2.2 Pounds of Chocolate Truffles - French Truffles - Great Mother's Day Gift!

2.2 Pounds of Chocolate Truffles - French Truffles - Great Mother's Day Gift!From Winning Gifts
List Price:
$45.00
Price:
$19.99

Product Description
Amazon's #1 seller in Gourmet Products for the Holidays the last three years! Over 2.2 Pounds of delicious imported chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder! And NO TRANS FATS! 128 pieces sealed in two gold pouches for freshness. These authentic French chocolate truffles are a great gift! These gourmet chocolate truffles are perfect for a Mother's Day gift, business gift or to serve at a party. Bring these chocolate truffles as a hostess gift, or enjoy them yourself. Everyone will love these chocolate truffles! French chocolate truffles usually sell for $25-$50 per pound. Order your chocolate truffles now, before we run out!

Customer Reviews
I'm in the minority, but... I really didn't like these truffles. (ducking and running) To me, a truffle, is creamy and almost fluffy, with a little air as part of the filling in the middle, only a tiny bit firmer than chocolate ganache'. It also has a touch of sweetness, nothing overbearing, but not that mouthfeel and pucker of unsweetened bitter chocolate. I was gravely disappointed. These truffles were like miniature hockey pucks, dusted in so much cocoa powder that I dusted the front of my shirt (nothing new) when I went to eat them. I was all set to go and devour when the package arrived, but ugh. I ended up storing these in the freezer, where I'll use them in a nice brownie or other chocolate dessert. Otherwise, they'll end up getting pitched when I clean the freezer.
Get Fat and Die Happy... Indulge! Great chocolate at a great price. Got these as a birthday gift and they are truly memorable. Put these on your "Bucket List"
Wonderful chocolate, but... I love chocolate, LOVE IT! In all forms and types, and a long time ago I found truffles that looked and tasted just like these! From other reviews I have learned that this is the same type of truffle sold under different names. I was so happy to find the truffles I've been looking for for YEARS. However, I was stripped to nothing because of their shipping prices. I got two boxes, and the shipping was half again the cost of the item itself! Now, for a chocolate lover lusting for the truffles she had so long ago, the money was worth it. But in retrospect, I find this a cheap and tacky way to earn your money. The truffles cost a good bit, so I don't understand why would they make the shipping so darned high! And it's not even GOOD shipping, its the 3-5 day 'We'll get to it later...' shipping. And it took them 4 days to get the boxes out the door. I will not be buying my truffles from this buyer again. Or probably anything, for that matter. Edit: 5 days and they haven't shipped them yet...

50's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 50's Candy

50's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 50's CandyFrom Hometown Favorites
Price:
$29.95

Product Description
50's Decade Box includes: Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Chuckles, Charms Ass't Squares, Candy Buttons, Necco Wafers Chocolate, Cherry Mash, Necco Wafers Ass't, Mary Janes, Zagnut Bar, Sno-Caps, Violet Scented Gum, Charms Pop Sweet, Walnettos, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Bubble Gum Cigars, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup,Teaberry Gum, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Oh! Henry Bar, Gold Mine Nugget Gum, Wax Lips, Sen-Sen Breath Refreshment, Skybar, Chocolate Moon Pie, Black Licorice Pipe, Abba-Zaba, Slo-Poke Jr. Sucker, Vanilla French Chew Taffy, Cup-o-Gold, Chocolate Cigarettes, Slap Stix, Chick-o-stick, Butter Rum Lifesavers, Clark Bar, Goetze's Cow Tail, Haviland Wintergreen Patty, Vanilla Bun Bar.

Customer Reviews
Worth the money I bought this for a 50th birthday present. Very good selection. Fresh candy. Would recommend for a candy lover in that age group for a gift.
Great Gift for Older Friends and Children, too Thousands of old style candies are jam packed into this amazing 50'sift basket. This gift goes great for your older friends and children alike! You can't go wrong with is gift, It'll go faster than you think! This gift basket is seriously the perfect gift for anyone, who doesn't have a sweet tooth sometime or another? Don't waste time and money on an unsatisfying gift, just click and you've got this amazing treat for someone special. Listen to this & you won't be sorry!
Big Hit! I gave the '50s basket to my brother for Christmas and I wish you could have seen the look on his face when he opened the present! Sheer delight! What do you give the person who has everything?? This is it! The kids were even excited. They had not seen or heard of so many of the candies included in the box. Of course, my brother removed some of his favorites and put them in his own secret stash but there was plenty for everyone to have a free-for-all. It was a lot of fun for everyone!

All Natural Vintage Wuyi Oolong (Wu Long) Tea - 100 Individually Wrapped Teabags - 7.0 Oz

All Natural Vintage Wuyi Oolong (Wu Long) Tea - 100 Individually Wrapped Teabags - 7.0 OzFrom Lucky Eight
List Price:
$14.99
Price:
$10.99

Product Description
A recent Japanese research shows that daily consumption of Oolong tea (3-4 cups) is effective in the control of body weight. Oolong tea is a partially-fermented tea, beween green tea (unfermented) and black tea (fermented). When brewed, it turns to a golden amber and the flavor to a complex, invigorating cup.

Customer Reviews
Fantastic tea I was highly skeptical of the reports that said that Oolong tea helps with weight loss, but now I'm a believer. Eating healthier and eating less was helping me, but once I started drinking a cup or two of this tea each day I did notice that the weight loss was a little faster. I love this tea.
This tea is too weak I've been drinking Oolong tea several years and I was very disappointed in this brand of tea. The flavor is weak and the smoky essence is not detectable.
great tea This tea is very good. I don't know if the weight loss thing is true, but this tea is well worth buying, just for the taste.

70's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 70's Candy

70's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 70's CandyFrom Hometown Favorites
Price:
$29.95

Product Description
70's Decade Box contains: Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Wonka Bottlecaps, Pixy Stix, Goobers, Boston Baked Beans, Sen-Sen Breath Refreshment, Charms Ass't Squares, Candy Buttons, Necco Wafers Chocolate, Andy Capp Hot Frieds, Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Rocky Road Milk Chocolate, Laffy Taffy Strawberry, Lemon Mints, Black Licorice Pipe, Razzles, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Bubble Gum Cigars, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Oh! Henry Bar, Gold Mine Nugget Gum, Wax Lips, Cherryheads, Clark Bar, Chuckles, Goetze's Cow Tail, Slo-Poke Sucker, Sweetart, Caramel Bun Bar, Vanilla French Chew Taffy, Freshen Up Gum, Strawberry Pop Rocks, Zotz, Hershey's Special Dark Bar, Super Rope, Chick-o-Stick, Skor Bar, A&W Root Beer Barrels,Go

Customer Reviews
Got a Sweet Tooth, Look No Further Want a perfect, pampering gift full of surprise's and treats? See candy you haven't seen in ages with this 70's gift basket. This would be a great gift for people of all ages, especially those 70's fanatics. This gift basket is seriously the perfect gift for anyone, who doesn't have a sweet tooth sometime or another? Get rid of the hassle of spending hours at the mall to find absolutely nothing. Plus you won't even know if they like it or not. This gift basket is a way to certainty. Anyone would love to receive this amazing present. Great for kids 12 and up. Birthday hassles are a thing of the past, just like the candy!
very pleased My sister sent this to me for my 40th birthday! I am very pleased! I love everything in it! The hot fries were so good. Really brought back memories!
Groovy Sugar! This is a great product line!!!! The package included a great selection of candy that was popular during the 1970's. The box read "Do not open unless you were a child of the 1970's" This company offers selections from other decades as well. I gave this product as a gift along with a trivia game relating to food. It was a HUGE hit! The gift recipients recalled childhood memories while examining each piece of candy. I would also like to add, Target advertised this item, but it was unavailable for Christmas delivery. I was thrilled when I found it on Amazon.bstoppers.

Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket

Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift BasketFrom Wine.com
Price:
$34.99

Product Description
This fantastic gift basket is a surefire hit! These fine confections are from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, San Francisco's first chocolatier. This premium assortment of Ghirardelli chocolate candies in different flavors and sizes, together with delicious cocoa, is a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Customer Reviews
Good Product, a bit slow on shipping.. I had sent this as an Anniversary gift for my brother and my sister-in-law, The gift was well appreciated and the assortment was good, with the gift basket being decorated well and no transit damage or defects observed. I would have given this 5 stars had it not been for the fact that the time to customer, took nearly 2 weeks, which i felt was a bit on the higher side even by regular shipping mode. This is more like 4.5 stars, its a great gift item, but remember to order well in advance, so that it will arrive on the date (time frame) that you intend.
Pissedoff I ordered two of the Grand baskets and although they arrived within a few days, one of the baskets was completey destroyed! I e-mailed the company to see if they could reship a new basket before Christmas which was now about a week away. When the new basket arrived it was about 1/4 the size of the first and had very little selection. Needless to say I will not recomend this company or buy from them ever again.
a great gift for any occasion I sent this gift to a friend, she just loved it, and the basket was expecially beautiful too.

