Barb's Coffee Break

Thanksgiving Coffee

2009-11-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

Spiced Coffee

1 cup water

1 cinnamon stick

8 cardamom pods, split

8 black peppercorns

3/4 cup half and half

3 tablespoons sugar or to taste

2 cups strong freshly brewed coffee

Pinch nutmeg

Instructions

Combine water, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and peppercorns in a small saucepan over medium heat. When water comes to a rolling boil, lower heat to low and simmer for five minutes.

Strain spices and return water to the heat.

Add sugar, and stir until dissolved. Add half and half; stir well.

Combine coffee and spice mixture and heat over medium heat until nearly boiled.

Pour into four cups and add nutmeg to taste

5 of the Most Popular Flavored Coffee Syrups

2009-11-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

Flavored coffee syrups are a popular method of changing the basic flavor of coffee. The flavor can be added directly to the gourmet coffee bean or directly to that freshly poured cup of coffee. Which ever you choose, syrup allows you to change the flavor to your own custom approval. Some of the most popular syrups are listed below and not listed in any particular order.

1. Vanilla flavored coffee syrups. Mmm, vanilla is a popular flavored syrup. Vanilla is actually a wonderful smell as well. Vanilla is popular because it is basic but adds a touch of elegance to everything it is added. Choosing vanilla is a popular choice for both beginners and connoisseurs of coffee. If normal vanilla is not quite your cup of coffee, then there are numerous other types: French vanilla and vanilla bean are just a couple.

2. Chocolate flavored coffee syrups. Almost everyone loves chocolate. Chocolate is considered a true delicacy fit for the highest of royalty. Chocolate can be either cheap or extremely expensive. However, chocolate coffee syrup is usually quite inexpensive and offers the coffee connoisseur the chance to have the authentic flavor of our beloved chocolate in our coffee. Nothing beats the flavor of chocolate in coffee. There are even specialty gourmet coffees that are mixed with chocolate: mochas.

3. Buttered rum flavored coffee syrups. Perhaps my favorite, buttered rum is mmm, mmm, mmm, delicious! Extras sweet for those coffee connoisseurs that have a sweet tooth. I have tastes some syrup that reminds me of those butterscotch life saver candies. Buttered rum is exactly that: a sweet butterscotch. Of course, many coffee syrups are also just rum flavored. These actually taste like the alcoholic rum. Usually, they do not have alcohol though. However, should you want that kick only alcohol offers, try using a bit of the real stuff.

4. Any assortment of mint flavored coffee syrups. There is a mint to suit almost anyones taste buds. Mint gives a certain "kick" to anything it is added too. In addition, mint is known for its claming and soothing natural components. Although mint alone may not be a welcomed addition to your daily cup of Java, many people love mint when mixed with chocolate. Mint is plain goodness.

5. Caramel flavored coffee syrups. Who doesn't love caramel? Caramel is an extremely popular choice in coffee flavorings. Caramel can also be added to almost any other flavor and have a creamy, smooth result. Caramel is usually the mixture of brown sugar and butter. However your favorite caramel is created, be assured that it is a bit of pure ecstasy. Caramel is delicious and a good way to add a sweetener to your cup of morning delight.

Whatever coffee syrup you desire, there is one specially created for you tastes. If you can't instantly find one, keep trying. It is out there. If you get brave, you can try to mix your own syrup. Coffee syrups offer sweet and flavor in one beautiful package.

Tana Ticer

Coffee Drinking In Finland

2009-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's time for a cup of coffee. Finns drink coffee anywhere and everywhere. More coffee per person is drunk in Finland than anywhere else in the world.

New Way To Grind Coffee

2009-10-07T00:45:00.000-07:00

February 21, 1909

A Mill, A Bicycle and a Pair of Feet to Do the Trick.

LATEST METHOD OF GRINDING COFFEE

A combination exerciser and coffee grinder is the latest product of the inventive genius of Curtis F. Smith, a Kansas City, Kas., grocer. On the rear porch of the grocery store at 2063 North Thirteenth street, Kansas City, Kas., a large coffee mill is connected by a belt with a bicycle which is propped up so as to act upon the principle of a treadmill.

