Articles by Lili Rousso on ArticleSnatch.com

Last Minute Holiday Shopping? Start it Off Right with a Gourmet Cup of Coffee!

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:46:03 -0500

The holidays have become almost a race to get everything done in the short season. Shopping for the best deals, finding that perfect gift for your great -uncle, and dashing through the mall leaves a shopper frazzled and undone. Why not start your holiday errands with a cup of gourmet coffee, fresh brewed from home? It will keep you warm, keep you energized and keep a smile on your face as you hit the ground running once the stores open their doors. Don't stop there! You have your list of items you want to purchase for your husband, your children, and your closest friends. But something just doesn't feel right. You want to give them something special to remember that they can use throughout the year. Have you ever thought of sharing your passion and love of gourmet coffee with your friends and family? Sure, everyone has their morning cup of "joe," but you take your morning ritual much more seriously because of the simple pleasure it brings you as you take in each morning. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Spicy Holiday Gourmet Coffee Flavors for Your After Dinner Drinks

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:01:04 -0500

You know the holidays are approaching fast when you start to see, hear and smell the seasonal tidings. From scented candles, to special potpourri, nothing gets us in the mood better than the sweet smell of the holidays. Candied apples, the aroma of pecan and pumpkin pies baking in the oven, eggnog, nutmeg; the list can go on and on. Do something exciting and different this year and expand on that regular cup of after-dinner coffee on those special holidays. There are a wide variety of holiday flavors you can choose from such as sugar and spice, eggnog, gingerbread, French vanilla, pumpkin spice, and peppermint mocha. Depending on your palette, each of these flavorful holiday drinks take minutes to make. This Christmas, why not try something different to go with your traditional slice of pumpkin pie after the family feast? Coffee always goes nicely with a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream but a gourmet cup of coffee would make the night even better. There is coffee...and then there is gourmet coffee! It doesn't take much to add that extra flair to your wonderful, warm, steaming cup of gourmet coffee. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

The Two Basic Types of Gourmet Coffee

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:40:10 -0500

Gourmet coffee...if you love it, it goes far beyond a pleasant experience. It can easily become a passion, a raison d'etre, a delicious indulgence. It is, if not the sole reason, at least a primary incentive for getting me out of bed in the morning. With all the choices on the market, how do I choose which beans to brew? For me, it starts with flavor. Whether I choose a straight dark roast, a sweet flavored coffee or a spicy seasonal bean, the flavor must have a good balance. While the industry continues to turn out new varieties to tickle the market's collective taste buds, there is something pure and robust about a traditional, strong roast. My go-to bean, safely tucked in my pantry, is the ubiquitous Arabica bean. It's bold and distinctive taste offers a judicious balance of smoky darkness and sweet caramelized flavors. It brews up a strong, dark cup of coffee, suitable to a wide majority of coffee lovers' palates. All else could fall away, and I'd still have my Arabica beans, so life could go on. Still, despite my love, I can't commit to an exclusive relationship with Arabic. Why the waffling? Robusta. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Gourmet Coffee and the Zen of Bliss

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:40:10 -0500

Among the fabulous benefits of being a gourmet coffee lover is the freedom to unabashedly wallow in my love affair with the small brown bean. Coffee has become truly an undeniable ritual for me. When I wake up, I think of my first cup and all the earthly delights that go along with making it. The delicate clink of the beans hitting the grinder, the first aromatic blush as the grinding begins, the careful scoop scoop scoop of the grounds into the basket - this is my meditation, my Zen practice. Am I too carried away by coffee? Can a beverage actually lead to bliss? Many of you might be skeptical. Perhaps you think I care just a bit too deeply about something so pedestrian and common-place as a cup of coffee, whether gourmet or not. For my part, I respectfully disagree. Gourmet coffee is the essence of something we do for ourselves, with care and attention, perhaps even indulgence. It is one of those elemental acts that make life worth living. Think about it. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Manly Gourmet Coffee

