http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:18:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/a-few-things-you-must-know-about-gourmet-coffee/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/a-few-things-you-must-know-about-gourmet-coffee/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:18:59 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/a-few-things-you-must-know-about-gourmet-coffee/ dickson yan asked:


Everyone loves gourmet coffee. If you are a coffee lover, chances are you love gourmet coffee. Even if you do not drink it regularly for some reason, you probably love the taste more than anything in the world, and rightfully so. Here are a few tips you can use to find and consume that perfect gourmet coffee.

 

The first order of business is to sort out what types of flavors are available when you talk about gourmet coffee. The following list, while not exhaustive, covers most of the offerings:

Vanilla nut

Cinnamon hazelnut

Pumpkin spice

Chocolate raspberry

Orange

Vanilla Almond

Chocolate Almond

Chocolate Mint

Chocolate cherry

Plain Old Chocolate

Chocolate marshmallow

Chocolate Irish cream

Cherry bomb

Cherry cobbler

Almond

Butter cream

Amaretto

Butter scotch cream

 

The secret to a good full bodied gourmet coffee is starting with a solid base. Colombian Supremo is one of the more popular choices. The flavors are then carefully selected and added without any sugar or harsh chemicals. Because of the pureness of these flavors, the flavors and body of the coffee are full and plentiful. For the kid inside of you, you can mix and match flavors as well.

 

The key to creating a masterful gourmet is choosing and taking the time to prepare the coffee correctly. There is nothing worse than an expensive, rushed gourmet coffee. Pay particularly close attention to the condition of your coffee pot: even the smallest amount of residue can alter the taste for the worse. It is vitally important to keep the pot clean and ready for the next round of flavorful coffee.

 

Secondly, you want to be sure you are using a water that will complement the pure taste of the coffee. Using cold and filtered water will ensure the minerals often found in common tap water will not taint your final product. 

 

Lastly, always start with a whole bean and ground from there. Part of the experience of a gourmet coffee is the aroma, and a large part of the aroma (and flavor) are lost in the first hour or so after the coffee is ground. Stick to these tips and you’ll find yourself enjoying gourmet coffee like you never knew you could.

 

 

For more great gourmet flavored coffee ideas, visit my simple coffee resource and guide: http://www.CoffeeBeansDelivery.com



Cuisinart DCC-450 4-Cup Coffeemakers with Stainless-Steel Carafe

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/a-few-things-you-must-know-about-gourmet-coffee/feed/ 0 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-you-clean-a-bloomfield-koffee-king-coffee-machine/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-you-clean-a-bloomfield-koffee-king-coffee-machine/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:24:00 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-you-clean-a-bloomfield-koffee-king-coffee-machine/ nonms asked:


No matter how I make coffee with this machine at work, it tastes disgusting! It holds/stores a full pot of water, keeping it hot until you pour water into the tank. Then the hot water runs through the basket into the pot. I have never cleaned a coffee maker like this before. Can you just run some white vinegar through it like you do with a regular drip coffee maker? Any help would greatly improve my mornings, and be extremely appreciated!! TIA!!!

Custom best coffee maker Blog Design

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-you-clean-a-bloomfield-koffee-king-coffee-machine/feed/ 1 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/what-incredibly-lame-brained-thing-have-you-done-today-i-just-ran-the-coffee-maker/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/what-incredibly-lame-brained-thing-have-you-done-today-i-just-ran-the-coffee-maker/#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:30:50 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/what-incredibly-lame-brained-thing-have-you-done-today-i-just-ran-the-coffee-maker/ gldnsilnc asked:


without putting any coffee in it. LOL

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/what-incredibly-lame-brained-thing-have-you-done-today-i-just-ran-the-coffee-maker/feed/ 6 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-i-get-rid-of-coffeetea-stains-out-of-the-coffee-pot/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-i-get-rid-of-coffeetea-stains-out-of-the-coffee-pot/#comments Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:31:59 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-i-get-rid-of-coffeetea-stains-out-of-the-coffee-pot/ prdmom5683 asked:


I have a small glass 4 cup coffee maker and the pot is stained what can I use to get it looking clean again without worrying about what I will be drinking after?

