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By Kate J. Simpson
When it comes to coffee makers there are thousands to choose from. Among these thousands there are differences in price, functionality, warranty and style. Sure, you can go to the closest big box store and pick one up for about 20-bucks, but generally the machine is just plain boring. Why not spend some more cash for better longevity, better functionality and sexiness-factor? We all like to be sexy, so why not your kitchen?
The roasting drum roll please… The top 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers for 2005 are:
1. The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Coffee Maker: Best of all is it’s timed grinding and brewing feature. You wake up in the morning to the sound, smell and taste of the freshest ground coffee. This model is very tall and looks exceedingly modern with all of it’s stainless steel. You have to ensure you have enough space in your kitchen for the Grind & Brew – not only in terms of the overall length, but the lid, which is located on top, has to open to pour the water in. It has a thermal carafe, so it doesn’t burn your coffee and you can get warm coffee up to 2-hours later. It also uses charcoal water filters to clean the impurities out of your water. It has a 3-year limited warranty.
2. The Melitta Javapod One:One, Coffee Pod Machines: This is a space age looking coffee machine which makes one cup at a time. The only bummer with this type of coffee maker is it can’t be used in high elevations…or kaboom! It comes in five snazztacular colors: red, white, black, mango and kiwi. It makes one bold cup of coffee in about a minute. It can host many other brands of coffee pods, so you are not just stuck on one kind and it can also make tea. It has a 1-year limited warranty.
3. The Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Coffee Makers: These metal beauties come in the most fantastic modern-retro designs and colors. Colors really wow you with intensity. Think about this…we pick paint sometimes because we like the name and now you can pick a coffee maker for the same reason. The Eclectrics series comes in Intrigue Blue, Apple, Moroccan Red, Sugar (ok, this one’s white), Pineapple, Licorice (black) and Seabreeze. For color and design alone these coffee makers are snazzy, sexy and sensational. An added bonus is its warranty: 3 years, one of the best in the industry.
4. Kitchen Aid Pro Line 12-cup Coffee Makers: So you like coffee and you like lot’s of it. This machine will be your Godsend. It comes with a portable second warmer. This second warmer is great for those winter Sundays, where you can put it on your bedside table to read and drink coffee all day long, without having to get up. It is also great if you want to brew two types of coffee like decaf (it even comes with an orange lid) and regular at the same time. It’s made of die-cast metal, has a timer and a two temperature heat setting. For great tasting coffee this gem comes with a Ion exchange water filter. It has a 2-year warranty and if you, for some reason, get a replacement the replacement has a 2-year warranty.
5. Capresso CoffeeTEAM Luxe Coffee Maker : Capresso coffee and espresso machines are simply the crème de la crème of coffee makers. This pearl has a programmable grind and brew feature, it holds a quarter pound of coffee beans and it has a filter indicator to tell you when your water filter is pooched. It brews to over 200 degrees, so it really extracts the flavor from the beans. It has a one year warranty, but I doubt you will need it. It only comes in black or white.
There you have it, 5 snazzy, sexy and sensational coffee makers to make your kitchen smile with pride. Do yourself a favor, buy a good coffee maker. It will last longer and it looks good in your home…best of all your coffee will taste better.
About the author:
Kate Simpson is a freelance writer who contributes for the Coffee Bean Queen - http://www.coffeebeanqueen.com- a website offering information on everything from coffee beans to coffee makers and specialty coffee types.
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Kamis, 07 Mei 2009
Your Kitchen Wants to be Sexy - Top 5 Snazzy, Sexy Coffee Makers that are Sensational
Want To Buy Shrimp Online? No problem!
By Tara Pearce
Are you looking for places to buy shrimp online? They’re not so easy to find. That’s what we’re here for. We’ve done all the hard work for you and researched which online stores sell the best and reasonably priced shrimp. If you’re a seafood lover or buying for a friend or loved one, it’s never been easier to get shrimp on the internet than now. You also have a nice variety of sizes to choose from. Of course, merchants lean towards selling the larger shrimps, but you can usually find 31-40/lb count and as big as 16-20/lb.
Due to freshness concerns, most companies will ship your shrimp frozen in special containers to make sure you receive the highest quality shrimp possible. Something else to consider – the shrimp you’re buying may not be from the U.S. This poses no risks at all, but if you’re expecting Cape Cod or Pacific shrimp, you may not be getting it. Not all merchants will tell you where the shrimp comes from, but unless you’re extremely picky, just enjoy it!
