The Story Of Coffee

The story of how coffee growing and drinking spread around the world is one of the greatest and most romantic in history. It starts in the Horn of Africa, in Ethiopia, where the coffee tree probably originated in the province of Kaffa. There are various fanciful but unlikely stories surrounding the discovery of the properties of roasted coffee beans. One story has it that an Ethiopian goatherd was amazed at the lively behaviour of his goats after chewing red coffee berries. What we know with more certainty is that the succulent outer cherry flesh was eaten by slaves taken from present day Sudan into Yemen and Arabia, through the great port of its day, Mocha, now synonymous with coffee. Coffee was certainly being cultivated in Yemen by the 15th century and probably much earlier than that.

Mocha was also the main port for the one sea route to Mecca, and was the busiest place in the world at the time. But the Arabs had a strict policy not to export any fertile beans, so that coffee could not be cultivated anywhere else. The coffee bean is the seed of the coffee tree, but when stripped of its outer layers it becomes infertile. The race to make off with some live coffee trees or beans was eventually won by the Dutch in 1616, who brought some back to Holland where they were grown in greenhouses.

Initially, the authorities in Yemen actively encouraged coffee drinking as it was considered preferable to the extreme side effects of Kat, a shrub whose buds and leaves were chewed as a stimulant. The first coffeehouses were opened in Mecca and were called 'kaveh kanes'. They quickly spread throughout the Arab world and became successful places where chess was played, gossip was exchanged, and singing, dancing and music were enjoyed. They were luxuriously decorated and each had an individual character. Nothing quite like the coffeehouse had existed before: a place where society and business could be conducted in comfortable surroundings and where anyone could go, for the price of coffee.

The Arabian coffeehouses soon became centres of political activity and were suppressed. Coffee and coffeehouses were subsequently banned several times over the next few decades, but they kept reappearing. Eventually a solution was found when coffeehouses and coffee were taxed.

COFFEE COMES TO ASIA

The Dutch were also growing coffee at Malabar in India, and in 1699 took some to Batavia in Java, in what is now Indonesia. Within a few years the Dutch colonies had become the main suppliers of coffee to Europe. Today Indonesia is the fourth largest exporter of coffee in the world.

COFFEE COMES TO EUROPE

Venetian traders first brought coffee to Europe in 1615. This was a period when the two other great hot beverages also appeared in Europe. Hot chocolate was the first, brought by the Spanish from the Americas to Spain in 1528; and tea, which was first sold in Europe in 1610.

At first coffee was mainly sold by lemonade vendors and was believed to have medicinal qualities. The first European coffeehouse opened in Venice in 1683, with the most famous, Caffe Florian in Piazza San Marco, opening in 1720. It is still open for business today.

The largest insurance market in the world, Lloyd's of London, began life as a coffeehouse. It was started in 1688 by Edward Lloyd, who prepared lists of the ships that his customers had insured.

COFFEE COMES TO THE AMERICAS

The first reference to coffee being drunk in North America is from 1668 and, soon after, coffee houses were established in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and other towns. The Boston Tea Party Of 1773 was planned in a coffee house, the Green Dragon. Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Bank of New York started in coffeehouses, in what is today the financial district known as Wall Street.

It was in the 1720s that coffee first came to be cultivated in the Americas, through what is perhaps the most fascinating and romantic story in the history of coffee.
Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu was a French naval officer serving in Martinique who in 1720, went to Paris on leave. With assistance and no little personal charm he acquired a coffee tree which he took with him on the ship back. The plant was kept in a glass case on deck to keep it warm and prevent damage from salt water. The journey was eventful, or at least Mr. Mathieu de Clieu's journal of the voyage was. Pirates from Tunis threatened the ship, there was a violent storm and the plant had to be tied down. Our hero faced an enemy on board who was jealous and tried to sabotage the plant. There was a violent struggle in which a branch was torn off, but the plant survived this horror.

Then the ship was becalmed and drinking water was rationed. De Clieu had his priorities right and gave most of his allowance of precious water to the coffee plant. It survived, as did he.

Finally, the ship arrived in Martinique and the coffee tree was re-planted at Preebear, where it was surrounded by a thorn hedge and watched over by slaves. It grew, and multiplied, and by 1726 the first harvest was ready. It is recorded that by 1777, there were between 18 and 19 million coffee trees on Martinique, and the model for a new cash crop that could be grown in the New World was in place.

But it was the Dutch who first started the spread of the coffee plant in Central and South America, where today it reigns supreme as the main continental cash crop. Coffee first arrived in the Dutch colony of Surinam in 1718, to be followed by plantations in French Guyana and the first of many in Brazil at Para. In 1730 the British introduced coffee to Jamaica, where today the most famous and expensive coffee in the world is grown in the Blue Mountains. By 1825, South and Central America were on track towards their coffee destiny. That date is also important as it was when coffee was first planted in Hawaii which produces the only US coffee, and one of the finest.

COFFEE TODAY

For North Americans, the world's largest consumers, Seattle is the new spiritual home of coffee. The wettest major city in the USA gave birth in the 1970s to a café or 'Latte' culture which swept the USA and has dramatically improved the general quality of the coffee Americans drink. Today, any public place in the USA will have one or more coffee carts, serving a variety of coffees, drinks and snacks.

This new found 'coffee culture' has started to spread to the rest of the world. To those countries with great coffee traditions of their own, such as Italy, Germany, and Scandinavia, added new converts to the pleasures of good coffee. Today it is possible to find good coffee in every major city of the world, from London to Sydney to Tokyo; tomorrow the world will drink more and more importantly, better coffee.

COFFEE IS A GLOBAL COMMODITY

The importance of coffee in the world economy cannot be overstated. It is one of the most valuable primary products in world trade, in many years second in value only to oil as a source of foreign exchange to developing countries. Its cultivation, processing, trading, transportation and marketing provide employment for millions of people worldwide. Coffee is crucial to the economies and politics of many developing countries; for many of the world's Least Developed Countries, exports of coffee account for a substantial part of their foreign exchange earnings in some cases over 80%. Coffee is a traded commodity on major futures and commodity exchanges, most importantly in London and New York.

French Press Coffee - Style And Flavor For Your Coffee

The French press style of coffee making produces very rich, aromatic and tasty coffee. It uses very coarsely ground coffee that basically steeps in the brewing water for several minutes allowing all the flavours to fully extract from the coffee grinds. Because of the filtering system there is always some sediment which some people don't like.

A French press coffee maker has two parts: a straight-sided container usually made of glass, and a filter-plunger that pushes through the water to filter out the coffee after it has steeped. This plunger also serves as the lid. There are some models of French Press that are insulated which is good for keeping things hot while it steeps.

To brew coffee with a French Press, you should pre-heat the carafe while you boil your water. When ready, empty the carafe, add your coffee, and then add your brewing water. You may wish to stir the coffee grinds around to be sure all of them are in contact with water. You should now put the plunger/lid on the pot to help retain heat. DO NOT press it down yet, it needs to steep for about four minutes (a little more or less depending the coarseness of the grind).

Once you feel the coffee has brewed enough, slowly depress the plunger trapping the grounds on the bottom. Do not force the plunger. If it doesn't want to go down, simply lift the plunger up slightly and try again. The filter can jam on grinds that are too fine. Just take your time and it will work.

Despite what some may say, it is usually best to decant the coffee into an insulated serving pot. If you leave the coffee in the French Press it will remain in contact with the grinds and keep brewing. This will quickly ruin your coffee. The other main reason to pour your coffee off is to keep it warm. French Press pots are not well insulated and coffee cools off very quickly.

Play with the brewing time and grind coarseness until you get the taste that you like best. Once you've done that you will have some of the tastiest coffee anywhere.

Coffee Press The Original Coffee Maker

It's been around since the late 1800's but really coming into it's own in the early 1900's, the coffee press is a hot coffee brewing device that at first glance looks very simplistic but brews a cup of coffee like no other. Ask any coffee enthusiast about a coffee press pot and chances are you're in for a chat that will last longer then just a minute or two. It's the ultimate brewer to create a fabulous smelling, aroma rich, wonderful flavored, coffee.

How Does A Coffee Press Work?

A coffee press, as mentioned looks like a very simple device, basically like a coffee maker carafe with a rod down the center connected to a round filter. The filter via the rod can be moved from the top to the bottom of the glass carafe, this allows you to separate the coffee grounds from the water.

So how does it actually work? Coffee beans are first ground very coarse, they need to be more coarse then you would use in a drip coffee machine so that when the boiling water is poured over them the water can absorb the flavor, aroma, and acids from the beans. Water is boiled and poured over the grounds with the plunger filter out. The filter is replaced inside the carafe, the rod is pushed downwards into the carafe to separate the grounds form the water, leaving you with a aroma rich pot of coffee.

Pros and Cons of a Coffee Press

Of course any device has it's pros and cons, a coffee press is no different. A die hard coffee fan will surely appreciate the rich flavor textured coffee it produces. Not to mention it doesn't require any paper filters. Of course there is a downside, coffee from a press should be drank almost immediately to really take advantage of the flavor, also there can be some sediment left at the bottom of your cub due to the coarse grounds that are used. Some believe that the sediment that is left can cause your cup to go bitter.

