Italian Coffee Brands

Famous Italian Coffee Brands

The history of coffee in Italy goes back to the 17th century, when the Italian merchants got it from the Muslim countries like Middle East, the northern part of Africa, Persia and Turkey. Although the Italian coffee is very famous, the Italians do not grow the beans themselves. Most of it is exported from countries like India, Belgium, Russia, Germany and Spain. If you want one of the best coffee in the world, then what you can do is use the Italian coffee brands. Here is a list of Italian coffee brands that you can try out.

Lavazza
The Luigi Lavazza S.p.A., an Italian coffee products manufacturer, was founded in the later 19th century by Luigi Lavazza. What started off as a small grocery store, now exports coffee nearly all over the world. The Lavazza company gets the coffee beans from various parts of the world where coffee is grown, such as from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Uganda. This Italian coffee brand is famous all over the country and as well as the world and is popularly known as "Italy's favorite coffee". This company also looks after the agricultural program to ensure that the growers can grow good quality beans. The company has spread over countries like Spain, France, United Kingdom, Austria, India and Portugal.

Illy
The next brand among the Italian coffee drinks, is the Illy. This company was founded in the region of Trieste, by Francesco Illy (who invented the first automatic coffee machine in 1935), in the later 20th century. At present, his grandson, Andrea Illy and his siblings, Riccardo Illy and Anna Illy, are running the company. This brand is famous for one blend of coffee in three roast variations; the dark, the normal roasted and the decaffeinated. The beans used by this company are mainly from Arabia, the Arabica beans, which are low in caffeine content.

Segafredo Zanetti

good Gifts Ideas for boss Coffee Basket

good Gifts Ideas for boss Coffee Basket


Coffee Lovers Basket: Office and coffee are interrelated to each other! There must be hardly any boss who does not need a hot cup of coffee to start his day with. If your boss is a coffee lover, gift him a coffee gift basket. There are many things that you can add to it, but of course you should not overcrowd it. So add only a few things like a nice coffee mug (stick to the classic colors!), different types of coffee sachets and a small box of cookies. A optional thing that can be added is a coffee gift certificate.

"Gourmet Coffee Gift Ideas"

Gourmet Coffee Gift Ideas

Everyone enjoys a cup of tea or a cup of coffee and you will rarely come across anyone who doesn't enjoy it. Therefore, gourmet coffee gifts are ideal for all adults, and for every occasion: be it a birthday, an anniversary, Christmas, wedding, etc. At the same time, it can be given to a partner, a friend, parent, sibling, employee or even to a person whom you are meeting for the first time. You must be wondering what are the different options available in coffee gifts that one can consider? Well, there are more than you must have thought. The following are some of the best ideas for gourmet coffee gifts.

• Coffee of course, is definitely the most obvious option and the first choice when talking of coffee gifts. There are more than hundred varieties of coffee found in the world and hence, you have ample options to choose from. Roasted (light to deep roasted ones), flavored coffee, decaf coffee, organic coffee, dark blends, etc. are some of the coffee varieties that you can choose from.
  

"best coffee mug"

Bodum Bistro Double-Wall Insulated Glass Café Latte Mug, Set of 2

 Description
Bring a unique and trend-forward look to the table with this set of two 15-ounce glass mugs. Handcrafted of borosilicate glass--the same material used to make scientific lab equipment--the pair of mugs provides exceptionally durable, temperature-safe use that holds both hot and cold drinks at their optimal temperature longer. The walls of each vessel sport two layers of clear glass, creating a dramatic optical illusion of liquid suspended within. The two-layer design also resists heat and prevents condensation, leaving the mugs comfortable to hold and safe for placement on any tabletop or counter. Even more, the handsome mugs feature a smooth, slightly flared design with a generously sized handle--perfect for sipping hot lattes and cappuccinos, cider or tea in the winter, cold drinks in the summer, and everyday favorites in between. Winner of the prestigious European IF Design Award, the mugs offer cloud-resistant, dishwasher- and microwave-safe use. A one-year limited warranty covers the set.

best review user

Bodum Bistro Double-Wall Insulated Glass Café Latte Mug, Set of 2 (Kitchen)
We loved using these cups. Great feel. The outside stays cool to touch while the inside stays hot. Very pleasant to drink from them. It's just way too costly for something that breaks so easily. The first cup broke within days. We were so careful with the 2nd cup, washing it promptly by hand, setting it down carefully, and storing it in a special cabinet; however, it didn't last much longer. We thought about ordering more, but it just doesn't make sense if they're this fragile. Perhaps if you want to lock them up for rare occasions. Sorry, we need something we can actually use. We have fine glassware and crystal that we've had for years that is not this fragile. It's a shame, since they're such a pleasure to use.

Order here

How to Make Latte Art?

