kitchen electric appliances

What features do I need in a Food Processor?

2011-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Food Processors come with many varying features - you will find that there will be some that will become instant favorites of yours and then there are the others that come you will never use.

I have listed a few features that I always advise people to look for in Food Processors.

Capacity: There are dozens of different designs and sizes however it is generally better to upsize (if you can afford to) rather than buying a smaller version (such as the tiny three cup food processor). You don’t have to use it to its full capacity but if you need to it is always there if you ever need it. The only down side is the counter space that you need and also the storage space that is needed. Have you got room to spare? Having it plugged in and ready to go is vital – if it’s stashed away in a store cupboard you won’t want to be bothered. The bigger the model the more room you need.

Attachments: The standard mixing blades offered by most manufacturers are a chopper, grater, shredder and a slicer blade. These allow you to prepare cuisine easily and if your food processor does not have this, then it is likely that you got a substandard item. You need to be careful about bonus features as these can be add-ons that you may rarely or never use, yet at the same time cost you extra dollars that you do not need to spend. Some food processors include extra blades, additional bowl, and additional yet wider chutes and so on so that ration preparation will be very easy and convenient.

Speed settings: Again if your budget allows go for the machine that has the most variable speed settings. Importantly opt for a pulse button (most newer models offer this as a standard function).

Wide feed tube: A wider tube lets you push larger pieces of food through as a faster rate. You might like to also consider a continuous feed slicer/shredder. This is an extra attachment that allows you to slice or shred as many vegetables or as much cheese as you want without having to stop and empty the bowl. A chute directs the processed food into another bowl instead of depositing it in the integrated work bowl.

Safety features: As you can appreciate food processors can be a dangerous item in the kitchen with all those moving parts and blades. Some models offer more safety features than others ~ look for a locking lid and importantly a safety storage for blades and that the processor will not start unless the unit is locked together.

Caring for your food processor:
Look for models with dish washer safe parts as this can help in the clean up afterwards and if it is easy to clean up then you will use it more regularly.

Food Processors and Blenders

2011-03-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have had a food processor for many years now and I find it a dispensable tool, saving both time and energy. For me they slice fruit and vegetables quickly and evenly and pulverize soups, dips, and sauces into smooth liquids. Yes I know that you can do all of this by hand, but it will take a lot longer and you will tire out your hands, wrists, and contribute to wearing out your knives. Most food processors today have an On, Off and Pulse settings. Some machines have more speeds, so as always consult your owner’s manual for the best use.

You will need to carefully monitor the ingredients so that you do not produce puree when you wanted diced or cut ingredients. The food processor is not a set and forget piece of kitchenware. As with all good pieces of equipment you will need to adapt your way of preparing food.

A few general guidelines

# Make sure the machine you choose is powerful enough to handle the tough jobs such as: kneading stiff dough’s etc. If they cannot handle these things you may find that your burn out the motor – and believe me that is a smell that you do not forget in a hurry.
# The only thing I don’t put in my food processor is cream or eggs to be whipped. As the food processor does not have the speed to make good peaks. User a hand or stick mixer for mixing eggs or cream.

# Always select the appropriate blade you wish to you use and put into the food processor.
# Lock the lid down according to you manufacturer’s instructions.
# Prepare the food you wish to chop (by trimming leaves, etc) and put the food into the processor’s feed tube.
# Usually there is a fill line on the bowl of the processor so do not fill beyond this line. This is especially important when using liquids!

# Use the plastic pusher provided with your processor to help move the foods down the tube if needed. NEVER use your fingers to push food down the tube especially if the motor is running.
# Be extra careful when handling the blades of your processor as they are very sharp.
# You can use your food processor for chopping, making graham cracker crusts, smoothing sauces, making soups or pureeing baby food.
# To chop food without making it into a puree you should use the S-shaped blade. It is important to use the pulse button and keep an eye on the food consistency.
With some practice, your food processor has become indispensable because everyone’s cooking styles and needs are different.

Safety first with Pressure Cookers

2011-03-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS

The modern day pressure cooker has a lot of safety features than in the past history of pressure cookers. It was usually inexperienced owners overfilling or adding too much water then creating an internal pressure that was beyond the capacity of the cooker to contain. While you may have heard horror stories of pressure cookers exploding, multiple safety features have made this a thing of the past.

Some important safety tips:
• A simple one but one that is usually neglected. READ YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FROM COVER TO COVER and understand how to use your pressure cooker.
• Remember NEVER open the pressure cooker while it is still under pressure.
• Never leave your pressure cooker unattended
• Never fill your pressure cooker over 2/3rds full – it can clog the steam vent.
• Make sure you have enough water to start.
• I always find this one amazing but people do try and do it – Do not use your pressure cooker as a deep fryer (i.e. fill it full of cooking oil) unless it is specifically marketed as a fryer!!