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:20:53 -0400

I was talking to a friend this morning, waxing on about my home-brewed orange-cinnamon gourmet coffee. She laughed, and said her husband calls this kind of nonsense "pantyhose coffee." Pantyhose coffee! Okay, I see his point. After all, he's a man's man, a commercial pilot and gentleman horse farmer. No sissy cinnamon in his morning joe, no sir. Coffee should taste like coffee, end of discussion. According to coffee lore, Abraham Lincoln summed it up nicely when he said "Waiter, if this is tea, please bring me some coffee; if this is coffee, please bring me tea." Strong Does Not Equal Bitter in Gourmet Coffee Brewing a good, strong cup of gourmet coffee is a straightforward process. If you start with fresh, high quality beans, you are way ahead of the game. Grind them immediately before brewing if you can, for the best flavor. Many women still suffer from "grandma syndrome" when it comes to brewing coffee for their men. I know I was brought up believing I needed "one tablespoon of ground coffee for each cup you pour." That may have been fine back in grandma's day, when coffee cups were significantly smaller. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

4 Perfect Gifts for the Gourmet Coffee Lover

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:20:44 -0400

Shopping for the perfect gift is always a bit of a challenge. Get it right, and you're the hero; get it wrong, and you just may end up seeing it "re-gifted" at the next family gathering! If your giftee has a true passion for gourmet coffee, we have some suggestions that are a sure fire hit. 1. Keurig Single Serve gourmet coffee machine You can't go wrong with this gift idea. Small enough to fit in a home office or back room, the single serve unit combines convenience with incredibly good coffee. The removable reservoir is filled with water that is kept warm for fast service. Simply pop in the "k-cup" and press the brew button. One of the most wonderful things about the Keurig is the huge variety of k-cups available. Be sure to include a pretty basket for the counter to hold a good sample of different blends and flavors. 2. Froth Au Lait hot milk frother for gourmet coffee topping Who wouldn't love hot frothed milk on top of their gourmet coffee, hot cocoa or desserts? This small counter-sized unit makes professional-style froth with just the touch of a button. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee gifts]]> shopping for coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

The Gourmet Coffee House: A Brief History

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:20:30 -0400

The world has had a love affair with coffee for two thousand years or more, and that passion only continues to grow. The coffee house, bastion for gourmet coffee and heady conversation, is such a staple of modern culture that we sometimes overlook its past influence on society, politics and even religion. The First Gourmet Coffee Houses Coffee took hold as a drink of choice in the fertile sands of Ethiopia and Egypt. A popular home-brewed drink, it gained popularity in a social setting as early as the 6th century AD. The historic cities of Cairo and Mecca both show some evidence of coffee houses used as social gathering spots, and its importance in Islamic culture is well-documented. As coffee's popularity spread throughout the known world, so did the public market concept. The first verified public record of a public coffee house was found in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the 1400s. In fact, coffee was considered such a staple of daily life that a woman could divorce her husband if he failed to keep her larder sufficiently stocked with beans! **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Add Some Gourmet Coffee to Your Cooking

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:09:36 -0400

For the purist, a strong cup of gourmet coffee, enhanced with the exact right amounts of cream and sugar, is as close to heaven as we are allowed to come. For the adventurous cook, the gourmet brew lends a new kick to some traditional recipes. The next time you are feeling outrageous in the kitchen, brew up a pot of your favorite coffee and tie on your apron. It's time to cook with caffeine. Gourmet Coffee Adds a Kick to Texas Beef We know it can be dangerous to expose a man's secrets surrounding his barbecue techniques. A favorite ingredient in one Texan's grilled beef burgers is a healthy portion of ground coffee in the rub. He mixes in about one tablespoon of ground beans to this rub, along with brown sugar, pepper and his signature mix of spices. A few minutes before grilling his beef patties, he rubs them down with a good helping of the rub. As soon as they hit the grill, the spices and scent of coffee start to sizzle. Gourmet Coffee and Brownies: A Perfect Match Baked goods, especially those made with rich cocoa, are even better when infused with a bit of coffee flavor. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> cooking with coffee]]> coffee recipes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Brew Up Some Perfectly Spiced Gourmet Coffee for the Next Game

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:09:20 -0400

It's that time of year again, when parents trek to the stadium to watch their kids march up and down the gridiron. Before the next game, brew up a batch of spiced coffee to share. It will cast a warm and friendly spell when the sun goes down on the bleachers. Start with a Fresh Pot of Gourmet Coffee Make a whole pot of your favorite gourmet coffee, using either whole beans you grind yourself, or pre-ground. Don't skimp on the beans, either. Your taste buds are a little tired at the end of long day, and will appreciate a slightly stronger blend. While the coffee is brewing, get out your thermos and fill it with boiling water. Preheating your thermos this way will keep your coffee hot much longer than if you poured it into a cold container. Pour out the hot water just before you add the coffee, and seal it quickly. Add Some Spice to That Gourmet Coffee Brew While some purists swear by the cream and sugar only approach, it never hurts to get a little creative. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

