Tag: Gourmet

Types of Coffee Makers

Many people have coffee makers but are curious what other types of coffee makers are available. Maybe you would like to try something new or your old coffee maker finally died and you need a good replacement. With hundreds of types of coffee maker on the market, you have many options available and are sure to find something that will suit your needs.

Before you buy a coffee maker you should figure out what exactly you want out of it. Are you a coffee addict who needs 10 cups a day or should you stick with a smaller single serve coffee maker? Do you need to grind your own beans and want a grinder built in? Do you want foam or options for espresso and cappuccino? Or, do you just want something cheap that will make coffee as easy as possible? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before going to find a new coffee maker.

Naturally, the easiest and most common type of coffee maker is the automatic drip. This is where you put some water in the back or side, put in a filter, fill it with coffee, then push start. Its ease of use is one of the things that makes this type so appealing. These can make just one cup at a time or gallons at a time. It all depends on what you want to use it for. The only thing you really need to worry about is the type of coffee you want to put into it. Quality coffee beans can be ground at stores and they can even be infused with flavors you like such as hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon.

The second most popular type of coffee maker is the manual drip. This is just like the automatic drip except you heat up and pour the water yourself. You just pour it into the holder where the coffee filter filled with coffee sits. It drains into the pot and you are done. These also make either single cup or up to 12 cups but aren’t usually used commercially. For people who love fishing, hunting, and camping, these are a good choice as they are portable and you can heat the water however you want. You can use a stove, campfire, even a hot car engine is an option if you really need a cup of coffee immediately.

Espresso and cappuccino machines are more for a selective person who knows exactly what they like. Unlike a normal coffee maker, these are expensive and you need to practice to operate them efficiently. They utilize pressure, foam, froth, and milk depending on the type of machine you buy. Espresso and cappuccino are gaining popularity and these are becoming smaller and more affordable than ever before.

In addition to these, there are many other types of coffee maker you may be interested in. There are old fashioned percolators, vacuum brewers, French presses, and much more available if you choose to look around. You can find anything you are looking for either on line or at a local retailer.

Popular Espresso Coffee Makers

Americans love espresso. They rely on it to help them get going in the morning; keep them going through the day and sometimes through the night as well. Here are a few of the most popular espresso coffee makers.

Braun AromaDeluxe KF510BK 10-cup Coffee Maker

The Braun AromaDeluxe is a fast brewing coffee maker. A Brita water filter removes impurities that can affect coffee taste. The premium Aroma Deluxe features a clock and timer so that users can set the machine to have coffee ready each morning.

Braun Tassimo Coffee-on-Demand 1 cup Coffee Maker

Fast and easy single serving coffee maker also makes latte, cappuccino, caf crema, tea, and hot chocolate.

Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200W, 12-cup Coffee Maker

The Cuisinart Brew Central Coffee Maker is totally programmable. It contains a built-in water filter and has a 12 cup capacity. There is no built-in grinder. There is a pause and serve function and alerts users when it needs decalcifying.

Cuisinart Grind and Brew DGB-600BCW 10 cup Coffee Maker

This thermal coffee maker grinds beans when needed, resulting in fresher taste with every cup. The thermal carafe is double insulated to keep coffee hot for hours.

DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Espresso Coffee Maker

The DeLonghi Bar32 Retro Espresso Coffee Maker is part of DeLonghi’s Retro designer line. The machine is said to be inspired by the 20th Century Art Deco and Bauhaus periods of the 20th Century. This machine does not contain a built-in grinder. It does make multiple cups and has a water tank size of almost 34 ounces.

Jura/Capresso Impressa E8 Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker

The Jura/Capresso Impressa E8 Espresso Machine and coffee maker is a high tech machine capable of producing espresso, cappuccino, lattes and long crema coffee. Settings allow for customized brewing of mild, regular or strong coffee. A grinder is built in, timer and cup warming surface are built in.

Keurig Elite B40 Coffee Maker

The Keurig Elite B40 Coffee Maker is a no-fuss coffee maker. The water reservoir is removable. The machine features single button brewing, the water reservoir is removable and indicator lights let users know if water is heating, if it’s necessary to add water, if the machine needs descaling and when it is ready to brew. This coffee maker does not feature a built-in grinder.

Krups XP 2070 Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker

The Krups XP 2070 is a programmable combination espresso machine and drip coffee maker. It features a a 10 cup coffee capacity and a 15 bar pump espresso capacity.