When the Saturday orders are in, a small boy takes his stand by the coffee mill prepared to pour the coffee into the hopper. Mr. Smith mounts the bicycle and beginning slowly as though climbing a steep hill, he gradually increases his speed and bends low over the handle bars until the wheels of the bicycle and the coffee mill fairly hum. The Saturday coffee is ground in a jiffy.

Labels: bicycles, food, grocers, inventors, Kansas City Kas

Gourmet Coffee: Society's Modern Elixir

2009-10-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Coffee: the get-up-and-go juice of men and women around the world; the elixir every insomniac worships; and the drinkable oil that greases the cogs of our restless mind. Whatever coffee means to you, no one will argue that coffee has deep roots in the culture of our society. Coffee can bring two distinctively opposite individuals together in a ranting, super-charged explosion of camaraderie only describable as totally remarkable and inspiring. No one would dare deny that a good cup of gourmet coffee is one rung higher on that latter of inspired preeminence than an average blend of coffee.

What makes an average coffee better than average or gourmet coffee? This simple question is not so simple to answer. The process starts with a single, little, dark bean. However, that bean has an awe-inspiring story itself. The quality of a coffee bean depends vastly on where and how that particular coffee bean is grown. The cultivation process is as important as the elevation, temperature, and weather of the surrounding area of the coffee bean. Of course, the temperature and weather of the surrounding area is subject to continuous change; therefore, the quality of a coffee bean is going to change from year to year.

Not surprisingly, coffee beans are handpicked and handled with extreme care to produce the highest quality possible. After the coffee bean has reached the processor's plant, the coffee bean is separated, then is prepared for immediate roasting. The roasting process heats the coffee bean to an extremely high temperature. The longer the coffee bean is kept in the extreme heat, the darker the roast of the coffee beans. The darker the coffee bean, the less caffeine the coffee bean generates in that everyday cup of java. In addition, the darker the coffee bean is in the end, the less weight that coffee bean actually weighs. Surprisingly, Europeans enjoy a darker coffee blend than the American consumers.

Immediately after being removed from the extreme temperature of the roasting process, coffee beans are exceptionally absorbent. This is the most popular time to add additional flavorings and additives that make a good gourmet coffee. Of course, there are enormous optional factors to any gourmet coffee. Now we are going to explore these options and discuss in detail the enormous possibilities associated with gourmet coffees. Grab yourself a cup of java, relax, and let's walk, hop, or skip down this explorative path of truth as we explore the phenomenon of gourmet coffee!

by: Tana Ticer

2009-09-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

President Obama takes a Coffee Break

Irish Coffee Recipe

2009-09-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

1-1/2 ounces Irish Whiskey
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Hot coffee to fill one cup or mug
Heavy Cream

Instructions

Blend the brown sugar, hot coffee and whiskey in a cup or mug
Top the coffee drink with a quarter inch of heavy cream, but do not stir

You can top this drink with whipped cream instead of heavy cream.

The original Irish Coffee was invented by Joseph Sheridan head chef at Foyness, County Limerick. It is a cocktail and may be considered a variation of the hot toddy.

2009-09-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

Attention! Coffee Break

2009-09-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

"I needed a coffee break"

2009-09-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Before the invention of the percolator in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, coffee drinkers simply boiled water and added grounds and let is brew.

Checking my recipe box I found an easy way to make a tasty cup of coffee.

Ingredients for Recipe:

1 cup coffee
1 cup cold water
6 cups boiling water
1/4 cup very cold water

Recipe Instructions:

Mix coffee with cold water and beat together
Add six cups of boiling water
Boil for three minutes
Stir and add very cold water to settle

2009-08-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Coffee Break by Joanna Mersereau

Decaf Gourmet Coffee: Same Great Taste

2009-08-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous substances that coffee is known for is caffeine. Caffeine is one of nature's natural stimulants. As a stimulant, coffee has the tendency to increase a persons heart rate, increase or cause insomnia, increases the senses, makes the brain function at a higher level, acts as a diuretic, and increases the blood flow through out the body. This may sound pleasant to many individuals. However, other people do not receive this stimulating affect with the appreciative attitude as others. Of course, coffee manufacturers do not want to leave anyone out of the loop. They have revolutionized a whole new type of coffee bean: decaf gourmet coffee beans.