The Mythical Appeal of Gourmet Coffee

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:06:43 -0400

The history surrounding gourmet coffee is rich and storied, much like the delicious brew itself. Legend has it that a young goatherd allowed his goats to nibble on the red berries from the small, scrubby bush. After their snack, they frolicked and played like young goats again. Curious, the goatherd chewed on the berries himself, and found himself energized enough to stay awake all night tending his flock. From there, locals began to steep the berries in hot water to make a delicious drink, and an icon was born. While the jury is out on the exact origins of coffee (some experts say it was first brewed in Ethiopia; others point to Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula), there is no doubt that this drink has drawn a passionate following world-wide. Coffee culture has flourished in countless communities, where sitting down for a cup is not only a gastronomic event, but a social rite. The Romance of Gourmet Coffee There are any number of foods and beverages that people have consumed throughout the ages. What then lifts coffee to its status beyond beverage and closer to elixir of the gods? **End Summary** Topics: coffee history]]> gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Gourmet Coffee Drinks Beat the Summer Heat

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:21:33 -0400

It's 90 degrees in the shade, and the air is so thick you can feel it wrap itself around you. You need a pick-me-up, but the idea of a hot mug of your favorite coffee just doesn't appeal. What's a gourmet coffee lover to do in the dog days of summer? Try one of these chilly and refreshing drinks! Ice Cream Coffee Shake - Heaven on a Summer Day Get all the flavor of your favorite gourmet beans, and all the bone-chilling delight of an ice cream treat, in one glass. 1. Make a cup of your favorite java (you can use espresso or decaf if you wish). 2. Next, plop two or three scoops of ice cream into your blender. Try vanilla, or, if you are feeling adventurous, go for a hazelnut or mocha flavored ice cream. Frozen yogurt works too if you are watching your fat and calories. 3. Add a few shots of your gourmet coffee, a handful of ice cubes and a shot of cream. 4. Cover tightly and blend away on high. Add more ice cream to get the consistency you desire. 5. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionado who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Saving the World with Your Gourmet Coffee

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:21:27 -0400

Rich, bold coffee, brewed to your exact personal preference, is often considered an indulgence. The luxurious taste of gourmet coffee, enjoyed while curled up in your favorite morning spot, can make you feel like the most pampered person on earth. Isn't it wonderful to know that you can still enjoy gourmet coffee AND help save the world? Sustainability in the coffee industry is an important and growing trend. The idea is straightforward: follow agricultural methods that conserve resources, limit destruction to the environment, and help communities thrive. Coffee designated as "sustainable" must be certified by an association like the Rainforest Alliance to be sure that the growing and harvesting methods comply with its standards. The Green Side of Sustainable Gourmet Coffee Coffee grown in compliance with these sustainability standards has benefits for everyone involved. 1. Sustainable farms use a minimal amount of resources compared to traditional commercial growing operations. They use discarded husks to burn for heating fuel, rather than cut down precious native trees. Many sustainable farming operations employ solar power for their gourmet coffee dryers, saving on energy costs. 2. Water consumption is reduced. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]> sustainable agriculture]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

How to Make Perfect Iced Gourmet Coffee

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:34:50 -0400

The hot summer weather is no reason to give up your favorite gourmet coffee. Now is the perfect time to try the sweet coffee goodness of iced coffee. Be careful though; there's more to it than just pouring a pot of coffee over ice! Read on for some key tips to make sure your gourmet iced coffee rivals the finest coffee shop's. 1. Use a strong gourmet coffee flavor. Iced coffee tends to lose some of its intensity and flavor. To avoid a weak-kneed drink, start with a bolder blend than you may be used to, or use about half again as much coffee in your brewing. Bold or extra-bold gourmet coffees work really well in an iced blend, so try experimenting a little bit. 2. Keep the heat when you add the sweet. If you normally sweeten your gourmet coffee, this is a critical step. Add your sweetener while the coffee is still hot. Sugar doesn't dissolve very well at all in cold water, so if you wait till the coffee is iced to add the sweet, you'll end up with sticky syrup at the bottom of your drink. **End Summary** Topics: gourmet coffee]]> coffee drinks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features gourmet coffee brands from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Why An Espresso Machine is a Perfect Gift for Dad