All in all a coffee press is the original way to make a cup of coffee. While things have changed greatly due to technology, it's still a standard for many. Of course an electric machine is faster and easier to use, it doesn't produce the same exquisite taste found from a press. For those that are looking for a time saving option in the morning for their coffee, stick with your auto drip machine, but if you're looking for that all natural wonderfully brewed cup of joe consider a press, even if it's just for the weekends.

Coffee Tables - A Home Without A Coffee Table Is A Home That Is Incomplete.

While there has been a movement to omit coffee tables from today’s décor, a room without one seems partially empty. It noticeably shows that something is missing. For instance a loveseat and a sofa grouped without a coffee table is extremely open, too open. While that open void of a space is the goal of many designers these days, it lacks a convenient space to rest anything you are dealing with, whether it’s a scrapbook or photos, a laptop computer or, of course, a cup of coffee. Even the best conceived furniture groupings lack places to rest things that inevitably end up in your hands. How frustrating would it be to be forced to hold your coffee cup until you had finished your drink? Or to be forced to balance things on your lap all the time, because there was no table available to set them down?

Coffee tables are a source for a lot of socialization. This is where people sit and sip their drink while talking, or possibly gossiping to one another. If people are uncomfortable talking, because they are forced to balance their coffee or hold it the whole time, they may be more focused on where they could put their drink, instead of giving you the best dirt.

Coffee tables also serve another valuable purpose - to define the room. Coffee tables define the space as much as end tables define the grouping in a living space. If you’re designing an L-shaped grouping, the coffee table helps to connect one piece of furniture to another visually. While the two pieces may match, they exist individually until there is a centerpiece that can bridge them. Those centerpieces are often coffee tables.

Of course, coffee tables don’t end on the table top, they also provide much needed storage and flexibility, being able to accommodate today’s lifestyles. Many coffee tables have drawers or shelves below the top that can be used for storage of games, remote controls, magazines or serving pieces such as coasters that you may need to pull out when your guests want a place to put their drinks. Other coffee tables can even serve as eating spaces where the tops can be raised from the base to serve as a secondary table offering. This is convenient for today’s home theaters or a perfect way to change up the space if you want to gather with the family to play video games, watch movies, or be able to eat while you relax.

No matter what décor style you are shooting for in your home, there are coffee tables on the market to suit. While some designers would like to move the coffee tables out of the living room, others are not fans of bucking the tradition, and have kept creating coffee tables in styles ranging from old country rustic to ultra contemporary modern.

Give your coffee a rest, or at least give yourself a place to rest your coffee.

Coffee Cleaning Coffee Makers

Every restaurant worker is very familiar with the entire process that goes with cleaning coffee makers. A better part of an hour at the end of each shift is spent rinsing out the coffee pitcher for both regular and decaffeinated coffee brands offered. The pitchers were cleaned at the end of the previous shift and some restaurant workers do not feel that they need to be cleaned again.

It is easy to tell which restaurants are good about cleaning coffee makers, and which ones do not put their best efforts into getting all of the pieces clean. The taste of the coffee alone will alert customers to whether people have been doing what they are supposed to do at the end of every shift. There is usually one person assigned in a restaurant to make sure that the cleaning of coffee makers is done on a regular schedule.

The coffee pitchers will give evidence that someone is cleaning coffee makers when they do not have any residue built up on the inside of the glass. Coffee contains oils and these oils will rise to the top of a coffee server and by the end of the shift the residue will cling to the sides and form a full sized ring at the top that gives evidence of how full the pitcher was most of the time during the shift.

There are sanitizing agents that restaurants use for cleaning coffee makers. Many of the parts to a coffee service can not be put into a sanitizing machine where plates and dishes are washed. The plastic on the coffee server system will melt from the high heat environment inside of this aluminum dishwashing machine.

People can use degaussing wands and bleach for cleaning coffee makers in any environment. The use of degaussing wands takes a bit of practice because they must be inserted through a special access hole in any commercial coffee maker. Cleaning coffee makers with a degaussing wand allows the inner tubing to be cleansed. Most commercial coffee makers have an automatic water line that needs to be routinely cleaned out to keep the line free and clear of lime and other deposits.

Cleaning coffee makers and associated machine parts with bleach is a relatively simple process that takes about 15 minutes to complete. All parts of the coffee machine that are removable must be submerged in a 3 to 1 bleach and water mixture for at least 15 minutes but preferably 30 minutes. The longer bleaching time will ensure that all pieces are sanitized and ready for use on the next shift.

There are granulated crystals for cleaning coffee makers that are available at Walmart and other discounted retailers. Careful use of these crystals for cleaning coffee makers is recommended because overuse can cause the gaskets inside the machine to wear out long before they are supposed to.

Some people choose not to purchase these granules that are specifically made for cleaning coffee makers, and try out the granular cleanser that they use in their automatic dishwasher. These cleansers are not formulated for this purpose, and many people find themselves back at Walmart or some other discount store looking for another coffee maker.

Coffee: Is It Getting Too Complicated?

Plain coffee is fast becoming a thing of the past. It's now quite simple to whip up a gourmet hot beverage for guest, family, or just for yourself. Nowadays there are a number of coffee clubs and circles in which coffee drinking has become somewhat of a social club. These social clubs meet in the community or on the Internet.

Where did the good old days go where you could get just a regular, good cup of coffee all across America.

It's all because there is a big craze over coffee these days. People are almost worshipping the coffee bean now. People get a thrill out of ordering and buying special coffees from specialty stores. They really like grinding their own coffee beans. They like visiting places such as Costa Rica and bringing back their special blends. And "coffee tasting" seems to be about as popular as "wine tasting".

They even have furniture and home interior designs with a coffee theme. This would make great gifts for the coffee buff.

Coffee got its beginnings around 900 A.D. where it was at first used as a stimulant. It was also at times used as a wine and a medicine. It doesn't look like anything is much different today.

There are not many products such as coffee that have continued "as is" for hundreds of years. And yet people are still scrutinizing and getting creative with it today and probably will be for years to come.

What is also interesting is that coffee is second to oil in dollar volume as a world commodity.

Did you know that there is two times more caffeine in a pound of tea than in the same amount of roasted coffee? This may be good news for those of you who hate the taste of decaffeinated coffee however wait just one moment. A pound of tea will make about 160 cups whereas a pound of coffee will usually make about 40 cups. This means that a cup of tea has about 1/4th the caffeine of a cup of coffee.

The content of caffeine in coffee decreases as it is grown at higher altitudes. If you want less caffeine in your coffee, grow it higher. Gourmet coffees are typically grown at higher altitudes so they have less caffeine than their grocery store counterparts.

There are many different types of coffee beans and way too many to describe in this article. Here are just a few of them:

You have Latte, Espresso, Low-Fat, Organic, Cal, Decaf, Half-Decaf, Black Forest, Cappuccino, Cafe au Lait, Alpine which has brown sugar, Arabian (lightly spiced and without filter), Cafe con Miel (Spanish for coffee with honey), and Cafe de Olla (a sweet coffee made with chocolate).

And you really should attend a coffee tasting at least once. You will get to experience how making and brewing gourmet coffee is slowly becoming a form of art. What is fun about the coffee tasting is that you could get a chance to taste two dozen or more different blends. You may even leave to start your journey as a coffee connoisseur. Any way you look at it, the tasting experience will be fun if you like coffee.

Are You Looking For Gourmet Coffee?

Taste

The perception of gourmet coffee is characteristically rich and luxurious. But if you are a true coffee lover, fresh gourmet coffee has a flavor that can't be beat. It's rich, full-bodied Taste is a daily necessity to millions of people. But everyone's taste in coffee is uniquely there own. Find other articles on coffee at http://www.lool-lool.blogspot.com/

Coffee perceptions great by themselves, but for an extra special flavor sensation, try gourmet flavored coffee. Not all these flavors are everyone's "cup of tea", but the taste sensations of gourmet flavored coffee give you a new outlook on your cup of joe. You can taste the sweet caramel just as you can smell the aroma of the freshly ground coffee nearby.

The differentiation may seem miniscule, but the gourmet coffee or tea you beverage will Taste completely divers. More importantly, all the variances affect the flavor and aroma. Many coffee drinkers are not aware of how gourmet coffee should taste since their senses have been desensitized with below-par coffees.

Beans

The gourmet coffee bean is considered to be among the finest coffee beans in the world. Out of these varieties, fine gourmet coffee beans are obtained mainly from the species Coffee Arabica. The gourmet coffee beans are offered in a variety of dissimilar serving sizes.

When brewing your own gourmet coffee blend in your kitchen, you have a choice of fresh ground coffee beans from fine Italian Espressos to the rare and exotic Indonesian Kopi Luwak. You want the best cup of coffee you can get, right? If so it pays to do some research and ask questions about what you're buying.

When doing your legwork for the perfect gourmet coffee, there are a number of things to be cautious about. One thing you should know is whether the beans are fresh Arabian beans blended with stale French Roast. Are the coffee beans roasted in house or locally, or are they shipped from across the country to sit on a shelf waiting for orders. If possible, get coffee beans that have been roasted less than 1 week before.