Advantages of Meat

Meat has always stayed as a rich source of food in terms of taste, nutrients and also medicinally at times. The advantages of having meat are helpful to younger people in the process of growth and they reach the elder ones as well. The invaluable source of food, the meat (the tissues under animals’ skin) has been serving the people from times immemorial. The alarming sources of the health, nutrients etc can find answers in meat eating. Out of a large number of health benefits of eating meat, its contribution as a fabulous source of high quality proteins is remarkable and it is to be noted. This cannot be given or substituted by even a single vegetarian food. Meat holds all the required amino acids that the body needs to maintain a balance.

For growing children, small amounts of meat are absolutely important for the growth purposes. The children when they turn to adolescence by attaining puberty, the essential amounts of albumin are needed for the overall physical growth, which will help them in the future (probably for better PRODUCTIVE reasons). The child can be enriched with meat for his/her building up of albuminous tissues and thereby growing better. The adults also suffer from the loss of albumin, which can be provided by meat.

Apart from being the richest sources of iron, meat also supplies phosphorous which can be easily digested. This is less available in any of the vegetarian diets and cereals and legumes.
The meat also serves as a rich source of nuclein, which is the important component of albuminous diet. The intestinal activities if impaired can be rectified with albumin and nuclein, which comes abundantly from meat.

Boer goats serve as a biggest source of goat meat and the goat supply essentially means supply of nutrients and taste of rich culinary usage. By eating meat, the action of certain duct-less glands like the thyroid, is stimulated, and the increased activity of this gland has a protective influence against infectious diseases, as tuberculosis. Meat is medicinally important too, and this forms the foundation for goat sales and goat supply in a higher pace. Meet the nutrient requirements with meat.

Asai is a copywriter of http://www.goatdealer.com/Goats_For_Sale_Links.html He had written various articles in different topics on Goat sales. Contact him at asai.articles@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Asai_Thambi

Using Marinades to Season and Tenderize Meat

A marinade is a combination of oil, acid and seasonings that will tenderize and flavor any cut of meat. The acid, usually wine, vinegar or a citrus juice breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender. The oil absorbs flavor from the seasonings, melds them, and carries the flavoring into the meat. It also helps to keep the meat moist and juicy.

A good marinade will help you create that truly special dish, but marinades do not have to be complex. One of my first marinades was a bottle of Italian dressing. (Add one part Worcestershire sauce to 4 parts Italian dressing for an incredible spicy chicken marinade.)

Secrets of marinating-

1. The larger the surface area of the meat, the more effective the marinade will be. If your meat is compact without a large surface area you can inject marinade into the meat, or simply poke holes or slits in the meat with a knife and massage marinade into the holes.
2. Larger pieces of meat need longer marinating times. Small pieces such as kabobs can be marinated for 30 minutes to an hour; a roast may need overnight marinating.
3. When browning the meat is desirable, remove the meat from the marinade; dry it, and then brown.
4. Marinate your meat in a non-reactive container. A glass bowl or baking dish works well, but I prefer to use a Ziploc bag for easier cleanup.
5. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator. Turn the meat at least once and preferably several times during the marinating.
6. Never reuse the marinade. If you desire to use some as a dipping sauce, reserve a portion before marinating the meat.

Try these marinade recipes to get you started. They are good with chicken or meat.

Balsamic Vinegar Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Asian Marinade

1/4 cup light soy sauce

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

1/2 Tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, minced

Use these recipes to get you started, then experiment with your own flavor combinations.

Are you interested in more information on cooking meat and seafood? Sign up for our newsletter at Southern Meats and Seafoods and get quick and healthy recipes and tips delivered to your email regularly.

Diane has just finished a free cookbook of her favorite southern recipes. Download Easy Southern Favorites today. These recipes are guaranteed to have them begging for more. Best of all, its free!

Diane Watkins is a traditional southern style cook. She enjoys cooking, teaching, and writing about good food and family. For more information on southern cooking and recipes visit her website at Easy Southern Cooking

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Watkins

The Best Meat Loaf in the World

Every family has its own meat loaf recipe and many of them start with a soup mix. However this family recipe, given to me years ago by my mother-in-law, is made-from-scratch meat loaf. I'm not talking about the mushy, mystery meat loaf you may have eaten at restaurants. No, I'm talking about all beef meat loaf with ketchup and brown sugar topping.

Quality ingredients are what make this meat loaf so good. First of all, the recipe calls for only one kind of meat - ground beef. The bread crumbs are fresh, not something from a can. The onion is also fresh, though I've used dehydrated in a pinch. As for the topping, it makes every mouthful of meat loaf extra delicious.

To make the meat loaf healthier I've changed a few of the ingredients. I use 90% or 93% lean ground beef, not the cheaper, fattier kind. Skim milk replaces whole milk. Instead of white bread crumbs I use whole wheat bread crumbs. Often I use no-calorie brown sugar instead of regular.

You can make this meat loaf in minutes. A family of four, including two teens, will proably eat this meat loaf at one sitting. If you have any leftovers you can make meat loaf sandwiches or crumble the meat loaf into spaghetti sauce. Here's the recipe, a gift from my family to yours.

THE BEST MEAT LOAF IN THE WORLD

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup fresh wheat bread crumbs; 3/4 cup skim milk; 1 1/2 pounds 90% or 93% lean ground beef; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup grated onion; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon frershly ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl with a fork. (Don't over-mix or the meat loaf will be tough.) Turn meat mixture into a meat loaf pan. Smooth the meat loaf with the tines of the fork. Prepare topping with 1/4 cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or no-calorie brown sugar), 1 teaspoon dry mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spread topping over meat loaf. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Let meat loaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 8-10 servings.

Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson.

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Before she became a health writer she was a food writer for the former "Rochester Magazine" in her hometown of Rochester, MN. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is also posted on Amazon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson

Corned Beef Contains No Corn

Years ago I wondered why people would always have corned beef dinners, but there was never any corn with the meal. It was always cabbage and potatoes. It was later in life that I understood what was meant by corning beef and it had nothing to do with corn. I used to think that corning beef meant to feed the cattle corn to fatten them up for butchering. I was mistaken.

Corning beef is a method of curing tougher cuts of beef. Choose cuts like plate, rump, chuck or brisket. Make sure the meat is well chilled. Remove the bones and cut the meat into uniform pieces. After the meat is cut up weigh the meat. For each 100-pounds of meat you will use 10-pounds of kosher salt. If you do not have 100-pounds of meat, adjust the proportions of meat to salt.

I use a clean crock. I sprinkle a layer of salt on the bottom of the crock, then a layer of meat, then more salt, then a layer of meat. I continue until the meat is packed or the container is full. I cover the top layer of meat with a good amount of salt. I let the meat sit for 24-hours then I cover the meat with a solution of: 4-pounds sugar, 2-ounces baking soda, and 4-gallons of water.

I make sure that I have packed the meat tightly and that it is completely covered with brine. I weight the meat down with a heavy. clean stone or brick to keep it submerged. I let it cure like that for 35-40-days in a temperature of 38-40-degrees. After the meat is cured, I remove it from the brine, wash it and drain it. Now it is ready for wrapping or smoking.

I put my beef in brine this morning. I added 4-ounces of pickling spice in a spice bag and 2-bulbs of garlic to the brine for flavor. That is my preferred flavor.

Be certain to keep the temperature at a consistant 38-40-degrees so the brine does not become ropy. If it gets too warm you will have discard the brine and start all over, which is a pain to do.

I will be cooking corned beef and cabbage for a meal in March. YUM!

Everything I write about is from personal observation and life experiences. I love to cook and prepare foods in different ways. I like sharing my experiences about food and cooking. My website http://www.pothaven.com was created because of my interest in quality cookware and cooking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonita_Anderson

Meat Grinders

Meat grinders are appliances used for chopping or cutting meat. The whole piece of meat has to be disintegrated or cut into smaller pieces before cooking. Meat grinders are used for this purpose. The meat may be tough meat like lamb, pork, buffalo, or beef, or soft like chicken, duck, or rabbit. Meat grinders are capable of chopping both tough and soft meat varieties. Meat grinders may be manually operated or operated using electricity. The basic principle behind these grinders is the same. The meat is added to the grinder and the wheels are operated resulting in the required operation. In manual grinders the wheels are turned manually, whereas in electrical grinders the wheels are operated by switching on the start button.