The trick for coffee manufacturers is to not negatively affect the taste and aroma of the coffee in the decaf process. During the decaf process, the coffee beans are soaked to remove the excess oils and materials that contain the caffeine. Once the coffee beans are soaked appropriately, the coffee beans are roasted as usual for premium coffee. This intensive process creates the best decaf gourmet coffee that is later exported around the world. Which means it soon finds itself safely packaged and shipped to a retail shop near you.

It is important to remember that Arabic coffee, not Robust coffee, is used to create the best decaf gourmet coffee. Arabic coffee is grown in hot and dry areas. The higher the altitude, the denser the coffees bean. A denser coffee bean means a better decaf gourmet coffee for consumers around the world. In addition, only Arabic beans contain the high quality needed for gourmet coffee beans: both decaf and regular coffee. Moisture in a growing coffee bean stunts the productive growth and creates a less flavorful and aromatic coffee bean.

Decaf gourmet coffee comes in most of the same options and choices as the regular coffee beans. Many people notice a unique, different taste associated with decaf gourmet coffee. However, many people agree that the unique features contained within gourmet decaf coffee bring a pleasant and refreshing change. Those that enjoy a truly good cup of coffee, get the coffee without the stimulating factors associated with regular coffee. Deciding to try decaf coffee is an opportunity to try something unique. Although decaf coffee is similar to regular coffee, the difference is more evident to many coffee drinkers. Drinking decaf may take time to adjust too.

Decaf coffee is usually sold along side regular coffee in all retail shops. The specialty coffees are commonly in both regular and decaf as well. Decaf and regular coffees are sold side-by-side in retail shops. Decaf coffee customers are increasing and growing in strength and as they grow, coffee manufacturers are recognizing the importance of meeting the demands of both markets equally. Opportunity has called, and coffee manufacturers have met the cry. Take a look at those decaf coffees along side your regular coffee. For a coffee experience minus the stimulating affect of caffeine, give decaf gourmet coffee a chance.

by: Tana Ticer

Kona Coffee is Hawaii’s Hidden Gem

2009-08-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular coffees in the world is Kona coffee. If you have never tasted it, you’ll be surprised to find out that even non-coffees drinkers find Kona coffee delightful. Hailing from the Big Island of Hawaii, it was brought there in the nineteenth century by Brazillian explorers. Today, you can find hundreds of small coffee farms in Hawaii that grow this glorious bean. In fact, it is so popular, there are even different types of Kona coffee, with the most popular being the peaberry version. You can decipher peaberry from the rest by its small coffee beans.

You may find that you may have to go through a small expense to have Kona coffee delivered straight to your door, and if you are serious about Kona coffee, you might as well do it right. If you decide to go down this path, it is strongly recommended that you buy the beans and not the pre-ground coffee. While it may be more convenient, the beans truly maintain much more of their flavor and aroma if they are consumed immediately after they are ground. It is strongly recommended to only grind one press full at a time, as that is about the capacity for consumption over the course of the day, and pressing anything more than one day in advance is a recipe for stale coffee.

If you’re looking to use a coffee press to make your coffee, you put the coffee in the bottom and pour hot water into the jar. Let it brew for a minimum of 4-5 minutes, then push down on the plunger. This filters the coffee, keeping the ground near the bottom of the press. At a tiny price of $30, you can’t go wrong with purchasing one of these at the store.

Getting back to Kona coffee: if you do decide to buy it, be sure it is 100% pure Kona, and not a Kona blend. Blends are exactly that: a little bit of Kona and a little bit of something else. Usually the something else is very cheap, sometimes stale, coffee. Lastly, if you’ve never tried Kona before, it is recommended that you purchase an 8oz. bag to start. This way, if you do not like the taste (God knows why), you will not be heavily invested.

by: Dickson Yan

What's the Best Coffee Machine for You?