You should make sure you have the following inbuilt safety features in your pressure cooker –
• Pressure indicators.
• Double-locking lids.
• Pressure valves.
• Over-pressure safety systems.
• Steam release valves.

How do Pressure Cookers work?

2011-02-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Pressure-cooking is a cooking method that uses steam sealed in a pressure cooker, which is a special airtight cooking pot. When water (or any liquid) boils, it produces steam. A tightly-sealed pressure cooker traps the vapour that rises from the liquid. This in turn raises the pressure inside the pressure cooker, which then builds pressure inside the cooker. Under pressure, cooking temperatures can be raised significantly higher than possible under normal conditions. The super-heated steam created by these higher temperatures cooks foods quickly, evenly, deliciously. It’s that simple! Did you know that pressure-cooking can cook foods in 1/3 the ordinary time on average and often over 10 times faster. Compared to a microwave, the food tastes considerably better and compared to slow cooker, only takes a fraction of the time.

Here are some examples of approximate cooking times using a pressure cooker (calculated on using 15psi)
*Asparagus – 1 to 2 minutes
* Green or Yellow Beans – 2 to 3 minutes
* Broccoli Flowerets – 1 minute
* Broccoli Stalks, small – 3 to 4 minutes
* Cabbage – 3 to 4 minutes
* Carrots, small – 1 minute
* Carrots, large – 4 minutes

* Corn- 1 minute
* Corn on the cob – 3 minutes
* Potatoes, whole, large – 5 to 7 minutes (WOW! Think of the time it takes to bake or even boil a potato.)
* Zucchini – 2 minutes
* Pinto Beans, soaked, using natural release-1 to 3 minutes
* Beef pot roast, 1-1/2 lb to 2 lbs. – 35 to 40 minutes
* Chicken breast, frozen, boneless, skinless – 7 to 10 minutes
* Chicken, whole 3 to 4 lb. – 18 to 25 minutes

So you can see that pressure cookers not only save you time, money and nutrients but they are also energy efficient.

Advantages of owning a Pressure Cooker

2011-02-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

Need to know why you should own a pressure cooker?. We list all the advantages of owning a pressure cooker.

Pressure cookers are environmentally friendly as most foods cook 70% faster with 50% less fuel.
* You can use the pressure cooker as an all purpose cooking pot if you leave the valve open.
* You keep your kitchen cool by not generating heat while you are cooking your meal.
* Cook fast, easy, delicious and healthy meals in one-third the ordinary time (can be shorter than one-tenth the time depending on the food type.

* Many pressure cookers are stainless steel rather than the old fashioned aluminium.
* If you are still worried about explosions and other accidents in the kitchen with a pressure cooker ~ read on. You will be pleased to know that all high-quality models have multiple safety systems, including at least two pressure-release devices to guard against explosion and a safety lock in the lid that makes it impossible to open the pot while pressure exists inside.
* Meals cooked in a pressure cooker retain most of its nutrients hardly any escaping as steam.
The nutrients are not boiled out of the food as in steaming or boiling and you do not need expensive cuts of meat.
* Approximately you need one quart per person is the average serving size so a 4 quart pressure cooker would ideally cook meals for 4 people.

Benefits of owning a Pressure Cooker

2011-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Discover the many benefits of owning and cooking with a pressure cooker.
Learn how the Modern day pressure cookers reduce cooking time for beans, grains, vegetables, soup, stews, and it turns dishes that once called for advance planning and long simmering into spur-of-the-moment meals. During your busy day, gives you the time to prepare nutritious homemade meals fast and is perfect for the busy household, larger family groups, couples and the single person.

You can make ultra tender roasts, mouth watering corned beef, pinto beans, basically anything that you would normally cook in a few hours, you can make in less than an hour. Cooking times are reduced by nearly 70%, so you can spend more time with your family. Pressure cooking retains important water-soluble vitamins and minerals while cooking so meals are healthy and delicious. All you need to do is place ingredients inside, lock the lid in place, select the pressure and start cooking.

The modern pressure cooker has many new features that were not available on the older models, and now there are some pressure Cookers available where the cooking cycle can be safely interrupted to add additional ingredients, or stopped at anytime. Depending on usage and care, the gasket will need replacing every now and then, and occasionally some new manufacturers will come and go, leaving the consumer with no options. The old style hissing models of the past are gone and today’s new, modern pressure cookers are very quiet.

Yes it is great for people who don’t have lots of time for fussing around cooking.Modern day pressure cookers reduce cooking time for beans, grains, vegetables, soup, stews, and it turns dishes that once called for advance planning and long simmering into spur-of-the-moment meals. During your busy day, gives you the time to prepare nutritious homemade meals fast and is perfect for the busy household, larger family groups, couples and the single person.