The amount of meat to be processed, the time factor, and the cost factor decide the type of machine to be purchased. If a large quantity of meat has to be processed, electrical meat grinders are the best. For households the quantity of meat to be processed would be less and manually operated meat grinders are therefore the best. These meat grinders are quite affordable. The lowest price is around $20. Branded ones and high-end meat grinders cost at the least $3000. The cost difference is mainly due to the amount of meat that can be processed and the power of the machine.

There is no longer the need for buying canned meat. The meat can be processed at home itself and is an added advantage that the meat is fresh. Hunters and others who tend their own fowls can process their meat as and when required. This aspect enables healthy living. This also acts as a check on the over intake of meat by people. The meat processed may be used for many purposes. They may be used as fillings in sausages, burgers, fillets, meatloaves and sandwiches. Foodstuffs bought from the shops not only have meat fillings in burgers and sausages, but also may include other fatty substances. This is avoided when meat is processed at home and sausages or burgers are prepared at home. The meat processed using meat grinders is more consistent when compared to that of other food processors. They are available in various sizes, models and price ranges.

Grinders provides detailed information on Coffee Grinders, Grinders, Herb Grinders, Meat Grinders and more. Grinders is affiliated with Kitchen Appliances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

Asian Diet Secrets - How to Enjoy Meat and Avoid the Fat

Some people think that Asians don't eat meat on a daily basis. That might be true for the people who live in rural areas of some developing countries. But most Asians who live in the cities, especially in developed countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea and also here in the US, enjoy meat every day.

The difference between Asian and Western meat dishes is in the method of preparation of the meat.

Asian Method of Cooking Meat

• The meat is sliced into thin pieces. All the visible fat is easily discarded.

• The sliced meat can better absorb the seasoning. As a result, the meat has a strong flavor, saltier or spicier. Because of the strong flavor, it has to be eaten with something bland such as steamed rice.

• Varieties of vegetables are added to give color and contrast and to complement the meat dishes.

Western Method of Cooking Meat

• The meat is served in big, thick slices. A lot of fat (marble) is trapped inside the meat. Because of the thickness, it does not absorb the seasoning well. It has a weak, blander flavor compared to Asian meat dishes. To add more flavor, butter, cheese or meat sauce is added.

• Typically served with potatoes or bread with additional oil and fats.

• Vegetables are served on the side, usually with high-calorie, high-fat dressings.

If you enjoy meat the Asian way, you will find it easy to adhere to the recommendation by the American Heart Association to eat no more than 6 ounces of lean meat in a day (about the size of two decks of cards).

To get a free report about "The Best Food for Weight Loss", go to

http://AsianSlimSecrets.com/

Linda Yo is a certified weight consultant and the author of Asian Slim Secrets: Enjoy Food, Stay Slim Naturally! Linda gained 25 lbs in 3 months upon her arrival in the US. She failed at every method before she rediscovered the benefit of her traditional diet. Amazed by the results, she spent 18 years to research about the benefit of Asian diet and share the secrets in her new book, Asian Slim Secrets. Her phenomenal weight loss method has received praised from medical professionals, celebrities and the media.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Yo

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee can be done by anyone. Knowing how to do brew coffee properly will allow you to enjoy your cup and allow for the natural tastes and flavors to come out.

Preparation
A clean machine
You will want to make sure that your coffee maker and pot are clean.

Brewing
Cold, fresh water
Using cold and fresh water from the start will insure that your coffee tastes good. Coffee is made up of mostly water, therefore this is a key step. Use a clean glass to pour the water into the reservoir. Do not taint the water by using the carafe to pour the water.

Premium coffee beans
Using premium coffee beans will give you the freshest and more flavorful tasting pot of coffee as well. Your beans should be stored in an air tight container. They should only touch air when they are being grinded and then promptly placed into your coffee machine.

Coffee Amount
Use around two rounded tablespoons of coffee per cup of water.

After
Remove the filter immediately
Allowing the filter to sit in your coffee machine means that coffee will continue to drip in to your freshly brewed coffee. Although the coffee is fresh in your carafe, the coffee dripping from the filter will be bitter. Thus, you could ruin a fresh pot of coffee.

Serve it right away
Coffee looses its flavor as soon as it hits the air. Serve your coffee fresh and you will be able to get the most out of it!

Matthew Payne is a contributing member of http://coffee-tips.quickprovider.com/ and http://articles.quickprovider.com - both high content filed article sites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Payne

Don't Throw Out Your Old Coffee! Make A Delicious Drink

I still brew a new pot of coffee everyday, but now I stretch my dollar by saving some of the coffee that would otherwise be dumped down the drain. I used to waste lots of coffee by making a new pot of coffee each morning. Then the next day I would dump the old pot of coffee and make a new one. What can I say I like the great taste of good gourmet coffee. The bitter taste of old coffee wasnt doing it for me. Then one day I had a good idea, I decided to start saving my coffee to make a cold coffee drink later. Since I dont like to drink hot coffee in the middle of a hot summer day, the iced coffee drink worked out perfectly.

Here is what I do to make my iced coffee drink, it cuts down on wasted coffee and saves you money in the long run.

When the coffee has cooled off, pour the coffee into a mason jar. Then put the mason jar filled with cooled coffee in the refrigerator. Now when your looking for a nice cool drink to quench your thirst during the middle of the day, you can make an iced coffee drink.

Here is how I make my iced coffee drink:

Put ice in a glass,

Fill the glass about 3/4 full with your left over coffee,

Add your favorite flavored coffee creamer to taste

Stir it up and enjoy your iced coffee

Also try blending the cold coffee up in a blender with ice cream, its delicious.

Other Recommended Coffee Articles

Tired of bitter coffee? You might be buying stale coffee... read full article at

http://www.idahoroasting.com/content1.asp?id=15

For more coffee facts, articles and trivia visit

http://www.idahoroasting.com/education.asp

Eric Gard

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_B_Gard

Coffee Grinders: Grinding Coffee in a Jiffy!

A coffee grinder is an essential piece of coffee processing equipment. Grinding the coffee beans is an important step in coffee making. The perfect grind will enable you to enjoy the best cup of stimulating coffee. The ‘golden rule’ to coffee making is that grinding of coffee beans should be done just before brewing.

When you shop for your favorite coffee beans make sure that you shop for the right kind of coffee grinder too. You can choose from a wide variety of coffee grinders available in the market in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You’ve got to select the right kind to make yourself a perfect cup of invigorating coffee.

In the majority of American homes the coffee grinder has become a standard kitchen appliance! Most coffee grinders made for home use are simple and easy to operate grinding the coffee beans in a jiffy. To grind the coffee beans into extra fine, fine, medium or coarse, any of the above categories, you can use these electronic gadgets that are fast and give you the perfect coffee grind.

The coffee grinder runs on an electric motor. It is fitted with either one of the following two types of grinding tools - blades or burr plates. Coffee grinding machines fitted with burr plates are more expensive than blade grinders. However, for a better grind you must always opt for burr type coffee grinders.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has more articles on coffee and coffee beans at Ultimate Coffees Info such as Do Coffee Enemas Really Work?.

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Jamaican Coffee

Jamaican coffee is one of the most expensive, classy and sought-after coffees in the entire world. It comes from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Jamaica blue mountain coffee is sheltered internationally as an officially recognized trademark implying that only coffee qualified by the 'Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica' can be branded as such. It comes from an established cultivating region in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica, and its nurturing is supervised by the 'Coffee Industry Board.'

To be called Jamaican coffee, the beans are required to grow above 2000 feet and normally, the Jamaican coffee plantations grow above 5000 feet all over the region. The higher the elevation of the plantation, the higher is the value, quality and demand of the coffee. The most preferred Jamaica coffee is roasted on an open fire in a pan.

Coffee connoisseurs describe Jamaican coffee as rich and savory, with low acidity, a tinge of sweetness and a bold aroma. A pound of this coffee in a coffee shop usually costs around $45. In Jamaica, it costs from $15 - $25 per pound. Other types of Jamaican coffee include High Mountain Supreme, Jamaica Prime and Jamaica Select. These are also as famous as the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Jamaican coffee is in a class all by itself in the world of coffee. While Italian coffee makes up most of the widely used types of coffee, Jamaican coffee is the most widely desired. Sadly, most coffee lovers can't afford it.

The Jamaican Coffee has also done wonders to the Jamaican government by increasing exports in huge bounds. Many countries have attempted cultivating similar coffee plantations, but there is no comparison to the original Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica.

