Monthly Archives: January 2010

Arabic/Turkish Coffee Info

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For the years before marrying my lovely wife, I would be given Turkish Coffee by her mom when I visited. It has a ‘different’ kind of taste that is more… robust than regular coffee but not the bite of a espresso shot. I can’t believe I didn’t look before, but this morning I took some time to get a better understanding of what makes coffee from coffee beans a Arabic or Turkish Coffee.

When ordering coffee, or when offered coffee, be sure to tell the server or host/hostess if you would like sugar. Sugar is actually added during the preparation, not after the coffee is done. Arabic coffee can be tart and many people like to add some sugar to cut the tartness. There are several variations with sugar in Arabic coffee:

  • awha sada: black coffee
  • ahwa ariha: lightly sweetened
  • ahwa mazboot: medium amount of sugar
  • ahwaziyada: very sweet

I found this nice article over on About.com about making your own Arabic/Turkish Coffees. As well, food selections that go well with your coffee.

Coasting to a Clean Coffee Table

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I’m always keeping my eyes open for fun ‘coffee’ items. A site, ‘Ponoko’, offers a service where they will use their laser cutters to make your fun ideas come true. Searching about people’s creations, I found a few coasters people call coffee coasters… while nice, they will protect your table but they say nothing about being a coffee lover. I did find this one set of 6 coasters that are the individual letters of COFFEE. I’m sure folks could use these for other beverages… but they would be missing the fun of these. They aren’t cheap, they sure will get you some attention from your visitors though.

“A set of six coasters, graphically striking and ideal in 6mm whiteboard, with its practical waterproof and wipeable surface. Each coaster is 11cm square (approx 4.4 inches), so you can actually fit a decent-sized coffee mug on it.”

Classes and Tools for Making Better Espresso

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I was reminded recently that not ‘everything’ is best done from a Web page. Sometimes, the personal touch of a human interaction can get you further. For myself, and perhaps readers of this blog, there are many options to get training in making a better espresso or coffee drink. No one is complaining about my current creations but you can always learn a new trick or more info behind the ‘why’ of a process.

Classes and tools can be great for someone just looking into pulling their own drinks at home. Get a espresso machine for Christmas?

I have added a new page (link in the right column or Click here to jump) to show many offerings for classes. They can be for getting better at home to folks looking to start a new Espresso Spot and want their Baristas trained. There are options to have training at your location, at a school, on a DVD and even for your iPhone. Take a look if your ever thinking about fine turning your skills.

Latte art – more examples of true art

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I’ve been practicing my latte and cappuccino art. A little swirl in the foam here and what some might think of as a star the next day. Sometimes people are nice and compliment me. Maybe they say the kind things to get another cup of coffee… my art is more in the taste than the look. If you are playing in the top foam like me, you might be interested in this group of 30 examples of fine Latte Art. Non of mine are here.

Coffee on the Lighter Side, 15 Things You Need to Know…

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Maybe you don’t “NEED” to know these 15+ things. But, they are fun and fun facts always come in handy when your chatting with someone over a great cup of coffee.

The Oatmeal is a site that has a lot of opinions and creative drawings to go with those thoughts. Generally they can be a touch on the rough side, so those easily offended wont want to venture around their site much. The full page of “15(ish) Things Worth Knowing About Coffee” is a great piece of informational comic like art. I wish they offered it as a tall print to hang on the wall. Those with drawing talent can really make art look simple while presenting a message. Fun to take a look at and maybe learn an item or 15.