Tuesday, September 30, 2008

One Cup Coffee Makers Great for Decaf Drinkers

It is the fear of heartburn that often makes people shy away from coffee. Causing of heartburn upon consumption of coffee is a common problem that many people face. However, the flavor and aroma of coffee can be so inviting that many people risk heartburn to enjoy their favorite piping hot coffee drinks of various types. Indeed, it is difficult to stop coffee buffs from sipping in their favorite drink.

 

The real cause of the heartburn arising after drinking coffee needs to be ascertained. It has been thought that the heartburn is caused by the effect of the acids of the stomach leaking into the esophagus where they are not supposed to be. As a result of the esophagus lining coming into contact with the stomach acids irritation is caused at the linings and heartburn is felt as a result of the acid irritation. The taking in of caffeine has been observed to be a reason for such heartburn. Upon consumption of a caffeinated drink like coffee the body tends to produce more acid and the extra acid produced go into the lower esophageal sphincter. So, the high caffeine content of coffee can be help responsible for causing or aggravating heartburn.

 

A new technology has been developed referred to as the Hevla technology that seeks to address the problem of heartburn arising upon coffee drinking. Ardent coffee lovers can now get to find a ray hope in the way that the technology can help enable production of caffeine free coffee drinks thus negating the possibility if any caffeine induced heartburn arising.

 

The Hevla process seeks to steam coffee beans at a high temperature. This helps eliminate the caffeine content of the coffee beans while keeping the great taste and aroma of the coffee intact. Using these specially treated coffee beans to prepare single serving of coffee using one cup coffeemakers can deliver in a short time a cupful of piping hot coffee for you that has great taste and aroma and is free from caffeine.

Since only a few people may want decaffeinated coffee it is best to prepare the decaf for one person at a time using one cup coffee makers. Usage of one cup coffee makers will also ensure quicker preparation of coffee and the fast delivery ensures that the taste and aroma of the coffee is kept just perfect while drinking. So, using the Hevla process to treat the coffee beans and employing a special machine from among the one cup coffee makers of the day will assure a wonderful coffee drinking experience sans the risk of heartburn.

 

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Remembering the History of Coffee

When you sit down to sip your freshly brewed coffee every morning, pressing a simple button and waiting for your one cup coffee maker to whip you up your daily dose of caffeine, you probably don’t think about the history of that finely roasted brew you’re drinking. It’s probably such a habit by now you don’t even think about the machine making it.

Your coffee is an afterthought and because of that you might take it for advantage, but try to keep in mind that with over 1000 years of history and billions of dollars in industry, the coffee bean is one of the most beloved natural resources in all of early morning rituals.

The first recorded consumption of coffee is too far back to properly nail down. There is one story of an Ethiopian shepherd who notices the effect of a certain red berry on his flock. He partakes of the berry and is scolded by a local monk, who then takes and uses the berries for the benefit of his order. Another story tells of a group of exiled Arabians who boil and eat the special fruit to survive in the desert. Their survival is taken as a sign and the plant is named for the town, Mocha.

The actual origin is debatable but the effects of those first Arab traders bringing back the plant to their plantations in 1000 AD is indisputable. The world’s first coffee shop opened in 1475 in Constantinople, the first execution over coffee occurred in 1511 (as a local governor attempted to ban it and the sultan had him executed), and in 1600 the Pope baptizes the drink instead of banning it, a show of respect to the Turkish “infidels” they fought in the crusades.

The history of coffee takes it through heads of state the world over, introduced to every new country founded by an explorer and serving as an incredibly powerful industry as Europe began colonization of South America. Coffee’s effect on the world is incredible as more than 70% of the population has at one point or another tasted the morning beverage and a good many of those drink it every day.

Coffee shops are the places of historians and world leaders, construction workers and college students. The soothing qualities of a simple cup of Joe are older than nations, and as you sit and sip your own cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, watching TV or reading the paper, try to remember what those little beans have been through for you.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Comparing the Top Brands in One Cup Coffee Makers

Your coffee maker might be in need of a replacement. It’s true. Did that lacquered coffee bean finish used to be white? Does the basket hang by a single loose peg? Do you smell it, even after it’s been cleaned from the other room? It’s getting old, and you’ve used it nearly every day and will continue to do so; why keep beating a dead machine while it’s down? Start looking at your options for a new machine.

For those that own one cup coffee makers or find that their larger brewer is not quite as useful as they thought, brewing a half gallon of coffee every morning, you might be looking into the compact designs of a single cup machine. There are more than a few different options at your disposal when making your decision though? Which one is best for you?

Cuisanart – Cuisanart’s Two To Go Coffee maker isn’t exactly a one cup coffee maker, because it’s a two cup coffee maker, but it’s a steal and with two stainless travel mugs to brew into, your options are better than ever. The machine will cost you less than $30 in most instances and offers quick and easy operation with the hassle of too many features or massive amounts of cleanup.