How to Make Latte Art

Mastering latte art needs years of practice. You can still try out your inner coffee making skills to make latte art on the top of espresso with these latte art tips.
For one cup, pour enough milk in a steam pitcher or bowl. Turn the steam on and raise the steam wand near the top of milk. There should not be any bubbles and the milk should not stretch too much. Make the milk smooth and velvety instead of vigorous foam.
Raise the temperature to 80° F. Now place the steam wand aside but deep into the milk. The position must be laid, such that it can spin counter-clock wise.
While in motion, raise the temperature further to 150° F-160° F. Now remove the steam wand from the milk.
Now let the milk settle for few seconds, then swirl the milk vigorously. In case you observe any bubbles, just pound the pitcher to remove the bubbles to get a velvety texture.
Continue swirling for 20 - 30 seconds, even if while pouring the espresso.
Now start pouring the milk into the espresso to create different patterns, like flowers, hearts, ferns, etc. Try with simple flower designs by pouring milk to the bottom of the pitcher, leaving 2 - 3 cms away from the bottom.
Shake the pitcher back and forth to get the designs when the cup is half filled. When you do this, the flower will move forward and fill the top of the cup. Shake the cup gently with your wrist.
Once the foam reaches the top of the cup, start pouring the milk to get a white flower etched on the foam. Avoid sinking of the foam and design.
You can embellish the designs as per your choice, using stencils, milk foam and milk powder.


Latte Art Tools

Calories in Latte

What is Latte?
The modern caffe latte that we call only latte, originated in the San Francisco Bay Area. The credit of the innovation is given to Barista, Lino Meiorin. The cappuccinos made by Lino were so strong and powerful for the customers, that Lino decided to come up with a recipe of his own in order to dilute the strength of his cappuccinos. Lino introduced a new item to the menu by mixing warm steamed milk to the cappuccino, thereby reducing the strength of coffee and making the drink mild and enjoyable. This pleasurable drink that we today call the latte, was promoted and made famous by Caffe Mediterraneum, a very popular cafe in Berkeley, California.

Today, the original recipe of latte that was made by Lino Meiorin has undergone many innovations and changes, and the concept of diluting a strong beverage with milk has been used in other types of drinks. Many variants of latte have also originated in the recent past, however, the conventional latte is still enjoyed by many people across the world. The majority of latte calories are derived from the milk and sugar that is added to the drink.

Calories in Latte

"Drinking Coffee Before Working Out"

Coffee and Workout: The Relation
The truth is, a caffeine kick is capable of delaying the post-workout sleepiness you experience by keeping you fit and fine. Not only does it combat fatigue, it also makes you efficient, energetic, and focused all throughout your workout. You tend to exercise for longer than usual, and that is how you lose more weight. Many people experienced less problems associated with sleep, heart, and blood pressure, after just a few weeks of practicing this addition to their exercise routine. Well, thanks to caffeine that sends your brain an alert of pleasure, energy, and adrenaline!

How Does Drinking Coffee Before Workout Help
When you have been continuously working out for more than an hour, the body starts metabolizing fat, and thus, results in calorie burning. But if you have consumed a cup of coffee before working out, the caffeine in it triggers the muscles to bring into use more and more fat for burning so that you lose more weight than you would've, had you not consumed caffeine. During a workout, the body brings into use glycogen, a carbohydrate that burns during the time you workout. However, drinking coffee will activate the muscles to burn your actual fat instead of the carbohydrates. What's more, caffeine is said to trigger the central nervous

"Health Benefits of Green Coffee Bean "

Health Benefits of Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee bean extract is touted for its anti-oxidant, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties. Let's have a look at the different ways in which this green coffee extract benefits the human body.

Anti-aging Benefits
The chlorogenic acids present in the green coffee bean is an antioxidant, which means it destroys the free radicals formed in the body, as a result of metabolism. These free radicals if left as they are, destroy cell membranes and conduce to symptoms of aging. By destroying these harmful free radicals, green coffee bean extract actually slows down the onset of aging. Test results also show that green coffee extract has double the rate of oxygen radicals absorbing capacity, as compared to grape seed or green tea extract. Read more on antioxidants in coffee.

Reduce Blood Pressure
Animal research reveals that chlorogenic acids present in the extract also help alleviate high blood pressure levels. Based on this finding, further research was conducted on humans. The one month experiment done on people with mild hypertension showed that consumption of green coffee extract supplements were seen to have their high blood pressure levels lowered. When taken at a dose of 185 mg, the extract was most effective in treating hypertension. Thus, this extract is helpful in treating hypertension.

Promotes Weight Loss
Scientist Hiroshi Shimoda and his team from Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Company (Japan) in their research on green coffee bean extract found that green coffee bean extract promotes weight loss. This weight loss is due to two chemical compounds naturally present in the green coffee beans. Because these coffee beans are unroasted, they have not lost their natural chemicals, which are otherwise lost after roasting.

These natural chemicals are caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which together conduce to weight loss. The caffeine from the coffee releases fatty acids from stored body fat, while the chlorogenic acid assists the liver in processing the fatty acids more efficiently, thereby resulting in weight loss. Shimoda continues to state that; "If a human consumes one kilogram per day of food (2.2 pounds) containing 10 grams (.35 ounce) of green coffee bean extract for 14 days, the increase in body weight may be suppressed by 35 percent."

Boosts Metabolism

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Bleach?

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Bleach?

Discard any contents from the carafe and fill it with hot water. Leave some space for the bleach to come in. Pour ½ cup bleach into the hot water and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Turn the coffee maker on and allow it to run through. Allow this solution to stand here for another 30 minutes, before discarding the solution. Fill the carafe with fresh hot water and turn on the apparatus to let it run a cycle. Carry out this procedure with more fresh hot water to get rid of all bleach residues.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Lemon Juice?