Quality

The dictionary defines gourmet nourishment like this, "Gourmet foodstuff is that which is of the highest quality, perfectly prepared and artfully presented". Commuters can consider making gourmet coffee beverages at home or the office before departing and enjoy it at home or work while spending quality time with the family and coworkers or take it along in a commuter coffee mug. Gourmet coffee beans go through a rigorous process of certification that is stricter to help keep the quality high.

As a coffee aficionado, you know that there is some extra work to making excellent coffee than simply brewing it. You need to choose the highest quality beans to get the highest quality coffee. Today you can buy quality wholesale gourmet coffee and the right coffee machine to get the coffee you deserve. In addition, only Arabic beans contain the high quality needed for gourmet coffee beans. The quality of a coffee bean depends vastly on where and how that particular coffee bean is grown.

Grind

By grinding your own coffee beans, you'll be able to only grind what you need, meaning that you will have complete freshness in your coffee. The best way to do this is to buy the whole bean in batches and grind them with yur own grinding machine as you need it. But be careful: The type of coffee grind that you use is critical in order to properly match the type of brewing method you will be using. Be sure to ask your coffee merchant which grind is best for you.

Coffee And Your Health

If you are a coffee drinker, you no doubt have asked yourself how much coffee is it safe for you to consume on a daily basis. This is not surprising since so much has been blamed on coffee. Heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, you name it. At one time or another, coffee has been made to blame.

Here's a new question that you may have never asked yourself: is coffee ever good for you? The answer may surprise you.

Here is a statistic to ponder: did you know that there are over 160 million coffee drinkers in the Unites States alone? In terms of consumption, the average American consumes 8.8 lbs. of coffee per year. But consider this: the world leader in terms of consumption is Finland which comes in at nearly 30 lbs per year. That's a lot of coffee!

Another statistic is that there have been well over 19,000 studies done to analyze the effects of coffee. Now, studies can often be skewed to show whatever the author wants, but here is what is generally agreed: consuming 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day is often considered more beneficial than harmful.

But, since everyone's body is different, we all tolerate things differently. In some people even the smallest amount of caffein can cause nervousness and irritebility. Consider also that a person may consume caffein in other ways besides coffee. And often without knowing about it. For sonme other interesting coffee articles, check out http://www.fmcoffee.com.

A little known fact is that coffee contains antioxidants which have been shown to imporve oveall health. Here is a short list of some benefits which have been shown to be present in coffee:

* Reduce symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
* Antibacterial ingredients
* Reduce the risk of developing gallstones
* Preserve mental accuity
* Reduce risk of developing type 2 Diabetes (if you have diabetes, reduce your consumption
* If you are free of hypertension, coffee will not likely produce it
* Headache relief
* Reduce the risk of some types of cancer
* Improve physical endurance

This is not to say that there are not some serious negative results of drinking coffee. It is nice to know, however, that a cup or two in the morning may not hurt you. But how do you know for sure? Be sure to talk to your health professional and get their advice on consuming coffee. They (and you) know what conditions you may have that you need to be careful of when it comes to coffee. Then do you research and, if appropriate, enjoy your coffee.

About The Coffee Maker

A majority of people wake up in the morning and the first thing they do is fire up the old coffee maker. Most models today are very easy to use, all you need is a filter, some coffee, and running water. Hit the button and you can have a pot of steaming hot coffee in just a few minutes. Today, almost every home has a coffee maker in the kitchen. The fact is, the coffee maker has become a must-have for the kitchen. There are many variations on the coffee maker. The basic model is nothing special ? it brews you a a cup of coffee and that’s it.

However, some advanced models offer much more. Many brands of coffee makers offer automatic shutoff mechanisms. That means that if you leave your coffee maker on for an extended period of time, or forget to turn it off before you leave the house, the machine will shut off automatically after a while. This automatic shutoff mechanism is designed to prevent the coffee maker from starting a fire if left for too long.

Then, there are the more advanced versions of the coffee maker that offer more features. Some advanced models sport timers, which are great for ensuring that you have a pot of steaming coffee before you even wake up in the morning. Set the timer the night before, prepare all of the ingredients, and when you wake up your coffee will already be made. You can save ten to fifteen minutes off your morning just by having a timer on your coffee maker. People can now enjoy all the coffee they want in the comfort of their own homes. Most people probably thought that with more and more coffee shops opening up, coffee makers at home would probably disappear. However, even though coffee shops are springing up everywhere and are more popular than ever, it will probably be a long time before people throw out their coffee makers.

Women And Coffee

I do not know about you, but for me, coffee drinking, especially in the morning or early evening, is more than a simple habit or cultural characteristic. Actually, it has become a necessity without which I cannot open my eyes and stand on my two feet all day. According to researchers, I am not alone. Nearly 80% of the U.S. population drinks coffee on a daily basis. The caffeine measured to be contained in a cup of coffee, me and you daily consume, is around 80-130 mg. But while the medical community has warned the public of the health risks associated to caffeine intake, there still is very little linking between coffee and health problems, except in a very few cases.

Coffee, which is a beverage served cold or hot, comes from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, almost always referred to as coffee beans. But regardless of its tremendous market success-coffee is the second most commonly traded commodity in the world surpassed only by petroleum-coffee has been blamed to be the cause of a variety of disorders ranging from indigestion to cancer, at one time or another. Since it is the main source of caffeine, which is a stimulant, coffee has had an almost constant role in the news pertaining to health problems in recent years. Surprisingly, most of these warnings and urgent health reports, describing problems like the human airways clogging, are aimed at women.

But while even doctors have been very critical of the role of coffee in women's health, the fact of the matter remains; there is little proof that any risk to women exists from coffee drinking, especially when consumed in moderate amounts. As a matter of fact, reports have even suggested that coffee even lessen the risks of some diseases in women, such as bladder cancer. Unfortunately, since the health problems examined in relation to their linkage with coffee consumption have not yet reached indisputable results, women have reached a stage that it is almost difficult to believe anything involving the health risks of coffee and women.

The reasons why coffee has been getting such a bad reputation are based on the fact that of all drinks containing caffeine, coffee has the highest concentration amount, far exciding that of sodas. In addition, since doctors advice pregnant women to be cautious and avoid caffeinated beverages while carrying an infant, despite there being no evidence of any serious health risks involved, women tend to consider coffee drinking almost as if they were performing some kind of sin and avoid drinking it in fear of the unknown consequences. On the other hand, new research has revealed that coffee is actually beneficial to a person's health. For example, the diuretic effect of coffee has proved that it lessens the incidence of bladder cancer in smokers, and drinking coffee regularly is also reported to lessen the onset of Parkinson's disease.

So, what should we ladies do? The best advice that anyone can believe is the trusted advice of their doctor. Question your doctor if he/she restricts coffee and follow their advice, but stay current on health news. Although it seems impossible to know which study to believe, we have to train ourselves to tell the difference between hypothesis and fact. Being educated about our health will always make us women feel better in the long run.

The Best Ways To Keep Coffee Hot

Keeping our brew fresh and hot is a big deal for some of us coffee drinkers. There is nothing worse than a tepid mouthful of stale coffee. How you keep your coffee hot depends a little on where you are and what you're doing. What happens to coffee as we keep it warm? Are there things I should never do to keep my coffee warm? Knowing a little more about coffee will help you understand how to keep it hot and tasting great.

This little set of points should help you out in most situations.

- Use a thermal cup or mug for commuting or to keep it hot for short periods of time
- Glass and stainless steel thermos style bottles barely effect coffee taste at all
- French Press brewers (like Bodum) are not good for keeping coffee hot. They continue to brew and can produce very bitter coffee
- Try to not use direct heat from an element or hotplate if possible
- A sealed or closed container slows the loss of essential aromas that influence coffee flavour.
- You get the best flavour from coffee that is kept at least 170F.

There are a number of taste related components in a cup of coffee that change or degrade over time. This means that the taste of a cup of coffee will continue to change, for the worse most would say, just because time passes. The best way to manage this problem is to simply brew smaller amounts of coffee more frequently. As we all know, the best cup of coffee is a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

So as you get your next pot of coffee ready, think about how you are going to consume it. If you plan on having it right away, no problem. But if you are thinking about drinking it over a longer period of time, keep the points we made above in your mind. Plan out how you will keep it hot and tasting fresh. Only then start the brew.

The Clock And Your Cup Of Coffee

Is this what your clock shows?:

6:30 am - Coffee's brewing. The rich aroma confirms your day has begun. Time to have a cup and get going.

9:40 am - A break in the day. Whether the day is monotonous or frenzied, your coffee break tells you that time is moving forward.

12:30 pm - Lunch time and time to clock out. A work mate joins you at the local lunch spot where you hash over the hassles of the day, talk about your family and discuss your plans for the yearly vacation. Lunch winds down with a cup of joe.

3:00 pm - The afternoon is neither beginning nor ending. A cup of coffee is just what you need to get a boost. Taking a moment to chat with a fellow worker at the coffee pot doesn't hurt either.