2009-08-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Choosing a coffee machine does not just correspond to the specifications and budget to meet your requirements. It is also important to match your personality to the coffee machine.

The first thing you should consider if you want to buy a coffee machine is that it has to look good. Yes, it has to look good! First thing in the morning when you wake up, you are going to spend it to your best buddy- your coffee machine. If you want to start your day right, beautiful to your eyesight can add up in making your day. It's just like buying any appliance or furniture, where the over-all looks matter.

It is also important to know if you want your coffee machine to be automatic or manual. To be able for you to make a decision, let me give you the difference of the two. An automatic coffee machine already includes a grinder that grinds the coffee beans and dispenses an espresso or long black for you. Other automatic coffee machines can also froth your milk. There are many advantages if you choose automatic such as:

o The coffee is always the same. Just set the grind setting and temperature and you'll have the same coffee every time.
o It's quicker, you just have to press the button and voila- your coffee is done
o There's no mess for you are not filling the filter handle with ground coffee, leaving you less chances of spillage. Everything is held neatly inside the coffee machine.
o If there's any auto frothing feature, you're not messing about with milk jugs trying to get nice silky foam on your milk, everything is done for you.

Now, doesn't that sound perfect? On the other hand, manual coffee machines allow you to play with more setting. How hard you tamp the ground coffee allows for subtly different flavors. Different ground settings on the separate grinder allow you to tweak the flow rates. You can froth for cappuccino or latte. You can make three different coffees with different bags of ground coffee. This is why caffeine lovers hate to see an automatic coffee machine for they can't have other flavors they also love.

The deciding factor whether you choose the automatic or the manual coffee machines depends only to one question: are you a coffee drinker or a coffee maker? If you can't let go of your lifetime favorite coffee, choose the automatic. But, if you like to try something else, have the manual. But, if you like to try other flavors and still can turn away from your favorite, you can have both! That way, you can enjoy every cup of coffee you make without thinking you could have something else. Are we clear?

By: Hong Kirby

Diet Coffee

2009-08-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about a coffee that makes you slim? Well, slim coffee is not a new concept in the coffee market. It has been marketed throughout the world for decades now and that many people believe that these products can greatly aid you to lose weight and maintain your slim figure.

If you find yourself a believer of that hype, then I bet you would be happy to know that a number of slim coffees are available in the online market nowadays. All you need to do to find them is to know exactly where they can be found and purchased. But, this too is not a big problem as with lots of sites out there on the web featuring slim coffee, finding your best choice is highly possible.

Below are some of the most marketed slim coffee products available at online stores. Please read on.

JavaFit Diet Slim Coffee

Marketed under the brand name Javalution, JavaFit Diet is a gourmet slim coffee that is proven to help you stay fit. You can use it like any other gourmet type of coffee and let yourself enjoy its rich flavor and aroma. According to several claims, this product is highly considered as a slim coffee knowing that it helps to boost your metabolism with every cup you drink. Also, many of the consumers prefer this product for its being hand roasted and full-bodied. The coffee used in the formulation of this product originates from Latin America and is a coffee Arabica. You can enjoy a good cup of this product one cup in the morning and one cup in the afternoon. But, be sure to do this along with a proper diet and exercise.

Gourmet Slim Coffee(tm) with Hoodia

Another notable product in the market today is the Slim Coffee(tm). This weight loss formula is created with hoodia for one particular purpose - to suppress your appetite, helping you to lose weight. Perhaps the advantage for drinking this gourmet coffee is that it aids you to lose weight, but at the same time give you enough energy you'll need to start your day. Aside from that, this product is proven natural and made from pure gourmet coffee, and is clinically proven as a slim coffee. Note that you can find this product particularly at SlimCoffee dot com.