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Lemon Juice?

If you don't have vinegar at home and are wondering how to clean a coffee maker without vinegar, then you can try using citric acid instead. After ensuring the coffee basket is empty, run some cold water through the coffee maker. Throw away this water. Next, take equal amounts of concentrated lemon juice and water and pour this mixture into the rinsed coffee pot. Allow this solution to sit in the apparatus for 15 minutes before turning on the coffee maker. Turn on and allow the lemon solution to work through the apparatus. Then turn it off and allow the lemon solution inside to cool for 15 minutes before turning it on again. Discard this citric acid solution after second rinse and rinse the apparatus twice with cold water. Soak the coffee pot and filter basket in the sink filled with dish washing liquid solution and wash well.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Baking Soda?

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Baking Soda?

Cleaning the coffee maker with baking soda is recommended to be carried out once every week. To clean, try and remove the carafe's plastic lid if its possible and allow it to soak in a solution of dish washing liquid. Meanwhile to get the filter basket clean, fill the sink with tepid water (halfway). Into this water add 5-8 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix well and use this solution to clean the filter basket. This can be done by wiping the basket clean with a dishcloth dunked in the baking soda. After a thorough wiping session rinse the apparatus with water. While rinsing make sure you have the part of the coffee maker from which the water drips down over the filter rinsed well as this is one area where coffee oils tend to build up.

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar?

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar?

Vinegar is free of toxins and serves as an effective cleaning agent as its acidic properties dissolve the mineral deposits and oils left behind after brewing. For cleaning the coffee maker with vinegar, just mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water and pour this mixture into the water reservoir. Turn the coffeemaker on and allow several cups to run through. Then turn the apparatus off and allow the mixture to sit for an hour. Once again start the machine. Then discard this mixture and pour plain water in its place. Allow the plain water to run through a couple of times, until you stop getting the odor of vinegar. The carafe (glass container holding coffee) and filter basket can be washed in the dishwasher's uppermost rack. Read more on coffee maker cleaning with vinegar.

easy way to Roast Coffee Beans at Home

How to Roast Coffee Beans at Home?

All you need is some dry, fresh green coffee beans available in almost any store, and an oven. Don't have an oven? No need to fret! Coffee roasting can even be done on a modest frying pan. After procuring the apparatus, pre-heat your oven/pan, put on your mittens and place the beans on the heat. The next, very important step is to take in the delectable aroma as the beans roast. But mind it, do not lose yourself or the beans may burn! Within 10 - 20 minutes, depending on how you like 'em, the beans will be ready and look the familiar brown color. Once they start becoming greasy, releasing the oils, you know that you're almost there! Take them out of the oven, and once again, you have to exercise a good deal of self-control to prevent yourself from touching those tempting beans. Wait for them to cool, clean out the excess oil, and ground them. And voila! Your home roasted beans are ready to brew!

Of course, if you want the perfect coffee, you have to earn it! You initially will have to go through the 'trial-and-error' method to get to the coveted cup. The experimentation can be with the origin of beans and with the amount of roasting you need. Simple difference really. For general knowledge purpose, there are two main kinds of coffee beans, the ones that are grown in the highland areas and the ones grown in lowland areas. Highland area beans tend to be more aromatic, milder and have a better flavor than those grown in the lowlands. Lowland grown coffee beans are stronger and have a slightly less aroma. Secondly, the taste of the coffee also depends upon how much you roast it. The more the roast, the stronger it is. So if you're a greenhorn dabbling with coffee beans for the first time, you'd want to do a bit of playing with the coffees. But don't forget to keep notes, or you might end up losing your secret formula!

Home coffee roasting is an art, practiced all over the world by the connoisseurs of the coffee, who can only be satisfied with the perfect cup. So if you are simply dissatisfied with the existing variety or even want to try different combinations of the beverage, go on! All you need is a handful of raw beans, a pan and just a few minutes.

"How to Choose the Best Coffee Beans"

Buy Coffee Beans at Gourmet Shops
The first and foremost step you will want to implement in choosing the best coffee is to stop buying coffee at the local supermarket. It is often very difficult to find the freshest beans in these supermarkets. The beans are usually pre-ground and they start losing their flavor in the oils that are released. You may want to choose a gourmet shop, where the coffee beans are not kept in open bins, but in air tight containers. Most gourmet shops can grind the beans for you on the spot, which helps in preserving the freshness as much as possible.

Buy Fresh Roasted Beans
It is recommended to buy freshly roasted beans. If you are not sure, you may want to take help from the shop attendants. The gourmet shops have a policy to roast fresh coffee beans frequently.

Buy Whole Beans
Another tip you would want to take note of is to buy intact whole beans. When the beans are fragmented, they lose their flavor oils. Whole beans are able to retain these oils, which lend taste to the coffee.

Buy Fresh and Good Smelling Beans
Very often, we look and smell the dish cooked and we are able to assess if the dish has indeed turned out good. The same rule applies when it comes to choosing coffee beans as well. If the coffee beans smell good and also look good, then you may not falter, as they will also taste good. You may want to read on home coffee roasting.

"how to make Easy Iced Cappuccino"

Easy Iced Cappuccino
Enough of hot drinks. It's time for a chilled cappuccino recipe to find its way into your kitchen.