Do I need a Slow Cooker or Crockpot?

2011-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to get away from today’s preservative-laden fast food and convenience foods, it’s time to rediscover your slow cooker. In the early 70’s slow cookers started to become more popular, Rival was the first to make crock-pots for in home use. As people learned how to use them, they were able to take advantage of all the capabilities that the crock-pots had to offer.

On a busy day, who doesn’t love to come home in the evening to the wonderful aroma of a hot already-prepared meal? Whether it’s a succulent pot roast, tender chicken or a simple casserole, slow cookers create amazing aromas and even better meals. Slow Cookers and Crockpots are perfect for today’s busy lifestyle. Meals cooked in Slow Cookers suit a variety of lifestyles and slow cooking is a great way to provide delicious home cooked meals for people and families on the go, and they produce flavorful meals time after time.

The best thing about a slow cooker, of course, is that it frees you to do other things while the food is cooking. You can place all of the ingredients into your crock pot or other slow cooker, and your food will be ready and waiting when you arrive home.

To maximize flavors when you create your own culinary masterpiece in the slow cooker you should -
1. Use a recipe specifically created for slow cookers. If you are dying to convert a traditional recipe to a crock pot recipe, there are some rules to follow. You will need to decrease the amount of liquid you add, as a slow cooker retains moisture and you will end up with more liquid at the end of the cooking time than you had when you started and this can dilute the flavors of your dish. To go a long with your slow cooker you need to take advantage of the large number of good recipes that are available. There are lots of recipes specifically designed for slow cookers so why not try something different?

2. Brown meat, chicken or onions beforehand. Many recipes call for you to put all of the ingredients into the crock pot raw – and that’s perfectly fine to do. But if you would like to enhance the flavor of your final dish by browning your meat or chicken and sautéing your onions before you add them to the pot. The modern Slow Cookers have removable cookware for easy stove top searing that fits in the base to finish the meal so you are still only using one pot.
3. Buy the less expensive cuts of meat. Unlike a grill which relies on high heat to cook the slow cooker retains the moisture of the dish and because the meat is cooked slowly over time, these less expensive cuts will melt in your mouth by the time they are finished cooking.

4. Cut your vegetables into small pieces. You will need to layer your vegetables if you want them to be cooked at the same time. You put the hard vegetables (potatoes, carrots or any root vegetable) on the bottom or against the side as they are the vegetables that need the most heat to cook in the moisture. The other vegetables are then layered on top of the hard vegetables.
5. Avoid opening the lid while crock pot is cooking. The secret to crock pot/slow cooking is the moisture it retains as it cooks your food. When you open the lid of a crock pot, you let out the steam and moisture, and this will change your cooking time (by as much as 20 minutes).
6. As with all new ways of cooking it’s important to follow the recipe closely, add each ingredient when the recipe calls for it – and then leave your slow cooker alone!

Benefits of a Slow Cooker or Crockpot

2011-02-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some great reasons why you need a slow cooker!
• The slow cooker requires very little power (about as much electricity as a light bulb)to operate so they save money on energy
• Due to their low energy they use they keep your kitchen cooler as they cook delicious meals.
• The long slow cooking retains the moisture so you can use a cheaper cut of meat and that will also save you money.

• You do not have to constantly watch it cooking
• You prepare your ingredients and cook your food when it is convenient to you.
• You can use items from your pantry
• They are quick, easy and convenient one pot cooking and if you have a removable crock this can double as a serving dish at the table.
• Free up your time so you can spend more time with family and loved ones

Sizes of Slow Cookers or Crockpots

2011-02-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Sizes in Slow Cookers

You need to select a slow cooker that suits your family needs. A slow cooker is often described by its size (measured in quarts) and they range from 1 to 11 quarts. Sometimes the smallest sizes are not necessarily even big enough for 1 portion, so be sure to go with at least the 4 quart size (family size). Buying a 6 quart or 8 quart size slow cooker is a great idea if you like cooking extra food to have leftovers you can freeze and eat at a later time.

A general guideline to size is:
• Single- 1 1/2 quart
• Couple-2 to 3 1/2 quart
• Small family of three or four -3 1/2 to 4 1/2 quart
• Family of four to five -5 quart
• Families of six or more -6 quart or more

Shapes in Slow Cookers
Slow cookers come in 2 basic shapes round or oval. The round shape is more compact and space-saving for cooking recipes such as stews, soups or curries. The Oval shape can accommodate large roasts such as chicken and other irregularly-shaped chunks of meat.

Features of a slow cooker or crockpot

2011-02-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

There are so many different models of slow cookers to serve individual and family needs including an array of sizes, programming and features.

