Matej S asked:


I’ve been to Iceland last summer and was amazed by how darn good they make their coffee. It’s aromatic, strong and very dark and you can get it for free (!!!) at a lot of gas stations.
Since my return I’ve been trying to brew coffee that would be as good as Icelandic coffee but I’ve failed (so far).

So, does anyone know how Icelanders make their coffee? What beans do they use? Do they use normal drip coffee makers or something else?

Heidi

sage asked:


I am trying to achieve a good cup of homemade coffee…I have allready put a question out there on a good coffee maker but now I need your opinion on the best coffee grinder to purchase?

Roy

Anne asked:


I heard that decaf black and green tea still have large amounts of caffeine in it. I also heard that formaldehyde is used to decaffeinate teas. Is this stuff true?

Javier

boake moore asked:


Can a gourmet coffee be too perfect? That’s the criticism leveled at the coffees from Costa Rica – too much flavor, too balanced, too clean, and too smooth. And Mission Grounds Gourmet coffee is considered by most as the finest Costa Rica gourmet coffee by the locals – so why would you not drink the best gourmet coffee– the gourmet coffee considered to be too perfect and blessed by all.

Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire Circle, Costa Rica has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back over 65 million years. Today 100 or so show signs of volcanic activity and five are classified as active volcanoes. Most of the volcanoes in Costa Rica lie in the northern part of the country and in the Central Highlands; these are prime gourmet coffee growing regions.  The volcanoes are a key part of this country’s spectacular natural diversity. This is because they have played an important role in how the lush landscape of this region has come into being. Due to the many volcanic eruptions over the past millennia, the soil in Costa Rica is rich in many minerals and very fertile. This natural fertility contributes to the production of unique and exceptional coffee. Mission Grounds uses the finest shade grown top of the volcano coffee, the only pure number one select coffee. The number one grade is only grown in small quantities and we purchase all of it. So if you want the highest grade of Tarrazu gourmet coffee– you have to purchase Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee. Buying any other gourmet coffee is settling for second best.

Our coffees stem from the jungles of Costa Rica. Costa Rican Coffees are known to be full-flavored, with lively acidity, and are very fragrant and tangy. Arabica is the only species of gourmet coffee that Mission Grounds Gourmet coffee sells. It is the sole source of fine gourmet coffee and comes from a more delicate, higher-altitude tree and grows at a lower temperature than the Robusta bean. The higher the altitude, the finer the gourmet coffee will be. Arabica coffees receive only 2 hours a day of direct sunlight. The Arabica bean is harder and has a denser aroma. It is the bean of choice for gourmet coffee connoisseurs. It is the reason Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is the finest Costa Rica gourmet coffee. The best Costa Rican gourmet coffee beans, which are grown above four thousand feet and hand selected, are designated as “strictly hard bean”.  However, because not all gourmet coffee beans which grow at the higher altitudes are “Strictly Hard Bean”, we sort the gourmet coffee beans for the hardest gourmet coffee beans and remove the softer -”Cataula” gourmet coffee beans. The softer gourmet coffee beans are called Cataula to designate them as a byproduct of this sorting. Most of the Costa Rica coffees contain these softer less flavor gourmet coffee beans – but not Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee. Just another reason Mission Grounds is the finest gourmet coffee.

Single Origin Coffee: Estate or “varietal” coffees are unblended coffees grown on specific estates or farms in specific regions of Costa Rica.  With this designation the consumer is made aware of gourmet coffee varietal used, social practices and environmental practices (land conservation, recycling, natural fertilizers & no chemical sprays for example – (like our Signature Roast the Natural Organic coffee) employed in the production of their coffee. Our estate Signature Roast is considered by most the finest most flavorful organic gourmet coffee in the world. Costa Rican coffee has set the standards for fine wet-processed coffee for the rest of Central and South America and the world.  The most famous coffees by region are the Tarrazu – the best of the Costa Rica coffee. And Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is the best Tarrazu coffee – making it the best coffee in the world.