Ingredients
2 tsp Instant Coffee
1 tsp Sugar or a Low Calorie Sweetener
6 (fl.) oz Cold Milk
3 tbsp Warm Water


Preparation 
First, prepare a tall glass filled to the brim with ice cubes.
In a shaker, or a jar that can be sealed, add in all the ingredients and shake thoroughly.
Pour the drink into the glass.

The strength of the coffee and the sweetness can vary as per your choice. If you prefer strong coffee, you may add some more coffee to the drink. The same goes for sugar. As is the same for the recipes provided above, even this drink can be modified with additions of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, or even hazelnut.

"Instant Cappuccino Recipe"

Instant Cappuccino Recipe
This homemade instant cappuccino is actually a cappuccino mix that you can add to milk and sip away. It is even simpler than the basic cappuccino, as all you have to do is make the mix once and store it.

Ingredients
1 cup Coffee Granules
1 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Powdered Chocolate Drink Mix
4 cups Powdered Milk
1/2 jar Flavored Creamer


Preparation
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and store it in an airtight jar.
When you desire a cappuccino, just add 3 tablespoons of this mixture to 6 ounces of boiling water. Use a whisk or a milk frother to give it the real frothy appearance.

Voila! Again, you can add more flavors in this such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg. Vanilla extract is another choice. This could be the perfect drink to warm up to when you have a casual gathering of friends over at your apartment.

Basic Cappuccino Recipe

Basic Cappuccino Recipe
This recipe is quick and easy to prepare even without a machine.

Ingredients
1-1/2 cup Strongly Brewed Coffee
1 cup Skimmed Milk
1 tsp Sugar


Preparation 
Put the sugar in the milk and thoroughly heat it in the microwave oven.
Pour the milk in a blender and blend till it develops a thick layer of froth. You can also use an electric whisk for this purpose.
Brew the coffee till it is strong, and fill only 3/4 of your cup with coffee. Pour in the frothy milk and sugar mixture.
Add in a pinch of cinnamon for a spicy flavor, or garnish the drink with some chocolate.

You have 2 cappuccinos ready to go! Freshly ground coffee can give your cappuccino a fresh and smooth flavor. If you want to add a delicious twist to your cappuccino, add 2-3 tablespoons of caramel or 2 tablespoons of chocolate, or both together, just before pouring in the frothy mixture.

"Difference Between Cappuccino and Latte"

Difference Between Cappuccino and Latte

If you visit a coffee shop and ask for a cappuccino and a latte, you will notice that both of them taste the same. The reason is that both of them are made from poor quality espresso and are topped with a lot of milk and foam. However, a point to be noted is that the cappuccino and latte have different identities of their own and they are not synonyms of each other. To understand the subtle differences between both, let's read about them further.

Along with the cappuccino vs latte debate, there is also a cappuccino vs latte calories debate. Latte consists of more calories than cappuccino. The number of calories per drink will vary from one coffee maker to another.

Latte

A latte is known as café au lait in French, café con leche in Spanish and Milchkaffee in German. In simple words, it is coffee milk. Latte often accompanies breakfast. Let's get to know why. Latte is actually a double shot of espresso, which is topped with steamed milk. Mind you I said steamed milk and not milk froth or frothed milk. Since it has a generous amount of milk in it, it is very filling. Therefore, a latte normally accompanies breakfast.

Latte ideally needs to be served on a 7-8 oz glass, which often is not the case. Since it consists of a generous amount of milk, the drinker should be able to see the amount of milk in this coffee. There are some café, where you can see some foam on top of a latte. It is used only for the sake of presentation such as to make it more attractive. On a latte, there is some latte art, which is used for garnishing. The designs, which are normally used, are in the shape of a heart or a leaf.

Cappuccino

Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee, 6-Count Packages

Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee, 6-Count Packages

Description
Starbucks VIA Iced Coffee is a crisp, cold, naturally flavored iced coffee wherever summer takes you. Using 100% natural roasted arabica beans, we created a blend of instant and microground coffee that is specially designed for mixing with cold water. Then we added just the right amount of buttery, velvety caramel flavor and pure cane sugar for the perfect balance of refreshment and sweetness.






user review 
i wasn't too eager to be paying $6 to $7 for only 6 packets of instant iced coffee mix at my local safeway supermarket but i had to remember how much i spent at Starbucks just for their coffees and iced coffees and so i wanted to try these out and I'm glad I did because I loved it and realized they were definitely worth the $$'s.