8:00 pm - Meeting up with friends for dinner is is a great way to end the day. Drinks, some appy's and a good meal along with conversation that lingers over coffee makes for a fine finale.

Does your day go something like this? Is coffee keeping your day on schedule?

HOW MUCH ARE WE DRINKING?

With Americans drinking an estimated 300 million cups of coffee every day, it is no surprise that our day, and our social interactions are often associated with having a cup of coffee.

The trend towards 'specialty' coffees has only added to our national pastime.

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) reports that DAILY specialty coffee consumption rose from 9% of the adult population in 2000 to 16% in 2004. Occasional indulgence is a staggering 56%!

The sales from cafes alone (not including purchased bean sales) was a whopping $8.47 billion in 2003!

Do we stop there? No. We take those beans home to brew as well - and so our cycle goes on.

It brings up the question:

If there was no coffee - would the clock tick? Would the clocks stop? How would we get from one point in the day to another with nothing to measure the time going by?

WHAT ABOUT NON-DRINKERS?

Whether you personally feel that coffee controls your day, it might be valuable for you to take a moment and reflect on how our society is turning coffee into an established routine rather than a simple beverage.

Does this leave non-drinkers out? Has coffee replaced smoking as the social connection? Clearly the hazards are not the same, but the addiction might be. Just to be sure, why not replace the occasional coffee with another drink or even the odd decafe - you'll be enjoying the social aspects as much as the drink in your hand!

And by the way...stop watching the clock!

Is Coffee Good Or Bad For You?

Did you know that coffee is the primary part of dietary antioxidants? Now let's be clear: that does not mean that your morning coffee is a substitute for fruits and vegetables. But serious java drinkers will surely get a jolt from the news that coffee is a top resource of disease-fighting antioxidants. Current analysis reveals that, taken in moderation, coffee is a safe beverage that may even offer some health benefits. You may see some additional coffee related information at http://www.lool-lool.blogspot.com/

Coffee is one of the few beverages that is consumed world-wide. It is consumed in most countries of the world and coffee is the second most widely traded commodity in the world (behind petroleum) and one of the most widely consumed beverages. It may be a world commodity that is second only to oil, but an excellent cup of coffee tastes a lot better than an excellent cup of petroleum. And, in today's world of high fuel prices, a lot more fun to consume.

So, can we call coffee a health foodstuff? Well, that may be stretching it! Caffeine, which is the "guts" of the coffee, is one of the world's most widely used drugs, and it has been part of the human diet for centuries.

Caffeine is one heck of a stimulant and is the element that gives coffee and many other beverages their jolt. It is definitely a central-nervous-system stimulant. It acts as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system and both regular and decaf coffee can irritate the stomach. Drinking caffeine in boundless amounts as coffee or tea (which may actually have more caffeine than coffee) over a short period of time has been shown to raise blood sugar. So if you are prone to blood sugar issues, beware! And, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, lower your current caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams a day or three cups of coffee. Or, to be safe, cut it out altogether.

But you should be able to look forward to a early-day cup for reasons beyond the caffeine rush. The general conclusion is that moderate amounts of caffeine do not lead to arrhythmias and drinking a modest account of coffee should not increase your risk. Check with your health professional to be sure, though.

So, is coffee injurious? Surely you should be aware that some experts argue that coffee is bad for you. And nobody is saying coffee is entirely benign. But if you have reasonable health and enjoy drinking coffee, an excellent cup of coffee is worth it. But remember, coffee is not for everyone.

Well, I must go. I need to refill my cup of coffee.

Coffee Wedding Favors

Think for a second about your daily routine and try to picture everything you do in the morning. You probably get out of bed and make some coffee so you can really wake up and get going on all the things you have to do during the day whether it be working in the office or working out at the gym, you count on that morning cup of coffee to really start your day off with some energy. So, it seems like you might have found the perfect wedding favor for the guests you care so much about.

Help them be successful in their daily endeavors by helping them out with their daily coffee in the morning. Try giving out special brews or coffee accessories such as mugs, scoops, measuring spoons, or even special sweeteners.

Don’t be afraid to break out of tradition and give your guests what you know they really want…something they can use every day, something that will help them. They’ll remember your wedding every time they take a sip of their freshly brewed coffee.

Maybe some of your guests are tea drinkers, possibly some just have never gotten used to the taste of coffee. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find unique teas and tea wedding favors online, just like you can find personalized coffee brews and sets. If you’re still wondering how it’s possible to give your guests the gift of brewed success, then check out some of these wedding favor suggestions.

Personalized Coffee Packets:

These packets of coffee come sold in a pack of 12 and each individual package brews 8 to 10 cups of coffee. The front says “Premium Blend” and the names of the bride and groom; a testament to the eternal bond that you enter into on your wedding day. These packets of coffee are aesthetically pleasing and go perfectly well with any wedding theme. Try putting them into a cup and saucer set that you pick out to match your personal style or theme to make these wedding favors really pop out at your guests but fit into your dream.

Personalized Tea Bag Favors:

For the guests at your party that don’t drink coffee, but still need a caffeine fix in the mornings, try these genuine Lipton teas that come in cute personalized (name and date) bags with snowflake images on the front. Make the bags fit into your theme with a choice of five different colors. Each tea bag has the simple message of “thank you” printed on it to remind your guests of why you have blessed them with this delicious tea.

Personalized Perfect Blend Coffee Kit:

This kit includes a two ounce bag of premium Colombian blend coffee in a personalized bag that is either dressed in a tuxedo to represent the groom or a wedding dress to represent the bride. Each bag also comes with a heart-shaped coffee scooper that will make brewing coffee easier and more memorable for the most important part of your party -- the guests.

Choosing Your Next Coffee Maker

A coffee maker is an electric appliance that produces brewed coffee automatically, consisting of a hotplate, coffee pot, filter basket, and water reservoir. When it comes to coffee makers there are many, many to choose from. But if you are a coffee lover, you are probably very discriminating in your preferences so it's worth your time to do your analysis.

But first, determine what you want in a coffee maker. Are you satisfied with going to the nearest box store and picking one up for about twenty dollars? That's fine, they make a decent cup of coffee. Or maybe you're looking for something with a bit added style. Something that will fit into your kitchen decor nicely. Or something of best quality that will outlast the 20 buck special.

What options are essential to you? Should it have a clock built in that will allow your coffee to be ready and waiting when you hit the kitchen? Programmable coffee makers are a type of coffee maker that is becoming additional more popular not only in the workplace, but in homes as well.

Another type of coffee maker that is gaining popularity is the single cup type. Whether you just need one cup of Joe to start the day or you are trying to limit your caffeine intake by fixing just one cup at a time, the single cup coffee makers are an excellent solution. They are also accomplished for the stay at home types who may just want a single cup mid-day and don't want to make a whole pot. They also are available in a programmable version.

There are many ways to brew your coffee using the ever-reliable coffee maker. Decaf and coffee types that contain caffeine can be equally as appealing to the taste buds. For an analysis of more coffee subjects, visit http://www.lool-lool.blogspot.com/

As you begin your analysis of coffee makers, the first thing that you need to think about is what kind of coffee drinks you want to make. Do you prefer regular coffee, espresso, latte, or cappuccino? Espresso makers create a powerful and strong coffee that can really wake you up in the morning. But maybe that's not you cup of tea. Just know that there are unique and different types of cappuccino, espresso and coffee makers on the market.

If you are a gourmet coffee drinker, you may want to opt for a Cafetiere. A Cafetiere is a French coffee maker that is also known as a French press. Since no filters are used, this coffee pot makes rich, strong coffee. But beware: if you are not going to serve the coffee immediately, avoid using a Cafetiere. If left to sit, your coffee will continue to brew and you will be left with a coffee that is very bitter.

So weather it's a single cup style, a traditional coffee maker, an espresso, capuccino, or latte type, enjoy your down time with a terrific coffee. And here's a bonus: once you have a new coffee maker, you will be able to save time and money by spending less time waiting in lines at the coffee shop.

Coffee Gift Basket

Many people like to give memorable gifts to friends and family at Christmas or any other occasion that is truly special. They prefer to find unique combinations of little things that they know every person would enjoy, and find that the gourmet coffee gift basket is the right choice for almost everybody on their gift giving list.

The flavored coffee that is in a gourmet coffee gift basket might come from Columbia, or as far as Greece. Some people read through countless reviews about the gourmet coffee choices that they have to pick from before deciding the flavors that they want to include for each person on their gift list.

Some of their friends might like a coffee that is robust and full of zest and caffeine, and there are certainly other friends who could do without caffeine completely. Some people would be completely thrilled to get some gourmet coffee all by itself in a large and very decorative basket that they can use in their home for other things.

A gourmet coffee gift basket can be filled with fresh fruits and vegetables too for the friends and relatives that prefer to make their own jams and jellies. Then they can spend a lazy day sipping flavorful coffees and enjoying the jellies that they made on some sconces and on their biscuits for breakfast. A gourmet coffee gift basket can be just the right gift for a wedding shower, and when filled with kitchen accessories it could be perfect for a new housewife.