Brookstone – Brookstone strives for elegant household luxury in their models almost always and their Tassimo Hot Beverage System is no different. With a single touch of a button, you and your guests can brew any number of espresso, hot chocolate, or tea beverages in seconds. The machine will set you back nearly $200 in the process, but with these kinds of options, you’ll never need to set foot in a coffee shop again.

Toastess – Toastess makes a couple of different one cup coffee makers, easily the cheapest on the market, and it shows. The machines are flimsy and tend to bleed flavor through the filters, but for $15, you’re looking at a simple, quick option when you’re in a hurry.

Kuerig – At $150, the Kuerig One Cup Brewing System is by far the best single cup coffee only machine available. It boasts not only a strikingly simple procedure – place the cup in and press brew – but offers minimal to no cleanup time, and doesn’t require any grinding, measuring, or filtering in the process. This is how single cup coffee brewing should be.

Black and Decker – Black and Decker’s single cup offering is a sleek, simple affair, and at only $20 it’s the best overall value of the bunch. Complete with a stainless steel traveler’s mug, a no filter basket, and one touch brewing, this machine is what the on the go (and on a budget) coffee drinker needs in their kitchen.

When choosing your on-the-go coffee machine, keep in mind what your budget is and alternately what you’ll be needing in a machine. If you plan on entertaining often and offering hot beverage options, the higher end models might be what you’re looking for. Otherwise, take a look at Black and Decker and Cuisanart’s machines.

Find more coffee maker reviews at A1 Coffee Makers Reviews.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Buying Coffee for Your One Cup Coffee Maker

When brewing your own coffee from how, you don’t have the benefit of a corporate hand stepping in with all the information and pre-taste tested knowledge that you don’t have. Not to say that Starbucks has the greatest coffee in the world, but they’ve tested it and it sells in thousands of locations all over the globe. You just ask for a cup of coffee and they know what they’re doing, for the most part.

When you get your new single cup coffee maker home or fire up your old espresso machine, you’ll be wondering what exactly you should go and buy to get the most out of it. You could always go the cheap route and stop at your local Starbucks and grab their brew of the season, but how often is blindly trusting Starbucks a good idea? No, you’ll want a basic idea of where to start; what you’re getting, where to get it, and how much to get.

First off, don’t buy too much coffee. Try buying in bulk first and going for as small an amount as you can. If you have a grinder, all the better; just buy enough to brew a cup or two and give it a shot. If you do this with a few different varieties, you’ll have a general idea in no time.

Know where you’re going. If you stop at the local grocery store, you may or may not get the kind of options you’re looking for. It depends on the size of the store honestly, but if you go to a specialty grocery store, a Whole Foods or Fred Meyer, where options are what make their brand name so important, you’ll find a huge array of different coffees.

Don’t be afraid to try the canned stuff. Folgers and friends don’t have to be all bad for everyone. There are some people out there who are perfectly happy with their standard coffee bought in a four month tin can. But, don’t buy a tin and stick with it. Give yourself some options by trying the better stuff too. You might find that you like the price of one but the taste of the other. Now, alternate a bit and give yourself a treat every now and then.

Try some gourmet coffee like those Starbucks and Tully’s brand coffees. They’re not all gems, but occasionally a special blend (I personally enjoy the Starbucks Christmas blend) arrives that will sit well. If you fall for something seasonal, you may want to back up your supply by picking a few extra up before it’s out of stock.

The act of brewing coffee at home is a liberating one for the avid coffee drinker. You’re left with the options to try what you want, when you want, without a corporation telling you what is “in” this season. Take advantage of it and you just might find that perfect blend of at home coffee.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Corporate Events Caterers and How To Choose

When hiring corporate events caterers for the first time it can feel a little overwhelming to try and find the best one out there for the most reasonable price. Following are a few hints and tips that can help you as you navigate the field. The ideal place to begin is to ask for personal recommendations from family and friends. Does anybody you know have any experience in hiring corporate events caterers?

Ask them to share with you their experiences, bad and good. Not only will they be likely to give you names of companies, but also they will warn you about some pitfalls to beware of. The next step is to take a look on the internet and see what information is out there for your particular location. For example, if you were looking for a caterer in the Washington D.C. area, you would start by doing a search for something like party rentals Washington DC. Then, take a look at some sites that rate these companies. It's always a good idea to read about what other consumers like you have experienced.

Once you have just a handful of companies under consideration, you should make phone calls to each of them so that you can secure a quote from each of them. You should have a good idea of the number of people that you expect to need to feed and which kinds of food they will want. You can negotiate with catering companies in several ways. For example, you can tell them your budget and then ask them what they will supply for that amount of money, while making sure that they know there are other companies being considered. You can also tell them how many people you expect and ask for suggestions. If you want to save money, one suggestion is to ask if there is a discount available if you order your item in bulk. Ask if they will give you a discount on a large order or if they have any current sales or special offers available. After all, you want to get the best deal for your money.