 



Bill

Lauren B. Wallace asked:


It is very important to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. When we are well rested we can focus better on our daily tasks. However, good quality sleep does not always come easily to everyone. Some people have to rely upon sleep aids in order to feel rested in the morning. For those of us who struggle with sleep, there are certain foods we can consume in order to improve our nighttime snooze fest.

One of the most well known of these foods is milk. Milk is great at getting us into the oozy mood because it contains a chemical known as tryptophan. This particular chemical is one of the well known sleep promoting substances. Some other foods which contain tryptophan include poultry, bananas, oats and honey. So if you are having difficulty sleeping, make yourself a glass of warm milk with honey and wait for the tryptophan to work its way through your body. Other natural sleep aids come in the form of carbohydrate-rich foods. Carb rich foods complement dairy foods by increasing the level of sleep inducing tryptophan in the blood.  Some great nighttime snack choices include a bowl of cereal with milk, yogurt with crackers, or bread with cheese.

Some foods you should avoid at all cost during the evening hours include: heavy foods, spicy foods, foods that are high in fat, foods with hidden caffeine (such as hot chocolate, decaf coffee, and tea), foods that are naturally heavy, alcoholic beverages, and protein. Heavy food has a way of making us feel uncomfortable; whereas, spicy food is often responsible for heart burn. Protein on the other hand is hard to digest and it contains an amino acid known as tyrosine which promotes brain activity. Therefore, if you ever had trouble sleeping, make sure that these foods are not on your dinner menu.



Kathryn

Ishak Iman asked:


Whether it’s Jamocha, Expresso, Cappuccino or cafe noir the flavour and taste of coffee continues to be the ultimate obsession! But at the same time, being enslaved with the addictive cup of mocha and quenching your brew temptation in expensive cafes and joints can literally leave you bankrupt. Believe me; making good coffee is not a herculean task. All that you need is the concept, quality and experience. If it still sounds confusing, this is all you need to read.

So let’s give it a start! It’s very important to purchase quality seeds, especially for those who are Columbian blend aficionadas. It hardly matters, whether you crave to have a fresh and delicious one or reuse the one left after the breakfast. It’s your selected beans which ultimately gives you the refreshing treat!

But at the same time, just don’t go for the colour of the beans or the fresh smell of it. Rather, it’s important to purchase only those beans, which have been stored in air tight packages. It is because, the very moment the coffee beans are taken out from the roasters, they lose their flavours and its various subtleties, on account of the exposure with air. You can also judge the quality of the supplied seeds on the basis of the valve factor.

So, what’s the valve factor? Well, if the coffee bags have just one valve, it’s meant for allowing the gases to go out of the valve and prevents the beans for the exposure with outside air. In the same manner, if you want more taste, just try grounding the beans, manually rather than through any mixer grinder. In case, you don’t have the time to grind the beans by yourself, choose a reliable grinder and always keep it clean. Any kind of deposits on the machine can be easily cleaned with the help of vinegar.

After grinding the beans, make sure that you immediately brew the coffee, otherwise the flavour will be lost. It’s very essential that the grinding should be done in the refined manner and its fineness should be similar to the brewing method which is adopted by you.

At the same time, you should use cold, fresh and clean water for mixing with the coffee. Always avoid the softened or distilled water.

Make sure that the post is warm and clean. As soon, as you brew your cup of coffee, drink it. Make sure that the coffee which you have made is ample for your emergent need. Always remember, nothing tastes better than a fresh cup of coffee. So, do not go for reheating the leftover brewed coffee. It will never taste the same and end up, conferring you with sour and bitter taste.

Lastly, the real taste of good coffee resides in its flavour rather than extra additions of milk, sugar or cream. At the same time, do not have more than two cups of coffee in a day. So relish the taste and have it lingering in your lips, soul and mind.



Michael

Grant Eckert asked:


A one cup coffee maker is a popular gift idea, mostly due to the varieties and flavors of coffee that are available. There is literally something for everyone. Besides emerging as a great gift idea, the one cup coffee maker has become a common sight in kitchens and offices across the country. Overall, there are several reasons that the one cup coffee maker has risen in popularity and usage over the last few years. The bottom line is, however, that fresh brewed coffee at home has become even more reliable and convenient.