Slim Fast Creamy Coffee

Seen a ready to drink slim coffee on TV? Well, the Slim Fast Creamy Coffee is one of the popular coffee products that are proven to help you lose weight. This item is readily available for an enjoyable coffee break and is designed containing a balanced nutrition you'll need. It even contains high amount of protein to help you build lean muscle as you lose weight. Also, this slim coffee is made naturally, but artificially flavored to suit your taste.

So, some of the available options are given. Now, start your day feeling thinner and healthier with these slim coffees.

By: Hong Kirby

Enjoying Coffee At Home Or At Work…

2009-08-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

There are quite a number of health benefits from drinking coffee. One would be the theophylline in coffee which reduces the symptoms of asthma. It also has natural antioxidants which flush out the body from free radicals that contribute to cell damage and thus reduce the risk of cancer. It also appears to help in reducing the risk of certain ailments such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cirrhosis of the liver, gout, heart diseases and type II diabetes. It was also known to reduce depression and is popularly known to "perk you up" in the morning. It is commonly used by athletes to aid in lengthening their endurance for physical activity and their recovery afterwards.

Scientists have already had some proof that taking coffee breaks is beneficial to anyone especially in the workplace. Recent studies show that coffee can help an individual become more productive and allow their mind to function well. However, excessive coffee drinking also poses some negative effects as well. It is mostly due to a stimulant found in coffee called caffeine, which can cause stiffening on the walls of the arteries. Caffeine is also an addictive compound so it is necessary that you drink coffee in moderation for if taken in excessive amounts could lead to insomnia, arrhythmia, psychomotor agitation and osteoporosis.

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

By:Vicky2009

A Few Things You Must Know About Gourmet Coffee

2009-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

Vanilla nut
Cinnamon hazelnut
Pumpkin spice
Chocolate raspberry
Orange
Vanilla Almond
Chocolate Almond
Chocolate Mint
Chocolate cherry
Plain Old Chocolate
Chocolate marshmallow
Chocolate Irish cream
Cherry bomb
Cherry cobbler
Almond
Butter cream
Amaretto
Butter scotch cream

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

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

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

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

by: Dickson Yan

Espresso Mugs - The After Dinner Glassware

2009-08-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Are you hosting a dinner fund raiser for your favorite charity? If so, you should consider using promotional items. Promotional items will unify the entire affair, making it more visible to your guests. Promotional items will also make your fund raiser more credible, showing that you made the extra effort to solidify the event.

You can choose from all sorts of promotional items, but one promotional item that will really impress your guests are espresso mugs. When dinner is over, you don't want your guests to just pick up and leave. You would like for them to stick around, enjoy conversations, and continue to feel like they are a part of the charity. One way to do this is by serving espresso in espresso mugs. Espresso mugs are the ultimate after dinner glassware. People can sit back, enjoy their coffee, and have leisurely conversations with each other. A nice tone to the entire event will be set once these mugs are served.

Another thing you could do at the fundraiser is auction off sets of espresso mugs. You may have bought them at wholesale and discount prices, but since your guests are at the fundraiser to raise money for the charity, they won't mind what the cost of the mugs were to you. It really doesn't matter these mugs are really a nice gift to anyone.

Be sure to print the logo or special design of your charity on the side of the espresso mugs. That way your charity gets promoted during the fund raiser and then after with the auction of these mugs. Once those mugs leave the fund raiser and are in the homes of your guests, your charity will continue to be promoted for many years to come. Every time someone sees those mugs, they will think of your charity and possibly feel inclined to make a donation or volunteer their time.

Espresso mugs are the perfect after dinner glassware. Not everyone drinks wine, although wine glasses are nice promotional glassware, but just about everyone enjoys a good cup of coffee. Espresso mugs are just the thing you need for a fund raising event. They are unique and simple. They come in a variety of colors and styles and you can print anything you like on them. They are durable and long lasting and will help create the memories you need in order for the fund raising to continue for your charity.

