Friday, January 8, 2010

Espresso Guide!

Often times walking into a coffee shop and glancing at the menu can be pretty daunting. All the fancy names are enough to scare someone into sticking with one safe choice for all of eternity. Fear no longer, here is a handy-dandy cheat sheet so that you can stand up to the snobbiest of baristas.


Espresso: A concentrated coffee beverage brewed with finely ground coffee beans. They are poured and served in shots. You typically order espresso in increments: a single shot (solo), a double shot (doppio), a triple shot (trippio), four shots (quad), etc.


Espresso Con Panna: Shots of espresso topped with whipped cream. Order like so, “I’d like a doppio con panna.”


Espresso Machiatto: Espresso shots with a scoop of foamed milk. If you want to get fancy, a wet macchiato includes some steamed milk with your foam, and a no foam macchiato has just a splash of steamed milk. To order this one, “I’d like a solo wet macchiato.”


In the drinks below the number of espresso shots depends on the size of the beverage you order; 


Caffé Americano: Espresso shots with hot water. Fans of regular brewed coffee may especially enjoy these.
Caffé Latte: Espresso shots with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Caffé Mocha: Espresso shots with mocha, steamed milk, and oftentimes whipped cream.
Cappuccino: Espresso shots with steamed milk and a great deal of thick foam. Try getting specific with this drink too! A wet cappuccino has more milk and less foam. A dry cappuccino has less milk and more foam, and a bone-dry (or extra dry) cappuccino has no milk and only foam.


Caramel Machiatto: Steamed milk sweetened with vanilla and a thin layer of foam. Espresso shots are poured on top followed by caramel sauce. This drink is similar to a vanilla caffé latte, the main difference being that the espresso shots sit on top rather than mixing uniformly throughout the drink.


As you try all of these different drinks feel free to specify what type of milk you’d like. Nonfat? Soy? Add additional shots if you’d like your drink stronger or ask for extra or no foam if you prefer. Baristas can also make your drinks decaffeinated or half-caffeinated and in most cases flavor any of these drinks with sugar based or sugar-free sweeteners. Chain coffee joints keep their drink recipes uniform but don’t be shy to ask questions at your local coffee shop. How many shots are in your medium Americano? What sugar-free syrups do you have? Etc.


Try something new this month, and order with confidence!


"Remember the most econommical way to buy your coffee is to 
order it fresh roasted on-line and prepare it yourself." 
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!" 

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Blended Coffee!

Blended coffee,The way you like them!


Blended coffee is the practice of mixing quality
characteristics to create a "well-rounded" cup of blended 
coffee that offers the best of several coffees or to create a 
new taste from complementary coffees. The better quality 
high altitude coffees from each producing country have 
distinctive flavor, body, and aroma characteristics that many 
people prefer to enjoy straight. Blended coffee increases 
variety and allows you to create a personalized cup.


First blend, then roast! As a rule, different coffees are 
combined while still raw, to produce what is referred to in
 the trade as 'blends." A very small number of roasters prefer 
to blend their coffees after roasting.  Four or more different 
varieties are necessary in order to achieve the particular
 flavor required because only by blending can the natural 
fluctuations in quality amongst the different varieties be 
compensated for.


When searching for something different but unique in flavor, 
blended coffee  is a viable option. Putting together the best 
quality of several beans may be just what your taste buds 
are looking for. Some decisions are better left up to the 
experts and I believe this is one of them.

The search for your favorite blended coffee is a process of 

elimination. Blends are a safe way to start your exploration. 
You may find several that will be a regular choice on your 
monthly order."Anytime Is Coffee Time!"

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Espresso Time!

WHY ESPRESSO?
Espresso for me was, well, just a part of everyday life
growing up in anItalian family. They brewed a pot daily.
It was an unforgettable and pleasantaroma. I could always
tell the difference between regular Java and Espresso.
There was a deeper richer aroma throughout the house,
which, informed mytaste buds that who ever took part in
this special brew was in for a real treat.

There was also a big difference in the brewing pot used.
It was much heavier and had a particular European design to it.
Espresso machines todayare much fancier and better equipped
to give you that perfect cup of Espresso.

The old pot we used wasn't bad and the family enjoyed their
Espresso intwo different ways, two teaspoons of sugar or
some Anisette added to a demitasse cup. Either combination,
along with some Biscotti, turns coffee drinkers into Coffee Lovers.

Start your day with an espresso, enjoy one of the simple pleasures
of life.Take time out and smell the coffee!
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Coffee Tips!

Buying Tip
When purchasing coffee, always ask when it was roasted. Many common misconceptions exist when it comes to judging the freshness and optimum time to experience a roasted coffee at its peak of perfection. Generally coffee is best if used a day or two after roasting, and if kept in an air tight container, flavor should not diminish significantly until after seven to ten days. Old coffee beans may appear very oily, will have little or no aroma, or will take on a somewhat unpleasant aroma.