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/how-do-i-get-rid-of-coffeetea-stains-out-of-the-coffee-pot/feed/ 12 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/i-need-a-new-coffee-pot-decanter/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/i-need-a-new-coffee-pot-decanter/#comments Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:38:16 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/i-need-a-new-coffee-pot-decanter/ robin r asked:


I have a GEVALIA coffe maker and the other day (i dont know how it happened) the glass pot fell out of my hands and all over my floor. I cant make coffee anymore without the glass pot .Does anyone know where i can just get the decanter (glass pot) for this coffee maker?

Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/i-need-a-new-coffee-pot-decanter/feed/ 4 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/if-i-buy-coffee-beans-does-that-mean-that-i-have-to-grind-them-myself/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/if-i-buy-coffee-beans-does-that-mean-that-i-have-to-grind-them-myself/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:34:47 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/if-i-buy-coffee-beans-does-that-mean-that-i-have-to-grind-them-myself/ BloodThief asked:


I bought some dunkin donuts coffee beans and got my first coffee maker. It says to put in 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for every cup, but i have coffee beans. Does this mean i have to grind them up myself?

Free Stuff

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/if-i-buy-coffee-beans-does-that-mean-that-i-have-to-grind-them-myself/feed/ 8 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/will-coffee-prices-rise-with-global-warming/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/will-coffee-prices-rise-with-global-warming/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:22:11 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/will-coffee-prices-rise-with-global-warming/ Tim Burke asked:


For as long as they can recall, the coffee growers in the valleys between the steep volcanic peaks here started the annual harvest in late September – until this year. An odd rainy season forced the farmers of the Santa Anita La Union Cooperative in this town in Guatemala’s highlands to start picking Coffee Beans in the end of August. As thunder rumbled in the distance, a technical assistant for the cooperative Mynor Huerta said “Instead of raining constantly and slowly, it is raining very hard for short periods of time. And the temperatures are hotter, so that means the fruit, the coffee, is ripening very fast.” . While this year’s early harvest may prove to be a climatic anomaly, researchers hypothesize that it could be foreshadowing for coffee in the region. Central America is very susceptible to climate changes, and similar circumstances that make South America home to some of the world’s finest gourmet coffees make it vulnerable to climate change. Its mid-range temperature are already rising, its predictable rainy season is becoming abnormal, and pests and fungi could invade altitudes where could not have lived at prior to change. Although seemingly non-problematic, small increases in temperature and slight changes in rainfall are predicted to cause major problems in coffee growing areas. While the conditions might make good-quality coffees more lush and less expensive for a few years, the price will eventually go up as availability wane in the long term, theorists said.

Farmers in Central America may need to move their crops to higher elevations where less land is accessable because of climage change. Diaz, a Costa Rican economist who is part of a four-country research project aimed at documenting the effects of climate change on small coffee farmers, said “Farmers are going to have to try to squeeze onto that land.” Farmers would be overpowered by the changes, and eventually be required to replace their coffee trees with another crop to survive. gourmet coffee as the world’s second-largest traded commodity behind petroleum, supports around 25 million growers and 100 million people around the globe once family members are added. Climatic evidence is supporting them. A recent study by the Center for Tropical Agricultural Research said just a 1 degree Celsius rise in Brazil’s Sao Paulo coffee growing region, for instance, would cause a decline in coffee production worth more than $113 million.

Central America is one of the regions likely to get both drier and hotter in upcoming decades. In the short term, this could actually assist the few farmers growing good-quality coffee beans at high altitudes.

A researcher that is part of a team carrying the regional climate change study for Guatemala’s Universidad Del Valle, Edwin Castellanos, said “As a scientist it pains me to say it, but the conditions for coffee growing in many of the highland areas, where the best gourmet coffees is grown, could be better for coffee in the coming years.”

About 150 million pounds of that coffee was grown at elevations of lower than 4,500 feet above sea level, lands that are likely to be hit by climate change. Change in temperature is considered a monumental threat to the way of life for the farmers of Santa Anita, which sits about 4,000 feet above sea level.

“If we have to pick all the coffee in October and November, we won’t have enough help because our children will still be in school,” said Mariola Cifuentes, a coffee grower in the cooperative. And we can’t afford that.” Cifuentes said the increase in temperatures has led to the increase of pests and of a fungus known as koleroga. As a result, the farmers – who raise Fair Trade- and organic coffee – have had to spray fungicides and pesticides more frequently. In some cases, the trees could be trimmed to release trapped humidity. But adapting their farms to the changing climate will only last so long. “It’s a problem of increased extremes,” Castellanos said. “Farmers in these regions will see hotter temperatures, longer periods of drought, more heavy downfalls, which can damage crops, and more storms.”