It is no revelation to state that people prefer their coffee fresh. Even if you are not the first to rise in your home, a one cup coffee maker allows you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every time. Or, if you are the only coffee drinker in the house, a one cup coffee maker will insure that you can get one fresh cup of coffee without having to brew a whole pot or waste coffee grounds. As we all have learned, there is a distinct difference in taste between freshly brewed coffee, and coffee that has been sitting in a coffee pot for awhile.

One cup coffee makers are economical not just in the initial cost of the unit, but in other ways as well. The machine itself is smaller and uses less power than larger models, which can save you money on utility costs. For the more planet conscious coffee enthusiast, a one-cup coffee maker also can reduce your impact on our country’s strained power structure and the environment. In addition, making one cup of coffee at a time eliminates the waste of having leftover coffee no one wants to drink. A one cup coffee maker will cut your coffee costs because you will only be brewing coffee when you are ready to drink it.

The specialty flavored coffee that is available to be purchased for a one cup coffee maker is another reason these machines have risen in popularity of late. This aspect falls in line with the personalization features that so many modern-day gadgets offer. It solves the problem of different people preferring different kinds of coffee, either at home or in the office. Clean up and maintenance with these one cup makers is a snap as well. Also, they take up next to nothing in space on a counter, table, or desk.

Another byproduct of the one cups’ rise in usage is peoples familiarity with this particular kind of coffee maker. If you decide to give a coworker their own personal one cup coffee maker for a gift, due to the popularity of the item, they may already know what it is and how to operate it. If your kids drink coffee a one cup coffee maker would be a great present as well, especially if they are headed to back to college or are already attending and living on campus. A one cup coffee maker is a wonderful graduation gift to help freshmen begin the dorm life. Just imagine how many “incidental” dollars that will be saved for the student who doesn’t have to buy expensive cups of coffee from coffee shops, or the dining hall. Dorm rooms are notoriously short on space and a one cup coffee maker could fit well in a confined area, and help them through those late night study periods and early mornings.

A one cup coffee maker is also an appropriate gift for the young person who is pursuing a career in another city, moving into their first apartment, or otherwise spreading their wings as independent young adults. Most will need a little a little help from parents and grandparents, other relatives, and friends in accumulating the necessary items for their new residence. Speaking of which, a one cup coffee maker is an ideal wedding present for the couple just starting out in a life together, and often their first home as husband and wife.

The compact size and lighter weight of the one cup coffee maker is another appealing feature that has made it so popular. Your single friends would appreciate receiving such a gift. Your elderly parents or relatives, or the elderly neighbor from down the street could all use a one cup coffee maker in their homes. These one cup coffee makers are easy to operate and to clean for maintaining them. They are also easier for those with arthritis or decreased mobility to use safely.

You can find one cup coffee makers in your local stores priced quite affordably, although the selections may not be as wide as the selections in one cup coffee makers that can be found online. The internet allows you to compare several makes, models, and suppliers of one cup coffee makers to find the one priced and with the style that you like and want the most. Take a look and discover for yourself why once cup coffee makers have risen in popularity in recent years.



Megan

Karen Elise Nowak asked:


As a Communicator/Healer for animals and their human companions I spend time helping people and animals work through loss. It can either be the loss of an animal or the loss of a human. I have written articles on dealing with “Saying Goodbye.” On Monday, August 18, 2008, I had the opportunity to remember some of the words I had spoken to others grieving a loss, I said goodbye to my 17 ½ yr old siamese cat, named Mocha. One more facet of life and death came home to roost.

 Mocha and I were given the gift of six months to say goodbye. In February of 2008 Mocha was diagnosed with kidney failure. We both agreed her kidneys were challenged and began holistic assistance to find the balance her body would now have. We talked about many things. We talked about the diagnosis, the ageing process, and her physical bodies deterioration. We agreed that although her test results showed shut down, she could choose how she would live. I placed emphasis on the word LIVE, reminding myself it was her decision. In trying to hear my own advice and live in the present with Mocha, she told me not to be so understanding about it all. That it was a hard time for both of us. We had never minced words with each other and were not about to start now. I followed her lead and we had many precious moments living, how she chose to live, the ending of her cycle of life in this body. I often wanted to talk, to spend as much time sharing as we possibly could. She told me humans, in her opinion, talked to much and reminded me of that often. I reminded Mocha that is how humans primarily communicate with one another. I heard a very poignant “Oh.” This time I said nothing. Her wish was to just be together, to communicate from the heart.