Of course, we must talk about price. Now, because prices can fluctuate at different times of year, I won’t be specific. What I can tell you is having priced shrimp at the grocery store (and who knows how old it is!) and the shrimp I’ve found online, the prices are not only comparable, but in many cases much cheaper than in brick and mortar stores. Shipping is always a factor, but many merchants have free shipping specials or price levels. Visit our Meat & Seafood page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/meat-gift.htm), shop around and try and find the best deal. Just make sure you’ve eaten a big meal first – you’re likely to buy out the store otherwise!
About the author:
Tara Pearce is the webmaster and author of all content at http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.comIf you need a great gift that anyone would love, visit our site for some of the yummiest treats you'll ever find!
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Cake And Candy Gifts Will Make Them Feel Like A Kid Again!
By Tara Pearce
So you have a friend that has a sweet tooth and you need to get them a last minute gift, or just a gloriously well thought out gift? Consider give cake and candy as gifts. Of course, you don’t have to give both, cake or candy is fine also. There are lots of wonderful options for both, just visit our Sweet Gifts page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/sweet-gifts.htm) for more information.
Cake Gifts:
- Our favorite here is cheesecake. And yes, you can get cheesecake for delivery online. One store we recommend has several flavors, up to 4 pound cheesecakes, or even single serving size and truffle size!
- Another store that carries just about everything also has a wonderful selection of international gourmet cakes. Try some, you’ll be delighted, and so will your friend!
- How about white chocolate mint truffle torte? Or chocolate chip fudge cake? These are just 2 of our favorites from one of the merchants we recommend.
Candy Gifts:
- Candy gifts are especially perfect for milestone birthdays. Our favorite merchant for candy has “retro” candy gifts based on the decade. So for someone turning 30 or 35 for example, you might get them the 80’s package. All kinds of candy you can’t find now, but it’s still freshly made and shipped at low cost.
- If you have a preference for newer choices in candy, our second store has what you want. From Jelly Belly Jelly Beans to Pez to Bazooka, not to mention Altoids and Hershey’s chocolate (just to name a few, really!) you’re sure to find the perfect gift.
- If you need a sugar free gift for dietary reasons, this store can also help. With hard candy, licorice and even sugar free Jelly Belly’s, there’s something that’s sure to please.
I hope this has given you a better idea of what you can find out there. I had no idea you could buy candy and cakes like this online! Now that I do though, watch out – that’s what I’ll be giving as gifts all the time! Enjoy your shopping, but remember to eat first, otherwise you may buy out the whole store ;)
About the author:
Tara Pearce is the webmaster and author of all content at http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.comIf you need a great gift that anyone would love, visit our site for some of the yummiest treats you'll ever find!
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Oranges, Tangerines And Grapefruit, Oh My!
By Tara Pearce
Do you know an espresso drinker that you want to get a gift for? Perhaps you’d like to get yourself some gourmet espresso. Well, buying gourmet espresso coffee gifts is easier than ever. With more and more stores online selling gourmet espresso at fantastic prices with cheap shipping, everyone can afford it now. We recommend 3 of the best merchants online on our Coffee and Tea Gifts page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/coffee-and-tea-gifts.htm), you just need to scroll to the bottom and start shopping.
Here’s a little bit of information on what you can expect to find. There are quite a few choices when it comes to espresso. You can buy whole beans or ground coffee, but if you’re not sure if your friend has a coffee grinder, either pick one up at the same time (2 of the 3 merchants we recommend sell them) or go with ground coffee beans. Most people like the amount of caffeine in espresso (myself included) and not just the taste. But for those of us who can’t have too much caffeine for health reasons, you can also get decaffeinated espresso.
You can also purchase espresso pods. Before doing so though, carefully check if your machine will accept espresso pods. What is a pod you ask? It looks almost identical to a tea bag, perhaps slightly larger and acts in the same way as a teabag. It’s mess-free, unlike using a filter and loose coffee and ensures the same great taste for every cup. It’s much easier to use, but also slightly more expensive.
Whatever you choose, have fun with it. There are so many brands to choose from, you might want to try them all to find the perfect coffee for you. Happy shopping!
About the author:
Tara Pearce is the webmaster and author of all content at http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.comIf you need a great gift that anyone would love, visit our site for some of the yummiest treats you'll ever find!
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Raise A Glass To The Best Wine Of The Month Gifts!