Mon, 31 May 2010 17:29:04 -0400

When it's gifting time for your dad, what do you usually turn to? Another tie? Golf balls? Maybe some new fishing tackle? Honestly, are we just a little bit bored yet? Next time you want to buy a gift for Dad, consider a home espresso machine. In most families, kitchen appliances aren't really the first thing that comes to mind when buying Dad a gift. Let's look at why this gift makes perfect sense: 1. An espresso machine is a gadget at heart, and dads love gadgets Think about it. What possession is your dad most proud of? Maybe it's his fishing box, full of little furry gizmos and thingy-bobs. Or maybe it's his iPad or iPhone, and he's constantly discovering new apps to play with. If his passion is golf, then he probably has some nifty cleat cleaners and ball scrubbers. The point is these are all gadgets. Dads love gadgets. The more buttons and settings they have, the better. Give him an espresso maker, and he will love setting it up, trying it out and learning all the various features. 2. An espresso machine is a power tool, and you know how dads feel about those! **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

Six Secrets to Making Great Espresso

Fri, 28 May 2010 23:11:48 -0400

There's nothing quite like sitting down to a perfect cup of espresso, freshly brewed from your own kitchen. An espresso machine makes a perfect gift too, especially for the dads in your life. Take a few hints from the pros, and your dad or husband will be making perfect espresso in no time. 1. Start with a high quality espresso maker There are lots of options out there, and many levels of features. Buy the highest quality machine you can afford, and you'll not only get a great cup of coffee, you'll enjoy fresh espresso for years to come. 2. Choose specially roasted espresso beans You can use regular roasted coffee beans, but for a truly fine cup of espresso, look for espresso roast. You'll see a difference in the robust, rich flavor. 3. Use a fine grind Espresso is brewed differently than coffee. Because of this difference, you'll need a finer grind of beans. Some espresso machines have built-in grinders. These make the job simple. If you are grinding your own, be sure to set the grind for "fine" or "espresso" to get the best flavor. 4. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

How to Choose an Espresso Machine for Dad

Fri, 28 May 2010 23:11:21 -0400

Ready to buy your dad a great gift? Whether the occasion is Father's Day, his birthday, or any special day, an espresso machine makes a perfect gift for any dad who loves a good cup of coffee. Deciding what to look for in an espresso machine can be a little tricky. Know what you're looking for, and you'll end up with the perfect espresso maker for Dad. Deciding What Type of Espresso Machine Dad Needs All espresso machines operate basically the same way, brewing strong hot beverages by forcing piping hot water through the ground coffee, under a lot of pressure. There are four basic styles of espresso machines: 1. Steam Powered Espresso Machines If your dad wants things done fast and easy, this might be a great choice. Steam powered espresso machines are quick and easy to use, but you may find that some models don't generate enough pressure to make a really strong cup of espresso. If your dad is a high-powered kind of guy, you may want to steer clear of these. 2. Lever and Piston Espresso Machines If your dad is a true "do it yourself" guy, he'll get a kick out of this. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

Half Gadget, Half Power Tool: Why Dads Love Espresso Machines

Fri, 28 May 2010 23:11:03 -0400

Let's face it; most dads love tools and gadgets. If it plugs in, makes noise, and produces something useful, it's a hit with Dad. The next time you want to buy a gift for your dad, consider an espresso machine. It's got all the things dads love, and you might even get to sample a great cup of espresso! Coffee aficionados love espresso machines for the great beverages they produce. Many people say the actual experience of making the coffee is almost as fun as the drink itself. Here are a few things that make an espresso machine a perfect gift for your dad. 1. Built-in Grinders Many espresso machines have built-in grinders. While certainly not a requirement, this is a nice feature if your dad will be trying lots of different beans and flavors. This way he can buy a small amount of beans by the pound, and give them a try. And a built-in anything is just cool for most dads; you know how they are about buttons and dials! 2. Cup Warmers If your dad is a science guy, he'll tell you that energy moves from hot to cold. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