The bottom line is that when you're planning for an event like this you should really be looking specifically into corporate events caterers who specialize in the type of order your placing. Try to find someone with a lot of positive reviews on different consumer sites and be sure to get everything in writing before hand. Trying to find the best corporate events caterers at an affordable price can be a daunting challenge. Begin by asking for personal recommendations from family and friends. The next step is to take a look on the internet and see what information is out there for your location.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Fine Caviar from the World Over to Serve You

Parties are fun times and no party is complete without arrangements for special food to be served. It is the gourmet food fare offered at parties that takes our hearts away. Caviar can be a suitable delicacy to be served at parties. This is principally consumed as a garnish or as a spread. Serving of caviar on lightly toasted bread or crackers along with butter is acclaimed as a fine hors d’oeuvre. It is also common to find caviar being served with beverages like champagne or vodka. The caviar may be obtained from various fish species- the most commonly used fish species being the sturgeon.

 

Delicacy caviar obtained from various fish species

 

It is the eggs or roe obtained from the female sturgeon, a primitive fish species of the Northern Hemisphere that usually constitute caviar. These fishes are found in coastal waters, rivers and lakes. It is from the inland Caspian Sea- lying between Russia and Iran that most of the world’s caviar supplies is procured.

 

Among the sturgeon species it is the beluga sturgeon that produces the beluga caviar and the Russian sturgeon that produces the osetra caviar. Again, the stellate sturgeon produces the sevruga caviar. All these are varieties of fine caviar. The American paddlefish caviar- roe of a special fresh water sturgeon comes in many shades and ranges from pale grey to dark steel and has a smooth and silky texture and rich, complex flavor.

 

The Royal Osetra caviar is low-salt caviar obtained from the sturgeon fished in the Caspian Sea- Russian waters. The characteristic dark and rich color and incredible flavor and subtle sweetness make it so very special. Featuring among the rarest and the most magnificent of all caviar is the Tzar Imperial Beluga. This is near-translucent pale grey caviar. The large perfect pearls and delicate buttery flavor makes this stand apart.

 

Serving caviar secured from around the world

 

Caviar as secured from the world over is a highly esteemed delicacy. How best to serve it is the issue which concerns hosts offering the delicacy the most. The fine caviar obtained from various parts of the world and from various species of fishes are to be desirably served on lightly toasted bread or crackers together with butter. The bread or crackers are not to be made too hard by toasting in order to avoid losing of the taste. Utensils made of horn, wood or gold are traditionally considered as the best utensils to serve the caviar on. Mother-of-pearl and plastic utensils may also be suitable. However, utensils made of silver and steel- both carbon and stainless types need to be avoided as they have been known to alter taste and color of caviar.

 

Find resources on caviar and gourmet food and A1 Gourmet.

 

Coffee Making Options for the Campers among Us

In the vast and terrifyingly diverse world of coffee makers, there are a few situations in which you might find yourself that warrant a new purchase; road trips, a new job, or the ever gear conscious camping trip. If you’re heading into the woods for a few days and plan on waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise, catch a trout, or take a hike through dangerous terrain, you might want to be awake first. For that, you’ll need some good old fashioned coffee.

Your coffee options when camping are no worse than any other time in your life, whatever you may think. It’s possible to buy and bring with you a full service coffee maker designed to plug into a car battery, run on batteries, or heat up over a fire. It’s all in how much of a ‘roughin it’ kind of camper you want to be.

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide what you need. If you think you’ll be bringing along an entire troupe of friends and family, you might want to spring for a full service campers’ espresso maker. If you’re not interested in the slew of options that one of these might offer, you can go for something simpler. Coleman offers a 2-3 cup machine that will actually fit nicely on top of your camp stove. The basket opens right up and the filter pops in and out easily.

Then there’s the option of the one cup coffee makers. Coleman makes one in the same line as their larger brewers, but with a simpler, single cup method. With this model you have the option of buying one that fits on your stove, or if you’re driving into the woods, plugging it directly into your car for a quick cup of coffee. The options are great because on a cold morning, waiting for the coffee to brew, a couple minutes warming up inside your car might just be that much more enjoyable than freezing over a camp stove.

Of course, for the purists among you, there’s always the good old fashioned percolator. From the days of the great plains and wild west cattle runs, a simple coffee pot style percolator will fit nicely over your fire and brew one strong cup of coffee to get you up and running in the morning.

The options, like any other aspect of your coffee drinking life, are immense. When deciding what you want to purchase for your trip into the wilderness, it’s simply a matter of how you might like to spend your time and who you’ll be spending it with.

Get more information on coffe visit French Press Coffee