Coffee provides detailed information on Coffee, Coffee Makers, Gourmet Coffee, Coffee Shops and more. Coffee is affiliated with Gourmet Flavored Coffee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Different Views of Gourmet Coffee Pod

Coffee beans are not beans at all but the seeds from the fruit of a coffee plant. There are two ways to remove these seeds, which are wet and dry extracting. Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world passed only by petroleum. It is also the most popular beverage.

Types of Coffee

The two main coffees grown for commercial use are Arabica and Robusta coffee. For a gourmet coffee, Robusta does not fit everyone's taste. Having double the caffeine of Arabica coffee, it lacks the aroma or taste. Arabica gourmet coffee is a superior grade coffee with fabulous aroma and a wonderful taste.

A gourmet coffee pod is a pre-packaged, pre-measured amount of sealed coffee that you drop into your coffee pod maker and just add water. In 30 seconds, you are drinking a fresh, perfect mug of gourmet coffee. No measuring of coffee necessary so this makes them very convenient and fast. Once the gourmet coffee is finished, simply throw the pod away. There are also tea pods for all the tea lovers that work the same way as the coffee pods.

When you get up in the morning, the very last thing you want to do is get out a filter, measure your gourmet coffee, measure the water and wait for the coffee to brew. This is almost torture for a person that cannot function without their first cup of gourmet coffee. Coffee pod makers are a wonderful invention that allows you to have a fabulous cup of gourmet coffee in 30 seconds. You fill the coffee pod maker with water, put a coffee pod in it and push a button. There are coffee pod makers that only make a single cup or some that make several cups. Half a minute later, you are drinking your rich, frothy gourmet coffee. Coffee pod makers are stylish and sleek and look great in a kitchen or breakfast nook.

Flavors of Gourmet Coffee Pods

You can get gourmet coffee pods in several brew strengths such as mild, medium and dark roasted. Although this coffee may cost a little more, it is well worth the extra money spent. Gourmet coffee pods come in many different and unique flavors and sizes such as 14 pod bags and 50 pod boxes. Here are some of the many flavors available:

• Caramel nut crunch
• Chocolate cappuccino
• Mocha cinnamon
• French vanilla
• Hazelnut
• Swiss chocolate almond
• Almond
• Chocolate mint
• Peppermint
• Express
• Irish cream

Gourmet coffee pods are also available in decaffeinated. If you are one of those people that cannot open their eyes or function before they have their first cup of coffee, then a coffee pod is the way to go. By the time you put your gourmet coffee pod in the coffee maker and push the button, it is time to drink your first mug of coffee and wake up to the wonderful aroma and taste of gourmet coffee. Life is great.

Know more about coffee and get to know the exciting facts of coffee. Visit us at Gourmet Coffee Machines

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Experience

Just about everyone loves freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Many of us have fond memories from our childhoods of the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filling up the house. Our eager little eyes anxiously awaiting their arrival from oven to countertop.

Chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort food. There’s just something about them that makes us feel warm and fuzzy. The chocolate chip cookie has evolved over the years into a mouth-watering variety of textures and flavors.

If you’re a fruit lover you’ll enjoy banana chocolate chip cookies or cherry chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate lovers will delight over chocolate chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate chip cookies and white chocolate chip cookies.

Another popular variation is the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Who knew that oatmeal would taste so good with chocolate?

If you want to spice up your favorite chocolate chip cookies even more, you can add tasty morsels like mint chips, craisins, candy bars, espresso beans, m&ms, candy cane, walnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, dark chocolate or big chunks of milk chocolate.

Some folks love eating gourmet chocolate chip cookie bars and even chocolate chip cookie pie!

If you have special dietary needs, you can still enjoy home baked chocolate chip cookies. There are special recipes online for low fat chocolate chip cookies, vegan chocolate chip cookies, wheat free and egg free chocolate chip cookies, and whole wheat chocolate chip cookies.

Now that you know about the many ways you can enjoy the world’s most famous cookie, I hope you will try many of the delicious recipes so you too can enjoy the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience.

About The Author

Copyright 2004

Donna Monday is a contributing author at: http://www.best-cookie-jar-recipes.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Monday

Have You Thought Of Having A Cookie Dough Fundraiser?

If you are thinking of a cookie dough fundraiser it can work out to be the easiest fundraiser you ever had. If you have a large amount of people for support then you are half way there. First of all you have to get organized for this fundraising event. There are several ways you can have a cookie dough fundraiser – asking people to donate the cookie dough or buying it from a company.

If you ask people to donate the cookie dough for the fundraiser, make sure that everyone knows what kind of cookie dough they are expected to donate. For a cookie dough fundraiser you can presell the cookie dough so you know exactly how much you need. You might also set a date where people can come to purchase the cookie dough. If this is your plan for cookie dough fundraising make sure you have people to set up tables, handle the money, sell the cookie dough and help in cleaning up after it’s all over. When each person knows what to expect at this cookie dough fundraiser then everything should go smoothly.

When putting your in your cookie dough order make sure you choose enough different kinds that will keep people interested in buying. Some fund raising companies have two or three kinds of dough that you can choose from. Try and stay with the tried and true cookies that you know are popular such as chocolate chip and crispy squares. Of course nobody minds fancy cookie dough either so you can have dough in this line for your cookie dough fundraiser. It is best to make cookie dough that can be frozen as it tends to keep longer, but you need a way of keeping this cool while you’re waiting to sell it.

Cookie dough fundraising should be a big hit. How much easier could you have it than rolling out the dough without having to make it and just popping it in the oven? This should be a big hit with every one. There are many Internet sites where you can get the supplies you need for a cookie dough fundraiser. Most of these places offer a wide variety of gourmet cookie dough that will go over well with your cookie dough fundraiser, but it may be more expensive. It does make the planning for the fund raiser easier because you don’t have to do the packaging or freezing.

Dealing with a company that provides cookie dough can be an asset. It can answer a lot of the questions that will come to mind such as how much cookie dough will you need and how much profit will you make at a cookie dough fundraiser. You may be surprised to find that these fundraising events are very successful. Everyone loves cookies, but not many people have the talent or the time to make a lot of different cookies.

Everyone loves cookies, and a cookie dough fundraiser can be fun, but you probably aren’t the only ones doing one.

For a website totally devoted to Fundraising visit Peter's Website Fundraising Answers and find out about School Fundraisers as well as Fundraiser Ideas and more, including Cheerleading Fundraising, Church Fundraisers and School Fundraisers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Crump

Affiliate Marketing Opportunity - Hard to Pass Up

Gourmet meat is on the rise in America as hippies, vegans, household mothers, etc. demand quality, healthy, untainted food. (I know, I know, How Dare them) The fact is people are shelling out more cash for all-natural organic food. This includes fruits, vegetables, rice, grains, and MEAT. With Mad Cow Disease, pesticides and all the other factors that could taint your meat people are looking for proven, quality alternatives. The demand for Gourmet Meats has never been greater and affiliates have a great opportunity to capitalize.

In 2006 consumers purchased 544 million pounds of Angus beef for $2.3 billion in sales. USDA “Prime” beef and Kobe beef are the other two suppliers of Gourmet Meat along with Certified Angus Beef. The Internet has provided a new medium for people to order meat without having to leave their house. Here is a list of Gourmet Meat sites with Affiliate Programs:

* a La Zing - member of LinkShare offers fully-cooked meals, high-grades meats and a healthy alternative to eating out. Pays 10-18% commission on all goods. Owned by Omaha Steaks, the leader in meat retail

* Artiko - member of Share a Sale offers premium steaks, meats and other foods that can go from the freezer to the grill. Artiko offers 10% commission with a 60 day cookie life. They offer top-notch support and datafeeds.

* My Butcher - member of Share a Sale has a wide-range of Gourmet Meats, including USDA Prime Choice, Premium Black Angus, and a variety of other meats. Commission is set at 16% with a 60 day cookie life. My Butcher has been a member of Share a Sale since 2003.

* Niman Ranch - member of Share a Sale offers all-natural farm grown beef. Known for quality and taste, Niman Ranch pays 8% commission with a 45 day tracking period.

The great thing about Gourmet Meats is that they can be paired with other targetable products. Wine and kitchen accessories are just two categories that can be linked together. Develop a niche for Gourmet Meats and like products and share in the profits of the booming industry.

Brian Free - Ramblings of an Affiliate Marketer http://bfreedom.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_F.

Cookie Baskets

Cookie baskets can bring a smile to the recipient’s face. If you want to impress your near and dear ones, you can give them cookie baskets. With more and more websites on cookie gifts are coming up, you can now buy some great cookie baskets while sitting at home. All you need to do is log on to those sites, explore various cookie baskets and finally place an order for your favorite one. The online cookie basket stores offer cookie baskets of various qualities and specifications.