Helping Your Dad Use His Espresso Machine for the First Time

Fri, 28 May 2010 23:03:13 -0400

Making espresso is part art and part science. The science part involves using water under high pressure to extract the coffee from the beans. The art comes in with all the various styles and methods of making espresso. If your dad loves coffee, he'll really enjoy an espresso machine. Choose from one of four basic kinds (pump, lever & piston, moka pot or steam powered). Each has their own advantages, but the end result is hot, strong and delicious espresso. Tips for Making the First Cup of Espresso 1. Start with a high quality machine Nothing's more frustrating for any dad than a poorly made tool. Whether that tool is designed to mow the lawn, clean the pool or make espresso, quality matters. If you are buying this as a gift for Dad, get the best quality espresso machine you can afford. 2. Use cold water in your espresso machine and good quality water When adding water to your machine, make sure it's icy cold. The cold water will extract all the wonderful coffee flavor, like hot water will. What it leaves behind is many of the oils and acids that can make coffee taste bitter. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

Why Your Dad is Like a Great Espresso Machine

Fri, 28 May 2010 22:49:33 -0400

If you stop and think about it, dads and espresso machines have a lot in common. As a kid, you probably had a good idea of what your dad was all about. Most likely, he went to work each day, and spent his free time fixing things, building stuff, and enjoying his family. Straightforward and simple, he just did was he was supposed to do. Much like the espresso machine that might be sitting on your counter right now. As you got older, you came to realize that your dad is a lot more complex than he appears. Like a good cup of espresso, he is full-flavored and rich. And while you might not be entirely certain how he works on the inside, you know you can just push the right buttons and you'll get the results you expect. A good cup of espresso can come in a variety of flavors and nuances, just like good dads everywhere. Some are bolder that others, some have a more intense flavor, and some may even have extra spice thrown in for good measure. A fine espresso machine, like a great dad, will be around for years. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gift for dad]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Dads and espresso machines make a great combination. Part power tool, part gadget, an espresso machine makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Win an espresso machine for your dad as part of Aroma Cafe Culture's Father's Day contest. Just create a video telling us why your dad is the best, and you'll be entered to win!

Still Looking for Reasons to Buy a Home Espresso Machine?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:07:03 -0500

Have you scoured the Internet for information about espresso machines and still having problems making the decision to purchase one? Take these points into consideration before making your purchase. Host Holiday Parties Offer the hottest hot drinks in town at your next holiday party. Holidays and birthdays are the most popular times for large gatherings of coworkers, friends and family. A home espresso machine opens many avenues to impress your guests with their favorite caffeinated drink. Impress Your Friends Coffee drinkers often attract more coffee drinkers. Whether you met them at the coffee shop or the break room at work, your friends probably love coffee. Impress them with an incredible cappuccino or latte the next time you entertain at home. Never be Late for Work The line at the coffee shop can waste 15 to 20 minutes every morning. Spend that extra time savoring the rich aroma and delicate taste of your favorite caffeinated drink at home. Make another for your travel mug while you enjoy the first; you'll still save money over the course of the year. Enjoy the Coffee House Smell at Home One of the most popular reasons for visiting the coffee house is the aroma. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> espresso]]> coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionado who reviews Gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features Gourmet Coffee machines from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

5 Reasons to Buy an Espresso Machine and Tips on Choosing the Best One

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:07:02 -0500

Why should you buy an espresso machine when there are gourmet coffee houses on nearly every corner? If you could save about $940 and 5200 minutes each year, what would you do? Save Time Gourmet coffee lovers spend an average of 20 minutes in line at their favorite coffee house. This can be avoided with a simple purchase of an espresso machine. Spend five minutes making your own instead of 20 minutes waiting in line. That's about 5,200 minutes or 86.67 hours per year. That's more than two 40-hour work weeks standing in line at the coffee house. How much is your time worth? Save Money The average person spends about $4.00 on their morning pick-me-up. That's an average of about $1,040 a year for one gourmet coffee per day. Espresso machines cost $50 to $150 depending on features and cartridges cost around $0.49 per serving. Your first year owning an espresso machine you'll spend as much as $150 on the machine itself and about $100 on cartridges. Even with the purchase of a high-end machine, you would save about $790 your first year. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionado who reviews Gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features Gourmet Coffee machines from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Why Should You Buy an Espresso Machine? Here Are Six Stellar Reasons