At your fund raiser, keep your guests at the event by serving espresso in espresso mugs. The longer your guests stay, the more money you will raise. Have several sets of mugs to auction off so you really can make some money for your charity. Espresso mugs are a great way of wrapping up a nice evening among your guests and fund raisers and it will make everyone feel warm and welcomed.

By: Kim Medeiros

Enjoying Coffee in Ceramic Coffee Mugs

2009-08-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

What is better than a warm cup of coffee? For those who love coffee, nothing is better. There is something about that warm feeling and wonderful aroma when you take your first sip of coffee in the morning. It is a moment when time seems to stand still and it seems like there is nothing that can ruin that moment. Even at work, when you drink your first coffee it seems like the day is going to go by faster than you thought it could. Coffee makes the world go round and it is the second most traded commodity after oil on the planet.

Coffee also presents your company with the opportunity to market itself to its customers and those around your customers. In effect, it helps you market to those who know about your company and those you want to know about your company. How do you do this? It is easy when you give away promotional items like ceramic coffee mugs. When you give away ceramic coffee mugs with your company name on them, you are promoting yourself and giving your customers a gift that they will use for many years. In fact, if they are nice enough ceramic coffee mugs, it is possible it will become their favorite coffee mug.

One way to make it their favorite coffee mug is to put their name on it. When you put a customer's name on a coffee mug, you are giving them a gift that will be special to them. If it is special to them, they will use it as much as they can. The more they use it, the more people who will see it. The more people that see that mug the more advertising you get. That is how promotional items work. You are trying to give them away so you can promote your company and they usually always work like a charm.

Such is the case with ceramic coffee mugs that you give to your customers. You can give them away for a number of reasons. You may send them out to your customers as part of a thank you package at the end of the year, or you may give them to customers when they buy a certain quantity of items from you. Either way, you are showing your customers that you appreciate their business and if you appreciate their business, that creates a great deal of opportunity for future business.

By giving away ceramic coffee mugs to your customers, you are marketing yourself in a way that is cheaper and more effective than newspaper advertising or advertising yourself on television and the radio. You may not reach as many customers but it costs you less to reach the customers you do and you get a longer shelf life with the coffee mug marketing as well. While newspaper ads last a week and television ads last 15 seconds, your coffee mug can stick around for decades.

by: Amin Ramjee

Morning Coffee and News

2009-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

This morning was my first opportunity in the past two weeks to enjoy a good cup of coffee, and scan some of the cable news channels.

My morning favorite is to sip a steaming mug of drip coffee. I make drip with fresh roasted coffee beans, ground to medium size and using filtered water at just below boiling, with three scoops of coffee grounds. The aroma was heavenly as the brew dripped, and knowing I would relish the taste and a little quite time. I picked up my remote and flipped from one channel to the other.

My attention was drawn to the headlines; Michael Jackson’s drug abuse, custody battle for Michael’s three children, was this news or just the stations looking for ratings?

Then the Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, was this used by the GOP to draw attention to their party?

Healthcare was the big issue, can the country afford to pay for the poor? Maybe the underprivileged who do not have enough common sense to work hard at lying and cheating their way into wealth don’t deserve to see a doctor, and be given an operation or have a life threaten illness treated?

I picked up my mug took a sip and the coffee was cold!

by: Barbara Stevenson

Wake Up to a Cup

2009-06-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Morning is the best time of day for a steaming cup of coffee. My first cup is the best, I like the hint of hazelnut added. The first cup gives that running start. I shower, do my hair, dress and apply makeup, before I'm in need of a refill.

The second cup is the out of the door cup, with a once over my TO DO LIST, I slip my shoes on and head for the door. When I start my work day I don't need a pick me up because I wake up to a cup.

Coffee use has come along way since its discovery by an Arab goatherder, around the ninth century. From the hills of Ethiopia its use had spread the world. Is there a best time of the day to enjoy a steaming cup. Some like it with breakfast, others like the sweet rich taste after dinner. Then there are the coffee nuts who drink it all day. There are many different types of coffee available to us in the United States, but I like colombian. Tell me what do you drink? What is your favorite brew?

by: Barbara Stevenson