Some people prefer to dress the gourmet coffee gift basket with matching towels and shower rings. The scented soaps that surround the gourmet coffee bags might camouflage the coffee scents for a while, but when they get their basket home and unpack, the friends will surely be delighted to find the aluminum foil wrapped delights in the bottom.

Every school teacher is bound to receive more than one gourmet coffee gift basket during the course of a school year, but every teacher knows that this type of gift is one that they will truly enjoy all year long. The basket will prove very useful too in class when it is turned into a treat jar for the class, or a place where children can find items that they lost in their haste to go outdoors at the end of the day.

Some people prefer to make their own gourmet coffee gift basket. They will pick and choose the flavorful coffee beans that they want each friend to get, and then seal them up in mason jars and a bow with a note that tell them that they are simply the best! Some of these gourmet coffee gift baskets will contain items that they cross stitched at home, and the entire gift will be fondly remembered each me those items are used.

Types Of Coffee Packages

It might be a real eye-opener when people realize how many types of coffee packages there are offered in the Coffee Industry. There are so many different types of coffee packages because people drink coffee beverages in so many different environments. The flavors of the coffees vary too and that adds to the number of various types of coffee package designs too.

Most people are familiar with the branded coffees that are found in supermarkets, and the typical sizes of those offerings. Some people prefer to buy the freeze dried coffee because it is easier to fix in the mornings when only a cup or two will suffice. Most people choose between a large can of ground coffee that is weighed in ounces instead of pounds. The pound size bags have been reduced lately too, or did the various types of coffee packages fool you too?

Many of the hotel chains prefer to purchase the types of coffee packages that will fit the 4 cup coffee makers that are placed inside every hotel room. The various types of coffee packages that are chosen for the room will be typically more regular ground coffee pods, and one that will produce some decaffeinated coffee. Of course, the coloring for the decaffeinated coffee is usually green, and the regular coffee will be red.

Many people do not realize how expensive the various types of coffee packages are that are placed in a hotel room. Some hotel coffee services charge right at $30 for 18 rooms to have a coffee packet inside the room. That is one cost that is doubled when two types of packages are placed, and again when two of one kind are chosen, and then for each decaffeinated pack that is chosen.

The types of coffee packages that hotels choose and pay for will definitely make you review how you view your own coffee selection and price at the supermarket. The types of coffee packages that they choose will generally include Caribou French Ground or Caribou Blend Ground Coffee. If someone wanted to select a Starbucks brand for their hotel, then they would be expected to pay $37.40 or more for the same number of rooms.

Most hotels will only offer a 4-cup coffee maker in each room because they cost less to buy. If the hotels would switch over to guest room coffee, they could really save a bunch of money. The types of coffee packages used in a room equipped with a Melitta or Hamilton Beach single cup coffee maker are pods. These pods of coffee will brew one cup apiece and cost the hotels only $4.39 for 12 cups.

Coffee Tables – How To Restore Them

You've found a couple of old coffee tables that were a steal at a yard sale. Sure they're a little beaten up, but you think you can make them sing once again. Here's the step-by-step process to giving those old coffee tables a new life.

1. Look Before You Leap. Don't just jump into this project before you know what really needs to be done. You should really look the piece over before you begin any work and find out what really has to be done. During this time you should pull out a rag and try to clean up the table a bit. You may find out that some of the things that were making the table look old were buildup of dirt and grime and it may be in better shape than you thought.

2. Test Before You Start. You are going to need some sort of furniture restoration cleaner in order to do this job, but you want to make sure it is compatible with the finish on your coffee tables. Use a small dab of it somewhere on the coffee tables that will not be visible, just in case there is an adverse reaction. Let it sit for a while (a few hours, or a day if you can) and look for any ill reactions. If there aren't any, move forward.

3. Don't Ruin The Hardware. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to restore these old coffee tables without taking them apart. First, the wood restoration cleaner you are going to use on the coffee tables may not be as friendly to the hardware. Second, if there is going to be a buildup of dirt and grime anywhere, it is going to be where it was hard to clean, under and around the hardware. You may even notice that there is so much build up around and under the hardware that it doesn't want to come off and you may need to use an edged, but non cutting item, like a putty knife to pry it free.

4. Put Your Elbow Into it. Now it's time to get down to the real work. Take that restoration cleaner, a rag and start cleaning. You should stick to one area of the coffee tables at a time. If you start on the top, work the whole top clean before you move to another area. You should also try to clean in little circles that can blend into one another to make the final clean surface look like it's consistent. If you have decorative touches on the piece that the cleaner dabbed rag can't fit into, you may need to get a small brush, even a toothbrush, to work that space.

5. Lather, Rinse Repeat. After you have given the piece a good first time cleaning, you should do it again, to make sure all the build up has been wiped away.

If you've done this correctly, your coffee tables should look like new, almost. Give them a good waxing, put the hardware back on, and put them to work in their new home.

Coffee Tables- There’s A Style That’s Just Right For You

Fall in love with your living room every time you enter it when you make it complete with the ideal coffee table. Round or square, wood or metal, coffee tables come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. The adventure lies in finding the one that is right for your room and your style.
Sure you could hit up every furniture store in town searching for that perfect piece. But why not save time and money by shopping online. You’ll find the largest selection and the best prices on all the best tables.

Perhaps you are looking for a traditionally styled table with a twist like a solid wood table with an etched bronze top in a kidney shape for a little retro whimsy. Maybe you are looking for a table with storage like a softly tufted ottoman table with flip top lid perfect for stashing blankets or a few magazines. Try a glass and metal one for a clean elegant look or throw some curves into your living room with a round or oval one.

A coffee table is one piece you need for your living room. You can rest a drink or your legs on one. You can eat off of one. You can set or display magazines and books on one. And with so many uses you have to make sure your choice in coffee tables works for all of them. Is it the right height to put your feet up? Is it proportional to the size of your sofa? Is it high enough to eat without hunching over too much? Is there storage if you want it? Can you rest a glass of wine on it without it spilling on the floor below? Once you have narrowed your search by answering these questions you will find it quite easy to find the coffee table of your dreams.

Beyond being accent pieces, coffee tables can be the centerpiece of your room. From designs with intricate veneer inlays to a table with a working clock in it the right table can really make your living room pop. Add a touch of the tropics with a table with a mahogany base wrapped in woven sea grass and topped with glass. Try a table with removable tray top for easy serving and clean up or try the popular look of bunching two smaller tables together to make one large one.

No matter what you are looking for in a coffee table you’ll find it online. From modern to traditional and elegant to casual a coffee table should complement your room with style and function. So whether you want to serve a few cocktails while entertaining guests or need a place to out the popcorn bowl on movie night there is a coffee table design for you. With all of the varieties out there it has never been easier to make your living room complete. So shake things up with a uniquely designed wrought iron table or keep things handsome and smart with a more traditional table either way your living room will be made whole.

Brewing A Perfect Cup Of Coffee

Brewing a great cup of coffee depends on a number of things such as the quality of the coffee bean, the quality of the water being used, the type of brewing being done, and the grind of the coffee. Now quality of bean and water is something you can easily take care. Just use good quality beans and pure water. However the relationship between the grind of the coffee and the type of brewing being done is more detailed and could use a little explanation. Now we all know that we make coffee by passing hot water over crushed coffee beans. However for it to really work well we need to understand just how long the water should be passing over the beans. The purpose of this article is to help you understand how to match your coffee's grind to the type of brewing you are doing in order to make the best coffee possible.

Generally speaking, the 'soaking' time relates directly to how coarse the coffee is ground. This means that smaller coffee grinds need less contact with the water, and coarser grinds need longer contact. Espresso coffee is only exposed to water for 20-40 seconds and as a result is made using extremely fine grind coffee. A French press coffee maker can take as much as 4 minutes and uses an extremely coarse grind. If coffee is left contacting water for too long for its grind size, unwanted extracts emerge and make the coffee taste bitter. Of course if the grind is too large and the water passes very quickly (like using frech press grind in an espresso maker), very little of the caffeine and flavours extracted and will have poor flavour.

Of course filters play an important role in managing the balance between over and under brewing your coffee. Not only do they keep the grind out of your cup, but they also control how fast the water passes over the grinds. Paper filters are the most common, but many people are also using metal varieties. Paper filters are quite good. However they can absorb some of the coffee flavour, and some people claim they can taste the paper in the final coffee. Metal filters are normally made from stainless steel or gold plated mesh. They have very fine weave and filter out the coffee grinds very well. They also do not alter the taste of the coffee at all. Metal filters are also more environmentally friendly than the paper alternative.

Whichever you choose, be sure to buy decent quality. Cheap filters often clog or not allow the coffee to brew properly. A decent quality metal filter will last years and save money in the end.

Brewing a cup of coffee is not that hard. Brewing a great cup takes a little more understanding, but isn't any harder. Start with fresh beans and good clean water and then match your brewing style to the proper grind and then mess around with the exact proportions and pretty soon your be brewing killer coffee every time.