They range from the basic manual slow cookers that have 2 or 3 heat settings, removable, dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid;
The programmable slow cookers give you one touch control with multiple time and temperature setting, removable, dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid.
The cook and carry slow cookers and accessories are great for meals on the go they have locking lids, carrying handles and travel bags.

When looking for a slow cooker here are some features to make you life just that little bit easier -
• Cool outer wall unit
• An Inner crock that is removable because it makes for any easy cleanup and allows for refrigeration of foods before and after cooking.
• A glass lid so that you can monitor your cooking without lifting the lid. If you lift the lid during cooking you will introduce a lot more moisture into your food. A higher domed lid would be best if you think you will cooking joints of meat or whole poultry.

• You need at least three settings or more.
• The Keep warm function which is useful if you’re using your slow cooker at a party and want the contents to stay warm for a few hours, or if you want to keep meals warm for late coming family members.
• A timer so if you are not there when it finishes cooking it goes to the keep warm function.
• An indicator light so you know if it is on.
• Cord length – Make sure you cord will easily reach the socket you want to use.

Cleaning and Maintenance of your Slow Cooker or Crockpot

2011-02-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

To clean and keep your Slow Cooker looking like new follow these recommendations:

• The slow cooker is an electrical appliance so CAUTION: Never immerse the heating base in water or other liquid.
• ALWAYS turn your slow cooker off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and allow it to cool before cleaning.
• The lid can be washed in the dishwasher (if it is dish-washer safe) or with hot, soapy water.
• For models with removable stoneware, you can remove the stoneware and wash in the dishwasher (if it is dish-washer safe) or with hot, soapy water.

As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand sudden temperature changes and remember DO NOT WASH THE STONEWARE WITH COLD WATER WHILE THE STONEWARE IS STILL HOT
• Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads.
• A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula will usually remove any residue.
• The outside of the heating base may be cleaned with a soft cloth rinsed in warm, soapy water and then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Food Handling and Safety Tips when using a Slow Cooker or Crockpot

2011-02-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

Food handling and safety tips when using a Slow Cooker
• Start with a clean slow cooker, clean utensils and a clean work area. Importantly wash hands before and during food preparation. This is very important if you are handling raw meat or poultry.
• Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time. If you cut up meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator.

The slow cooker may take several hours to reach a safe, bacteria-killing temperature. Constant refrigeration assures that bacteria, which multiply rapidly at room temperature, won’t get a “head start” during the first few hours of cooking.
• Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Choose to make foods with a high moisture content such as chili, soup, stew or spaghetti sauce.
• If using a commercially frozen slow cooker meal, prepare according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• It is important to avoid extended heat-up and cool-down periods. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), bacteria thrive at temperatures in a zone between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If you are not at home during the entire slow-cooking process and the power goes out, throw away the food even if it looks done.
• If you are at home, finish cooking the ingredients immediately by some other means: on a gas stove, on the outdoor grill or at a house where the power is on.
• When you are at home, and if the food was completely cooked before the power went out, the food should remain safe up to two hours in the slow cooker with the power off.

• For all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting. If possible, turn the slow cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe.
• It’s safe to cook foods on low the entire time — if you’re leaving for work, for example, and preparation time is limited.
• While food is cooking and once it’s done, food will stay safe as long as the slow cooker is operating.
• Store leftovers in shallow covered containers and refrigerate within two hours after cooking is finished.
• Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended.

Ideas on how to use your Slow Cooker or Crockpot

2011-02-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Are you one of the lucky ones who received a The Crock-Pot® or slow cooker as a gift? Not sure on how to use it? If you a beginner cook or even an experienced one the slow cooker is one of the best time saving appliances in the kitchen.
With high gas prices and soaring food costs Americans are now thinking about their everyday spending habits. Here are some ideas and tips on how to use your Crock-Pot® Slow cooker and how you can save money by using a Crock-Pot® slow cooker

• For an average family of four, dining out can cost you around $50. If you only dine out once a month that means you can save up to $600 per year. With a Crock-Pot® slow cooker, you can make delicious, home-cooked meals for less – enjoying more “family time” and home cooked meals while also saving money!
• You could organize a special night with friends and neighbors at home. This could be a theme night such as Italian, French or Slow Roasted meats. You then give each person one course of the meal from appetizers to entrees to dessert. Use the The Crock-Pot® Cook & Carry slow cooker or the the Crock-Pot® Dip master to take your warm, tasty food to the party without spilling a drop.

• Steak tenderloin averages $15+ a pound and is great for a special occasion cooked on the grill,but by choosing less expensive cuts of meat, like pot roast or stew meat, you can save an average of up to $50 a week or up to $200 a month on your grocery bill – now that prices for less expensive cuts are down 4.9%! The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker will take the less expensive cuts of meat and melt out fat, making them fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious.

