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Espresso Drinks and More

First of all I want to thank all of my loyal customers for their orders. It has been a very busy season for Arnold’s Coffee…The elves have been packing and shipping like crazy. We are down to the final shipping days in time for Christmas delivery…Let me remind you now is the time to order your special coffee for New Years Eve…

2010 promises to be an interesting year in the coffee business. Brazil will have the worst growing season of the past 50 years. While Brazil does not grow a lot of “Specialty Grade Coffee” their lack of commercial grade production will put a lot of pressure on the rest of the growing countries. Coffee prices are bound to rise as a result. Demand for Specialty Coffee continues to be on the upswing as more and more people like you discover the difference between grocery store coffee and high quality specialty coffee. As they say “You Can Taste The Difference”.

I get lots of questions about espresso based drinks. Folks want to know what makes a good Caffe Latte, Cappuccino or Mocha. The obvious answer is ingredients. But the truth is more than that. Producing a great Cappuccino, Mocha or Caffe Latte takes the skill of a well trained Barista. It is the “Man (please excuse the gender reference there are lots of great lady Baristas) the machine, the coffee and the tamp. What this old Italian saying refers to is a proper espresso machine, the correct grind, fresh espresso coffee, and the correct tamping pressure of the espresso in the portafilter and the proper heating of the milk.

I think you need to understand that the three basic drinks require different milk heating or frothing techniques. Cappuccinos require frothed milk, a real Cappuccino is 1/3 frothed milk, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 espresso. But that is in Europe where the average drink is 6 ounces. In America where everything is “bigger and better” that formula does not work. The average American drink is 20 ounces so we need to make adjustments in the proportions. But the milk treatment does not change. A cappuccino should have a smooth milk and espresso taste. A Caffe Latte is made with textured milk that is stretched in the heating process and produces a drink where the milk tastes like chiffon on the tongue. A Mocha is more than steamed milk, chocolate & espresso topped with whip cream. A real mocha is powered rich chocolate steamed with milk to make a rich base + espresso and whip cream. These drinks cannot be made in a gas station machine or a Automatica machine by some kid who does not know the difference between drip coffee and espresso and could care less. They take skill and caring. Once you have tasted the “real thing” you will never be satisfied with less. Just ask any former Arnold’s customer.

There are a number of other espresso drinks. So let’s talk about them.

The classic espresso is 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of espresso coffee, black, usually drunk with sugar. It fills 1/3 to 2/3 of a demitasse cup. You can order this drink short, less than an ounce, long about 2 ounces or double 2 1/2 to 3 ounces served in a 6 ounce cup. A Macchiato is a single serving of espresso (1 to 1 1/2 ounces) topped with frothed milk. Espresso con Panna, a single serving of espresso topped with whip cream. Café au Lait is about _ coffee and _ steamed milk. These are the classic drinks.

Just a word of caution, if you are traveling to Europe, don’t ask for a latte. Caffe lattes are an American invention. Ask for a latte in Italy or France and you’ll get a glass of milk.

Of course there are many “American” variations. You can add flavored syrup to any of the drinks. My favorite morning drink is a vanilla caffé latte. You can add whip cream to any of the drinks and they become dessert.

I might also tell you that straight espresso is an acquired taste. You’ll have to work at liking it. But once you become an espresso drinker you’ll love the taste and pleasure you receive from relaxing and drinking an espresso.

Just a note on press pot (French Press) brewing. The secret is coarse coffee, water that is taken of the burner just before it boils so as not to deoxygenate it, and allowing the coffee to steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Once brewed pour all the coffee in a hot S/S server. Do not allow the brewed coffee to stand in the press pot because it will become bitter.

I wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Pumpkin Pie

$11.99 Caffeinated $13.99 Decaffeinated

This Holiday coffee is one of our all time favorites. Pumpkin Pie tastes just like its name. A perfect blend of pumpkin, spice & cinnamon. Top this coffee with whip cream for dessert. Or serve it after dinner to top off a great meal. Any way you serve it will be a favorite.

Holiday Cheer

$12.99 Caffeinated $14.99 Decaffeinated

Your Holiday is not complete without serving Holiday Cheer. Since we first introduced this holiday special in 1992 it has been our most popular Holiday flavor. A perfect blend of spices and buttered rum make this an outstanding coffee.