The Future Of Making Your Coffee Just Got Easier

The next time you go to make yourself a cup of coffee, you might want to give some thought to the new products that are now available, or will be available soon, to the cook in the family. What are we referring to? Well, welcome to the Intelligent Kitchen.

No longer is it good enough to set the time clock to start the slow cooker so that your roast will be done perfectly when you get back to the house. Then there is the coffee maker that you can pre-program to start up at 6:00 AM. Although those are great ideas, that's technology from the '70s. But what do you do if you are away from the house and realize that, not only did you leave your grocery list at home, but you have made no accommodations for dinner?

You could run home during a break, see what is there and/or retrieve your shopping list, and try to get back to work before it's too late. Or, you could call your 'fridge. What??? You heard me right...just call the refrigerator.

What we're talking about is not available yet, but it is coming! Soon you will be have the ability to, indeed, be able to phone your refrigerator and get a reading of exactly what you have in there. Soon, tiny ID tags will be attached to foodstuff products that will allow you read what you have and the contents sent back to your cell phone. But that's not all. You'll be able to access a database to find the perfect recipe that will utilize the ingredients you already have.

Or, you could call out for a pizza. But where's the fun in that?

This all may be in the about to be, but what about now? You've probably seen refrigerators that have built in monitors that will allow you to watch TV, check email and surf the Web while making dinner and enjoying your coffee. There's also an oven that takes the old timer/slow cooker combination and adds a refrigerator. What you do is pop the meal in the oven early in the day, set the temperature to cold and set it to start cooking at the time and temperature of your choice. For more on this and other ideas, check out http://www.lool-lool.blogspot.com/

How about a scale that will give you a reading of the nutritional values in you food like protein, sodium, calories, etc.? Kind of takes the fun out of having a bunch of those little books around where you can look up the nutritional contents of foods.

Like any new products, the new existing technologies are exciting, but unfortunately they are quite expensive and out of reach for most home makers. And the new things coming will also have a heavy price tag. But like all new technology, the prices will drop soon after introduction and numerous companies begin offering them. In the meantime, fix yourself a cup of coffee and call the pizza place.

Coffee Table—Why Shopping For One Is So Difficult

Unless you just don’t care about your furnishings or how they affect the overall décor of your home, then you are going to have to spend some time thinking about how to find the most stylish coffee table for your home. This is actually a lot harder than you may think and if you have already been shopping on the web then you have seen that the range of choices is limitless. Believe it or not, it is possible to go out and buy what you thought to be a magnificent coffee table only to find out once you get home that it simply does not belong in your living room. So, what went wrong?

One of the first decisions you are going to need to make when shopping for coffee tables is the basic shape of the top. Do you want a round, rectangular, square, or elliptical top? Does it really matter or can you choose any shape and it be perfect or is there some logic to making this decision?

Believe it or not, some shapes on a stylish coffee table may not be so trendy when you get it to your home. For instance, an elliptical top on a contemporary coffee table is just that—contemporary. If you have a rustic or traditional interior design scheme in your home and plop an elliptical coffee table down in the middle of your living room, it is going to seem out-of-place and in stark contrast to the surroundings.

Now if you are interested in a square, round, or rectangular table—then you need to take both the décor and the overall size of the room into account. Round premium coffee tables, by definition, have “cut corners”. It is common in rooms with limited space to opt for round end tables and stylish coffee tables. This cuts down on the overall square footage taken up by the table and provides more space to maneuver in a living room with limited area.

When you know the shape of the coffee table top, the next question is the size of the piece. One of the things that can really make the living room décor seem awkward is furniture that is not suited for the space. When stylish coffee tables are over-sized, not only is the usable space within a room more limited, it can dwarf surrounding pieces of furniture—it can seem like you are trying to shove a dining room table into a space ill-suited for that purpose. Even for a grand coffee table, it should never be more than two-thirds as long as the sofa.

Once you know the size and basic shape of the table you need, it is time to hop online to start shopping for the one perfectly suited to your home décor. Online merchants tend to carry a wider selection of stylish coffee tables at discount prices when compared to traditional furniture stores thanks to their low overhead.

Glass Coffee Tables Online-why Not!!

One of the biggest and most exciting adventures is moving out on your own but it is a time when the number of choices and decisions may seem overwhelming. Now, this “moving out on your own” does not include heading off to college to live in some dingy, cramped dorm room. Your first place is that home or apartment that follows school and is therefore the true cornerstone of your adult existence. Buying the right furniture for you décor is one of those decisions that must be made that will make a bold statement as to your character. A stunning glass coffee table may not be the first piece of furniture in your new home or even the most urgent interior decorating need—but, it is vital to the living room and will certainly make a bold statement about your level of sophistication and taste.

In all honesty, a premium glass coffee table is a furnishing you either buy later in life or at the beginning of your journey into adulthood. Once (or if) children enter into the picture, there are certain safety concerns that must be considered. Plus, despite the fact that we all love our children, the potential for damage to the top of the table is very high which is why many people store away their glass coffee tables once children enter into the picture. However, once the children have grown or at least reached ages where they can be careful around valuable furniture, you may wish to bring the premium glass coffee table back out of storage so it may be displayed properly.

However, in between the time when children enter into the picture and that seemingly brief window of care-free adulthood, there is the possibility to prominently display your premium glass coffee table with the other fine furniture in your new home or apartment. The truly great fact about these types of tables is that they can truly be at home in any interior design scheme, be it modern or traditional.

In more rustic or naturalistic settings, glass coffee tables would most likely feature a base made from a fine hardwood such as oak, cherry, or even mahogany. The traditional glass coffee table may feature inlayed glass partitions set into the wooden base. On more contemporary glass coffee tables, the base will tend to be metallic and generally coated in nickel, brass, or perhaps be solid wrought iron. So long as you take the time to understand and design a comprehensive interior design scheme for you décor, you will have no problem complementing your other furnishings and giving the entire space a more unified and “sophisticated” look—befitting of your new status as a fully independent adult.

Organic Coffee Promotes Better Health

Around the world coffee is the second most traded item in the world, coming in just behind crude oil (although a distant second we're sure). How ever as more and more people are paying attention to what they're drinking and eating, organic coffee is sneaking up in the market share race.

Organic coffee wasn't a real concern when coffee first gained people interest way back in 800 AD. It was a drink reserved for the wealthy and royalty, even in 1800's when Brazil claimed the honor of having the largest international coffee crop, still no one was concerned where or with what the beans were grown.

Fast forward to toady, and there are strict rules and regulations for how any food product can or cannot be grown. Especially if you're looking to grow an organic product. Organic coffee is primarily grown in mountainous areas, where insecticides and fertilizers can become part of the lower watershed once they're washed down the hills from heavy rainfalls.

Many companies today are providing organic coffee, each require certification and designation as per the Organic Food Production Act set fourth in 1990. This act outlines the requirements for growing organic coffee, as well as how their testing can be carried out and what they must do to hold onto their certification.

Growing Fields Must Be Certified Organic

Now it's not just the growing and handling that must be considered and certified organic when growing coffee. The ground that it grows in must also be free of any ingredients or non-organic substances for at least the last 3 years.

Because the act requires so many intricate modifications to the regular growing process, organic coffee will cost a little more then a non organic brand. Healthy conscious consumers are willing to pay the price for the better beans. AS most organic growers believe that growing the beans with only natural methods and no artificial chemicals helps keep the natural flavor.

Whether the taste is superior to a non-organic coffee is up to the coffee drinker, but there's no arguing that the organic growing process produces a healthier bean for us to make our favorite cup of joe from.

Coffee Kit Wedding Favors

At your wedding you want to give out some great wedding favors that your guests can appreciate when they use them in their own homes. Most people start their day of with a hot cup of coffee to wake them up and give them the energy that they need to get through their stressful day. Your guests will be really appreciative if you give them some great tasting coffee in attractive packages because you will be helping them out every day of their lives. Also, you can pick coffee sets that fit into your theme and enhance the overall meaning of your wedding celebration. This is such a special day, so it is very important that you do everything you can to make it the as unique and memorable as possible for both you and all your guests.

When your guests see some luscious coffee waiting for them to take home, they will certainly be enthusiastic about staying up late dancing at your party because they will have a great start to their day the next morning with a hot cup of coffee with their breakfast. Also, every time they use the coffee and the coffee accessories that you have given them they will remember your wedding fondly and tell everyone what a fantastic time they had celebrating with you and your new spouse.

Frangelico Flavored Coffee:

This delicious ground coffee comes in a two once block and has a delicious smell that will entice all your guests as they sit down and look around at the table and all the decorations. The bag has a very sophisticated look that you can use to enhance a traditionally themed wedding. You can even try putting ribbons, tags, and other personal touches on the bag so that you can give your guests a huge “thank you” that will be as warm as the coffee they are about to brew.

Perfect Blend Personalized Coffee Kit:

This kit is great because you can make it super personalized with your name and wedding date. The two ounce blocks of delicious coffee are packaged in bags that are decked out in a bride and groom motif. Another great feature about this item is that nit comes with a heart shaped spoon attached to each bag of coffee. The adorableness of these wedding favors will certainly capture the hearts of all your guests and show them your true love as soon as they lay eyes on their seats at the table.