In addition, a Crock-Pot® slow cooker, only uses approximately 75 watts of electricity on LOW and approximately 150 watts on HIGH. It cooks all day for only a few cents!

What size Slow Cooker or Crockpot should I use?

2011-02-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure what capacity your crock pot or slow cooker is? Or perhaps you are not sure how big a crockpot or slow cooker you need?
The following capacities are recommended guidelines only -
• 1.5 to 3.5 quart is best when feeding 3 people or less.
• 3.5 to 6.0 quart is best when feeding 6 people or less.
• 6.0 quart and larger is best for big family dinners and entertaining.

If you already have a slow cooker or crockpot and are unsure of the capacity there is a simple way to check what size of slow cooker you have.
Take a measuring cup and fill you crockpot or slow cooker to the rim with water. Remember to keep track of how many cups it takes to fill the slow cooker to the rim.
So it takes 2 cups to fill it than that equals 1 pint, and 4 cups equal 1 quart.
If your slow cooker holds 31/2 to 4 quarts, you should get 14 to 16 cups of water into it.

Earth Friendly steps

2011-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Would you like to make your carbon footprint smaller or be more Earth friendly with your recycling. Here are a few suggestions that CAN make a difference.

1. Make the world greener with left-over coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and great for plants that like acidic soil. Plants like blueberries, hydrangeas or azaleas will appreciate a sprinkling of coffee grounds on the surrounding soil. For other plants, try adding coffee grounds to your compost bin (up to 25%). You can even compost the filters – they should easily break down.

2. Try an eco-certified coffee. Eco-certified coffees are commonly available in the United States and many coffees are double or triple certified. Common examples of eco-certified coffee include:
Organic – Coffee that is labeled as organic should be produced in accordance with U.S. Standards for organic production. It is then certified by an agency accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, requirements include farming without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for three years and establishing a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests. North America is the largest importer of organic coffee.
RA – The Rainforest Alliance (RA) certifies coffee that grows where forests are protected, rivers, soils and wildlife conserved; workers are treated with respect, paid decent wages, properly equipped and given access to education and medical care. According to their website, thousands of farms have been certified in 19 countries.
Bird Friendly – Bird-Friendly is the shade grown (under the tree canopy) certification of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC). This designation is intended to help preserve the habitat of migratory birds. Certified coffee should be organic, shade grown, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

3. Bring your own Cup. Americans throw away millions of disposable cups every day. Bring your own mug or tumbler to the office or your favorite coffee shop. Some coffee shops even offer a discount if you bring your own cup. If you forget your cup, try requesting a bio-degradable cup.

What is in a cup of coffee?

2011-01-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

What’s In Your Coffee?

Have you ever wondered what’s in your cup of coffee? Below is a breakdown of some of the nutrients in a typical 8 ounce mug of coffee.

Nutrient	Quantity 1 mug (8 fl oz)*	Approx. % DV (Based on 2,000 Calorie Diet)	Benefit
Water	235.55 grams	Varies	An essential element.
Protein	.28 grams	.5%	Important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood
Calcium	5 mg	.5%	Chief supportive element of bones and teeth.
Magnesium	7 mg	1.8%	Aids in the body’s absorption of calcium and plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth.
Potassium	116 mg	3.3%	An electrolyte (a substance that maintains your body’s fluid levels) that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
Riboflavin	.18 mg	10.6%	A coenzyme that helps breakdown carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.
Thiamin	.033 mg	22%	Necessary for normal energy processing and for the health of the heart and nervous systems.
Caffeine	95 mg	32%	A natural stimulant that may provide some health benefits.

*Quantity information is from FDA Code Search 9210100. All information is believed to be accurate but not warranted.

A Tale of Two Beans

2011-01-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

People talk about Arabica or Robusta beans. Do you know the difference? Read our informative blog – A Tale of two beans.

Arabica and Robusta beans account for the majority of coffee production in the world. The Coffee Research Institute reports that Coffea arabica, known as Arabica coffee, accounts for 75-80 percent of the world’s production. Coffea canephora, known as Robusta coffee, accounts for about 20 percent of production. Is there a great deal fo difference?

Arabica coffee beans are used to brew coffees with a wide array of flavor profiles. The flavor of Arabica beans is lighter and more complex so they are the species of choice for most specialty coffees. The Arabica bean plants are more delicate and flourish in rich, moist soil from 900 to 2000 meters or 3,000 to 6,500 feet. Mountain grown coffee can be shade grown, indicating that it is grown under a canopy of tropical trees. Due to the terrain and the delicate beans, picking the ripe beans may be done by hand.

