Customize your coffee: Create personalized beverages at home

(ARA) – Home personalization has extended to new heights, going beyond the trend of creating customized kitchens to creating customized beverages. Consumers are brewing up personalized specialty coffee drinks on par with those in high-end restaurants and coffee shops. In fact, “do-it-yourself flavor” is among the top 10 beverage trends of the year, according to The Food Channel, a leading online source for food industry trends.

This trend is due, in part, to the uncertain economy. Recent research from the International Food Information Council found that 79 percent of consumers cite price as a key factor in deciding which drink items to purchase in a store. With equipment and recipes readily available today, consumers are embracing this DIY trend and cutting costs by making their own custom drinks at home.

Whatever your taste preference, it’s easy to create personalized beverages for yourself, your family and guests to enjoy all winter long.

Hot-coffee indulgence.
According to the National Coffee Association, gourmet coffee continues to be a significant portion (37 percent) of total coffee consumed. If hot coffee is your way to pamper yourself, endless varieties are available, from classic French roast to Hawaiian Kona and New Orleans chicory.

Choose to brew your way.
To make great coffee, start with the right coffeemaker. Look for one that fills easily and lets you create large or small batches and different brew strengths. For instance, Calphalon’s Quick Brew 12-cup Coffee Maker offers both regular or bold custom brew settings – plus the flexibility to brew up to 12 cups at a time when you have a crowd, or just one to four cups for smaller groups. Brewing up to 25 percent faster than comparable standard coffee makers, the Calphalon Quick Brew 12-cup Coffee Maker won’t keep your guests waiting either.

Add creme to your cup.
Once you’ve brewed your coffee, personalize it further with coffee creamers. They’re available in everything from traditional vanilla, almond or hazelnut to enticing new combinations like honey-vanilla creme and white chocolate caramel latte.

Make it special.
Many specialty coffee drinks are also easy to make at home, such as mocha coffee, gingerbread coffee, almond coffee and Irish coffee. They can often be made with just a few simple ingredients from recipes on websites such as allrecipes.com and others, providing a fun way to top off a dinner party or savor alone by the fireplace.

Create a new blend.
Research shows more coffee lovers are buying whole beans and grinding them at home for a fresher, richer flavor. Take your coffee grinds one step further and become a true “Roastmaster” by creating a whole new blend of your own. Mix and match flavored beans or beans from different coffee-growing countries to develop new tastes and sensations you won’t find in your average cup of coffee. For peak flavor and the ultimate freshness, package your blend in an airtight container and store it in a dark, room-temperature location.

So go ahead and turn yourself loose in the kitchen. It’s easier than ever to customize your cup.

Related posts:

1. Coffee Blend Combining a two or more coffee bean varieties into one...
2. Expert tips for brewing great-tasting coffee at home Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee at home...
3. Flavored Coffee Plain and black is what many coffee connoisseurs consider to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

International Delight Coffee Creamer

I am loving the holiday coffee creamers from International Delight.  They recently offered five seasonal flavors:  Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Vanilla Spiced Rum & White Chocolate Raspberry.  I have tried every single one of these flavors and think they are fabulous!   The Gingerbread Latte is flavored with fresh gingerbread and creamy latte.  I like to use this in my vanilla flavored coffee.

Peppermint Mocha International Delight

This one is quite refreshing.  Peppermint and mocha flavors combine to harmonize a gourmet spin on coffee time.  I love this one and use it in my bold coffees.

Pumpkin Pie Spice International Delight Creamer

Thanksgiving, anyone?  This seems like the perfect creamer to wake up with on turkey day!  This delicious creamer combines cinnamon and nutmeg with creamy pumpkin pie spices.  Heavenly!

Vanilla Spiced Rum International Delight

This is the perfect creamer for everyday use.  Cozy up with warm vanilla and rich cinnamon rum flavor combination for a comforting cup of Joe!

White Chocolate Raspberry International Delight

This is a decadent treat!  The velvety white chocolate mixes well with the sweet red raspberry and the results are divine.  This is by far my FAVORITE holiday flavor.  They’re all so good though, I change it up pretty often.

Currently I have about four of these in my fridge.  I like how they turn an average cup of coffee into something special.  Get them while you can – they’re limited seasonal flavors!

Related posts:

1. My Stance On Flavored Coffee Drinks It seems that everywhere I turn these days, I’m bombarded...
2. Starbucks Holiday Gift Sets – Perfect for Holiday Giving!   I love Starbucks and cannot think of a better...
3. How to Throw a Fun & Delicious Coffee Tasting Party! One morning as I was sipping my morning latte I...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

* Regardless of what type of coffee maker you have, keeping it clean is the key to ensuring your machine is capable of brewing the perfect cup of coffee every time. Rinse the carafe and any removable parts with hot water and dry with a clean towel after each use to avoid build up.

* Choose your roast and don’t be afraid to try something new! While lighter roasts have a milder taste, a dark roast like Folgers Black Silk is a good choice for those looking for robust flavors. With its bold, yet smooth flavor and enticing aroma, Black Silk offers a nice change of pace to your morning ritual. If you’re looking to learn more about what different flavors and roasts have to offer, visit folgers.com or join the Wakin’ Up Club for coffee recipes and other coffee-related information.

* The type of water used in brewing can also play a significant role in the flavor of your coffee. A good rule of thumb: if you enjoy drinking your tap water, it should work well in your coffee maker. Bottled and filtered water are great options but you should always brew your coffee with cold water for best results.

* Just as important as selecting a roast is making sure your coffee is properly packed and stored to preserve the flavor. Once opened, coffee is best stored in a sealed container and kept in a dark place. Folgers AromaSeal canisters are sealed to preserve freshness and the snap-tight lid allows you to lock in the aroma. Never freeze coffee grounds – freezing can break down the coffee’s natural elements leading to a less robust flavor.

*Adding steamed or frothed milk to your coffee can be a real treat at home. The type of milk you use is up to you, but keep in mind that the fat content of the milk is what provides creamy flavor and texture. Heat your milk on the stove-top for best results and whip milk with an electric mixer, increasing speed as milk begins to thicken. Continue beating until foam doubles or reaches desired volume. Steamed milk will settle to the bottom. Foam will rise to the top.

*With the warmer days ahead, a homemade iced coffee can be a cool and crisp treat throughout the day. Save your morning coffee in the refrigerator then, when the day heats up, add cream, sugar and ice for a refreshing iced coffee beverage.

Related posts:

1. Coffee Roast Walking the coffee aisle in the local grocery store can...
2. Coffee Drinks 101 I have to admit I’m a bit intimidated by all...
3. The Best Coffee Coffee connoisseurs are constantly searching for the best coffee; however,...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Related posts:

1. Espresso Coffee Espresso is an Italian word that literally means, “pressed out”...
2. Coffee Espresso Machine Coffee shop owners know that they must have a coffee...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

“Baristas use a set of quality standards to handcraft the best, most consistent cup of coffee every time,” explains Jason Simpson of Starbucks. “With the right brewing knowledge and a little bit of practice, anyone can make a great cup of coffee in their own kitchen.”

Automatic drip and espresso machines are two of the most commonly used brewing methods. However, most coffee enthusiasts prefer using a coffee press at home, as this method helps to highlight the full flavor of the coffee. “Brewing a coffee such as Galápagos San Cristóbal from the Starbucks Reserve collection with a coffee press lets its distinct herbal, cocoa and spice flavors shine through,” Simpson says.

According to Simpson, the recipe for a great cup of coffee brewed through any at-home method includes four basic fundamentals:

* Proportion: The general rule for making coffee is to use 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of ground coffee for each 6 ounces (180 milliliters) of water. Too few grounds results in over-extracted or bitter coffee while too many grounds will result in coffee that does not achieve its full flavor.

* Grind: A grind that is too fine will trap water and result in a bitter brew, while a grind that is too coarse can leave coffee weak and without distinguishing flavor characteristics. Different brewing methods and filters require different grinds. Generally, a coffee press requires a coarser grind whereas an automatic drip machine works best with medium ground beans. If you’re unsure of which grind to use, ask your local barista for a suggestion.

* Water: Coffee is 98 percent water, so the quality of water used when brewing greatly affects the final taste of coffee. Always use clean, fresh water that is filtered or free of impurities. Water should be heated to just off boiling (195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 to 96 degrees Celsius) as it does the best job of extracting the coffee’s full range of flavors at this temperature. Water that is too cool will mute the flavor and dull the coffee’s aroma.

* Freshness: Always store coffee beans or grounds in an airtight container at room temperature and try to use within one week. Storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer can result in unwanted moisture from condensation and is not recommended for daily use. Coffee should be ground fresh each time it is made in order to maintain flavor and freshness of the coffee beans. Brewed coffee should always be stored in a thermal carafe and never left on the burner or reheated.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Related posts:

1. Coffee Brew Knowing how to make a good cup of coffee, one...
2. Customize your coffee: Create personalized beverages at home (ARA) – Home personalization has extended to new heights, going...
3. The Delights of French Press By Grace Chen Many people have heard the term, but...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Finding the Best Coffee

The first step is to disregard marketing and packaging ploys. These are strategically planned campaigns designed to convince consumers that their coffee is the best coffee. The larger the coffee marketing campaign is the higher the coffee price will be, which is what makes consumers think they are buying a better coffee. Higher price does not always mean better coffee.

Small, local coffee roasters often have superior coffee blends that aren’t found in large chains. These coffees are typically not heavily marketed and rely solely on the quality of the coffee to advertise itself through word of mouth.

Pay attention to the roast. The roast of a coffee bean can alter its flavor dramatically. Lighter roasts tend to be more acidic in nature while darker roaster is slightly more bitter and bold. Choose the roast that best suits the taste that is sought. High quality coffee beans have distinct flavors that will resonate throughout the various roasts in different ways. For example, a top quality bean that is lightly roasted will have a slightly sweet yet bitter taste. The same bean roasted to a darker coffee will be similar to a sweet yet nutty dessert.

Choose fresh roasted coffee beans when possible, after about ten days the coffee beans tend to lose their flavor and will continue to do so until they begin to taste like stale, unsweetened cocoa. Use freshly ground coffee minutes after grinding it to retain its freshness. Store the coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and if possible only purchase what will be used in a week to ten days for maximum freshness.

Finding the best coffee doesn’t have to mean knowing the difference between and Arabica bean and a Robusta bean, it simply means knowing how to get maximum flavor from any coffee bean or coffee blend. Choosing the best coffee will ultimately be based on taste and preference of roasts. There is no right or wrong answer, simply the answer that makes the most enjoyable cup of coffee for the person drinking it.

-Sharon Chapman

Related posts:

1. Coffee Roast Walking the coffee aisle in the local grocery store can...
2. Coffee Blend Combining a two or more coffee bean varieties into one...
3. Decaf Coffee Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in coffee, for...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.