I'm not really a coffee drinker (i probably drink 1 cup of coffee once or twice a week max) and only drink coffee when I really need a pickup. I can't drink coffee straight either and need a moderate volume of milk or half and half in it because the coffee taste is too bitter for me. I'm ordinarily a tea drinker. But I love iced drinks in the afternoon or night, especially iced drinks that I can instantly make without having to wait a long time to heat water and having to cool them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Each pack contains 6 little packets of starbucks coffee mix powder. It's true as the other reviewer said that you can make 2 to 4 or 5 cups of iced coffee just with one packet so it's really worth the $$'s and really you can just use half or less of a packet to make your cup of iced coffee - the coffee is that strong!! If it had sugar, I could barely taste it because the coffee was VERY STRONG so I had to add 3 packets of stevia sweetener packets and 4 mini-moo half-and-half cups. The next time I make it, I'll make sure to buy some whipped cream too and add it on top for a luxurious iced dessert drink just like at starbucks.....mmmmmm......

order now 

Poundex 3-Piece Coffee Table, Dark Cherry

Poundex 3-Piece Coffee Table, Dark Cherry

 click here to get more details 

User review
I love these tables! Very inexpensive, but when you get them assembled they don't look "cheap"! Easy assembly. The color is a brown-cherry, exactly as pictured. One of the criss-cross slats on the main coffee table was damaged when we opened the box. This isn't a structurally significant piece (contrary to what the pictures depict, these slats don't actually HOLD the glass top...the glass sets on a ledge just above the slats). So, we were able to glue it with wood glue and it looks good as new. We contacted the company about the damage and they said if we chose to fix it ourselves, they would refund half of the shipping costs. But, this didn't seem fair since I was under no obligation to repair it myself and if I wanted to, I could ship it all back to them, ask for a replacement and they'd have to ship me a new set...all of which would have equalled THREE times the shipping costs. It was easy to communicate with the company via email and they were prompt in their responses. I explained that I expected half the shipping cost, plus my time and materials to repair the damage. They agreed to that and refunded me what we felt was a fair representation of our time and materials to repair the damage. In the end, I am very happy with the tables, and with the way the company handled our dispute. Would buy from Visiondecor again! 

Furinno Simple Design Coffee Table, Espresso

Furinno Simple Design Coffee Table, Espresso

Ten Steps to Cleaning a Coffee Maker

 Ten Steps to Cleaning a Coffee Maker

Step 1: Mix one part water with one part white vinegar.

Step 2: Place the filter in the filter basket. If your machine is of a type which does not take filter paper then skip step 2 and follow step 3.

Step 3: Replace the pot on the coffee maker.

Step 4: Pour the mixture of water and white vinegar into the water reservoir of the coffee maker. Turn on the coffee maker.

Step 5: Let the solution drain into the pot. Vinegar acts as a deodorizer during this process.

Step 6: Now turn off the coffee maker. Remove the mixture and wait for 15-20 minutes for the pot to cool down.

Step 7: Rinse the pot and the filter thoroughly. Use warm water for this.

Step 8: Pour clean water into the coffee maker. Now, turn it on again.

Step 9: Allow all the water to enter the pot. Let the pot cool down for 15 -20 minutes and then remove the water and rinse properly. Repeat step 8 and step 9 one more time to get the best results.

Step 10: Wipe the outer side of the coffee maker with a wet sponge. You can also dip the sponge in soap water and use it. Don't forget to wipe the bottom surface as it is many a time very sticky.

Substitutes for a Coffee Filter

Substitutes for a Coffee Filter

Muslin Cloth
A plain woven muslin cloth (or any unbleached cotton fabric) will work well as a coffee filter. Make sure the pores in your cloth are finer than the ground coffee you use. Use a new, clean, tightly woven cloth, which has been washed at least once. Washing cotton increases its absorbing power. If you are someone who prepares butter at home (not many people do) you can use butter muslin cloth as well. If you intend to reuse the cloth as a coffee filter, avoid using harsh, scented detergents to clean it as they can tamper with the flavor of your coffee the next time you use them.

Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth, generally made from loosely woven cotton gauze, can make for a good coffee filter substitute. The grades of cheesecloths can vary, from being coarse and rough to fine and smooth. A finely graded cheesecloth will work better, since it does not permit the coffee grounds to seep through. If you regularly make cheese and wine at home, you are bound to have a cheesecloth.

Metal Coffee Filter
 A stainless steel filter is now available at most stores. Easily washable, and definitely more user-friendly than a cloth or paper towel, this wire mesh filter is an excellent alternative to a paper coffee filter. They fit perfectly inside the coffee maker. You buy one, and you may never have to worry about running out of paper filters ever again. 

Reusable Cloth Filters
A wide variety of reusable cloth coffee filters are available in the market. Though they are washable, small particles of coffee can actually get stuck in them, which makes them difficult to clean. But they can definitely be used instead of the regular coffee filter. The advantage is they allow the essence of the coffee to seep through, and you get a strong flavored coffee.

Gold Coffee Filters
These filters are actually made of gold, as the name implies. While most use 23 karat gold, there are some that are made of steel, than gold-plated. Easy to clean, even in a dishwasher, and everlasting, the only disadvantage is they are expensive! But once you buy them, you won't have to ever bother buying any other kind of coffee filters again!

Paper Towels
These can make for a great substitute if you have run out of coffee filters. Being porous, they have the ability to absorb fluids. Cut them of the same size as your regular coffee filter so that they fit inside the coffee maker. Then brew your coffee just like you always do. Probably not the most ideal way to filter coffee, but then, desperate times call for desperate measures!

Decorating Ideas for Coffee Tables

Decorating Ideas for Coffee Tables

There are certain things you should keep in mind when decorating your coffee tables. A lot of you may assume that you should keep a tall centerpiece or a vase at the center of your coffee table. As beautiful as these look, a coffee table is one of the places where people gather round for conversation. Do not make the centerpiece so high that the conversation is disturbed. This is perhaps one of the most important tips on decorating coffee tables. With this in mind, here are some great coffee table decorating ideas you can indulge in.