By Tara Pearce
Are you looking for some of the best wine of the month gifts? We have taken out all the hard work and done your research for you. See our Wine Gifts page (http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.com/wine-gifts.htm) for our suggestions, but here’s a little information you need before buying any wine of the month gifts.
First, you need to decide your budget. If it’s small, that’s not a problem. There are so many choices when it comes to wine gifts: number of months, number of wines, color of wines, regions and so on that anyone can afford to give a wine of the month gift. You don’t have to go with 12 months – month to month, 3 months, 6 months are also available.
You can also opt for wine clubs that send wine and gourmet food every month. These are of course slightly more expensive, but in my opinion you shouldn’t have to drink your wine without anything to compliment it. A great thing about joining a wine club also is that there’s usually an extra discount on other purchases you make. Yes, it’s not the cheapest gift to give, but if you know a wine lover, a wine of the month gift can be the best gift they ever get!
About the author:
Tara Pearce is the webmaster and author of all content at http://www.gourmet-food-gifts.comIf you need a great gift that anyone would love, visit our site for some of the yummiest treats you'll ever find!
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Create A Romantic Evening At Home
By Marguerite Bonneville
You've decided to invite someone you're dating to your home for a romantic evening and you want everything to go well. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that result.
There are a number of factors you need to consider when planning your romantic evening:
1. Your Physical Surroundings
It's a good idea to make sure your house or apartment is clean and tidy. It may not be anyone's primary focus but it will make an impression on your guest, even if it's subliminal.
Spend a few hours doing the cleaning yourself, hire someone to do it for you, or, at the very least, shove all that clutter into your closets or under the bed. Wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust and stains.
Apart from the living and dining areas, there are two other rooms that need your attention:
a. The bathroom
Wipe down the sink/washbasin, tub and shower stall. Put a fresh cake of soap on the sink and hang fresh towels. At the very least your guest will use the bathroom to wash his or her hands so make sure it's a pleasant experience.
b. The bedroom
Get rid of any extraneous clutter like clothes strewn around the room or on the floor. Change the sheets, make the bed and wipe down any surfaces. If your guest ends up spending the night, you don't want him or her racing off for a tetanus shot in the morning.
To create a romantic atmosphere in your bedroom, have some scented candles on hand and an easy-to-reach sound system. You might also consider buying a quilt cover in a rich, romantic color and a set of sheets to match.
2. Your Choice Of Menu
While food can be an excellent means of seduction, it's a mistake to choose too complicated a menu unless you're an experienced cook and you don't get easily flustered.
Simple dishes like spaghetti or ratatouille make a tasty and satisfying meal without spiking your anxiety levels. The point is to enjoy the evening along with your guest, not treat the event like it's a university-entrance exam.
How To Avoid Psycho-Chef Syndrome
One trick is to prepare as much of the meal as possible beforehand so you're not rushing around like a pinball once your guest arrives.
Have all the ingredients chopped, diced and ready for cooking. Do this the night before or earlier that day, whatever works best for you.
Salad ingredients can be prepared earlier and stored in separate containers, then added to the salad bowl and dressed before serving.
You can even cheat by purchasing your meal from a favorite restaurant and having it delivered (or picking it up) before your guest arrives.
Definitely buy desert from your favorite bakery or supermarket, unless you're a wiz at whipping up a Pavlova or meringue. Another option is to prepare dessert the night before and reheat it if necessary when you're ready to serve it.
3. Your Cooking Area
Make sure your kitchen is clean before you begin cooking. Yes, you'll no doubt make a mess once you start but you don't want yesterday's dishes in the way. Your guest may offer to help so the kitchen needs to meet minimum health standards.
It's up to you whether you accept this help or not, but we recommend that you do, even if it's only a token effort like tossing the salad. Sharing cooking tasks can be a wonderfully romantic interaction as it creates a special kind of intimacy. Have you ever noticed how much more easily conversation flows when two people are doing a task, as opposed to sitting face to face?
4. Setting The Table
Set the table beforehand. Use a good tablecloth, your best silverware and a nice set of plates. Use your best glasses and an attractive salt and pepper set, milk jug and sugar bowl. Show your guest that you went to some trouble to make the meal a special occasion. This is not the time for melamine dishes or chipped or mismatched crockery. You're aiming for a touch of class.
Use candlesticks on the table for a romantic ambience, or place candles on other surfaces around the room.