Mocha Rum and I were companions since she was eight weeks old. She would make me laugh when attacking the dog and then a moment later, tell me they were putty in her paw. The memories are all pouring in now, having been stored for these very days. I would begin to learn to live without her body. As much as my mind knew, all that was true about losing her physical body, not her spirit, and her love, I still wanted more time. I had said goodbye to more than her. I said goodbye to another part of my life. I felt like I had been hit by something I couldn’t see after she died.

 As each day passes and each new experience is had, I feel the weight of her leaving. I drink my coffee in the morning, without her on my lap. When I am in bed, she is no longer on my pillow or on my chest. When I feed the rest of my animal family, I no longer make a special meal designed especially for her. When I sit down at night to read, she is no longer laying on me. I also know now, how so silently she was there for me, through the last 17 ½ yrs of my life. Each moment, of the first few days, took reminding my heart to feel the love I have for her, and to honor the hurt that was speaking louder, not to deny it. I want to keep the love we shared alive and honor her memory, by living and loving what she taught me. Sometimes to stay silent gives space to observe.(”I finally figured it out Miss Mocha”). That love is always there even if we can’t see it. That being surrounded by our animal companions speaks loudest in the silence.

 The love we cultivated while she was in body, with a final breath, was released to the universe, no longer being held tight by me. Her spirit has merged with the whole, in a form I can longer see. Her directness is in my thoughts, and in the silent memories are her love. And when I need it most, her memory reminds me to stop over thinking, just to be.

 We each have our own experiences of “goodbye.” From what I have learned, in the work that I do, our animals do not want us to stop living and preserve their time in body with us in a vacuum. There is a natural time of mourning and transition to be honored and lived. That time is different for each of us. Remaining in the flow of our lives, without freezing any part of it, gives life to the form our relationship takes on after their death. Letting it take its own course, guides us to each new experience, and to each new love. When we let the release of their body be a closing to future experiences of love that is a choice. To continue to open to new avenues of love with others, is also a choice. That choice is different for each one of us. Love is a gift to be nurtured, in whatever places it takes us.

Farewell my dear friend. You are forever in my heart.



Norma

Linda Wilson asked:


It’s time to start thinking about holiday entertaining.  Whether you are entaining a large group or just your family, you will want to make it something special.  And if there are diabetics in your group, it may cause you worry about beverages.  Following are some great holiday and winter beverages that can be enjoyed by all, including the diabetics.  Try Christmas Punch in a pretty punch bowl with some safe greenery floating on top; mint is a safe one.  Some may prefer Elegant Eggnog while others may be interested in Raspberry Hot Chocolate or Peppermint-Mocha Coffee.  Whatever your guests choose, you are sure to recieve lots of compliments.

ELEGANT EGGNOG

1 cup Splenda Granular

1 tbsp cornstarch

1tsp ground nutmeg

7 egg yolks

4 cups whole milk

2 cups nonfat half and half cream

2 tbsp vanilla extract

Mix Splenda, cornstarch and nutmeg in a large bowl.  In a seperate bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth.  Add to Splenda mixture and whisk.  Slowly add milk while stirring constantly.  Pour mixture into a large, heavy saucepan and place over low heat.  Whisk while heating until temperature reaches 175 degrees.  This should take about 5-8 minutes.  Remove from heat and blend in the half and half.  Pour into a heat-safe pitcher and chill for about two hours uncovered.  After two hours, cover eggnog and chill at least three more hours before serving.  May be kept in refrigerator up to three days.

NOTE:  It is very important to heat to a full 175 degrees to kill any bacteria that might be in the eggs.