If you have a rectangular coffee table, simply have a runner running along the length of the table, at the center. For character, choose a runner with a beautiful print based on your choice. Apart from looking beautiful on its own, a runner adds a lot of character to the room and some much-needed color too.
At the center of the table place some gorgeous tea-lite holders and light them up with candles every evening. This is particularly great if you have a glass coffee table so that the light reflects on it and makes the table look absolutely perfect.

How to make Hot Instant Coffee Latte?

How to make Hot Instant Coffee Latte?

Ingredients
Whole milk, soy milk or skimmed milk 1 cup
Instant coffee powder
Light cream
Sweetener like splenda

Procedure
Pour the boiled milk in a cup and add the sweetener. Add the instant coffee powder of your favorite brand. Mix well. Whisk with electric blender to make the perfect latte. Stop the blender when it is full of froth. Now spread some cream over it. Sip it hot.

how to make Mocha Frappe?

how to make Mocha Frappe?

Ingredients
Double strength coffee powder half tsp
Ice cubes
Vanilla essence half tsp
Chocolate sauce 2 tsps
Whipped cream or ice cream 1 dollop

Procedure
Blend ice coffee chocolate syrup and vanilla smoothly in a blender. Pour the coffee and float the ice cream or whipped cream on top. Serve icy cold mocha frappe.

how to make Iced Cinnamon Coffee

how to make Iced Cinnamon Coffee

Ingredients
Strong instant coffee powder 1 tsp
Coffee syrup
Heavy cream 1 tsp
Cinnamon stick

Procedure
Dip the pieced cinnamon stick into the hot coffee. Leave for few minutes and strain the coffee. Now add cream to the coffee. Chill it in refrigerator. Before serving add ice slices or ice cream as per your choice.

How to Make the Best Instant Coffee?

How to Make the Best Instant Coffee?

 

This instant coffee recipe is very simple. Just squeeze two minutes from your busy schedule and brew some instant coffee. You can avoid going to cafe to sip a cup of instant coffee. You can drink it hot or sip icy cold. Choice is yours. Read more on instant coffee recipes.

Procedure - Boil a cup of milk and add a teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to mix the sugar. Add half teaspoon of coffee powder and mix it. Your instant coffee is ready. Sip it hot or cool it in refrigerator for icy sip in summers.

 Now that was the easiest method to make instant coffee. You can always improvise the techniques and flavor it for variations in taste.

Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

 Most Helpful Customer Reviews
 Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker with Hot Water System, Black/Stainless

Buy Now

Since we don't usually need a full pot of coffee except on weekends -- I typically just grab a Starbucks "Via" instant coffee on the way to work in the morning (a pretty remarkable innovation, by the way) -- I was attracted to the hot water dispenser on this coffee maker. I like it particularly because of its 58-ounce capacity -- meaning that you don't have to keep refilling it if you're just using it once each morning to fill a car mug. My wife prefers tea to coffee, and she loves being able to get a cup of really hot water whenever she likes. (We fill it with spring water, and the results are superb.) I haven't had any problem with the "add water" light, as another reviewer apparently did. I was concerned about squandering energy by keeping a reservoir of water constantly hot, but it doesn't. It keeps only about 13 ounces of water at serving temperature; the rest of the reservoir is unheated. It doesn't take all that much energy to keep 13 ounces of water hot. And if you know you won't be wanting hot water for a while, you can just turn it off with the on/off button. I had expected it to heat water instantly through some kind of coil system -- much like an under-sink unit does -- but not so. As a result, if the unit hasn't been on, there's about a 3-minute wait for the water to reach the right temperature. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I wish the hot water

How to Make a Cappuccino Coffee - With an Espresso Machine

How to Make a Cappuccino Coffee - With an Espresso Machine

Ingredients
1 coffee cup of water
2-3 level tbsp. freshly ground coffee beans for espresso
2 coffee cups of milk
1 tsp. of sugar
Chocolate powder, ground cinnamon or nutmeg
How to Make

To make your perfect cup of cappuccino, chill the metal pitcher. This allows the coffee to foam up better. Fill the pitcher with a cup of fresh thick milk and place a food thermometer inside the pitcher. Place the steam wand diagonally just below the milk's surface for a better froth. The angling of the steam wand is important for the majority of the milk to froth up. Steam it to 150 degree Fahrenheit. Add the sugar, sweetener, or flavors as desired for the cappuccino. You can add delicious flavors like vanilla, Irish cream, and hazelnut.

Just before pulling the espresso shots, pour steamed milk into the desired mug after scooping out the froth. Load the espresso ground beans into the portafilter handle, and tamp level before inserting into the espresso machine. Pulling the perfect espresso shot is quite an art. A perfect shot is attained at around 18 to 23 seconds. After pulling the shots, pour it into the coffee mug and add the steamed milk till it is more than half full. Add the scooped froth on top above the rim of the mug, sprinkle it with some lovely chocolate powder and your delicious coffee is ready to be sipped and enjoyed.

How to Make a Cappuccino Coffee - Without a Machine

How to Make a Cappuccino Coffee - Without a Machine

While espresso machines do make it easy to brew the perfect cappuccino, with a little ingenuity, you can make your cup of cappuccino right at home. Here are the steps that will help you understand how to make cappuccino coffee at home without a coffee maker or an espresso machine.

