates and fats to transform into aromatic oils. Roasting changes the flavor of the beans from something that is unpleasant into the wonderful coffee flavor that millions of people around the world enjoy every day.

There are also different roasting times that coffee beans experience. Each produces a different type of coffee. Light roast produces a light flavor, medium roast is sweeter and more full-bodied, and dark roast produces a deep taste that is fairly spicy and sweet.

The longest roasting time produces the really dark coffee. In those beans the natural sugar content of the beans will start to carbonize and caramelize, resulting in a smoky and full flavor.

Buying the Best Coffee Beans

Most coffee plants rely on the climate of the region where they are planted, and this produces the distinctive flavor found in the coffee cherries. For the very best beans, buy arabica coffee that is considered gourmet. Robusta beans have more caffeine, less flavor and are cheaper to make.

Your Own Coffee Grinder - A Must

People who want the best flavor in their coffee use coffee grinders. If you’d like to get the most flavor and nutritional benefit you can, buy whole coffee beans and grind your own as you use them. In order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee, you should grind only the amount you intend to use just before brewing.

Keeping the Coffee Beans Fresh

For the best flavor you should purchase whole coffee beans from specialty shops only. After making your purchase, the whole beans should be used within a week of purchase in order to enjoy the full flavor of the coffee. Coffee beans are like sponges, soaking up the flavor of anything in their environment, which is why you want to make sure they are sealed in a air-tight container and used up within seven to ten days.

Coffee drinkers also advise against buying pre-ground coffee since pre-grinding diminishes the coffee flavor and aroma. By purchasing whole beans, grinding the fresh coffee beans and making only enough that you will drink immediately you are preparing a beautiful, intense flavor and aroma.

It wasn’t long ago that people had to depend on percolators and ground coffee. Hardly anyone had their own grinder, and few people had their own percolator. Percolators were for the church potluck or the local coffee shop.

Today we are spoiled to have available the best coffee beans for a reasonable price. In many kitchens there is a roaster, or at least a grinder and coffee maker, and often an espresso machine. This is a great time in history for coffee lovers everywhere.

Carol Stack has written numerous articles about coffee and coffee-related topics. She lives in the United States with her husband, three children, and various dogs and cats. Carol and her sister Barbara have a coffee site devoted to coffee lovers who are searching for a better cup of coffee. You can visit it at: http://www.coffeeloversportal.com

Enjoy High Quality Coffee

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

It was 9 am and I had just arrived at my computer wholesaler in Brisbane. As I walked into the entrance area I sensed that smell of roasting coffee across the way a new coffee wholesaler had opened. It was my favorite drink COFFEE I could always smell it whenever it was being made .

I walked over to the warehouse run by two guys who ended up friends of mine, Tim and Jason and dispensed with my greeting in a usual cheerful manner. “Hi fellas. Can I get a 2 kilo bag of beans out one raced with a cup and gave me a short black espresso straight up!” I looked at my partner almost despairingly. and said, “How do they do it, get the coffee so smooth that is.”

Yes, I was wondering it to my partner said. Our ritual is to have a Latte’ Grande’ a 500ml mug every morning before anything else. In the past it was sometimes they are bitter others not. As I was about to polish off my second cup of coffee Tim asked, So what is up?

I responded, Nothing, everything is perfect.” There was a short pause. I suddenly remember an article I read two days ago in the local daily about the good and bad points on freezing coffee. I thought to myself… These guys love talking coffee, I will pose the question. To which a heated debate started.

Fresh my… and by the time Tim could finish I had to intervene. I could not believe such a heated debate could be caused over whether coffee was better frozen or left at room temperature. “Fellas, come on, lets not quarrel. You are both right,” I suggested to them trying to make the peace. Anyway, I would love to stay and chat but I have got to go.

As I walked upstairs to the weights room it suddenly struck me that here we have two guys, both long time coffee lovers like myself and who own their own cafe, yet have differing opinions on coffee. Personally, I always freeze my coffee, but that is just the way I like it. How about you?

Coffee is one of OUR favorite subjects. My mom used to make me warm milk with a dash of coffee and lots of sugar. I loved to have milk coffee biscuits to dip or dunk in it. And you know what. I still do!

Coffee is just about every ones favourite drink topic. Almost daily there is a new study done somewhere in the world about why we should cut down on coffee; in fact in a number of recent studies coffee up to 12 cups is ok up to 6 will help you lose weight. We love it and we should know we have spent over $6000 on machinery personally to make it better in the last 5 years.

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The tecacentre.net team are lovers of High Quality coffee alongside this are professional Solutions consultants and Colour restorers who specialise in a wide number of topics.

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