It was during the 1930s that physicists began discovering a slew of exotic atomic particles from kaons and muaons among other strangely termed discoveries. When informed, Enrico Fermi proclaimed that he would have become a botanist if he wanted to remember all of that yet, interestingly, this famous physicist later invented the process that was used in atomic bombs.
This is how I feel about coffee, actually. It may bring about a sense of romance and be a delicious treat, but there are so many names to remember!
For instance, there is the simple yet elegant Frappe consumed largely in Latin America and Europe. This tasty cold espresso is made with two teaspoons of milk and sugar along with crushed ice. For a variation in this recipe, add a quarter cup of crme de cacao and brandy.
The Cappuccino Borgia is the counterpart to the Frappe. This delicious creation consists of one quarter-cup orange (peeled) and one and a half cup of chocolate flavored ice cream. Take espressos to a whole new level by also adding six tablespoons of orange juice and a quarter-cup milk. You may find yourself speaking fifteenth century Italian with that one!
Head back to the twenty-first century Caribbean style with a Calypso Cooler. Add a couple bananas and two cups of coffee-flavored ice cream to a cup of extra strength, chilled coffee to whip up this delicious drink, but add a few tablespoons of rum and you may lose track of your luggage.
While on the subject of adding alcohol to coffee, we cannot forget about the Latin drink of Caffee Zabaglione which all starts with a quarter cup each of dry Marsala and sugar. Then, add in four egg yolks and a pinch of salt, wish and cook until thick. Include in the mix a cup of Italian roast at room temperature and you have made not only a beverage but also breakfast and a hangover cure.
Traditional Turkish coffee is known for its strong, dark flavor cut with cardamom, but the Scandinavians have also learned to put this ancient spice to use in the specialty drink Cardamom Kaffee. Mix an eighth-cup of cognac with two teaspoons curaco, one teaspoon sugar and a cracked and seeded cardamom pod. Microwave the mixture for approximately ten seconds, light with a match and pour on about a half-cup of extra strength coffee for a marvelous coffee treat.
Despite the many names, you must give credit to those inspiring such creativity when it comes to these fascinating coffee mixtures. They may not be inventors of giant atomic bombs, but they have certainly made a mark in the coffee world! So get your coffee grinder and pot and start experimenting.
About the Author:
Rob Carlton is writing first and foremost for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , an internet site with topics around how to choose coffee a bean grinder and coffee grinder recommendations. His
contributions on coffee grinder are published on his site.
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November 02 2008 | coffee | No Comments »
Mention gourmet coffee companies and the first company you’re likely to think of is Star-something or other. But another company is beating Starbucks in national taste tests.
Caribou Coffee has been ranked first in national taste tests and is the second largest coffee-house company in the world. Those taste tests compared Caribou’s coffee favorable to over 40 other brands. Caribou’s product must be pretty tasty to rate that highly.
The company was started in Edina, MN, by John and Kim Puckett. The Pucketts then sold the venture to Crescent Capital, an Atlanta, GA, investment firm. From a single store, Caribou has grown to 450 coffee houses nationwide.
Coffee beans and ready-made coffee, both hot and cold, are available at those stores, along with gourmet products like lattes, smoothies, loose-leaf tea and blended drinks. The friendly Caribou staff is happy to make your brew your way. Show your java preference by picking up Caribou Coffee clothing and accessories, such as tote bags and key rings. Of course, the coffee houses also have tasty treats to go with your java. It’s a great place to stop for your morning “starter fluid” or a mid-day pick-me-up. Bring your friends to a great place to socialize.
If you have a loved one who’s a coffee addict, show your style by giving a gift of Caribou Coffee. They’ll admire your good taste and enjoy your gift. With luck, they’ll share it with you. Buy your own too, so you have it on hand when you can’t get to the coffee house itself. It’s also nice to have a supply on hand when you have surprise guests over.
Going green is big business these days and Caribou has been doing its share to protect the environment. Caribou is working the Rainforest Alliance to produce an environment-friendly coffee. That effort has not always gotten the most favorable press but the company is determined to be environmentally aware in its business dealings. The company was also the first volunteer sponsor of the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Producer Support Fund to help other members who cannot afford to take part in association activities.
All this success has not come without controversy. In the days immediately after September 11, 2001, some people protested against the company because one of its largest stockholders was the First Islamic Investment Bank of Bahrain, whose chairman was Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Later in the year, al-Qaradawi stepped down from the post.
Now that the controversy has died down, the company can concentrate what it does best - making great coffee. There’s a reason that Starbucks is rated second to Caribou. Why not stop in and find out what that reason is? Look in your phone book or online to find the nearest Caribou Coffee outlet and grab a cuppa today.
Tags:
coffee,
coffee beans,
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espresso,
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October 20 2008 | coffee | No Comments »