Ingredients
1 coffee cup of water
2-3 level tbsp. freshly ground coffee beans
2 coffee cups of skimmed milk
1 tsp. of sugar
Chocolate powder
How to Make

To make your delicious cup of cappuccino, pour in one cup off milk (or as much as needed for individual coffee mugs) into a pot and heat it gently. Brew your coffee strong and add the blended mixture of sugar and water to it. In a microwave, heat this mixture for around 2 minutes. Use a blender to mix the sugar water mixture with heated milk. Blend it for a minute or two to make a smooth frothy mix. Watch out for the fluffy foam to appear. Pour the coffee into heated lards and scoop up the froth to top up the coffee. Sprinkle up the chocolate powder on top.

how to make Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee:

Made by boiling finely ground coffee and water together to form a muddy, thick coffee mix. In fact, the strongest Turkish coffee can almost keep a spoon standing upright. It’s often made in what’s known as an Ibrik, a long-handled, open, brass or copper pot. It is then poured, unfiltered, into tiny Demitasse cups, with the fine grounds included. It’s then left to settle for a while before serving, with sugar and spices often added to the cup.this good types of coffee

how to make Vietnamese style coffee

Vietnamese style coffee:

A drink made by dripping hot water though a metal mesh, with the intense brew then poured over ice and sweetened, condensed milk. This process uses a lot more coffee grounds and is thus a lot slower than most kinds of brewing.this good types of coffee

CUNDI COFFEE

CUNDI COFFEE 
 
Organic certified by the USDA and Fair Trade certified
100% Arabica coffee beans used
Comes in 1, 2 and 4 pound sized packets
Dark and medium roast available
Price range between $12 to $50

Ethical Bean Coffee

Ethical Bean Coffee 

Buy Now

 
Canadian coffee manufacturer
Certified as organic by the QAI
Fair Trade certified
Flavors include: rocket fuel/lush/mellow/decaf/exotic/bold/classic/sweet espresso
Comes in 12 ounce packets
Price range between $10 and $25

Caffe Ibis

Caffe Ibis

USDA certified, QAI (Quality Assurance International) certified and Fair Trade certified
Coffee available in 12 ounce and 5 pound sized packets
Coffee flavors include: Highland Sumatra/Logan Canyon Blend/Decaf Organic French Roast/Organic Aztec Dark/Organic Café Femenino
Average price range is between $10 to $ 15

Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange 

Buy Now

 
100% Arabica beans used
Comes in 10, 12 ounces, 1 and 2 pounds sized packages
Coffee types include Origin/Flavored/Decaf/Espresso/Blends
Flavors include: Toffee Caramel, Sumatran, Peru French, Mexican, French Vanilla and lots more
Product range includes organic teas, sugar, chocolate and cocoa
Price range between $30 and $50

Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee

Buy Now

Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee


USDA certified organic coffee of German production
Made from 100% pure Arabica beans
Instant coffee also available in decaf blend
Available in 3.5 ounce bottles or single serve sticks of 1.76 ounce
Approx 1 jar yields 60 cups of coffee
Price range between $20 and $60

Rogers Family Organic Coffee

Rogers Family Organic Coffee .

click here to buy

 
100% Arabica bean coffee
Fair Trade certified coffee
Company buys from other farms and has 6 organic farms of its own
Different varieties of coffees, from custom blends to single origin to decaf and flavored
Special "Rainforest Blend" combines coffees from Mexico, Guetemala, Colombia and Indonesia and comes in a 3 lbs bag
Coffee comes in 12 ounce or 2 pound sized packages
Average product price range between $5 to $26

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

click here to buy

 
Coffee from 3 different continents - the Americas, Africa and Asia (Indonesia)
100% pure Arabica beans used
Fair Trade Certified products
The company that developed the ecotainer™ - alternative natural material cup as opposed to paper cups
Select from 5 different grind types like Turkish/Infusion/Espresso
Organic coffees also available in K-Cups, single or in packs of 24 cups
Choose from a wide variety of flavors like Country Blend/Wild Mountain Blueberry/Sumatran Reserve among others
Average product price between $9 and $20

Marques de Paiva

Marques de Paiva

click here to buy

 
Brazilian coffee house established in 1895
Organic certification by the USDA and Fair Trade certified
Roasting plants produce zero carbon dioxide emissions
100% pure Arabica beans are used
Comes in family sized 40 ounce bags or smaller 12 ounce and 10 ounce packets
Roast types include: Lighter Roasted/Medium/Dark/Decaffeinated
Average product price range between $15 and $25

get more Organic Coffee Health Benefits

Organic Coffee Health Benefits

Some of the health risks associated with drinking large amounts of coffee can be attributed to the chemical and pesticide residues as opposed to the coffee beans or the brew itself. Organic coffee reduces these risks because of the lack or reduction in synthetic additives used in organic coffee plantations. Shade grown coffee ensures the preservation of nutrients that naturally occur, by reducing sun exposure that bleaches important compounds in the top soil. The following are the main organic coffee benefits:

• High in antioxidants, vitamins and mineral content
  Free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which means no residues, and reduced risk of chemical ingestion
  Natural energy booster - organically grown coffee contains caffeine in its purest form
  Higher levels of antioxidants as opposed to conventionally grown coffee, translates into better defense against a wide range of diseases, that antioxidants guard against

how to Make Perfect French Press Coffee

how to Make Perfect French Press Coffee

Before you make your first cup of French press coffee, if you like, we have an article on French press coffee maker reviews that you can read on. As for the steps to make the best French press coffee, here they are. Just follow the tips, along with the technical steps on how to use a French press (the actual process of making a French press coffee), all the way to the end.