Background music is a must but make sure it's romantic and subtle. Limit blaring rock and roll or rap to the period when you're preparing dinner, but please, no high-octane music while you're eating.
Set the sound at a low volume so it doesn't interfere with your conversation. And remember, if you don't play music during the meal you run the risk of filling any silences with the sound of people masticating.
5. Cleaning Up Later
Don't let your guest anywhere near the kitchen after the meal is over. Hopefully you'll have better things to do with your time together.
But all is not lost if they do insist on helping with the chores. Many a couple has fallen in love while doing the dishes, for two main reasons:
1. As mentioned earlier, there's the ease of conversation that takes place when you're doing a task rather than concentrating on talking.
2. Doing dishes together is like playing house. It can actually feel very romantic, especially when one or both people realize, "This is what I want with this person." You won't get the same effect if you use a dishwasher, so set aside at least a couple of pots, which will you allow to suggest, "I'll wash and you dry."
With a little forethought, anyone can create a romantic evening at home. The old cliché, "the way to a person's heart is through their stomach", has more than a little truth to it. Test it yourself with someone you care about. The least you'll get is a great home-cooked meal.
About the author:
Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer at http://www.favorite-recipes-online.com,a resource site dedicated to helping visitors access the best online recipes.
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www.cyrosella.com
History of the Coffee and Espresso machines
By chris vorelli
A large percentage of the population loves to drink both coffee and espresso. We are all aware of the fact that coffee and espresso provide a boost of energy and they also warm your body up on those cold winter days. Most, however, are not familiar with the history of the coffee and espresso machines, themselves. Without these machines, we probably wouldn’t see such a large population that can easily and affordably prepare these common drinks.
Where did the coffee maker come from?
Since the days of the early Egyptians, coffee has been a staple beverage for most people. Though the Coffee bean originated in Africa, it quickly spread to neighboring countries, like Arabia and Egypt. The first method of preparation was to roast the beans on an open fire and then added to boiling water for consumption.
It is believed that coffee was probably considered a type of wine and used to barter and trade. Fermented in much the same as grapes, coffee was a source of energy and warmth for most, but some drank it because they loved the taste, too.
A man by the name of Mr. Laurens came up with the first coffee-making machine in 1818. The machine was constantly modified by coffee drinkers. The coffee machine was actually a product that had just as many patents by women as men, that was practically unheard of at that time!
Through the years, the machine has become a reliable, dependable and easy to use product. In the 1960’s, the first filter machines were invented and the modifications have improved even more since then. Coffee machines began as crude looking inventions, but have evolved into many different styles, making it possible for a Governor and a Harley biker to own the same style!
Found in just about every home, the coffee machine is made by many manufacturers, including: Braun, Senseo, Kitchenaid, Krups and Pod.
Where did the espresso machine come from?
Discovered by a goat herder and developed by a tired, hungry traveler, the espresso drink has provided many with the extra energy they may need. The goat herder noticed the goats acting like they had an extreme boost of energy. As he searched for his heard, he noticed they were snacking on a red berry growing from shrubs. Curious, he ate a berry and felt as if he had suddenly gained more energy as a result. At the same time, a tired, hungry traveler witnesses the occurrences and jumped at the chance to try it for himself. Having the same reactions as the herder and goats, he knew that they were on to something. He took some berries and began to add them to drinks for those in his hometown, as the drink seemed to be a good source of energy. The idea took off from there!
The first espresso maker is said to have originated in 1901, by Italian manufacturing company owner, Lugia Bezzer. He was simply looking for a way to help speed up his employee’s coffee breaks. He figured out that if pressure was applied in the brewing process, the drink could be made in a lot less time. Nicknamed “The fast coffee machine”, the espresso machine patent was sold in 1905. The new owner, Desidero Pavoni developed an espresso machine that used a piston pump to force water through a tube and into the coffee.
Modifications on the espresso machine were halted by the onset of WWII. Production picked up after the war and in 1946, the commercial espresso machine was invented. Since that time, the espresso maker has been produced by many name brand companies, including: Juda, Mr.Coffee, Kitchenaid and Braun. Offering various features, styles, colors and prices, the espresso machine has come a long way!
About the author:
C V is a freelance writer, providing articles and information on where to buy
the best coffee
makers, coffee roasters, espresso
machines, coffee
grinders and Learn about, Bunn coffee makers, Cuisnart & Saeco www.coffee-makers-n-epresso-machines.com
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