1. Skip the coffee shop and start from home

Your coffee grinder is one of the most important weapons for taking your mornings back over. There are two kinds: Burr & Blades. The one with the metal Blades is typically cheaper in price and great for coffee beans, but do not give you as much control of your grind as Burr grinders. Burr grinders on the other hand are made for those who want to perfect how fine or thick their coffee espresso is, which is ideal for espresso lovers. Avoid being mislead by the bells and whistles of max. capacity and insane turbo power. The simpler, moderately priced machines will last a lifetime.

2. Dosing off a little

When making coffee or espresso, dosing references the grinders ability to Dose (grind) the basket of beans to freshly grind the coffee. You want to make certain that once you dose (grind) the beans that you do not let them sit for more than a minute. This is due to the powerful oils that are encased within the bean. Upon being ground up they are released and lost forever. The longer the grinds sit, the more flavors escape diluting the taste of your cup.

3. How much

You want to ensure that you are pouring enough grinds in the filter to balance the water in your machine. Many people put in too much ground, which will alter the sweet flavors and transform them into a bitter sharp taste. This part depends on the coffee machine and filter size – so read the Specs. Although they are estimations, they will give you a good idea for where to start. For espresso, remember you are going to need more than one shot assuming you like more than one sip of coffee in the morning. For coffee, you want to balance the water and grounds so not to have an overpowering of either one.

4. Water content

You must use filtered water for coffee and espresso. If your water content is saturated with minerals or over oxygenated than the flavor can come out burnt or a little off. The best method is to taste a small sip of water before pouring it into the machine.

5. How Fast

The goal for a machine, especially espresso machines, is to heat up to certain temperature and be released to the grounds so that its speed and heat does not over/under do the grounds flavor. You do not want a slow heating machine because the grounds will lose their flavor. The catch 22 is having one that heats too quickly and it burns your coffees taste. It should take about 30 seconds (give or take) for your cup to be made once the machine starts.

6 Cleanliness is key

Depending on your machine, this is one of the best things you can do for making your next cup taste even better. Simply trash the old grounds (or bury them outside), clean the filter and wash out any used accessories. Leaving you machine unclean can leave a rancid taste that will spoil your cup. Get in a routine and cleaning can take under a minute!

You coffee from grind to finish should take only a few minutes. A great cup of coffee can ensure that you start your day off right. We all know that slightest problem in the morning can throw a wrench in the whole day. So start yours off right, look forward to your mornings and give your day a little kick in the pants. Even doctors are starting find that coffee has some pretty interesting health benefits tied to it.

]]> http://www.livelovecoffee.com/mornings-rediscovered/feed 0 http://www.livelovecoffee.com/a-coffee-shops http://www.livelovecoffee.com/a-coffee-shops#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:20:34 +0000 admin http://livelovecoffee.com/?p=135 1. A.I.R. Coffee Company
Coffee house in Silver City, New Mexico. The A.I.R. Coffee Company offers four unique blends of gourmet coffee, roasted to order.
www.aircoffee.biz
2. Adagio Specialty Coffee
Retail and wholesale gourmet coffee and also have gourmet teas as well as cocoa.
www.coffeeadagio.com
3. Adirondack
Coffees slow roasted in Minnesota using Arabica beans.
www.lovemymug.com
4. Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery
Ahrre’s coffees, the legal buzz
www.ahrre.com
5. Alpine Coffee Roasters
Coffee roaster located in the Motteler building in downtown Leavenworth, WA.
www.alpinecoffeeroasters.com
6. Alterra Coffee Roasters
Small-batch coffee roaster.
www.alterracoffee.com
7. Amanti Coffee
Provider of gourmet and specialty beans, tea, cocoa, Italian syrups, and many other products.
www.amanti.com.au
8. American Coffee, Inc.
Supplies gourmet, flavored, and custom tailored blends.
www.american-coffee.com
9. Ann Marie’s Fine Coffee & Tea
“in house” roasted coffees, blended teas, and scone mixes.
www.annmarie.com
10. Antica Cafeteria
Produces Italian, wood-roasted coffee.
www.anticacafeteria.com
11. Armeno Coffee Roasters
Roasts and sells arabica coffees from around the world.
www.armeno.com
12. Aroma Coffee Roast
Retail and wholesale. Specializing in full-bodied, exotic blends.
www.aromacoffeeroast.com
13. Atlanta Coffee Roasters
Offers coffee, tea, and gift products featuring fresh, daily roasted coffee with beans purchased from around the world.
www.atlantacoffeeroasters.com
14. Atlantic Coffee Roasters
Offer beans small-batch slow-roasted and ground to order.
www.atlanticcoffeeroasters.com
15. Aurora Coffee
Offers blends, varietals, and organics.
www.auroracoffee.com

Learn more about other great coffee products like: Coffee Grinders.

Learn more about coffee grinders and Coffee makers so you can re-discover your mornings.