The sheer variety in cookie baskets is impressive. But you need to be careful while choosing the right cookie basket. You have to ensure that the cookie baskets complement your purpose. The cookie baskets are available with an extensive range of gift options. Whether you want to thank someone, wish your friends a happy birthday or just congratulate a friend for an achievement, cookie baskets can convey your message with love and affection. Cookie baskets are symbols of care and affection. If you send a cookie basket to someone, the recipient will feel the warmth of the bond. If you want to renew bonds and contacts, sending cookie baskets is the most viable option. The companies selling cookie baskets online will also give you an opportunity to customize your baskets. They will prepare cookie baskets while keeping your instructions in mind.

Cookie baskets usually include a combination of cookies. Cookie baskets are unmatched as a gift item. If you are planning to send gifts to your friends on any occasion, you can select suitable cookie baskets from online Cookie stores. Cookie baskets touch everyone’s heart. They are lovable and can express your feelings and thoughts best. So, go ahead! Pick up your favorite cookie basket and impress your loved ones.

Cookies provides detailed information on Cookies, Cookie Recipes, Cookie Baskets, Cookie Bouquets and more. Cookies is affiliated with Chocolate Gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino

Unique Gift Idea of Gourmet Cookie Bouquets, Hand Painted With Edible Ink

A unique gift is at your finger tips. Buying gourmet cookie bouquets can be ordered online. Don’t spend hours of frustration looking for the “perfect gift” and settle with something that is just so-so. There is a simply amazing unique gift that can be ordered online to fit any age or gender in any walk of life. Gourmet cookie bouquets that are hand painted by professional artists with edible ink are a truly unique gift idea. These bouquets are simply amazing.

The business of hand painted cookies evolved when two talented ladies decided to leave their craft business and venture into something more unique. They started with stamping cookies with edible ink. After stamping the ink on these cookies, they felt it would be more artistic and personal if each cookie was freehand painted. After mastering an eleven step process to complete each masterpiece, they hired their own artists to make these creations.

There is a selection of bouquets that can purchased online for almost any special event. Christmas is especially a great time because the arduous task of finding the just-right gift for everyone on your list is stressful and time consuming. Ordering online is so slick. It is hard to keep up with everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, new babies, and the list goes on and on.

Being the materialistic society we’ve become, it is hard trying to find a unique gift that the recipient does not already have. A gift such as handcrafted gourmet cookie bouquet really shows the recipient that it was given with just that special someone in mind.

Mary Denis is the owner of Splendidly Gourmet at http://www.splendidlygourmet.com that specializes in gourmet food gifts and favors. She sells only upscale gourmet foods that can’t be found in most retail outlets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Denis

Gourmet Gifts

True to the spirit of the festive season, the concept of gourmet gifts has changed the tradition of giving gifts. All cultures embrace the idea of exchanging gifts, seeing them as tokens of appreciation, of love, and of gratitude, or a celebration of life. But this joyous custom is no simple matter; a lot of sentiment and effort goes into making each gift special and memorable.

Certainly we do not want to offend; hence it is important to understand the gift-giving etiquette of varied cultures or religions. Also, the gift must be appropriate for the occasion —the nature of the gift items, their number, the color of the gift-wrapping, etc.

Straying from the path of classic gifts are unique gourmet gifts such as exquisite gift baskets of choice meats/seafood, condiments, specialty chocolates, fruits, beverages such as tea and coffee, desserts, cheese, and wine. Gourmet food is by definition “food that is of the highest quality, perfectly prepared and artfully presented.”

Personal or corporate, gourmet foods are ideal choices. As Madame Benoit said, ""I find a recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with variation."" The same can be applied to gifts. What could be more creative? A beautiful gift need not be expensive, but should be a thoughtful gesture.

Mankind has come a long way from hunting to farming to what not! The early centuries saw the wealthy enjoying various delicacies that were secretly guarded or forbidden from the underprivileged. In time, with the economic and social progress, people clamored for elegance in lifestyle, whether food or fashion.

It is always a rich culinary experience to treat oneself to the sinful pleasures of rare exotic delicacies that originate in faraway lands, that are not easily available, and that are usually quite expensive and unique in some way. They make you feel special.

Gourmet Gifts provides detailed information on Gourmet Gifts, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Gourmet Meat Gifts, Gourmet Chocolate Gifts and more. Gourmet Gifts is affiliated with Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Gourmet Recipes - Discover Mexican Beef Recipes Online!

The internet is an invaluable resource when you are searching for gourmet Mexican beef recipes, that are present free of charge. Nowadays, there are scores of groovy goods available, which you can make use of to furnish you with the many recipes you desire. If you wish to serve your much loved gourmet cuisine, Mexican beef recipes, and such others, then the web opens up endless possibilities. From discovering the perfect recipes to mastering the cooking styles required to prepare them, you can do them all and much more online.

How to Meet Your Requirements

In order to unearth fantastic gourmet food or Mexican beef recipes, you can search the internet for hitting upon complimentary gourmet recipes. The same recipe may be known by various names and the countless search engines that are on hand will throw up different possibilities. You may look for classic family recipes, that always graced your dining table and which you now sorely miss or you can find gourmet recipes from renowned restaurants that you can try out. If you wish to feast on these exotic dishes, you need to make them exactly right.

On the brighter side, when you locate Mexican beef recipes, and the directions to make them, you can use the recipes to produce inspired creations, which simply takes the breath away. For instance, if you are not very confident about the right approach to preparing the dish or if you are interested in knowing how the bread used in the dish is made, you can seek online guidance to help you out with your predicament.

Online coaching not only provides you with all the assistance but also demonstrates the cooking of the recipe to you, which is quite invaluable in food preparation.

A further advantage of using the internet is that you can easily locate all the essential ingredients needed for the gourmet Mexican beef recipes that you wish to attempt. Most of the neighborhood convenience stores generally do not stock all the herbs wanted by you. However, you can easily shop for them on the internet. You can check out online Mexican firms that can supply you with the required ingredients in order for you to rustle up gourmet dishes.

In the case of gourmet cuisine Mexican beef recipes it is proved beyond a shadow of doubt that the internet is a vital resource for providing all the cooking details and ingredients. You can create your most favored dishes with the help of the information displayed on the internet. The web is incomparable with regard to arming you with the information you require.

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Cooking-Guru.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

Gourmet Coffee

To relax and unwind after a hard day’s work, all one has to do is take a sip of her favorite gourmet coffee and feel the tension leave her tired body.

With countless gourmet coffees in the market, one needs not only a watchful eye but a discerning taste to spot the real gourmet from the fake. But where do gourmet coffees originate?

The Arabica coffee beans are the main source of gourmet coffees. The Robusta beans on the other hand, are known for their disease-resistance properties and are more popularly used in commercial blends. Gourmet coffees from Arabica coffee beans boast of a finer aroma, richer flavor, and more body than those made from Robusta beans. For commercial purposes, coffee merchants mix their Arabica gourmet coffees with Robusta beans to save on production costs.

Companies often use deception to confuse the coffee-drinking public as to the superior quality of their gourmet coffees. A typical abuse word is “blend,” which manufacturers commonly use to describe the name of a particular brand or those from the same origin. Problems arise when, for instance, the Kona coffee blend contains only a small amount of Kona coffee beans and the rest is from other sources such as Robusta beans, thereby minimizing the coffee experience.

Considered as the best gourmet coffees are those from Central America, Jamaica, Hawaii, Columbia, Africa, and Sumatra. Those that originated from a single source are often blended with other sources to produce a distinctive taste. The volcanic regions create the most wonderful gourmet coffees, owing to their rich volcanic soil, which adds a deep and flavorful taste to the coffee. These areas are home to the best-tasting coffee ever produced.

Supermarkets are not a good place to look for excellent gourmet coffee since they normally carry generic brands and origins that are actually blends, matched with a not so affordable price. Since their market is the masses, groceries often do not carry high-quality fresh roasts or single-origin gourmet coffees. Gourmet coffee bean hoppers more often than not lose their freshness since they have been exposed to elements for weeks, thereby diluting flavor.

Coffee provides detailed information on Coffee, Coffee Makers, Gourmet Coffee, Coffee Shops and more. Coffee is affiliated with Gourmet Flavored Coffee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Chocolate Gift Ideas

People give gifts to strengthen bonds, to remind friends, family, and colleagues that they are an important part of our lives. Fine chocolates are just about everyone's favorite. And as the food industry has evolved in the last few decades, gourmet chocolate seems to be a real niche item available anywhere you shop. Gourmet chocolates can be gifted on Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Wedding Gifts, Valentine’s Day or for any other special occasion.

