So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Coffeehouse 101: Different Types Of Coffee Drinks

By Debrah Elliot


When you head to your local coffeehouse and take a look at the menu, you might have thought that the names of the coffee drinks were invented by some marketing guru who wanted the coffee to sound more sophisticated. Actually, coffee-related words such as latte and cappuccino have been around for a long time, and each name refers to the process by which the drink is created.

First of all, let's start with espresso. Some people believe it's a drink, some believe it's a method of brewing and others think it's a type of bean. The word espresso is the name of the beverage as well as the way it prepared. Any bean can be used, although many consumers prefer a darker roast. The drink is made by forcing extremely hot water through the grounds, which have been finely ground and compressed. This process creates a liquid with a much higher concentration of caffeine than a typical cup of drip coffee. It's smaller than a cup of coffee, but packs much more of a punch.

Coffee has long been popular around the world, but not everyone craves the strong flavor of a straight espresso, no matter how beautifully it has been prepared. According to some legends, the caf Americano was invented for just such a purpose. During World War II, it was said, U.S. soldiers preferred their espresso diluted, and this new drink was named after the Americans. Whether or not this is true, the Americano has become popular around the world.

Many coffee drinkers add cream to their coffee and many also prefer espresso and milk. There are several different types of milk and espresso drinks, including the ever popular latte. This is a drink that starts with espresso (one or more shots), and warmed milk is added and then a touch of foam. The cappuccino is kind of the opposite where you have more foam then milk and more of the espresso's flavor comes through. A caf au lait is another option, a blend that includes half warm milk and half coffee.

Another popular drink, especially in North America, is the caf mocha, which is a latte-style drink that begins by topping gourmet chocolate syrup with espresso and then adding steamed milk and perhaps a touch of whipped cream. The macchiato is an interesting drink because a true macchiato hardly resembles the type you get in most coffee shops. What we typically get is a latte with some yummy flavorings added, such as vanilla and caramel. Actually a true espresso macchiato is simply freshly brewed espresso topped with just a bit of foam.

No matter what coffee drinks you love, the best place in L.A. to get a cup is at Island Monarch Coffee. This Culver City coffeehouse takes its coffee very seriously. Beans are imported from Kona and South America and are roasted after they arrive to ensure the freshest possible flavor. Beans are used within just a few days of roasting, as well, and the water is also special. Island Monarch Coffee uses water that has been purified using reverse osmosis to truly allow the flavor of the coffee come through.




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