Grinding Tip
Never grind more coffee than you will use for immediate brewing. Once the beans are ground, the flavorful oils are exposed to the damaging air. As these oils dissipate, so will the flavor of your coffee. Once ground, coffee will begin to lose its flavor almost immediately. Different methods of brewing will require different grind consistencies. Typically, coffee used for drip brewing should be ground to a consistency similar to granulated sugar. The complete drip cycle should occur within four to six minutes. If the drip cycle is completed in less than four minutes, grind your coffee finer. If the cycle takes longer than six minutes, grind your coffee coarser. When using a French press, the coffee will need to be ground extremely coarse. Espresso requires an extremely fine grind...almost powder-like with a slight grittiness. The key to the proper espresso grind is the extraction time. After the proper dose and tamp, one ounce of espresso should be extracted in approximately 25 to 30 seconds. Like drip coffee, if the one ounce extraction occurs in less than 25 seconds, grind your coffee finer. If the extraction occurs in longer than 30 seconds, grind your coffee coarser. Talk to you local coffee professional for additional information

Storage Tip
Never store your coffee in the refrigerator. Coffee will absorb flavors and aromas from other food products in your refrigerator. Freezing coffee can also have a damaging effect, and we do not recommend this practice unless you will not use-up your supply of coffee for a prolonged period of time [two weeks or more]. Coffee should be stored in a clean, dry, airtight container, in a cool, dark place.
Dosage Tip
When making brewed coffee, allow 2 to 2 1/2 level tablespoons for each 6 ounces of water [3 tablespoons for 8 ounces]. For espresso, allow 7 to 8 grams for a single shot, and 14 to 16 grams for a double shot.

French Press Tip
You will want to grind or have your coffee ground to a very coarse consistency for this method. If your grind is too fine, you will over extract your coffee and a bitter flavor may result. It will also be difficult or impossible for you to push the plunger down in your pot if the grind is too fine. Now here is an application for your French press that you probably don't know about. Heat a cup of milk [non-fat works best] in a sauce pan on your stove or in a microwave. It should be heated just until it is too hot to put your finger in it. Don't overheat or you will scald the milk. Next, pour the milk into your clean, empty French press. Insert the plunger, and pump the plunger up and down like a butter churn for several minutes. The milk will expand and increase in volume by three or four times, creating beautiful frothed milk for cappuccinos and lattes.

Espresso at Home Tip
When selecting a machine for home, look for one that will drive the water through the coffee with the aid of a pump vs. a steam driven machine. A good pump machine will usually cost $200 to $1,000, but the investment is worth it if you are serious about enjoying tasty espresso. It is our opinion that a steam driven machine [the typical $49 model] will not produce a palatable product.
"Anytime Is Coffee Time!"

Monday, January 4, 2010

Football Party Time!

"Calling all major football fans!"  This team theme
gourmet snack gift has everything they'll need
for game day.  It comes with a pennant from the
team of your choice and a color coordinated
hand tied bow to get them motivated about their
team.  Then comes a great selection of sweet
and savory snacks sure to please any fanatic.
For those close games or bad referee calls,
we've included a foam, football shaped stress
ball to help relieve those frustrations!

Not sure about their favorite team?  No problem!
 We also have a "Go Team" theme to choose
from.  This selection still comes with everything
listed below but in place of the pennant we use
our "Go Team" themed label and coordinate the
bow to match.
Please Specify Team

Gift Card Message:


Gift Includes:

4 oz.  Pretzels
6 oz.  Chocolate Truffle Cookies
2 oz. Sparrers Sliced Sausage
2 oz. Cheese Bar (Asst'd Flavors)
4 oz. Nacho Flavored Popcorn
1.5 oz. Candy Tin - assorted flavors
7 oz. Beer Nuts Bar Mix
1.25 oz Beer Nuts Peanuts
1.5 oz. Gourmet Cheese Buds (Asst'd
Flavors)
1.75 oz. Beef Jerky
1 - 9" Ole Smokie Stick
1 - Football Shaped Stress Ball
1 -Team Pennant
Coordinated Hand Tied Bow!

Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 16
Shipping Weight: 6lbs

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Save On Shipping!

Let's face it we are all trying to save money these days and there are many ways to do so. For instance, get together with friends that have a passion for coffee like you do and buy several different kinds, then have them shipped to one centrally located address. Another thought would be to buy your fresh brew in 5lb  packages instead of 1lb, they are discounted and will save you hard earned dollars! The only advice would be to make sure the selection you make is one you have tried and like so your taste buds won't be disappointed.


Our Delonghi Espresso Machines have several that offer free shipping, so take advantage of those savings as well.


We hope these suggestions save you money and at the same time you continue to enjoy the quality of our coffee, products and service. Don't forget our Specials Page new selections each month. Thank you in advance for your business. "Anytime Is Coffee Time!"

Friday, January 1, 2010

Coffee Lovers Usa Survey!

2010 is here, a new year and a time to reflect on the past year, the good-the bad and the ugly! It's good to repeat actions that brought good results, reject those actions that were bad and just plainly stay away from anything ugly! 


So on that note please take a few moments to email us at Coffee Lovers USA and let us know what you like about our website/products and what you don't. After all we are here to serve you and without your participation where would we be? Please help us serve you better in 2010 and thank you for a great year and your loyalty. 



"Anytime Is Coffee Time!" HAPPY NEW YEAR, to all family, friends, business associates and customers. May 2010 be the best year ever. "Dwell on all things that are good, search out the Truth, apply it to your lives, develop meaningful relationships and watch God work in your life!"

Joe P. owner C.L.USA