Gourmet chocolates are a great treat for any chocolate lover, and there is a huge selection online for gift giving. Everyone knows that person who just craves chocolate! Imagine their surprise and delight when they receive the most delectable gourmet chocolates. Getting the perfect gift for the chocolate lover is simple when you shop online from Harmony Sweets.

Harmony Sweets has over ninety world-class confections available including edible gold chocolate pralines from Switzerland, helwa elegance exclusive chocolates from Holland, strawberry cream seashells from Belgium, unique Dragon Beard Candy from China, chocolate truffles from France, and spiced cookies from Scandinavia. Perfect as Business appreciation gifts, Anniversary gifts, Mother's day gifts, Birthday gifts, Valentine’s gifts, Wedding favors, Father's day gifts or Graduation gifts. Apart from these you can know about the legend of Chinesa valentine's day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Roseen

Gourmet Coffee Bean: The Tiny Beans of Life!

The gourmet coffee bean is considered to be among the finest coffee beans in the world. The taste of fine gourmet coffee is a luxurious delicacy. It is important to understand that the gourmet coffee bean is not really some single species. These are the select, premium quality beans obtained from the best farms around the world and packaged for the delectation of the greatest coffee connoisseurs.

There are around 40 different types of coffee plant. Out of these varieties, fine gourmet coffee beans are obtained mainly from the species Coffea arabica. The Arabica coffee plants are of the most superior quality, and they are followed by Coffea robusta. The characteristicly smooth and stimulating flavor of gourmet coffee is the unmistakable hallmark of Arabica coffee plants.

Gourmet coffee beans obtained from the Arabica coffee plant impart a rich and strong taste to your coffee. The coffee plants are grown in mainly tropical countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Kenya, India, Costa Rica, Colombia, and so on. Superior coffee plants grow well in places where the climate is moderately cold and there is light rain. The distinct flavor of the gourmet coffee bean depends greatly on the soil, weather conditions, temperature, etc. during the growing season.

The freshly picked green gourmet coffee bean is subjected to two crucial treatment procedures – roasting and grinding. Optimum roasting and grinding of the coffee beans will bring out the true flavors of gourmet coffee! To get that perfect cup of gourmet coffee make sure that the beans are roasted at the right temperature followed by optimal grinding.

Both light and dark roasting techniques are applied to the gourmet coffee bean. To retain the more natural flavors of the gourmet coffee bean, they are preferably light roasted between temperatures of 400 and 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Darker roasts of gourmet coffee beans tend to destroy the original flavor. So get your coffee beans lightly roasted and enjoy the smooth and energizing taste of amazing gourmet coffee.

After the gourmet coffee bean has been properly roasted it must be stored in air-tight/vacuumed containers. In this way the freshness and rich aroma of gourmet coffee beans can be retained for a longer period of time until grinding.

The gourmet coffee bean is usually finely grinded to enhance the smooth and rich taste that is typical of gourmet coffee. It is best to grind the coffee beans just before brewing. Different types of coffee grinders are available in the market. The best types of coffee grinders that will grind your gourmet coffee beans ideally are burr grinders.

This is why many coffee experts suggest that you should avoid buying the ground variety of gourmet coffee bean available in grocery stores and supermarkets. Rather buy freshly roasted gourmet coffee beans and store them properly. Then just when you have those coffee cravings you can grind your beans just before brewing. And voila – there you have a perfect cup of smooth and richly flavored gourmet coffee waiting to be savored.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy has more articles on coffee and coffee beans at http://www.ultimate-coffees-info.com such as Coffee Enemas.

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What Makes Great Italian Gourmet Cooking?

The term Italian gourmet cooking isn't one that is heard often. While there are gourmet meals that you can find in Italian cooking, the meals that are the most traditional are those that are made from simple, readily available products.

In Italy, they used what they had and have. They found much of what they needed on their land or through simple markets. Today however there is a whole new world of Italian cuisine that you can take advantage of.

This upscale, Italian gourmet cooking menu is one that is still full of the traditional flavors, but often are provided with a higher quality and in many cases contain ingredients that were hard to find. You can enjoy any of them now, though. When it comes to Italian gourmet cooking you should start with the meals that you know and love. You will find that with today's products, it is all about using the highest quality foods available. For example, one of the traditional methods that is now considered gourmet is hand made products such as breads and pastas. In the world that is rush-rush, it is nice to know that you can still have hand made meals available to you. From making the dough by hand to cutting each noodle individually, this is truly perfection in cooking. And, it is what makes a meal go from regular to gourmet!

These little touches are what makes a meal really special.When you enroll in an Italian cooking school, you are likely to learn meals that come from various regions of Italy. In Italian gourmet cooking, this is often from locations such as Venice, Florence and Tuscany. Each of these locations has their own unique touches and often has their own completely different tastes. In the southern parts of the country, fish is widely used in virtually all meals. Yet, in northern Italy this was not always readily available and therefore not as commonly used. Each of those coastal areas has used their own techniques for preparing the food as well a herbs to flavor it. The combination of these aspects is what gives you gourmet Italian cooking because of how specialized the food can be.

Understanding that the gourmet cooking schools can provide you with the education that you need in terms of Italian cooking is important. You may want to learn where it started in Italy. Or, train under a professional chef that did just that or has immigrated to the United States after gaining their training in Italy. The benefit of working with the actual culture is that you can learn the intricate steps that are taught nowhere else. For Italian gourmet cooking, this is what defines quality.

Do you love to cook? So do we! at http://www.morecookinginfo.com/gourmet we have a passion for food and cooking! Visit our website to find, great cooking tips as well as recipes from Italian to French, from grilling to good ol' home cooking! We can't wait to see you there!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brittany_Rickaway

Gift For The Guy Who Has Everything Solution?

Ideas will undoubtedly vary regarding what is the best gift for the guy who has everything. That goes with the territory when you consider the uniqueness of each individual male member of this complicated world. There is, however, a certain theme that exists that will consistently get the thumbs-up from the menfolk when it is gift giving time. What is this magic word, my friends?

Food. Glorious, wonderful, enriching, satisfying food! The ultimate of this gift for the guy who has everything is gourmet food. Has the fellow that you seek to please ever been given such an indulgent treat in the past? It's quite possible that he has. Does he have a gourmet food selection right now? Probably not because food is a perishable thing that does not last for long. Therefore, there is most likely a void in his life right now that needs to be filled with foods of the highest order.

Must a gift giver search high and low to seek out and acquire the various gourmet items needed to complete the task? Does one have to bear the onerous burden of shopping hither and thither searching for and purchasing the delicacies necessary to finish the shopping duties? Would a benevolent giver of the gift for the guy who has everything have to sacrifice precious time and gas money driving back and forth from the mall? The answer is a definite NO! Why?

There are these creations known as Gourmet Gift Baskets within which are placed by professionals all sorts of food fit for a king. Many contain a generous assortment of fine chocolates, cheeses, nuts, cookies, crackers, jam and other savory snacks. There are also some that specialize in gourmet Italian food for those that rejoice in this variety of comestible pleasure. So what's the most efficient way to find one of these Gourmet Gift Baskets and have delivered to you or the benefactor of your generosity?

Just go online to your favorite search engine and type in the keyword phrases relevant to the type of gift basket that you are after. Search a good amount of the options given and make your best choice for the gift for the guy who has everything. Fill out the shipping, billing, safe credit card info as well as a personal message and you are finished! This may only take a few minutes from the start and easily surpass the hassle of shopping the traditional way. What's not to love about that?

Take the advice of aGiftBasketParadise.com and seriously consider a gourmet gift for the guy who has everything. Make him feel worthy of only the best in life!

Brian is the owner of aGiftBasketParadise.com and offers a suggestion regarding a gift for the guy who has everything. He invites you to visit his website at http://www.agiftbasketparadise.com/members/514179/gourmet_food_gift_baskets.html for delicious options to consider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Connors

Holiday Gift Giving is Easy This Year with Specialty Cakes for All

Being in the Midwest, this time of year is just the greatest. As the days get colder and old man winter is on his way, we here in the Midwest get busy with shopping, baking, and planning for the Holidays. We make those lists and venture to the crowded shopping malls in the snow. It is always fun to search for the ideal gifts that your family members want or need. But what about when it comes to buying a gift for your busy co-workers, boss, employees, clients, and so on? Do you look every year for something unique and fun, yet practical? We have your answers.

Food and drink is the most appreciated gift you can give this time of year. At Make A Diaper Cake, we are always busy coming up with new treats and tips to perfect your gift giving. This season, we share some of cutest towel cakes that you can make for anyone on your shopping list. But don’t forget, we can save you time by making these wonderful cakes for you. Below are some of our neat ideas for your festive gifts.