Pink Personalized Coffee Packets:

The wonderful versatility that you get with the Pink Personalized Coffee Packets is unbelievable. You can welcome your out of town wedding guests with a special treat to simply say “Welcome” or you can use these Pink Personalized Coffee Packets to treat your wedding guests. Simply supply an elegant little cup and saucer set that shows your sense of style, and dress these little packets of 100% Columbian-blend coffee packets out for a wonderful wedding guest favor. Each packet is personalized with the first names of the Bride and Groom and their wedding date, and have a “Perfect Blend” motif and 6 pink and tan circles, some contain hearts, on each pack.

Wonderful aroma, coffee make great wedding favor gifts.

Enjoying Coffee At Home Or At Work

Having a cup of coffee has been a very popular pastime for almost everybody. Be it in the workplace, coffee shops or even in the comforts of our very own homes, we get to enjoy it with our family and peers. It provides opportunities for social interactions to some and while to others it gives them a time to relax and wind up.

Coffee was first discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia. It later on spread to Egypt, Yemen, Persia, Turkey, northern Africa and then to the Venetian ports of Italy. Then from Venice it was introduced to the rest of Europe and to the Americas. Initially, it was used for spiritual reasons. It became a substitute of wine for various spiritual practices. Today, coffee has become one of the most popular beverages enjoyed worldwide.

Coffee preparation involves a number of processes. It starts from harvesting (usually by hands), separating the fruit from the beans, fermentation (to remove the slimy layer on the beans), washing (to remove the fermentation residue), drying and finally sorting. Roasting comes in next since coffee beans are sold in its roasted state. It is in this process where more care is employed because roasting influences the flavor of the coffee bean, while undergoing physical and chemical change.

There are quite a number of health benefits from drinking coffee. One would be the theophylline in coffee which reduces the symptoms of asthma. It also has natural antioxidants which flush out the body from free radicals that contribute to cell damage and thus reduce the risk of cancer. It also appears to help in reducing the risk of certain ailments such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cirrhosis of the liver, gout, heart diseases and type II diabetes. It was also known to reduce depression and is popularly known to "perk you up" in the morning. It is commonly used by athletes to aid in lengthening their endurance for physical activity and their recovery afterwards. Scientists have already had some proof that taking coffee breaks is beneficial to anyone especially in the workplace. Recent studies show that coffee can help an individual become more productive and allow their mind to function well. However, excessive coffee drinking also poses some negative effects as well. It is mostly due to a stimulant found in coffee called caffeine, which can cause stiffening on the walls of the arteries. Caffeine is also an addictive compound so it is necessary that you drink coffee in moderation for if taken in excessive amounts could lead to insomnia, arrhythmia, psychomotor agitation and osteoporosis.

Coffee can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you are in the workplace or at home. It may be served black, which is with no additives, or served with sugar or creamers or both. It may also be served either hot or cold. When served cold, it is called iced coffee and is a special treat especially during the summer months. Hot or iced coffee can be prepared with a variety of flavors which would surely tease your taste buds. A few would include chocolate, French vanilla, hazelnut, Almond amaretto, caramel, and Kona.

Coffee Tables - Essential Style And Function

Nothing brings a living room together quite like a coffee table. Round or rectangle one of these beauties can serve as a dining table, a drink holder, a place to set your book or magazine and a footrest as well. So it isn’t hard to see why a piece of furniture as versatile as this can be difficult to choose.

Shopping online offers the best selection and prices for any style of coffee table from traditional to modern and everything in between. Don’t trek to stores all over the city instead find exactly what you are looking for with a few clicks of the mouse.

Coffee tables come in many shapes, sizes, colors and styles to make your room pop. And online shopping offers the easiest access to all the world of coffee tables has to offer. Perhaps you like the padded ottoman style coffee table or maybe a more traditional wood one with storage space for magazines and the remote. Perhaps you want one the flips open to hide blankets or movies. Maybe you like the clean elegance of glass or the soft touch of leather. One large table may fit the bill or perhaps two to three tables bunched together to create the illusion of a large table. Match the color of your coffee table with the colors outdoors and bring some nature into the room.

When choosing a coffee table you’ll need to consider a few things. If you are eating at it while you watch TV or putting your feet up you need to make sure you get a table that is the right height for snacking and relaxation. You’ll also want to ensure there is enough leg room below as well. Size is also important. How much space do you have for a coffee table? How large are the sofa and chairs around it? You want to find one that is the right fit. You might want to consider durability as well if you have children or dogs. Wood and metal are stronger than glass or level when it comes to standing up to daily use and abuse. Once you have determined these things you can search out the perfect coffee table for your room.

Besides being functionally versatile, coffee tables can add a splash of color and style to your home. Whether you want the soft touch of rich leather or the hard shimmer of marble, a painted white wood table for a shabby chic look or the smooth, clean look of glass a coffee table is an essential part of any living room décor.

No matter the look or the use when you find the perfect coffee table it will both tie the room together and be a focal point at the center of the room waiting to hold your drink or support your feet in style. So try online shopping for your new coffee table and exercise your interior designing skills. Big or small, round or square you’ll love your new coffee table because you took the time to find the perfect one for your needs and desires.

Coffee Tables: How To Make The Right Choice For Your Home

Have you ever been in a home where the coffee table absolutely dwarfed the rest of the room? It can be hard to have a conversation when the sofa and recliners are separated by a table that seems more suited to having a picnic than to hosting guests and serving coffee. Then there are those perfect coffee tables that happen to be too high or low so that you either need to stand up or kneel down to retrieve a drink. Let’s face it: the coffee table is one difficult piece of furniture to get right and when we get it wrong—we get it REALLY wrong!

The perfect coffee table for your home décor will be unique for all of us. However, there are some things to avoid when buying a coffee table to make sure that you don’t get the WRONG coffee table for your furniture and design scheme. One of those mistakes is buy premium coffee tables that are not to scale with the room dimensions.

Depending on your furniture arrangement, it is a good idea for the coffee table to be within 16 inches of the sofa, love seat, and any chairs that are central to the main seating area. The larger the seating area, the larger the coffee table needs to be. The idea is for guests to have access to the coffee table without feeling cramped when getting in and out of their seats. It is also a good idea to measure not only the dimensions of the room, but also of any doorways leading into the room as well. If the delivery people can’t get the table through the door then it doesn’t matter how great it would look in your living room.

Another common mistake people tend to make with coffee tables is to use them as storage spaces. One of the secrets to home décor is to always have a focal point to the room. The coffee table is a natural focal point of the room because it is generally found near the center of the room and featured in front of the seating area. However, when homeowners use their gorgeous coffee tables as storage areas for bills, newspapers, and anything else convenient, then it is easy to see how the entire area becomes unattractive. Prominently displaying candles, centerpieces, accent lamps, and other artistic décor will help the coffee table become the focal point of the room and bring an entirely different feel to the entire seating area.

The Coffee Grinder: An Investment For Your Morning Ritual

Coffee lovers will tell you that the best coffee comes from beans grounded immediately before the coffee is brewed. Old Time coffee drinkers know this by heart. That’s why no kitchen is complete without a coffee grinder. Waking up in the morning and grinding up a fresh batch of coffee beans and throwing it into the coffee maker and then anticipating that first sip of fresh hot coffee! Now that is the good life!

What Makes a Great Coffee Grinder?

When it comes to coffee grinders, there to basic types. One is called burr grinders and the other is called blade grinders. The difference between these two is basically how the beans are processed. Blade coffee grinders use a spinning blade to grind up the coffee beans. Burr grinders use burrs to grind up coffee beans. Burrs resemble plates with gears on them. One of the burrs is stationary, while the other one spins and grinds up the coffee beans.

When trying to make a great cup of coffee, one has to keep a couple things in mind. The taste of coffee will be affected by heat and uniformity. What this means is, heat is undesirable in a coffee grinder because it damages the coffee beans. The process of grinding coffee is relatively violent, because both blade and burr grinders in produce some heat. And of course, the faster the grinding mechanism runs; the more heat is being generated. Even finer grinds generate heat because of the extra time it takes to grind the coffee beans.

For those who are concerned about the quality of their coffee, one can purchase a low- speed burr grinder. A low speed burr will be more expensive. As well it will take longer to grind the coffee beans. But coffee purists will swear by these coffee grinders as the only way to go for a perfect cup of coffee.

Another very important factor is the uniformity of the grind. With the brewing process, the water spends a certain amount of time passing over the grinds. The uniform grinds are much more efficient at imparting flavor to the water. At first glance, the average coffee drinker may not be able to distinguish coffee that was grinded from a blade grinder vs. a burr grinder. But, to a coffee purist, they will notice the difference. The blade grinder is not very good at creating a uniform grind. However, with burr grinders, they produce an exceptional uniform grind resulting in a much tastier cup of coffee.