RASPBERRY HOT CHOCOLATE

2 packets Splenda Flavor Accents, Raspberry

1 packet sugar-free hot chocolate mix

1 cup milk

Mix together the hot chocolate mix and Splenda Flavor Accents packets in a mug.  Heat milk and pour into mug.  Stir to dissolve.  Serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS PUNCH

2 pkgs sugar-free cherry Kool-Aid

2 pkgs sugar-free strawberry Kool-Aid

1 small can unsweetened frozen orange juice

1 small can sugar-free frozen lemonade OR 1/2 cup lemon juice

3 ripe bananas, mashed

3 cups Splenda

1 can unsweetened pineapple juice

32 oz sugar-free gingerale

3 cups water

In a large plastic bowl or other large freezeable container with lid, mix together bananas, Splenda, Kool-Aids, thawed orange juice, thawed lemonade or lemon juice.  Add pineapple juice, water, and gingerale.  Stir well.  Freeze until mushy or may be frozen for longer and removed from freezer a few hours before serving.  Thaw to mushy stage and serve in a pretty punch bowl.  For the holidays, float a pretty plastic holly sprig on top.

Note:  Do not overdo it on the punch as there is sugar in the fruit juices.  Take this into consideration when enjoying this punch.

PEPPERMINT-MOCHA COFFEE

6 cups freshly brewed coffee

4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate

1 1/2 cups hot milk

1 tsp peppermint extract

8 sugar-free peppermint sticks or sugar-free candy canes

Pour coffee into a large saucepan.  Add chocolate; cook on low heat for five minutes or until chocolate is thoroughly melted, stirring occasionally.  Add milk and peppermint extract; stir until well blended.  Garnish each serving with a peppermint stick or candy cane.

Enjoy!



Melissa

Pat Carpenter asked:


I’m not going to lie. Sure, I’ll admit it. I’ve been pushed past the point of shame, and have fallen straight into the abyss prominently named, “The Lonely Canyon Of Incumbrance.” I’m one of those people.

Yes, in my youth, I made some financial blunders and managed to sink myself into a molehill of debt. I refuse to call it a “mountain” — I refuse! It would only discourage me. But, between student loans and credit cards that got me through tough times (and a few luxurious ones), my “molehill” has added up to more than I want to mumble out loud. Let’s just say that at this point, I skim over the “account summary” section of my bills and go straight to “minimum due.”

Looking around my dark and scary abyss, though, I realize I’m in good company. Ninety-seven percent of bankruptcies declared in this country are non-business related, and millions of Americans have had to do it. Unsecured consumer debt has risen to an all-time high of $2 trillion, the highest in the world. Factor in mortgages — a type of secured debt — and we’re up to $9 trillion. Texas is plagued by debt, too. No wonder so many of us can’t afford those high premium health insurance policies. (Texas leads the nation with nearly 25% uninsured across the state - that’s 5.4 million.)

I won’t say it’s not my fault. Of course it is. Credit cards were easy; student loans were even easier. And while I worked all through college, somehow the red column in my non-existent financial ledger still added up to an atrocious figure.

Part of the problem, I truly believe, is that with credit cards so easy to get and use nowadays, our generation is forgetting how to manage money. We want what we want, and we want it now. Damn it. Credit card companies know this. They’re marketing to college students like never before, and the millions of students in Austin, Dallas, and Houston can attest to this.

After realizing I couldn’t afford health insurance and save my credit at the same time, I decided to start accumulating sound advice on financial planning, instead. After several free consultations with credit counselors, I knew there was hope. All I had to do was budget.

It sounds so terribly easy. “Of course,” you say. “I do budget.” But you may not be budgeting as well as you think. Three dollars a day on your favorite mocha frappuccino adds up to 90 bucks a month, which accumulates to about $1,000 every year. An extra $100 for that snazzy cell phone, when you could get a free one from the provider, is money you could be using to pay off a high-interest credit card. That doesn’t mean you can never have your mocha. It does mean outlining a realistic budget for it.

(1) Decipher what you really need, versus what you really want.