1) Coffee Lovers Cake - Gourmet coffees such as Holiday blend, Cinnamon Hazelnut, Chocolate Caramel, Streusel Cake, French Vanilla Cappuccinos coolers, toss in a Holiday coffee mug, gourmet Biscotti’s, gourmet chocolates, and coffee hard candies. You’ll be a hit.

2) Tea Lovers Cake - Cinnamon Apple Tea, Bing Cherry With Almond Tea, Cranberry, Orange Tea, Gourmet Honey, Teapot Cookies, Raspberry Tea Biscuits, Holiday Mug, and a favorite magazine. This tea towel cake will be sure to please any recipient.

3) A Pancake Morning Cake - Gourmet syrups, gourmet pancake mixes, wild blueberries, a wire whisk, and yummy gourmet jams to delight the pancake lovers on your list.

4) The Baker’s Cake - Add gourmet cookie, bread, and cake mixes, a wire whisk, kitchen timer, and recipe cards will delight your baker this year.

5) The Snack Attack Cake- Holiday colored popcorn, Summer sausages, Beef salami, gourmet cheeses and crackers gourmet snacks, such as mixed nuts, and walnut fudge. Almost all of the products can be purchased at online specialty stores or malls near you.

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For more information on making holiday cakes, diaper cakes, or any other specialty cake, stop by our website at http://www.makeadiapercake.biz. Not only do we have complete instructions for making cakes, but an e-book that walks you though each step. And if you'd prefer to have us make it for you, no problem. We specialize in making specialty cakes for all occasions. Make this holiday a time to remember. Also, don't forget to check back often to see what other unique creations we have developed for the rest of the year’s celebrations.

Barb Ireland is the founder of Make A Diaper Cake Biz, http://www.makeadiapercake.biz. You can purchase a Holiday cake or learn how to make a diaper cake, or start your own diaper cake business at her site. For media interviews, contact Publicist, Diana Ennen at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as author's bio remains intact.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Ireland

Affiliate Marketing Opportunity - Hard to Pass Up

Gourmet meat is on the rise in America as hippies, vegans, household mothers, etc. demand quality, healthy, untainted food. (I know, I know, How Dare them) The fact is people are shelling out more cash for all-natural organic food. This includes fruits, vegetables, rice, grains, and MEAT. With Mad Cow Disease, pesticides and all the other factors that could taint your meat people are looking for proven, quality alternatives. The demand for Gourmet Meats has never been greater and affiliates have a great opportunity to capitalize.

In 2006 consumers purchased 544 million pounds of Angus beef for $2.3 billion in sales. USDA “Prime” beef and Kobe beef are the other two suppliers of Gourmet Meat along with Certified Angus Beef. The Internet has provided a new medium for people to order meat without having to leave their house. Here is a list of Gourmet Meat sites with Affiliate Programs:

* a La Zing - member of LinkShare offers fully-cooked meals, high-grades meats and a healthy alternative to eating out. Pays 10-18% commission on all goods. Owned by Omaha Steaks, the leader in meat retail

* Artiko - member of Share a Sale offers premium steaks, meats and other foods that can go from the freezer to the grill. Artiko offers 10% commission with a 60 day cookie life. They offer top-notch support and datafeeds.

* My Butcher - member of Share a Sale has a wide-range of Gourmet Meats, including USDA Prime Choice, Premium Black Angus, and a variety of other meats. Commission is set at 16% with a 60 day cookie life. My Butcher has been a member of Share a Sale since 2003.

* Niman Ranch - member of Share a Sale offers all-natural farm grown beef. Known for quality and taste, Niman Ranch pays 8% commission with a 45 day tracking period.

The great thing about Gourmet Meats is that they can be paired with other targetable products. Wine and kitchen accessories are just two categories that can be linked together. Develop a niche for Gourmet Meats and like products and share in the profits of the booming industry.

Brian Free - Ramblings of an Affiliate Marketer http://bfreedom.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_F.

Gourmet Coffee Mix Syrup -The Life's Added Pleasures!

Gourmet coffee mix syrup is a blessing for those who simply cannot get enough of coffee, no matter how many cups they drink. Coffee mix syrup is typically made from fructose, corn, or sugar cane mix syrup, water, and coffee. What sets the gourmet coffee mix syrups apart from the regular syrups is the type of coffee used to make the syrup.

Coffee beans are broadly classified into two main types: Robusta and Arabica. Regular coffee powders, instant coffees and home brews are made from the Robusta beans; whereas the Arabica beans (what connoisseurs would call the genuine thing!) are what gourmet coffee is made from. Thus, coffee syrup that is made using gourmet coffee is known as gourmet coffee mix syrup.

Types of Gourmet Coffee Mix syrup

Gourmet coffee mix syrup is available in many different varieties, which are as under:

1. Flavored gourmet coffee mix syrup: A large variety of flavorings can be added to gourmet coffee mix syrup to give you flavored coffee syrup. These wonderful flavorings enhance the taste of the coffee syrup and give you a whole new taste altogether. Some of the available flavors include vanilla, almond, strawberry, chocolate (my personal best!), apple, banana, caramel, cinnamon, mango, cherry, amaretto, Irish creme, passion fruit, coconut, lime, kiwi, etc.

2. Sugar-free gourmet coffee mix syrup: All coffee syrups contain sugar, and a lot at that! In fact, if you were to have gourmet coffee syrup straight up without mixing it with something else, you would hate the taste, so sweet it is. The high sugar content can be a problem for diabetics or those who are trying to lose weight. But with the sugar free versions available, no one needs to give up the pleasures of gourmet coffee mix syrup just yet. Sugar free does not mean that the syrup is not sweet, only that a low calorie sugar substitute is used instead of regular sugar.

3. Alcohol gourmet coffee mix syrup: Most coffee syrups are non-alcoholic, but some are available that contain alcohol. These also go by the name of coffee liqueurs. Gourmet coffee mix syrups that contain alcohol are great for spiking a punch or making an alcoholic beverage. However, these are not meant for children and adults should also use sparingly.

With gourmet coffee mix syrup appearing on the scene, coffee lovers surely never had it better!

Looking for more info on Gourmet Coffee Mix? Click for more info on Gourmet Coffee Mix now or go to http://www.gourmet-coffee-bean.greenhealthcoffeeclub.com/

Christopher Wen is the webmaster for http://www.greenhealthcoffeeclub.com/ where he provides you articles, info, and news on coffee and coffee related info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Wen

Making Gourmet Chocolates Yourself

A few weeks ago I thought it would be a good idea to make some gourmet food for a party I was going to arrange. Well I put on my chefs hat and finished up making some truffles, and wow, my friends thought they were fantastic and actually thought that they were gourmet chocolates that I had bought from a quality gourmet food store.

I would like to point out that making gourmet chocolates for yourself is difficult and will take a lot of time, however to be positive it does give you the opportunity to try out some recipes that you probably could not get from the local store.

The ingredients are the key to making fantastic gourmet chocolates:

Choosing and buying the ingredients of your gourmet chocolates is part of the fun. To start with I melted excellent quality dark chocolate over a double boiler. Secondly I rolled some small balls from marzipan and covered them with chocolate. Finally I rolled the chocolate covered marzipan in ground almonds, I also rolled chocolate covered peanut butter in more chocolate and then gave them a covering of ground peanuts.

Creating gourmet chocolates yourself will open up your creativity for sure, also making gourmet chocolates, will allow you to make many different sorts like, chocolate covered chili peppers, chocolate covered citrus peels, and a real wow, chocolate covered candied ginger.

Sharpen your sculpting talents when making gourmet chocolates:

A popular TV chef had a recipe for a honey chocolate cake, which inspired me to make a honey marzipan truffle. Start by melting some very good quality chocolate over the double boiler, and add a little honey, this will create a nice glaze. Now get the marzipan and with a paring knife carve some simple shapes like flowers, bunnies or hearts then dip the shaped marzipan carefully into the chocolate and let the chocolate set on the marzipan. Then dust them with confectioner's sugar. The glaze will be a little sticky, so the sugar will stick. This will make a great gift for all occasions, and is an especially good idea for gourmet chocolates, because you can make the marzipan into any shape to suit the occasion, and finish off by dusting them with the confectioner's sugar.

A Fantastic gift for someone you care about:

It's difficult to find someone who doesn't like chocolate, so as gifts they are an excellent choice to show someone you care. By making gourmet chocolates yourself, you can take your time, and make them look great for that special person in your life. Food and wine followed by some gourmet chocolates will definitely score you some brownie points.