Robusta coffee beans contain a lot more caffeine, have a fuller-bodied harsh or neutral taste and are primarily used for commercial coffee blends, instant coffee and for some espresso blends. The Robusta coffee beans are hardy plants and are less susceptible to damage from threats like disease, pests, temperature variation and rough handling. Robusta beans can be grown at lower elevations (below 3,000 feet) and may be harvested mechanically. As a result, farmers generally get higher yield per acre and these beans have a lower price per kilo compared to the Arabica hand picked beans.

Some of the most popular commercial coffee blends combine Robusta and Arabica beans to produce an economic and tasty cup of coffee. With the advent of specialty coffee and gourmet coffee it has attracted consumers to higher quality brews and increased the demand for premium Arabica beans. No matter your level of coffee know-how, the expansion of specialty coffee has made it easier to explore a variety of great beans at your local coffee or specialty store.

Coffee terminology

2011-01-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

Ever picked up a packet of coffee or read an article on coffee and wondered what they were talking about?
Here is a list of the most popular terms in relation to coffee.

Blend: A mix of beans from two or more different places.

Cherry: The ripe fruit of a coffee tree that turns a dark red when ready for harvesting.

Direct Trade: Coffee that is purchased directly by roasters from growers. Roasters may travel to the coffee’s country of origin and personally evaluate the beans for quality and taste.

Fair Trade: Used to indicate that farmers have received a fair price for their coffee crop. TransFair USA offers a certification program.

Green Beans: Coffee seeds that are free from all coverings and ready to be roasted.

Organic: Coffee that is raised without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. To be labeled organic in the United States, coffee must be produced in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture standards and certified by an accredited agency.

Pulping: Removing by machinery the outer skin of coffee cherries. The machines rub away the pulp by friction without crushing the beans.

Roast: Before coffee is ready to be ground and brew, heat is applied to green coffee beans to develop desired flavor characteristics.

Single Origin: Coffee that is grown within one region. Coffees from multiple farms in one region may be combined to create one coffee. Certain regions are known to produce distinct flavor profiles.

Shade Grown: Coffee that is grown under a canopy of trees and the trees provide habitats for wildlife, control erosion, and help maintain soil quality. Organizations such as the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Rainforest Alliance have developed certification programs that include shade grown requirements.

What type of specialty coffees are there?

2011-01-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

When you walk into a coffee shop are you in awe at all the specialty coffees that are on offer? Not sure what to order? Here is a short list of the espresso coffees and what you can expect in your cup.

• Affogato: A shot of separately served espresso that is later poured over the top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato.
• Café Américano: Is a single or double-shot of espresso combined with up to five ounces of hot water. No wonder this is a very popular drink.
• Babycino: Is warm milk in a small cup and topped with milk froth and chocolate powder as this is for children there is no espresso coffee essence added.
• Breve: A cappuccino made with half & half milk, instead of whole milk.
• Caffe Freddo: This is a chilled, sweetened espresso served in a tall glass, often on ice.

• Caffe Latte or “Latte”: A ‘premium milk coffee experience’. Freshly steamed milk without foam served in a tall glass with a shot of espresso coffee.

• Caffe Mocha: This is a combination of chocolate syrup and a shot of espresso, topped with steamed milk and a layer of micro-foam and then finished with a sprinkled of chocolate.

• Cappuccino: Among the different types of coffee drinks, this is thet the king of Italian espresso. It is an espresso-based drink - 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foamed milk. Some coffee shops may sprinkle it with cinnamon or chocolate flakes on top.
• Caffe Mocha: This sweet drink is just your regular caffe latte or cappuccino mixed with chocolate syrup.
• Con panna: Like the beverage "macchiato", but whipped cream is substituted for steamed milk.
• Corretto: Espresso "corrected" with a touch of grappa, cognac, sambuca, or other spirit.
• Doppio: This has a double Espresso or twice the amount of coffee and twice the amount of water. Basically it describes two shots of espresso in one container.
• Espresso: This is a method of brewing coffee by forcing hot water (not boiling) at high pressure through finely ground coffee.

• Espresso Macchiato: An espresso shot with foamed milk and the Coffee to milk ratio is usually 4:1.
• Espresso con Panna: A shot of espresso with whipped cream on top.

• Espresso Lungo: Is a shot that is extracted longer for a bit of extra espresso; however this tends to maximize the caffeine but will mostly produce a more bitter cup.
• Flat White: Is a steamed microfroam milk poured through and under the espresso crème produced from one shot (1) of coffee extract made on 12gm of freshly ground coffee producing 38ml of essence.
• Hammerhead: It is an American term for a shot of espresso in a coffee cup that is topped up with drip-filtered coffee.

