Brewing Great Coffee

Brewing Great Coffee

Only a few can disagree that a great day starts with a cup of rich coffee. A great flavored cup of hot coffee is a perfect way to begin your day. And most of the readers interested in this article like it that way only. The most important part in getting close to the perfect cup of coffee is brewing. This part is quite crucial once you have selected and grinded the fine gourmet coffee beans. Of course, brewing only starts after you have grinded the coffee well. For those who know less about brewing let us make it clear that the basic principal which is common to all methods brewing coffee is to immerse ground coffee in hot water to extract the flavor and aroma of the coffee so that the drink you get is rich in both mentioned above. So lot many things are to be understood with absolute clarity if you are planning to brew the coffee all by yourself.

While brewing the coffee, the coffee maker also plays an important role. The most commonly used coffee maker is the one which uses drip method and so it is essential to understand how to brew the coffee using it. The least bothered about element while brewing coffee is water. But a bit consideration to this element can drastically change the flavor of your coffee. We suggest you to use fresh filtered water for brewing. Always add fresh and cold water to your coffee maker. It is a misconception that it is better to add hot water for brewing coffee. Adding hot water directly to your coffee make not only changes the overall flavor of the coffee but can also ruin the coffee maker. So better add cold water only. Another factor is cleaning the coffee maker. Always ensure that your coffee maker is absolutely clean as the unwanted elements like water sediments and coffee oil can add to the brewing process and will change the taste of the coffee for the worst of it. That is why it is very essential to clean your coffee maker regularly so that nothing gets mixed up with the process of brewing coffee.

The most important step is to measure the proper amount of coffee for your brew. The most common method is to use two level teaspoons for every six ounces of water. You can always adjust it according to your taste to make your coffee either darker or lighter. It is better not to trust the measurements on your coffee pot as these are often wrong and sometime it is found that the machines cup is four ounces instead of six. Another aspect to remember while you brew the coffee is to brew only the amount of coffee that you will be consuming in the next hour. Keeping the coffee in the burner for more than this time may result in the coffee losing flavor, taste or even the aroma that eventually makes it stale.

How to Make the Best Coffee Cocktails

So you like cocktails and you like coffee, what are you to do? The simple solution that you may have already thought of is combining the two for a delicious after dinner drink that still has the smoky, bold, and complex flavors of Java. The good news for you to know is that many of these delightful cocktails are something that you can drink within your own home because they are so easy to create. I can think of nothing better than sitting back after a long day and a good meal with a steaming coffee cocktail that will relax me right away.

The idea of combining coffee and alcohol is not entirely new, since I am sure we have all seen the stereotypical characters in movies that pour bourbon into their black coffee to start the day. That is not specifically what I am suggesting, but instead I am offering you a more creative way to approach combining coffee and alcohol as a sweet treat that is unforgettable. The fun fact about coffee is that pretty much any alcohol is complementary with it, so you just need to pick your poison. If you are a vodka lover, then you can make a simple Baileys Espresso Martini, by combining:

• 2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1/4 ounce Vodka of your choice (I like Grey Goose!)
• 1 shot chilled espresso

All that you have to do is shake these ingredients well in a martini shaker with ice, and pour into a frosted martini glass. This is a completely classy and elegant drink that will be perfect for an evening of entertaining guests, and it is best to garnish it with several espresso beans floating in a martini glass. I have to warn you that you will not be able to stop at just one, so be sure to sip this martini slowly!

Another fun and rich coffee recipe is Keoke Coffee, which uses Kahlúa, Creme de Cacao, and Brandy for a rich after dinner beverage. All you have to do is pour a half a shot of each of the three liquors that I listed above, and fill the rest of your coffee mug up with fresh, hot coffee. It is best to garnish with whipped cream to taste so that your coffee has a sweet flavor, and this is truly a great evening coffee cocktail to enjoy, especially in cold weather.

For those braver souls who really want to take it to the next level with their coffee cocktails, you can actually create coffee infused vodka. All you have to do is crush (not grind) with a spoon a handful of coffee beans, and place them in a jar filled with vodka. Make sure that it is sealed tightly, shake it well, and store it in a cool place like your refrigerator for one week. At that point, all you have to do is funnel out the bean particles, and you have a coffee flavored vodka to enjoy. Get creative, because coffee cocktails are truly on the rise!

The History of The Irish Coffee

The Port of Foyne was a busy air traffic point between Europe and United States in the 1930s and 1940s, carrying a diverse range of people from refugees and Royal members. It was the winter of 1934, the flight from Foyne left to New York in extremely bad weather that eventually caused the flight to return.

Chef Joe Sheridan working at the restaurant in the terminal building offered tired passengers the coffee drink mixed with a quality Irish whiskey. One American passenger asked if that's Brazilian coffee, and the chef answered, "that's Irish coffee."