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/will-coffee-prices-rise-with-global-warming/feed/ 0 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/gourmet-coffee-drinks/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/gourmet-coffee-drinks/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:21:57 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/gourmet-coffee-drinks/ Sharon V Chapman asked:


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

Gourmet Coffee Recipes

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions

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

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

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

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

2 oz Vanilla Syrup

2 oz. Chocolate Syrup

2 oz. Hazelnut Syrup

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

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

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

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

 

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/gourmet-coffee-drinks/feed/ 1 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/is-there-anything-you-can-put-into-coffee-to-make-it-less-bitter/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/is-there-anything-you-can-put-into-coffee-to-make-it-less-bitter/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:34:51 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/is-there-anything-you-can-put-into-coffee-to-make-it-less-bitter/ digitalginga asked:


Whenever I make homemade coffee it’s always bitter. I always clean my coffee maker so, that’s not it. Does anyone know of anything you can put into your coffee to make it less bitter. Thanks.

]]> http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/is-there-anything-you-can-put-into-coffee-to-make-it-less-bitter/feed/ 17 http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/guide-to-getting-the-finest-gourmet-coffee/ http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/guide-to-getting-the-finest-gourmet-coffee/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:01:27 +0000 The Connaisseur http://thecoffeeconnaisseur.com/index.php/guide-to-getting-the-finest-gourmet-coffee/ Sharon V Chapman asked:


About.com defines gourmet as “…of the highest quality and flavor, prepared well and presented in an artful manner”. Gourmet coffee is usually one of two classes, it is either a coffee that has had enhancements such as flavorings or it is a coffee that has an inherent uniqueness due to its growing location and roasting process.

Flavored gourmet coffees are created during the roasting process. Flavorings, either natural such as vanilla and chocolate syrups or chemically created flavorings such as caramel are added to the coffee beans as they are roasted.

Gourmet coffees that have flavor enhancements have soared in popularity. A trip down the local coffee aisle at your grocer reveals coffee beans available in just about every flavor imaginable, from French vanilla to chocolate mint and Irish crème. Coffee connoisseurs can now wake up to more than just the aroma of coffee now they can have crème Brule coffee to tantalize their senses.

The original intent of the term gourmet coffee referred to coffee beans that were of the highest possible quality and that were roasted to perfection. These are the coffee beans of Kona, Hawaii; Jamaica; Colombia, Brazil and a host of other countries known for their exquisite coffee beans.

These gourmet coffee beans are exceptional due to their growing conditions, the care taken in harvesting and processing them and the time involved in perfecting the roast. Some, such as Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee are so exceptional that they are used to make other products, such as Tia Maria, which is a liqueur based on Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

A gourmet coffee made from these beans needs no further enhancements. They create coffees that stand alone on their own merit. From bold and rich to smooth and mellow, gourmet coffee beans assure a perfect coffee every time.

Purchasing Gourmet Coffee

Purchasing gourmet coffee depends on several factors, what type of gourmet coffee you want, how much money you are willing to spend and how soon you want the coffee in hand.

 

Your local grocery store will most likely carry a selection of gourmet coffee beans. Typically they carry more flavored gourmet coffees than they do gourmet coffee from other countries. Purchasing gourmet coffee at the grocery store has a convenience factor and usually cost less than you will pay at a gourmet coffee shop. What you can’t be assured of is the freshness of the beans and at times the authenticity of the gourmet coffee, particularly if you are looking for a coffee from a specific region. For example, Kona beans have been found that were not 100% Kona, they were only a portion Kona and the remainder a generic coffee.

Coffee shops tend to carry more gourmet coffees than grocers. In addition, they also tend to have fresher coffee due the volume of coffee they use in the shop. You may pay a higher price but you are usually getting a better coffee. Like the grocery store, the products are typically readily available.

Online ordering directly from the manufacturer, if possible, is the best way to guarantee that you are getting the product you want and that it is authentic. You will most likely pay a higher price and will have to pay a shipping fee. However, you are going to get exactly what you order.  The only thing you should beware of when ordering from the Internet is that you are ordering either directly from the processor or a reputable dealer who is backed by the processor.

Gourmet coffee is a treat for some people and a necessity for others. There are many types of gourmet coffee and many places to obtain them from. Doing your research ahead of time and knowing what you want will help you to obtain the best gourmet coffee available.

 

 

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