Senseo Single Serve Pod HD7810/75 Coffee Maker

This pod system coffee maker features a patented brewing system that automatically uses just the right amount of water and sends the water through the pod quickly and evenly.

Coffee lovers can choose from a variety of coffee makers. From single cup Senseo styles to ten cup Cuisinart Models, there’s a coffee maker for every drinker and every occasion. If all that’s desired is coffee, no problem. If specialty coffees are preferred, no problem. Fresh java is just a cup away.

The Secret for Making the Best Belgian Chocolate Fondue

One essential apparatus for making Belgian chocolate fondue is called the chocolate fountain. Basically, a chocolate fountain stands 2 to 4 feet high with multiple tiers. It is made of stainless steel and has a built-in motor at the bottom. The motor is used to heat the prepared morsels of chocolates on the heating trays. The central corkscrew will push the molten chocolate vertically upward through the fountain’s column. When it reaches the fountain’s top, the chocolate will flow like waterfalls. The chocolates will fill in the cascading tiers until the bottom tier is filled. Then the same procedure is repeated over and over again. Melting the chocolate can also be done using a double boiler or a microwave. Put the fountain in a sturdy base, near a power socket. Make sure that it can carry up to 40 kilograms of chocolates.

A chocolate fountain is available both in commercial and home versions. It can be utilized for different types of occasions including film premiers, product launches, parties, and bar mitzvahs. It is perfect for around twenty five people.

There are also chocolate fountains for rent. You can find it in party supply shops and catering companies. They can provide you with an attendant to ensure that the chocolate fountain is working properly, it cascades the chocolates smoothly, and no fountain abuse for excited children. This apparatus is rented at an hourly basis and include charges on the services provided by the attendants and the cost of chocolates used. Chocolate fountains operate for a maximum of two hours or less during the party and starts to function when desserts and appetizers are served.

Tidbits including cheesecakes, fruit pieces, and marshmallows are placed around the chocolate fountain for added excitements. Skewered these using toothpicks and dip it in the chocolate fountain. However, never put anything that can be easily crumbled when dipped in the chocolate fountain. Never install chocolate fountains outdoors because the chocolate aroma can attract insects and the flow may be distracted by the breeze.

Remember that chocolates contain higher amounts of cocoa butter, like couverteur chocolates which is perfect for making chocolate fondue. Make sure that you are using either the dark or milk chocolates. Chocolates that have low contents of cocoa butter can be substituted with vegetable oils. But expect that the taste and smoothness of the chocolates are affected. These Belgian chocolates are prepared from dried cocoa seeds. These seeds are first roasted and then crushed to become powder. After that, cocoa butter is made though a squeezing process. Cocoa butter and powder are combined adding milk powder and sugar. The proportions of each element determine the color of the chocolates. Black chocolates contain 70 percent of cocoa, milk chocolates contain more milk powders, and white chocolates are made from sugar, milk, and cocoa butter without cocoa.

The Belgian chocolate fondue fountain is a very innovative product which elegantly enhances wedding receptions, special events, and buffet. It is because it offers an exciting dimension new in making chocolate fondues. Your guests can be drawn into amazement especially when dipping strawberries as well as other appetizing desserts in the flowing waterfalls of chocolate. Hotels, restaurants, event planners, and catering companies can offer unlimited varieties of food services which can attract more clients. Purchase a chocolate fountain and make your own version of a Belgian chocolate fondue fountain.

Storing And Caring For Wine

Over the years, wine consumption has become more and more popular. With more and more money going into wine both as an investment and for later consumption, the history of the wine will always be in question. With this in mind, many people often wonder how they can properly store their wine and take care of it at the same time.

How you store your wine is extremely important. If you store it right it can lead to euphoria, while if you store it wrong it can lead to depression. When you tear into a bottle of wine that has properly been stored, it can be glorious indeed, while tearing into bottle of poorly stored wine can be quite the letdown. Often times, drinking a bottle of wine that was poorly stored is much like drinking vinegar.

To properly store wine, youll need to meet several factors, such as humidity, temperature, lighting, the cleanliness of your storage area, the angle of the bottle while it is stored, and the vibration of the bottle on the rack. The temperature is the most important, as you should keep it around 50 degrees at all times. This way, the lower temperature can help to age the wine. If there are any fluctuations in the temperature, you should make sure that it happens slowly. As long as the temperature doesnt go to high and it fluctuates slowly, your wine should be ok.

