Archive for October, 2008

 

Coffee:cappuccino

Friday, October 31st, 2008
latte
mahasamut asked:


“Cappuccino” is yet another household name to coffee lovers. The ingredients are pretty much identical to the much-loved “Cafe Latte” from our last issue. A cup of cappuccino also simply contains hot milk and milk foam. The slight difference is that cappuccino boasts more foam than latte, which means less milk of course.

So, a cup of cappuccino will give you a more intense, sophisticated, bitter taste of coffee (since there’s less milk in the way, the real coffee taste exudes and conquers the cup). The milk foam the just-right proportion of the divine milk foam, is idealistic fun for those who love soft, smooth, tickly sensation of the bubbly foam!(though, it will evaporate after a while if you leave it on the table..)

Another tip is to sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg powder even cocoa powder, on your cappuccino to spice up or sweeten up the flavor. It’s your choice!

read more http://coffee-forlife.blogspot.com



Jonathan

 

Does anyone know how to make the chocolate sauce like the one Starbucks use for their Mocha drink? Thanks?

Friday, October 31st, 2008
mocha
jin_hakuma asked:


I have been trying to make the Ice Mocha on my own, and I love the taste of the Starbuck chocolate sauce (not the syrup) that they put in. Asked but Starbucks does not sell that sauce. Does anyone know how to make that sauce? Been trying to use several kinds of chocolate powder, but none is closed. Any info would help. Thanks.

Nicole

 

Are Energy Drinks Safe?

Thursday, October 30th, 2008
starbucks
Dave Elger asked:


Need an energy boost? More people than ever are turning to so called energy drinks for increased stamina, alertness, better workouts, late night partying, and who knows what else. It’s now estimated that there are as many as 200 different brands of energy drinks in the U.S., bringing in close to 1 billion dollars in annual sales.

You can probably guess where the kick in these drinks comes from. An 8 oz AMP (a Mountain Dew spin-off) has 77 mg of caffeine. An 8.3-ounce Red Bull contains 70 mg. The University of Florida College of Medicine recently found 105 mg of caffeine in a 6.5 oz can of Starbucks Doubleshot. By comparison, a typical 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee has around 85 mg of caffeine.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting the amount of caffeine in a 12 oz soda to 65 mg, but energy drinks are not regulated and many exceed that threshold by a wide margin. Is this much caffeine dangerous?

Since the level of caffeine per ounce is similar to regular coffee, indulging in an occasional energy drink is probably safe for most adults. Problems can arise, however, when energy drinks are added to a diet already loaded with caffeine. Children, pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, or those who are hypersensitive to caffeine should be careful with energy drinks. Since caffeine and prolonged exercise both promote dehydration, using energy drink before such activity is not recommended.

The common practice of mixing energy drinks with alcohol is also strongly discouraged. One is a stimulant, and one is a depressant, and both contribute to dehydration. While many mistakenly believe that extra caffeine negates the affects of alcohol, the reality is that blood alcohol will remain the same with or without the added energy drink, along with your level of intoxication.

Besides caffeine, many energy drink companies have added vitamins, amino acids and other “natural” ingredients, a few of which the impact on health are not well known. Don’t forget sugar- a regular 8.3 oz can of Red Bull has 27 grams, or 110 calories.

If you are looking for a cheap buzz, choose regular coffee over energy drinks (unless you drink at Starbucks). The typical 8 oz energy drink will cost more than $2.

There is probably nothing wrong with an occasional energy drink for most people, but they may pose problems for those who choose to push the limits.



Glenda

 

Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
coffee
Bridget Mouton asked:


Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Romantic Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Many people like coffee but some love it to distraction.  These coffee connoisseurs know the brands that they like or the store that makes the best coffee.  If you are looking for gifts for your coffee lover, here are a few ideas.

1. Coffee Mugs

There’s nothing better than a steaming cup of hot coffee in your favorite mug.  Give them several mugs to choose from so that no matter which mug they use, it is a good one that will bring a smile to their face with each sip.  If they like a certain brand, order coffee mugs with the company’s logo for the coffee lover in your life.

2. Membership to a Coffee Club

Some coffee lovers really enjoy trying new flavors.  One of the best ways to do so is through a membership in a coffee club.  Boca Java is a coffee membership club that offers new flavors each season.  They provide fresh ground coffee or whole bean depending on the subscriber’s preferred tastes.  They ship every four, seven, or twelve weeks.  If your coffee lover doesn’t like the membership they are free to cancel at any time.

3. Coffee Machine

Nothing says love to a coffee guru like a new coffee machine.  Get him or her the latest machine that does everything.  There are brew stations that make cup by cup of coffee or a certain number of cups.  You can purchase a machine that grinds the beans before it brews or, give them an espresso/cappuccino maker to enjoy drinks at home when they doesn’t feel like heading out for their favorite cup. 