• Latte Macchiato: Steamed milk served in a tall glass rather than a cup that is “stained” by a shot of espresso coffee.
• Long Black: Often called the “American”. It is the ‘benchmark coffee without milk’. It is a standard espresso (Short Black) but lengthened by the addition of hot/boiling water.
• Lungo: An espresso made by purposely allowing more water to flow through the ground coffee than usual. (sometimes called an Americano or ‘long’
• Macchiato: Has a touch of steamed foamed milk added to a double shot of coffee extract made from 24gm of fresh ground beans producing 75ml of essence. Macchiatos are served in a glass.
• Quad: An espresso drink made with four shots of coffee.

• Ristretto: It is the richest and most concentrated espresso drink where less water but the same amount of coffee is used to make the beverage and creates a less bitter espresso.
• Short Black: A ‘pure intense Italian favorite with a biting crème head. It is traditionally served in glass and is referred to as Espresso by European customers.
• Viennese Coffee: Brewed black coffee of any roast or origin topped and served with whipped cream.
• Vietnamese style coffee: One of the very interesting iced coffee drinks that are strong and sweet. It is done by letting boiling water drip through the metal filter after it passes the coffee grounds for about 5 minutes then adding condensed milk and ice after.

Coffee statistics show that 50% of the population drink coffee. In 1999 there were 108,000,000 coffee consumers in the United States spending an approximated 9.2 billion dollars. The National Coffee Association found in 2000 that 54% of the adult population of the United States drinks coffee daily (NCA Coffee Drinking Trends Survey, 2000).

How to make that perfect cup of coffee

2011-01-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

We have been busy sourcing lots of ideas for our coffee week. In this post we give some recommendations for brewing that perfect cup.

We recommend you DO:

Keep coffee stored in a clean, dry place away from heat registers and vents or extreme cold for maximum freshness.
Use enough coffee (one tablespoon per cup or about 1 1/2 inches of coffee in a flat-bottom filter)
Make sure you use good-tasting water. Check your water source for softened or hard water. If necessary, run your water through a water treatment filter.
Use the correct coffee brewing equipment for maximum performance. We recommend a quick brew time, using a brewer that keeps water at 200° Fahrenheit (the ideal temperature) and mixes the grounds for full flavor extraction.
Use a thermal carafe if you plan to hold coffee more than 20-30 minutes. Coffee can be held in a thermal carafe for up to 60 minutes without losing flavor.
Make sure to clean your glass decanter every day.
Use only quality controlled paper filters designed to fit your brewing equipment.
Dispose of filter and grounds immediately after brewing to prevent drip-through of unwanted flavors trapped in used coffee grounds.
Clean your brewing equipment at least once a week (especially the sprayhead area).

We recommend you DON'T:

Mix fresh brewed coffee with previously brewed coffee as this will dilute the taste and affect the flavor of the whole pot.
Brew over previously used coffee grounds because all of the flavor has already been completely extracted.
Re-heat for serving any coffee with a temperature below 175° F
Serve coffee brewed with beans or ground coffee past the freshness date.
Let coffee "bake" on a brewer. Twenty to 30 minutes is the maximum time allowable for an open pot to deliver a perfect cup of coffee.
Serve coffee in pots or decanters that haven't been properly cleaned, since acids and other organic materials can taint even the best brewed coffee.

Coffee Week

2011-01-03T17:18:00.001-08:00

We know how you love your coffee. And BUNN Home Brewers are uniquely designed to do exactly what famous BUNN Commercial Brewers do: give you great-tasting coffee--quickly, simply and consistently.

A quick update on Mission Perfect Cup and how to make one.... Follow these easy steps you can take to enjoy coffee at its best.

The Coffee Villains

Did you know that coffee starts to go stale not long after roasting? Proper storage of your coffee can help you protect your coffee from the coffee villains and help your cup of java reach its full potential.

Air – Exposing coffee to air (whether whole bean or ground) greatly increases coffee deterioration that can affect the flavor of your coffee. Buying coffee in vacuum sealed bags or cans will minimize damage while sitting on the store shelf. Once you open the original container, transfer your coffee to an air-tight container or roll up the top of the bag (forcing out as much air as possible) and seal the bag with tape or a rubber band.

Heat & Cold – Extreme temperatures can damage your coffee. Therefore, avoid storing your beans or grounds above hot appliances or in the refrigerator.

Light – Harsh light will reduce freshness. If you keep your coffee in a glass canister, store it in a cabinet or dark location.

Moisture – Coffee is delicate and water soluble so exposure to moisture can change the flavor and dilute your coffee. An air tight container will help lock-out humidity. Also, moisture is another reason to not put your coffee in the refrigerator – your coffee will soak up the moisture and any not-so pleasant refrigerator smells.

The Coffee Superheroes

Are you ready to take your coffee to the next level? The Coffee Superheroes are here to help.

Beans – Have you ever bought freshly roasted coffee beans? If not, you’ve really not experienced a truly fresh cup of coffee. Coffee is at its best a day or two after roasting.