The proper level of humidity for storing wine should be around 70%, although it is perfectly accepted to keep it 10% above or below the 70% level. If you have too high of a humidity temperature, the labels can easily rot or mold, which can affect the wines value. On the other hand, if the humidity gets too low, around 50%, the cork could shrink and bring air into the wine, which would ruin it in little to no time at all.

The angle that wine is stored is important as well. If the wine stays in contact with the cork during storage, the cork wont dry out. If the wine doesnt stay in contact with the cork, the cork could dry out and allow air into the wine. You should also strive to keep the wine out of the light, as light can ruin any type of wine. Light causes the wine to age prematurely, making it in your best interest to store wine in a dark location.

To prevent damage to the wine from sediment, you should also store wine in a location that is free of vibration. If you store wine in places that are free from vibration, it will give the sediment in the bottle ample time to settle. Vibrations are never a good thing for wine, as the sediment becomes unsettled and can ruin the wine or shake it to the point where it tastes horrible.

To protect the quality and investment of your wine, storage and care is very important. Storing it in a proper location will also bring the best taste. In the world of wine, nothing is more disappointing than waiting several years to open a bottle of fine wine, only to find that it is nothing but vinegar. You can prevent this from happening though, by taking care of your wine. Wine isnt hard to care for or store, it just takes the right conditions and location. Everyone loves some fine wine every now and then – which is why storage and care is so very important these days.

Dont Miss Having Belgian Chocolate Fondue for Your Party

Different celebrations call for chocolate goodies, and it’s already considered as a tradition. The importance of food can’t be denied, and a party isn’t complete without a chocolate or even a cake. While the party may be composed of different cuisines, the meal which families or friends gather around unites them on a common ground. Different foods have different meanings whether it’s a weekly meal, holiday meal, or simply a special recipe of the family. But when you want to celebrate sweetly, nothing can be compared to chocolates.

For the connoisseurs of chocolate, each person’s preference is unique from chocolate cakes with frosted vanilla icing, whipped cream, to chocolate icings and fondues. Oftentimes, you can find old recipes of chocolates handed down through generations.

Christopher Columbus was able to find chocolate during the 1400s, in a place called the New World. Many people believe that the Aztecs were the very first people ever to taste chocolate before its existence was known. The Aztec considered it as their sacred drink which only the elite could afford. They know the cocoa bean’s value and even used it to buy gold. The chocolate loved by the Aztecs wasnt actually sweet, but they really loved their chocolate drinks.

When chocolates arrived in Belgium, the local residents there considered it as a superb gift because of its history and medicinal effect. The Belgians were able to create a praline filling in 1912, and packed it for gift-giving purposes. Soon enough, it became well-known as Belgian chocolate because of its unique filling. The Belgians are quite choosy with their cocoa powder, and they made sure that it’s of the finest quality. Every procedure is done by hand because they strongly believe that it can bring out the finest chocolate. Now, they offer a wide range of chocolate products loved by many people from all over the world.

Fondue is also one of the favorites when it comes to dinner gatherings and parties. The chocolate fondue is loved by many people because of its sweetness. It is also compatible with almost any type of food including cakes and fruits. If you’re choosy with your fondue, then you can also try Belgian chocolate fondue.

If you’re planning to have a party of any occasion, dont forget to include Belgian chocolate fondue. It can go along with any of your prepared food for the party. It’s not even hard to find chocolate fondue. By doing a search online, you can actually find many online stores that offer such product.

You can also buy fondue refills. The Belgian chocolate fondue is a sensationally dark, delectable, and dunkalicious chocolate dip. If most of your party foods consist of mandarin oranges, buttery cakes, and succulent strawberries, this is truly an excellent dip. By adding heavy cream, you can now enjoy the delicious chocolate fondue. The price is also affordable, and it’s available in seven ounces for only $12.95 (for the refill).

If you want to bring family, friends, and loved-one closer together, dont ever forget your chocolate fondue, and be sure that you get a Belgian Chocolate Fondue so that you’re sure of its quality.

Chocolates can do wonders especially in gatherings. Young children and even adults will surely love the delicious chocolate fondue that you served. And thanks to the Belgians, you can have a high quality fondue served on your table that is perfect for dipping any food item.