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:04:17 -0500

Coffee houses are on every street corner, why should you buy an espresso machine? Convenience and expense often top the lists of reasons people buy espresso machines, but we delve a little more deeply into lifestyle of the coffee connoisseur. True coffee lovers do not sacrifice quality for price. Convenience Convenience still tops the list of reasons to buy an espresso machine. No matter the time, your espresso machine is made to serve. Early morning or late at night, enjoy a cappuccino or latte any time. Saving 20 minutes per work day may not seem like a lot of time but in the long run it is more than 86.5 hours per year. More than two work weeks standing there in line to hand someone too much money when you could brew your own at home. For example: Save Fifteen to Twenty Minutes Daily: That's the average amount of time it takes to stand in line at the coffee shop. According to the traditional 40-hour work week, the average person works 260 days per year. **End Summary** Topics: espresso machine]]> espresso]]> coffee]]> gourmet coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionado who reviews Gourmet coffees and accessories from all around the world. This month she features Gourmet Coffee machines from http://www.AromaCafeCulture.com

Advantages to Owning Your Own Espresso Machine

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:11:19 -0500

Driving through town, you're liable to see a coffee stand on every corner. It's easy to stop and order your drink, but the cost, the lines, and the inconsistency from location to location can be frustrating. There must be a way to get your coffee the way you want it without the hassle. The answer is simple. Investing in your own espresso machine to brew coffee at home has many advantages for coffee lovers. You can give up your daily trip through the drive through without giving up delicious, fresh brewed coffee. There are many advantages to owning your own espresso machine, but when financial times are hard, savings can be a pretty big incentive. Save Money Stopping at the coffee shop every day and spending only $3 will cost you more than $1000 per year. Start ordering larger or fancier beverages and you could be looking at 4, 5, or even 6 dollars a day. Purchasing your own machine can bring your average cost per cup as low as 50 cents. Even brewing twice a day, you could save more than $700 per year. Most people are happy with the idea of saving money. **End Summary** Topics: espresso]]> espresso machine]]> gourmet coffee]]> specialty coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Gourmet coffee aficionada, Lili Rousso, reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com

Make Your Holiday Party a Huge Success: Bring Home a New Espresso Machine

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:10:21 -0500

The holiday shopping season is upon us. The holidays often mean parties, gifts, and family functions. If you are tired of the same home and office parties and gift exchanges, you are not alone. Your friends may be looking for a way to beat the winter blues and enjoy the season without stressful gatherings too, ask them. Holiday Espresso Party Ideas Fresh party ideas can chase away those winter blues and get all of your friends together. No gift giving, no worries about who celebrates which holiday. Make your next get together about getting together and having a great time with great friends. Add great coffee to your next holiday party to help break the ice. Holiday gatherings shouldn't cause your friends to put on their fake smiles and nod while they go away to a remote island in their mind. Become the barista of your own kitchen cafe and provide your friends the best espresso in town. Some of the best times are waiting for you, along with that brand new gourmet coffee maker that calls your name. Make this holiday season and the cold months a fun time, get your espresso machine today and start having fun. **End Summary** Topics: espresso]]> espresso machine]]> coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Gourmet coffee aficionada, Lili Rousso, reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com

How Long Have You Been Considering Buying an Espresso Machine?

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:09:47 -0500

Stop considering buying an espresso machine, and take the leap. How many more reasons do you need? You'll save two of the most precious commodities in life, time and money. You spend enough money driving to the coffee shop to stand in line just to spend more money. Take the Coffee Shop Home Espresso machines are not just for coffee shops anymore. People have learned they can achieve the great taste and warmth of specialty coffee in the comfort of their own home. Save money while enjoying your favorite specialty coffee in your pajamas and slippers. A home espresso machine gives you the opportunity to enjoy the great taste of espresso without spending five to eight dollars per cup. Go Green Choosing to make your own specialty coffee at home is also a very green choice. Use your own coffee mug, not Styrofoam or paper that end up cluttering up landfills. Don't leave home just to transport your coffee right back home with you. Substantial Monetary Savings How much money can really be saved by buying a home espresso machine? If you look at it in terms of one year, the results are quite surprising. **End Summary** Topics: espresso]]> espresso machine]]> specialty coffee]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Gourmet coffee aficionada, Lili Rousso, reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com