4. Coffee Gift Basket

Gift baskets are like Christmas every day.  They can contain several gifts in one package.  You can purchase a gift basket online, in a coffee store, or come up with one of your own.  For those who like a variety of coffee, don’t forget to add several bags of their favorite flavors.  Add a cute coffee mug, some flavored spoons and creamers, etc. Including shirts, pens, and other items that cater to his or her coffee cravings will help them to remember your gift with items that are useful beyond just the coffee itself.

5. Flavored Spoons and Such

Sweet treats are a complement to just about any cup of coffee.  Flavored spoons that are covered in chocolate and other flavors enhance the coffee, not to mention they are fun too.  Instead of powdered creamer, offer the coffee lover tasty flavors like caramel crème and French vanilla for his or her first morning cup of Joe.

Coffee doesn’t have to be boring anymore.  If you love a coffee lover, make their experience of drinking coffee special with a few choice gifts like the ones above.



Charlene

 

How do you remove a large coffee stain from cement?

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
coffee
Meg P. asked:


We were sitting outside on the patio and had a coffee cup on the arm of a chair. The cup fell and the coffee spilt. The coffee wasn’t promptly cleaned up and needless to say, left a nice stain. Do you know of any products or what we can do to remove a coffee stain from cement?

Allen

 

Visit Seattle and Pay Homage to the Birthplace of Grunge

Monday, October 27th, 2008
starbucks
Elisha Burberry asked:


In the minds of most people, Seattle, Washington, is famous for two things: grunge music and Starbucks coffee. But while it’s unlikely that you’ll have to leave your home town for a taste of what Starbucks has to offer, it’s certainly true that, in order to experience the essence of grunge rock and its heritage, Seattle is an essential place to visit for any self-respecting music buff.

Grunge rock - a form of alternative rock that became popularised in the early 1990s - put Seattle firmly on the road map of any tour of American musical cities. In fact, the roots of grunge rock are so closely entwined with Seattle that the genre is even referred to as ‘Seattle Sound’ by some - a label that’s testament to the success of local grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

But while Nirvana and Pearl Jam are often seen as figureheads of Seattle grunge, a variety of bands helped make the genre a universally accepted musical movement. In essence, grunge music in Seattle revolved around Sub Pop - a record label that was propelled to fame by the success of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney; eventually becoming synonymous with the Seattle Sound. Other popular grunge bands of the era included Alice in Chains and Temple of the Dog; though few went on to achieve the same global success as Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder’s explosive outfits.

With a sound that took its roots from Northwestern punk bands, heavy metal and indie-rock, grunge has been closely associated with Generation X in the USA, as both phenomena arose at the same time in popular culture. But while Generation X is marked primarily for its cynical, alienated and pessimistic view of life, grunge music was equally replete with satire and humour, as various releases by Nirvana and Mudhoney, among other, demonstrate well.

While the ‘death’ of grunge is generally said to have begun with the ******* of Kurt Cobain in 1994, the fundamentals of the grunge spirit still seem to hold true in Seattle’s modern musical climate. Many hallmark elements of grunge have stood the test of time and even translated into other music genres - not least the practices of head-banging, crowd-surfing and moshing.

Popular Seattle area bands like The Postal Service, The Shins (both signed to Sub Pop) and Modest Mouse have drawn on a range of local influences and international genres to create a unique sound that proves Seattle’s position as an urban musical haven. Stay at any hotel in Seattle and both staff and residents will be able to tell you where to go to witness the best in the modern Seattle musical talents - as well as where you can pay homage to the old masters of grunge.



Raymond

 

Where do I find the mocha stuff that goes in a double chocolate chip frapp. What is it.I have the cream base?

Monday, October 27th, 2008
mocha
kacisbroilers asked:


Is the mocha a liquid or a powder or what? I have the cream base.

Joshua

 

How many pots of coffee do you get from 1 pound of coffee?

Saturday, October 25th, 2008
coffee
dudeinnorcal asked:


We currently have one of those large coffee pots in our office, so we get I’d say between 8-10 cups of coffee per pot. We currently have Peet’s French Roast (nasty) and we usually put about 3-4 scoops in the coffee filter which is a regular sized coffee filter (flat). I honestly have no idea how many pots we get out of each 1 pound bag because many people make coffee here in our office. How many pots would you say you’d get from 1 pound of ground coffee?

Gary

 

Invite Your Friends Over for a Dessert Bar

Saturday, October 25th, 2008
decaf
Linda Wilson asked:


As we all try to cut back on expenses, nights out are becoming nights in. For something different, invite your friends over for a dessert bar and coffee. Rent a movie, find one on the TV, play games or work jigsaw puzzles. Bake a few goodies and set them out with plates, napkins, and silverware. Let your guests help themselves. Serve coffee, decaf flavored coffee, and offer hot teas and/or hot chocolate. Ice water is also a good idea. Freeze leftover desserts to use later with family meals. Anything that won’t freeze well, can be divided up and sent home with guests. You will be a hit with your friends! Here are some recipe ideas for your dessert bar. The Macadamia Butter Cookies with Dried Cranberries are sure to wow your guests. Dont like cranberries? Use blueberries. The Decadent Chocolate Mud Pie will impress any chocolate lovers in the group and Apricot Coffee Cake is perfect with coffee. If there are diabetics in your group, serve our Pecan Tarts (you might want to serve them whether or not there are diabetics in your group! Just change the brown sugar Splenda Blend to 1/3 cup regular brown sugar.)