Gourmet chocolates are usually created by master chocolatiers, so be sure not to create something that looks bland and boring, it defeats the purpose of making them yourself. If your chocolates look uneven, with strange shapes, people won't think you creative. So try not to embarrass yourself or your friends when presenting a plate of your homemade gourmet chocolates.

chocolate-tips.com for information, tips and articles about chocolates

For more on Gourmet Chocolates go to http://www.chocolate-tips.com/gourmet-chocolates.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Moorhouse

Gourmet Gifts Shopping The Easy Way

Need a quick and easy solution to send just the right gift to someone who takes food very seriously? How about gift baskets that specialize in gourmet food? How about having this specialty item hand-delivered to the lucky recipient?

Hmmmm... Think about it. What could be more efficient than having someone else gather fine, delectable gourmet edible gifts and having them carefully packaged within a beautiful basket for you? This same basket ordered online can also be drop-shipped for you to the lucky epicurean guy or gal anywhere across the continental U.S.A.

There is a wide variety out there from which to choose that could make you look like quite the expert on the good life yourself. Just go to the internet and type in keywords or keyword phrases related to gourmet gifts and make your best choice to send. There's bound to be an appealing one somewhere that will be overloaded with a savory selection of treats nestled within an upscale container that would add to the décor of any room. Alas, two gifts in one!

Love Italian food? Gourmet coffee or tea? Chocolate delicacies? There are these and a lot more types of gourmet food gift baskets to select from. There has gotta be something out there that would make the fortunate beneficiary drool after opening the package.

You win in regards to ease and valuable time saved. The connoisseur wins by getting what his or her heart (and stomach) desires. The whole process can come to a successful conclusion with minimal effort. No mall shopping. No wrapping and packaging. No trekking to the Post Office and standing in line to mail. No hassle whatsoever! Is this not shopping at its best? What part of this don't we understand?

Make life a little easier for yourself. Take the path of least resistance while getting exactly what you're after. It can't get any better than that!

Brian is the owner of Gift Basket Paradise and wants to throw in his two cents about the advantages of ordering gourmet gifts online. He invites you to visit http://www.agiftbasketparadise.com/gift_ideas_gourmet_food.html for delicious and classy ideas to consider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Connors

Gourmet Coffee-Not Just For The Rich and Famous

You wake up to the smell of coffee brewing--but can you tell if it is gourmet coffee?

Gourmet coffees, which like fine wine were once a symbol of prestige, are now sold everywhere--fine coffee houses, grocery stores and retail discounts stores. Franchises have been built around the sale of gourmet coffee in the past 20 years and many will allow you to order your cup of gourmet coffee through a drive-thru window.

What caused the increase in popularity of gourmet coffees? Did everyone just decide they need a dash of mint, a hint of vanilla or an ounce of caramel? It is unlikely that the rise in gourmet coffee sales was due only to a change in our taste in coffee.

Marketing and a good product is most likely the reason for the increase in gourmet coffee sales in the past 20 years. It is fashionable to walk around with a coffee cup sipping on the latest gourmet coffee sold at the trendy coffee house.

Many people are introduced to gourmet coffees when they receive a gift set at Christmas or for a special occasion. These gift sets may included a variety of flavored gourmet coffees such as almond, chocolate and Irish cream. The gourmet coffee is often placed in a designer mug that you will most use when you drink your gourmet coffee after it is brewed.

Many convenience stores offer flavored coffees that are marketed as gourmet coffees, along with espresso and cappuccino. While these coffees may taste like they are gourmet, they are usually derived from coffee grounds found on grocery store shelves.

That’s because the real secret to gourmet coffee is not in the flavor, but in the type of coffee bean. Gourmet coffee is composed of Arabica beans, while most canned coffees are made from robusta beans. These Arabica beans will grow in mainly sub-tropical regions. Good weather is important to the growth of these gourmet coffee beans.

Gourmet coffee is often identified by its name and that name can come from a variety of derivatives, include the region where the bean is grown. You may want a cup of Colombian gourmet coffee. This type of gourmet coffee gets its name from the country where it is grown.

But another type of gourmet coffee, French Roast, has nothing to do with France but with how the bean is roasted.

Gourmet coffee has found its way to grocery stores in recent years and you can find a variety of inexpensive gourmet coffees to try at home. Many of the packaged gourmet coffees are paired with a hint of flavor. Favorite gourmet coffee flavors include vanilla, hazelnut, mocha, peppermint, chocolate mine, Irish Cream and caramel to name a few.

Some people like to add more than just cream and sugar to their gourmet coffee. Whipped cream, chocolate chips and fruit juices are popular additions to gourmet coffees.

So when you wake it to your morning cup of java, why not make a cup of gourmet coffee? Try exotic gourmet coffee flavors and add more than cream and sugar. You may find yourself addicted to gourmet coffee.

Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources, including information on gourmet coffee

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Xavier

3 Unique, Romantic Gourmet Chocolate Gifts for Valentines Day

A simple gourmet chocolate gift basket is great...but here are 3 unique, romantic gourmet chocolate gifts for Valentines day to really heat things up!

1. Chocolate Dipped Wine - At first, the author thought this concept sounded strange. Maybe you do to. Why do they do that? Well, for one, presentation. It looks really cool. The wine label is no longer paper, it's mouthwatering gourmet chocolate. You may be thinking, "OK, but how do you get it off to eat it?" A zipper - got it?

2. Valentine's Fondue for Two - Melt in your mouth chocolate covered strawberries are one thing. Making them yourselves and feeding them to each other is another. This author votes for the latter. Add a nice bottle of champagne and enjoy.

3. Strip Chocolate - For the more risque, this game lets you explore chocolate in new ways, shall we say.

Which of these three is the best? It depends on the impression you want to make.

Presentation:

When you give a gourmet chocolate gift, you want the person to be impressed. If this is your main reason for giving gourmet chocolate gifts - and assuming the person is a wine lover - the chocolate dipped wine would be an excellent choice for gourmet originality.

Sharing:

If your are giving gourmet to be able to enjoy it together, fondue is wonderful. This sensual gift is one that keeps on giving. You can use the fondue again with chocolate or cheeses after the memorable evening has long since passed .

Just Plain Fun:

If your partner loves to play games, go for the Strip Chocolate.

Click here for more Great Valentines Day Gift Basket Ideas! And check out these yummy gourmet chocolate gifts too. Sarah R. Parker is a gourmet food and wine lover who helps people find unique gift ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_R._Parker

Gourmet Cooking - 3 Wonderful Ways To Cook Up A Storm While Camping!

Camping and gourmet cooking seem like chalk and cheese - nothing common to be found between them. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility to think that you can have a delicious meal while taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Based on the kind of appliances that you cart along, your preferences and the recipes you unearth (which can easily be found in plenty on the internet) you could without a doubt relish these dishes to the fullest extent possible.
Your objective would be to come up with handy hints and simple ways that you could use to prepare gourmet dishes while camping and come out with flying colors. Whereas you could come across helpful recipes on the internet, bear in mind these essential rules when trying to locate them.
Rules to Finding Useful Gourmet Cooking Recipes
Rather than dismissing gourmet cooking as being too difficult to attempt while camping, take into account these vital rules and you will definitely triumph!
1. Begin with food safety. As most food needs to be refrigerated, just carry food that is not perishable and you can safely stock. In this case, you may have to take a camper or any other such unit with you in order to store food in a cold condition or alternatively, you can select recipes that incorporate food that do not require being refrigerated. Besides, being harmful to take along perishable foods, it can in addition have a detrimental effect on your dishes, as they may not turn out well.
2. Select the proper cooking technique. In case you wish to make food above an open fire, you have to remember to regulate the preparation temperatures and times of the gourmet recipes to go with your cooking style. Usually you can easily hang almost any cooking pan or pot above the open fire, which is not a difficult task to achieve. But, you have to give some thought to the proper way to cook certain gourmet dishes. You have the option of carrying a grill along, using the hot plate for cooking deliciously hot meals or cooking over the open fire if you so prefer.
3. Easy to cook, appetizing dishes will be appreciated by everyone. Following long hours spent in hiking, cooking food would be the last thing on your mind. However, if you can arrange for some wonderful gourmet crock-pot dishes with a rich aroma, there is nothing like it! Scan for recipes, which need minimal equipment, less ingredients and reduced cooking hours, if you just do not want to stretch yourself with a heavy workload.
Cooking gourmet dishes while camping is easy to take on if you spend time planning on them beforehand. You can prepare your most favored dishes exactly the way you want them!
Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.cooking-guru.com/ and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.cooking-guru.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal