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.

Crema is the red-tinted creamy foam that floats on the top of an espresso. It is made up of the natural oils, proteins and sugar that are found in the ground coffee bean. Espresso drinkers know that the art of making the perfect espresso lies in the crema being just right. It can take many hours for a good barista to learn the art of pulling the perfect espresso.

Today, espresso machines are so automated and fine-tuned that it is possible to pull a great espresso in less than a minute. However, the entire process relies on many factors to come together at just the right time and in just the right manner in order to be the best.

One of the most important parts of making an espresso coffee is the coffee beans that are used. The beans should not be more than two or three days old. This makes it important to either purchase beans often or visit a coffee shop that has a large volume of business and can guarantee that the beans are fresh.

Another bean trait that is vital to the perfect espresso is the roasting process. While some people might like dark roasted beans for their coffee they should not use them for espresso. Dark roasting coffee beans causes them to lose many of their natural ingredients and thus unable to form a proper crema on the espresso.

The beans should not be ground until just prior to pulling the espresso shot. This keeps them from losing their flavor as they sit in a container waiting to be used. A quality grinder that does not scorch the beans during the grinding process is also important.

In addition the quality of the bean is the quality of the water. The best espressos are made from filtered water. The espresso maker may have a built in water filtration system or bottled water can be used. Filtered water keeps the espresso from being altered by contaminants.

Lastly, the espresso cup must be preheated. This is vital to serving the espresso. The cup should be made for espresso; usually a demitasse cup with thick walls and a narrow mouth is used. The cup is important because the espresso will be hot when pulled and if the cup is cold it can cause the crema and the flavor to be altered.

Espresso coffee is not for everyone. It is an acquired taste that some coffee lovers can’t wait for and others won’t go near. For those who love their espresso, it is important that it be pulled with perfection and served piping hot.

-Sharon Chapman

Also, visit espressoxpert.com for more on espresso and espresso making!

Related posts:

1. Coffees There are so many different varieties of coffees that people...
2. Espresso Making the Perfect Espresso By Grace Chen Most of us...
3. Coffee Espresso Machines Coffee shops must have coffee espresso machines to make their...

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

These high end machines are typically for serious cafe and restaurant owners and come with all the frills – read about two of their top machines in the article, Franke Sinfonia:  King of Espresso Machines.

These high end coffee machines don’t come cheap, though, each running at over $20,000!

Related posts:

1. Coffee Espresso Machines Coffee shops must have coffee espresso machines to make their...
2. Coffee Machines Choosing the Right Coffee Machine Nowadays, coffee is all the...
3. Coffee Espresso Machine Coffee shop owners know that they must have a coffee...

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

I have to admit I’m a bit intimidated by all the coffee drink possibilities. While I pretty much tend to stick to what I know, I do like to learn about all the other options available.

Here’s my Coffee Drink cheat sheet:

Americano: A single shot of espresso with about 7 ounces of hot water added to the mix.

Black coffee: A drip brew, percolated or French press style coffee served black.

Cafe au Lait: Similar to Caffe Latte, except that an au lait is made with brewed coffee instead of espresso (the ratio of milk to coffee is 1:1).

Cafe Breva: A cappuccino made with half and half milk.

Caffe Latte: A single shot of espresso in steamed milk (the ratio of milk to coffee should be about 3:1). Can be flavored.

Cafe Macchiato: A shot of espresso with steamed milk added (the ratio of coffee to milk is about 4:1).

Cappuccino: Usually equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, sometimes served with cinnamon or flaked chocolate sprinkled on top.

Double/Double Shot: Two shots of espresso mixed in with the regular amount of additional ingredients.

Dry Cappuccino: A regular cappuccino, only with a smaller amount of foam, and no steamed milk at all.

Espresso Con Panna: Espresso with whipped cream on top.

Frappe: A cold espresso.

Iced coffee: A regular coffee over ice.

Mocha: A Cappuccino or Latte with chocolate syrup added to the mix.

White coffee: A black coffee with milk added.

Related posts:

1. Cappuccino Coffee Frothy milk foam floating atop a piping hot cup of...
2. The Secrets Behind Powder Cappuccino French Vanilla Drinks You love your powder cappuccino French vanilla drinks, but did...
3. Recipe for mocha latte The popularity of coffee shops across America has led to...

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

For instance, these Irish Coffee glasses for $2.95 each are sure to warm the spirits this season (the fact that they are also dishwasher and microwave safe only makes them more amazing!).

If color is more you’re thing, how about these metallic mugs in silver and red? The large (15.8 oz) is $7.95 and the small (5.6 oz) is $3.95.

If you need to keep your coffee hot (and who doesn’t?), how about this thermal carafe in goes-with-anything black or festive red? It costs $29.95.

For those who like to DIY espresso, here’s a steal–the Bialetti Moka Espresso Maker which produces 12 oz of fresh espresso made ot order for $24.95.

No related posts.

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

It’s no surprise, then, that I have become addicted to Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans. The dark, smooth chocolate is the perfect balance to the slightly bitter espresso bean hidden inside.

I have to buy a container every time I shop at Trader Joe’s. And it takes all of my restraint not to open it during the short ride home.

Click here to find a Trader Joe’s near you here.

Related posts:

1. Espresso Coffee Espresso is an Italian word that literally means, “pressed out”...
2. Gingerbread Coffee: A Tasty Trader Joe’s Treat Leave it to Trader Joe’sto come up with a reasonably-priced,...
3. Roasting Coffee Beans To achieve a good roast you have to start with...

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

And what better way to start than with the veritable coffee cooking bible, Sandra Gluck’s The Best of Coffee: A Cookbook, which features over 40 recipes such as Mud Pie, Mocha Brownies, and Hazelnut- Espresso Biscotti, as well as twists on classics such as Coconut Custard, Spiced Madeleines, and Mocha Fudge Sauce. From breakfast goodies like Mile-High Pecan Sticky Buns or Coffee and Cream Scones, to sweets like Espresso Caramels, Coffee-Nut Brittle, and Chocolate-Caramel Truffles, there’s sure to be a recipe that hits the (coffee) spot. In addition, there are recipes for over a dozen of the world’s hottest (and coolest) drinks, from Viennese Coffee, Cappuccino, and Turkish Coffee to Iced Mocha and Coffee Ice Cream Soda.

And if you’re still stumped for ideas, how about turning to Emeril, who can turn just about any ingredient, including coffee, into something to shout about. Click here for Emeril’s ideas about cooking with coffee.

Related posts:

1. Recipe for mocha latte The popularity of coffee shops across America has led to...
2. Coffee Drinks 101 I have to admit I’m a bit intimidated by all...

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