MACADAMIA BUTTER COOKIES WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES

2/3 cup macadamia nuts

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

1 tbsp granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place nuts in a food processor and process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl once during the process, to make macadamia butter. Combine the macadamia butter, 1/2

cup granulated sugar and the brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat mixture at medium speed until blended. Add the vanilla and egg to the mixture and beat well. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, whisk to blend well. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture; beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in the cranberries. Chill dough for 10 minutes.

Divide the dough into 30 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Lightly press each ball into the sugar then place ball, sugar side up, on a parchment covered baking sheet. Gently press the top of each ball with a fork. Dip the fork in water and gently press each top again to form a criss-cross pattern (like peanut butter cookies). Bake at 375 degrees for 9 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies from the cookie sheets and cool on wire racks.

DECADENT LAYERED MUD PIE

3 squares semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk

1 chocolate crumb pie crust

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 cups cold milk

2 pkgs (4-serving size each)Chocolate Instant Pudding and Pie Filling Mix

1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Mix melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk until well blended. Pour into crust and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Pour milk into a large mixing bowl and add the pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the pudding over the pecans in the crust. Add 1/2 of the whipped topping to the remaining pudding and stir with the wire whisk until well blended. Spread over the pudding mix in the crust. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the pie. Chill 3 to 4 hours before serving.

APRICOT COFFEE CAKE

1 box white cake mix

1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (4-serving size)

1 cup sour cream

4 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup apricot preserves

small jar maraschino cherries, chopped

TOPPING:

1 cup sugar

1 tsp cocoa

1 cup chopped pecans or toasted almonds

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, apricot preserves and cherries. Grease and flour a Bundt pan. Pour half the cake mix mixture into the pan. Top with half the topping mixture. Repeat the process with the other halves. Cut a knife through the batter to make a swirl. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Options: Make a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk mixed together until of drizzle consistency. Drizzle over the top of the cake and top with maraschino cherry halves and chopped nuts, if desired.

PECAN TARTS

1 stick butter

3 oz cream cheese

1 cup flour

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup + 2 tbsps Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

1 egg

dash of salt

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together butter, cream cheese, and flour. Make 24 equal sized balls out of this dough mixture. Put each ball into a mini-muffin tin cup and press into bottom and onto the sides. Mix together the pecans, brown sugar, egg, salt, and vanilla. Fill dough cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Enjoy!



Gregory

 

Hurricane Ike- Day 2 Aftermath

Friday, October 24th, 2008
starbucks
Ernie Fitzpatrick asked:


Ike paid his visit and then left. Being one of the millions who experienced the hurricane, the catastrophic event that it was said it would be fell short; however, that does not mean great misery, inconveniences, and maybe three weeks with without electricity is a lot of fun. Oh yes, and $8,000,000,000.00 in estimated damages. So, here’s a story from one neighborhood- mine.  

We didn’t lose power at 12:07 am Saturday morning, being in Northwest Houston.

The night was weird with howling winds, total silence, and more noises. When daybreak came, the winds were still battering the neighborhood and we could get outside for several hours. When we did, the block we live on looked like a war zone. We lost several trees, a green house, and one huge 100foot plus tree was uprooted, thrown into our neighbors back yard and garage. So much for our casa.

Next door, a tree came crashing down, too out our neighbors car and then fell into the second house down, taking out their car. Down the block, trees were across the street making entrance or exit not possible. In the afternoon all the neighbors were out cleaning up and helping others.

Later in the evening we go out, before sunset and surveyed the damage, not making it back until after the sunset. Will I ever see such a scene again- total darkness in every neighborhood. I hope not. Weird, totally never before experienced. Hanging stop sign lights, debris in the streets, etc. Ah, but experiencing a second night without power and trying to sleep in Houston heat and humidity is not something one wants to do very often.

Sunday, day two saw the return of cell phone service and the capability to use use my air card once more, as I am now.

But, the word is out that there will be no power for some people for three weeks. I hope I’m not one of those- nor you. But life goes on and one thing we’re getting to experience that we would not otherwise. other than getting to know the neighbors better, is what it’s like for those around the world who live by daylight and darkness. When the sun goes down, it’s dark. Candles and flashlights hekp, but!

Oh yes, boiling hot water on the propane grill so I can have a Starbucks coffee is the GREATEST!



Cody
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