Everyone must have food, shelter, clothing, and, for most working individuals, some kind of transportation allowance.

Housing

In general, shelter should take about one-third of your income. With the recent rise in housing costs, this may not be realistic, but do the best you can. Be willing to take an apartment without a view for a little while. If you save a little extra on rent, you’ll be a lot closer to buying your own place in a few years.

Food

Reduce costs on food by buying non-perishables in bulk when possible (which can be done by joining a wholesale club, or special ordering products through a grocery store), sign up for membership discounts at those grocery stores (which are almost always free and painless), and use coupons! (Think of those extra three bucks as a cappuccino.) Watch for sales and stock-up on good deals.

Co-op groceries are also a great way to cut food costs. Some offer work exchange opportunities in lieu of paying membership fees, and even if there is a small sign-up charge, the savings and profit-shares you’ll get over the years will be worth it.

Plan meals ahead, and be willing to cook. Ready-made meals are generally more expensive, as well as less nutritious. Taking your lunch to work, and while out on day trips, can save thousands of dollars a year. If you have the space, grow your own herbs and produce, too. It’s fun, cheap, and quite easy once you know what you’re doing.

Transportation

Public transportation is a great invention. It’s environmentally friendly, and generally a lot cheaper than owning your own vehicle, particularly in large cities. Many employers even offer incentives, such as discount transportation passes, for taking the bus or subway to work.

If public transportation isn’t realistic, research carefully before buying a vehicle. Look not only into in-city fuel efficiency — which is different from how much gas the vehicle will use on the highway — but also warranties, maintenance schedules, and loan interest rates.

Look into buying a used car directly from the owner, as well. It’ll save you the dealership mark-up, and the seller can set a much better price for him or herself than a trade-in would provide. Just make sure to have a mechanic thoroughly check the vehicle over first.

Pay Down High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt eats more income than you probably even want to think about it. Credit card companies are happy to accept minimum payments, because it means they’re collecting amazing profits on excessive interest rates. Would you buy something if it was, say, 16%, 25%, or 35% higher than the ticket price? Well, that’s exactly what you’re doing when you charge something you won’t be able to pay off within the grace period.

To make it worse, most credit cards pay off lower interest rates first. That means if you transferred a balance onto your card for a great, low interest rate, but still have debt at a higher interest rate on the same card (or continue charging on that card), you won’t be able to pay down the higher interest rate until the entire balance of the lower interest rate is cleared.

While you should put something into a savings or money market account for emergencies, you’re losing money if you invest in those before paying down high-interest debt. It just doesn’t make sense to plunk $1,000 into an account earning 5% interest, when you could use that grand to pay off debt accruing three, four, five, or even six times faster.

Budget For Fun

It’s great to think you’re not going to spend any money on entertainment until your credit cards are paid off, or that last car payment is made, but it’s just not realistic. To keep yourself from splurging big time after months of deprivation, budget for fun, even if it’s only fifty dollars a month. Don’t be extravagant, and you’ll be alright. Walk out the door with a modest, set amount in cash after all your bills are paid, and leave all your credit and bank cards at home. This way, there’s no impulse buying or intoxication-induced spending.

Take It Away!

One of the easiest ways to trip up is having too much cash on hand. Use direct deposit. Most of the time it’s a free service provided by your bank, and it may even allow you to monitor and pay bills online. Many banks will also set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a savings account every month. It’s a simple way to save for emergencies without having to think about it.

Ask For Help

It’s okay! Have you seen all the commercials for debt management lately? That should tell you you’re not alone. Ask your bank about good credit counselors, and check out non-profit debt management companies. Ask friends or family members that are better off than you financially, and listen to sound advice. If this article bears personal significance, you’ve gone past the point of pride, honey.

With the right plan of action and proper execution, we’ll get out of this. I promise it’s possible; with the proper mind set, crunching the numbers can give you as much hope as dread. Hell, with good retirement accounts, we’ll even go out millionaires.

Getting your finances together can reduce stress and have a positive effect on overall health. Being aware of your health, and what you can do to safeguard it will certainly affect you as you age, and eventually your wallet as well.



Charlene