In 1952 Jack Koeppler, owner of Buena Vista in San Fransisco brought the Irish Coffee recipe back to the United States and made it famous. Every year, the Foynes Flying Boat Museum holds an Irish Coffee Festival in August. The festival has the world's best Irish Coffee making competition.

The Original Irish Coffee

Joe, Sheridan, Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Cream - Rich as an Irish Brogue

Coffee- Strong as Friendly Hand

Sugar - Sweet as the tongue of a Rouge

Irish Whiskey - smooth as the Wit of the Land

In a warm stemmed whiskey goblet, pour one jigger of Jameson Irish whiskey. Add one spoon of brown sugar and fill with strong black coffee within one inch of brim. Stir to dissolve the sugar and top off with whipped cream, slightly aerated by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Do not stir after adding the cream as the true flavor is obtained by drinking the hot coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.

The Classic Irish Coffee

●   2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey

●   2 teaspoons brown sugar

●   5 - 6 oz freshly brewed strong black coffee

Stir thoroughly and top off with a layer of heavy whipping cream, poured gently over the back of a spoon.

The History Of The Jelly Bean

Funny as it may sound, but jelly bens do have a fascinating history. Jelly beans have been on the shelfs of our shops for around 100 years and have been enjoyed by young and old throgh out the world. While Jelly beans only made there main appearance in the 1900's jelly beans have been about since the 17th century but where known as Jordan almonds.

Jelly beans became very popular when they started being sold as penny sweets in many stores across the globe.

Back in the jelly bean early days they were sold in a variety of colors and flavors, but unlike the jelly beans of today they were not sold in variety packets, instead they were sold in single colors, a bag of reds or a bag of blues etc. Jelly beans then became very popular during seasonal times (eg summer or christmas) because of the various seasonal colors that were available.

Jelly beans remained the same, with their semi hard shell and soft chewy center until the mid 1970's. When the Herman Goelitz Candy Co., Inc. revolutionized the jelly bean for ever. This company made the jelly bean into a delicacy by making unusual flavors, such as peach, melon, grape and sour fruit flavors.

The new jelly beans were completely different, they donned a different taste as well as look, and the center was even changed in several flavors from the classic clear jelly to a matching color of the bean.

According to few independant sources jelly beans were the favorite of former president Ronald Regan. Of all the famous people who loved jelly beans throughout the ages Regan was the number 1 fan. During his administration it was quite common to find jelly beans in every almost every room in the white house.

One fact about jelly beans is that many of these little drops of heaven even went into space. One of the space shuttles took up a load of jelly beans for the shuttle crew to snack on while they were up there. I guess that even astronauts need to satisfy their sweet tooth now and then.

The history of jelly beans is not finished evolving as of yet. Every year more and more creative flavors of the jelly bean hit the market. In a few years time there will be a whole new history for people to talk about and record.

Iced Coffee At Home- the Best

Being a coffee lover whether its hot or cold, I always like to experience the freshly roasted taste  and flavour of the coffee beans.
Finding an iced coffee that satisfies this requirement at a café is difficult so I have the perfect iced coffee recipe which you can make and enjoy at home.
1.    To make the coffee mixture, (using your favourite coffee of course), always use fresh coffee grinds.  If you don’t have a coffee grinder, using a spice grinder will suffice. Instant coffee is not recommended to obtain the best iced coffee at home.
2.    From your espresso  coffee machine, stove top espresso or plunger, make 200mls of black coffee. If you do not have any of these coffee makers at home, line a funnel with a white paper napkin, place 2 tablespoons of freshly ground coffee, and pour 30mls of hot water through.
3.    Once the black coffee is cool, add 25mls of vanilla syrup flavouring.
4.     If you do not have the syrup handy at home, mix ¼ cup water and ¼ cup sugar, boil until the     sugar has dissolved. Once cool add 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.
5.     You may need to adjust the quantities to ensure that you have your iced coffee tasting the way you like it.
In a tall glass, pour the coffee mixture. Once again, how much you pour is dependent on how strong you like your coffee
Add one level scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add milk to just below the top of the glass. Swirl in your cream and sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles.
Now, sit back and savour your iced coffee. It truly is unique.

Gourmet Coffee Drinks

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

First pour the vanilla syrup into a cappuccino mug. Now add your fresh brewed espresso or coffee to the vanilla syrup and blend the two ingredients together. Next, steam your chocolate milk to 160 degrees F. (Use a candy thermometer to test the milk). Add to the coffee mixture. 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

Pour the espresso and milk into a cocktail shaker. 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

Place ice in blender, add mint chocolate chip ice cream and mint chocolate syrup. Pour in milk based on how thick you want the drink to be. Blend to desired consistency. 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

Add 2 cups water to small saucepan. Add all spices to the water and heat to boiling. Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, steam 4-6 oz. of milk to 160 degrees F. 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.