White Christmas

$13.99 Caffeinated $15.99 Decaffeinated

Cannot be ordered whole bean. We deliver this coffee pre ground because the white chocolate truffle is so rich. An elegant Holiday coffee blended with white chocolate truffle. It makes a perfect holiday coffee.
We like to top with whip cream and Christmas sprinkles for a beautiful dessert coffee.

Holiday Traditions

$13.99 Caffeinated $15.99 Decaffeinated

Chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and spiced rum are a truly outstanding combination of flavors. Think of a warm fire, good friends and a cup of Holiday Traditions. That is a picture of Christmas, good times and memories.

Click Here to Order Your Holiday Coffee

www.ArnoldsCoffee.com

Let's talk coffee!
Ask questions and get answers at my blog.
See you there!

Arnold

arnold@arnoldscoffee.com
www.arnoldscoffee.com

Espresso Part 11 - The Machine

I just re-read one of my favorite coffee guys 180 page book on espresso. He does a great job of explaining the complexities of espresso coffee, the machine and espresso drinks. I’ll try to cover espresso machines (sometimes incorrectly called cappuccino machines) in a condensed version.

There are 4 basic ways to produce espresso, the coffee that can be consumed either “straight” or mixed with milk to make Cappuccino, Caffé Latte or when mixed with milk and chocolate a caffé Mocha. There are a number of other drinks that are made with espresso and we’ll cover drinks in the next edition of our Blog.

The ways to make espresso are; stove top, lever, pump, or steam machines. There are several other ways but discussing them is a waste of time since no American would use them.

Stove top makers are called Moka or Bialetti. I think ever home in Italy has at least one on the stove at all times. The downside is that you have to have a separate steamer to make frothed milk and the “pot” only makes espresso an Italian or a died in the wool espresso drinker would drink. I don’t have one but have put it on my Christmas list.

Steam machines, $29 to $150 or more are a waste of money. They cannot produce a proper espresso and do not have enough pressure to make steamed, frothed or textured milk. You can buy them at spring garage sales for 5 bucks. The owners have given up on them.

Lever machines are great but for my money are too much trouble and good ones cost at least a $1000.

Pump machines are the way to go. There are two kinds, automatic & semi automatic. It is a matter of personal choice. They come with and without a built-in grinder. My choice is a semi-automatic with a separate grinder. My reason is that I can better control the end product and if the grinder fails as happens I can have the grinder repaired or buy a new one & I still have my machine. Likewise if the machine fails I still have a grinder. Remember keeping your equipment clean is paramount to making great drinks and it is much easier with two pieces of equipment. I preach all the time “All Coffee Has Oil and All Oil Turns Rancid”. Clean equipment is a must. As is fresh coffee. Another reason to have a separate grinder so you only grind enough coffee to make your drinks. In the case of espresso blends it is most important to keep you coffee in an airtight container and only grind as much coffee as you are going to use. Buy smaller quantities more often.

OK, so now we are down to the cost question. Unless you are willing to spend $750 to $2000 for a set you are wasting your time and money. It takes steam pressure to make espresso that is drinkable. It takes steam pressure to froth, steam, or texture milk. And most inexpensive pump machines don’t have the horsepower to get the job done. And it is a messy job that takes time and practice to perfect. If you are an occasional Cappuccino drinker you are better off at your local café. On the other hand if you like the idea of having a great espresso or a cappuccino after dinner or a morning Latte made the correct way then it is worth the time, effort, and money.

I hesitate to make brand recommendations. There are several manufactures that I can tell you about and at several price points. You can also search the web. Since I don’t sell equipment it will be my honest unbiased opinion..
Just send me an email; arnold@arnoldscoffee.com and I be happy to give you my take in your price range.

As always I love hearing from my friends and customers. I am in the business of selling the best coffee available. My goal is to help you have a great coffee experience. Please let me know how I can help you achieve the pleasure of drinking great coffee.

In the year 1587 Sheikh Ansair Djerzeri Hanball Abd-Al-Kadir said; “Where coffee is served, there is grace and splendor and friendship and happiness.

May you enjoy all four blessings,

Arnold

arnold@arnoldscoffee.com

www.arnoldscoffee.com

*Free Shipping On All Coffee

*On All Orders $50 or more.

If you pick up your coffee in Elizabethtown you will receive a $5.95 coupon to redeem on your next purchase.

Click Here to Order Your Holiday Coffee

www.ArnoldsCoffee.com

Free Shipping On All Coffee!

*Free Shipping On All Coffee


*On All Orders $50 or more.

If you pick up your coffee in Elizabethtown,
you will receive a $5.95 coupon to redeem on your next purchase.