Quite frankly, it’s a no brainer when it comes to selecting a coffee grinder. The burr grinder s really the only way to go. However, some of the higher end models can cost several hundred dollars, thus putting them out of reach for some of the coffee lovers. However, this doesn’t mean that a small budget will always get a poor coffee grinder. Best to do a search online for burr coffee grinders. One can pick up a very nice coffee grinder for under hundred dollars. The selection is almost endless. Most coffee lovers consider a coffee grinder to be an investment and not an expense. After all, who can put the dollar value on a fantastic cup of coffee each and every morning? Yes, it is the good life!

Cooking Flavors Accented With Coffee Extracts

The grocery store shelves are filled to the top with cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts. Some of these cooking flavors are derived from actual coffee beans and some are coffee extracts that have been imitated through a variety of methods. It is very easy to tell which of the cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts are real and which ones are simply flavored by artificial means.

Many of the cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts will be applied to items baked in the kitchen. There are many cake recipes that require a cooking extract in order for the cake to have any flavor at all when it is baked. Some parents will combine powdered sugar, butter and a coffee extract and create a marvelous icing for their cakes at very little cost.

Flours, eggs and milk are pretty bland without the cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts that are offered in flavors such as almond and lemon. Many people consider coffee extracts to be pricey so they guard their supply and only use them when it is absolutely necessary.

While cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts are not commonly considered when mixing drinks at a party, there are many drinks that can be prepared with coffee liqueurs that are richer and thicker than any of the coffee extracts that can be purchased at the supermarket. Some homemakers will make dishes with the coffee liqueurs because the liquid can be split several times to get the consistency of the coffee extracts that are on the supermarket shelf.

The flavor of coffee liqueurs inside any baked goods is absolutely delicious and very economical if there is a baker at home. Of course, these are tastes treat for those homemakers that are willing to explore the possibilities of using alcoholic beverages in the dishes that they prepare on any given day of the week. There are blended coffees that can be created at home using a blender and some rich cream, and these creations will contain the cooking flavors accented with coffee extracts that are sold in supermarkets at very high prices.

Some parents will use decaffeinated coffees to create frozen drinks for their children to enjoy on a hot summer day. The cooking flavors accented by coffee extracts can be thick or thin and provided to the children right up to bedtime. Parents can make icicles for their youngsters to lick on from mixing coffee extracts in with the various soda flavorings currently offered on the market. Lemon and Lime accented with coffee extracts is an unusual taste treat for a child but one that they will enjoy immensely.

Coffee Tables – Perfect For Any Room Throughout Your Home

In the past, people thought that the only place you could put coffee tables was in the living room because that is simply where they were designed to go. Well, that is not the case anymore and over the years people realized that these furnishings would also make great additions to other areas throughout the home since they are a functional way to make a bold, decorative statement.

You are probably wondering, why are coffee tables such a great option for other rooms beside the living room? It is because they provide a lovely space where you can both set and display different items while at the same time being extremely pleasing to the eye. So, they not only are very practical, but they also enhance the look of any room with their beautiful design and appearance. For example, in the den you might need a place to set that morning latte while reading the newspaper as you are sitting on a comfortable sofa. Instead of resting that latte on the floor, or some other less than desirable surface, get a coffee table for your space. It gives you a great spot for setting down your beverage of choice, and it is also a spectacular way to add a beautiful, decorative touch to the room.

Another place where one would make an excellent addition is in the bedroom. It is a nice way to liven up the space and provides a perfect area where you can display family photos along with other ornamental vases and sculptures. Or, you could have it just sit all by itself to be the decorative focal point in the room because there are many options that look so beautiful that they would be ruined if you were to put something on top of it.

The office is another ideal place outside the home for one as well if you need a spot to put coffee or water during semi-casual business meetings between you and your employees. Really, the possibilities of where you could place one are endless.

One of the best things about coffee tables is how they are extremely durable and are available in a number of different styles and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect one for you and your space. You can get something that is very modern to give your space a new and up-to-date feel. Like, something that has smooth, sleek lines and a glass table top. Or, others can have a very antique look and are made out of wood, featuring detailed carvings along with other intricate features that include elegant metal hardware. Some even have large amount of storage space with drawers, while others can be very, very simple and just have legs and a table top. And, those just listed are just of few of the options you can choose from because there are many, many different types that are available. One easy way to check out what you could get for your space is by heading to the internet and where you can do some online shopping. It is also a great way to compare products and find exactly what you are looking for.

For many, many years people thought that the only place you could put coffee tables was in the living room. But, that thinking has changed because people came to the realization that they would be wonderful additions to any room throughout the home, even professional office spaces. Make a decorative statement with one in any room in your home today.

Coffee Pods To Start A Great Day

A great day begins with a cup of freshly roasted coffee. And that you get from an excellent coffee pod. Pods or coffee pods or espresso pods are a simple way to get a perfect espresso and with excellent results.

But for the beginners let's answer a simple question first i.e. what are coffee pods? Coffee pods are freshly roasted coffee, ground perfect, tampered to the correct pressure and then encapsulated in a paper. It is the beginning of a rich experience of the way you drink coffee.

The original pod was first designed by Illy caffe around 10 years ago. It was the year 1996 when Illy opened its idea to the coffee industry to bring a standard pod size to the market. Many coffee machine makers now offer adaptors with their machines to accept pods.

By using them in your machine not only can you guarantee perfect results, there is no mess and they help to look after your machine. In fact used ones can even be used as fertilizer for your garden as well. That is why a rich coffee taste is always benefiting.

If you are an espresso connoisseur by heart you can find a great relief with the coffee pods. As an espresso lover you understand that there are many ways of preparation where the espresso can get wrong, the grind, the measurement, freshness, the roast, tampering, temperature, water pressure are some areas which one has to watch out to make that special cup of coffee.

Now if you wonder what the best kind of coffee pod is, the answer is the home made one. Don't be shocked, it is true to the last drop of espresso. You can actually make them from your freshly roasted coffee beans. Although it is not that easy but it is sheer fun and little adventure to make one in your kitchen itself.

What you need is your favorite freshly roasted coffee beans perfectly grounded to fine powder, a sheet of filter paper and some kitchen tools. The first step to get a home made is to get the correct measuring scoop for the size of the pod. Take the coffee style filter paper sheet and put it in the scoop.

The next step is to find a glass bottle or something similar which can be used to pressure the paper in that scoop. If you have found the right size of glass jar (in most cases you will) center the filter around the jar and do it by putting the combination back in the scoop leaving a cup shaped filter paper in the scoop. Add one scoop, or about 2 teaspoons of your favorite ground coffee to this paper-filter-cup more or less to taste.

The typical coffee scoops that come with makers hold about 7 grams of coffee which is just about right. Give the cup a slight shake to evenly spread the grounds across the bottom of the filter, and then use your finger to gently fold over the extra filter material, completely covering the ground coffee. For a really well-formed pod, you can place the jar into the scoop one last time and press down really hard with the palm of your hand.

At last your favorite coffee pod is now ready to be put into the espresso machine to enjoy that rich taste of coffee. And who said coffee is not about fun.

The Perfect Cup Of Coffee For Your Taste Buds And Eyes

If you're not familiar with Vacuum coffee makers then a written description of how they work may have you a little lost. How ever, to those that own or use vacuum coffee brewers you know what a great cup they make, and what a joy they are to watch.

If you're a fan of using a French Press to brew your coffee each day, then you'll love the coffee made in a Vacuum maker. It works on a similar principle of boiling water flowing over freshly ground coffee beans then filtering the grounds out of the water leaving behind a wonderful tasting and smelling cup of coffee.

There's something to be said when a paper filter isn't used with coffee grounds, it allows all the acids and aromas from the beans to transfer into the water and create a very special tasting cup of coffee. One that can't really be compared to what your regular drip coffee maker makes.

So how does a Vacuum coffee maker work?

Well unlike some of my friends who thought a vacuum coffee maker was a combo vacuum coffee brewing machine it's actually quite a small glass or sometimes plastic appliance. There are both electric and stove top models available (For a great electric or non electric vacuum coffee maker check out the Bodum Santos).

There are two compartments an upper and lower. The lower one has fresh water added to it, and the upper fresh coffee grounds. The two are connected with a plastic or glass tube which has a filter in the center. Once heat is applied to the lower area either via stove top or an electric element the water begins to boil. Once boiling that water travels up to the upper chamber where the coffee grounds are stored. The two then mix together and the brewing process begins.

It's really quite amazing to watch the water move up and spill over the coffee, it's a lot more interesting then watching the drips come from your regular old peculator. Now this is the real amazing part, after a short period of time the mixed coffee then beings to transfer back to the bottom chamber once all the water has boiled away. The coffee grounds are separated from the coffee via the filter that is in the tube connecting the two chambers.

Depending on the size of the holes in your filter and the coarseness of your coffee grounds you may get a bit of sediment in your coffee. Once all of the coffee has transferred to the lower chamber again you're done and ready to enjoy. Sounds like quite the process to brew a pot doesn't it? In real time all of this happens quite quickly, and it isn't any longer to make then what a French press would be.

If you're a real coffee enthusiast I highly recommend you either try out the coffee made in a vacuum maker, or consider purchasing one for your own kitchen. While it may not take the place on weekday mornings of your regular drip coffee maker, I'm sure it'll be the treat for weekends, and you won't be disappointed.