Many urban areas have local roasters and even small coffee shops that roast fresh beans in small batches. Why not buy ½ a pound and see if you can taste and smell the difference?

Grinding – Do you really want to bring out the flavor of great coffee beans? Try freshly grinding your beans just before brewing.

Grinding is a very important step in the coffee process. It creates lots of surfaces for hot water exposure - extracting the flavor of your beans. Getting the grind size for your brewer and flavor preference may take a little bit of practice. Beans that are too finely ground will expose too much surface area which will result in over-extraction and a harsh taste. On the other hand, overly coarse grind will produce weak coffee. For BUNN home brewers, we recommend a drip or fine grind, about the consistency of the grind circled in the below picture. We recommend using a burr grinder because they produce more uniform grounds than blade grinders.

Measuring – How much coffee do you use? It’s easy to use the “dump some coffee in the filter method.” However, using the right amount of grounds is an important part of making consistently great coffee.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America recommends using two tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounce cup. This is a good place to start but we recommend that you experiment to find your ideal brew strength. Is the coffee too strong or too weak? Record all the important details of the batch (beans, grind size, amountused,etc.) and adjust the next batch. Soon, you’ll have your perfect brew.

The Coffee Utility Belt

Now that you’ve learned about the Coffee Villains and Superheroes, you’re getting closer to brewing the perfect cup. By building your Coffee Utility Belt, you will be armed with the tools to save coffee one cup at a time.

Hydrator (aka The Right Water) – Coffee is over 98% water so good-tasting water is an important tool for a great cup. Any odors or tastes in your water will carry over to your coffee. If you use city or well water, you may want to try using a water filtration system or bottled water. Can you taste a difference?

In addition, extremely hard or soft water can really make a difference in your coffee. Water with a high mineral content can quickly build up in your brewer – requiring more cleaning. If your water is too soft, it may delay the extraction process or cause overflow issues in your funnel. If this should happen, you can contact Customer Service (link to Customer Service page) for a flow restrictor sprayhead.

Microblaster (aka Proper Cleaning & Maintenance) – When was the last time you cleaned your brewer? Making sure that your brewer is clean and free from lime and hard water deposits will extend the life of your brewer and help it brew at its best. We highly recommend washing your decanter and funnel after each use as well as periodic cleaning at least every three months.

Extractor (aka Filters) – Using a high quality filter will help you extract the best taste from your coffee beans. BUNN filters are designed to handle the water flow from your brewer and properly float the grounds for good extraction. Some filters may impart flavor into your coffee or cause overflow issues with BUNN brewers – ruining a potentially perfect cup of coffee.

Remember that “with great power comes great responsibility.” You’ve defeated the Coffee Villains, learned from the Coffee Superheroes and built a strong Coffee Utility Belt. However, your mission of saving coffee one cup at a time has only just begun. Spread the word and help your friends and family brew great coffee!

Secrets of Chinese cooking

2010-11-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

This has been on of the best selling e-books for last 5 years. In not only has recipes for a traditional Chinese meal but how to prepare the food for a traditional Chinese meal as well as the history of Chinese meals.

Check it out!

Vegetarian cooking and living Made Easy

2010-11-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is a step-by-step guide to a vegetarian lifestyle. Comprehensive resource including reports on E numbers, hidden animal ingredients, feed additives, super foods, fruit and veg guide resource, sugar/salt/flour poisons. If you are serious about your health you need to get this!

Check it out!

Keurig 53779 K-Cup Mini-Brewers, French Vanilla

2010-11-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Considered a classic - a creamy coffee, perfectly balanced, with a delicate flavor of vanilla. Includes 18 K-cups. For more than eighty years, Van Houtte has been roasting fine coffees according to the traditional European method adopted by their founder, Albert-Louis Van Houtte. They carefully select the choicest beans from around the world and roast them in small batches. This is how they are able to capture the distinct flavors and rich aromas found in every cup of Van Houtte coffee.
Price: $13.58

Click here to buy from Amazon

Keurig K-Cup Coffees Teas Celestial Seasonings English Breakfast K-Cups 18-pc.

2010-11-03T18:38:00.001-07:00

Folks in the English countryside have always relied on a hearty cup of tea to start the day right. The Devonshire English Breakfast tea evokes the flavors of a great teatime tradition. Celestial Seasonings blends the highest quality black teas from Assam and Kenya for a robust, full-bodied brew with a bright floral note. Stir in a touch of imagination and you'll be on your way to merry old England! Includes 18 K-cups. The largest specialty tea manufacturer in North America, Celestial Seasonings is the premier provider of all natural, great tasting teas and beverages brimming with flavor and inspiration. Celestial Seasonings teas are now available in K-cups, packaged exclusively by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Price: $9.95

Click here to buy from Amazon