Step #1: Find the Pot
Purchasing the right French press pot is not difficult. Just go to your nearest Starbucks or any other specialty coffee shop to get one. Plus, every time you make a new pot of coffee, you will have to wash the press thoroughly. As coffee has oils in them, the reason behind what makes each cup delicious, it can cling to the press and ruin the taste if not washed properly. That's the first step in knowing how to make French press coffee.

Step #2: Grind Coffee Beans
The secret to unbelievably delicious coffee is grinding the coffee beans every time. Make sure you set the grinder at 'coarse'. The texture of your coffee should be a bit more coarse than regular drip coffee. This way, when you filter the coffee, you are left with nothing but tasty coffee. You will add about 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 oz of water you use. If you wish to make the taste more strong or weak, adjust accordingly.

Step #3: Boil Water
In a pot, you will have to boil water till the bubbles come on top. Make sure the water is around 195º F before you use it. This is the perfect temperature for any method used to brew coffee.

Step #4: Ready the French Press
Once you have the ground coffee and the water is ready, add the ground coffee in the bottom of the press first. Then, add hot water inside the press and place the cover over it properly. Wait till the coffee has time to steep in the water; approximately 1 minute. Once it's ready, remove the lid, use the non-metal spoon, and stir everything inside the press. Again wait for about 2 minutes before you press the plunger. Right now, you should be getting the intoxicating scent of your fresh coffee steeping inside the press.

Step #5: Press the Plunger
As the final step of how to make French press coffee, very, very slowly and with even pressure, push the plunger downwards. This will take the coffee grounds to the bottom of the press and leave you with your delicious coffee above. And that's it, all you have to do now is pour yourself a hot cup of coffee.

what is History of Coffee

what is History of Coffee

History of Coffee:
There are lots of myths and legends when it comes to the history of coffee. Many thought the cup of coffee to be very mysterious and this stimulating coffee found itself shrouded in mystery in the earlier days. One of the most popular legends is associated with a goatherd named Kaldi. One day, when Kaldi was with his herd of goats he noticed a sudden change in their behavior. The goats turned spirited and that was made Kaldi hunt for the probable reason. That was the time he viewed a wild coffee shrub and it dawned on him that his goats probably had eaten some cherries off this shrub. Curious, it led him to have a taste of the wild cherries himself. Upon feeling energized, he spread the story of these wild cherries in his village. From the local monastery, the tale spread between the monks and even the locals.

The monks found it very useful as it helped them to stay awake for their ceremonies that went through the night. The Arabs were considered to be the first to cultivate coffee. They even began the trade. The first coffee plants are said to have come from the shores of the Red Sea. Coffee beans were actually considered to be a food in the olden days. The cherries were minced together and then mixed into the rest of the food. It was only in the 11th century that coffee first saw itself being developed into a hot drink.

The Venetian merchants imported coffee to Europe and by the 17th century, coffee had made its way not only to Europe, but was gaining popularity across the continent. Initially condemned due to religious reasons, one saw major controversies erupt around this dark beverage. Despite the facts that surrounded it, the mid 17th century saw a number of coffee houses cropping up all over the town. A lot of people gathered here to discuss business and to gossip in general.

The Arabs were very possessive about the growing popularity of coffee and its spread around the world. The beans were dispatched from the Yemen province of Arabia and were kept a highly guarded secret. It was later thought, that it was either the Dutch or a group of Pilgrims who finally tried to smuggle the plants to India. After a few attempts, coffee finally took root in India. The cultivation then expanded to the islands of Java and Sumatra.

The Dutch brought coffee to France in 1715. Louis XIV of France was presented with a coffee plant and it was then planted in the Royal Botanical Garden. Also known as the Noble Tree, it had the French really hooked on to coffee and the crops really flourished with the plantation of the Noble Tree.

This tree saw itself have roots in various other parts of the world. Francisco de Mello Palheta is known to have brought the coffee into Brazil. He was sent to obtain coffee beans from the French Guinea. The French were known to guard this fiercely and Francisco de Mello Palheta would have actually been unsuccessful, had he not to have a very appealing personality. This resulted in the Governor's wife presenting him with a huge bouquet of flowers. It was only much later; he made the discovery of the coffee seeds buried deep inside it!

The history of coffee has seen so many travelers, pilgrims and traders go on long voyages carrying these precious coffee seeds all over the world. New plantations meant more business and slowly, coffee plantations and its export, turned into a very profitable industry from the olden days till date.

Many innovations that go into the making of this beverage have seen the coffee really metamorphose over time. So the next time you sip your perfectly blended cup of coffee in a very swanky coffee shop, I hope this captivating history of coffee would linger on in your minds, for a long time to come. 

                                                  By Kashmira Lad