Storing Chocolate Candy

Article Summary: Everyone likes to have a stash of chocolate handy in case they feel like giving themselves a little treat This is entirely understandable as chocolate is perhaps one of the most desired foodstuffs on the face of the planet

Everyone likes to have a stash of chocolate handy in case they feel like giving themselves a little treat. This is entirely understandable as chocolate is perhaps one of the most desired foodstuffs on the face of the planet. the last thing you would want to happen is to get to your chocolate supply to find that they have all melted and simply become inedible. You will definitely benefit from knowing how to correctly store chocolate. Don't fool yourself into thinking that this is a trivial task as it is not as simple as it sounds. This delicious food is fairly demanding in terms of storage and there are special considerations to be made if you want the chocolate to keep - or even enhance - it's original flavour.



In an ideal situation your chocolate and fudge should be stored in a place which is dry, dark and slightly cool. An absolutely perfect environment would be one which has a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to take other environmental factors into consideration. Any storage needs to been in a place of low humidity and it should go without saying that it needs to be in an area where there is no danger of direct sunlight. If you are storing it in a cupboard along with other types of food then it is important that it isn't sat alongside other food or substances which emit strong odours. The taste of the chocolate would be compromised entirely if it were to absorb the surrounding smells.



There are different things which can happen to chocolate if it is not stored properly, each of which depends on the type of storage that is used and how the chocolate has been handled. In the case where some chocolate has been exposed on a regular basis to high temperatures the cocoa butter may simply rise up to the surface. This will cause the chocolate to take on a slightly unpleasant, cloudy, greyish colour. This is referred to by chocolatiers as 'bloom' and is easily rectified by melting and appropriately tempering the chocolate, although obviously this would be more trouble than it's worth for you to do!



This can also happen with white chocolate, however the problem can be much worse as it will experience not just bloom but also it can become slightly rancid when exposed to strong lighting for a protracted amount of time. This will of course affect the flavour of the chocolate as well as the quality.



If is for these reasons that you might want to freeze your chocolate. If this is the case then place it into an air-tight container or zip lock bag and make sure that it is not removed until is is being brought into an area that is at room temperature. This is important as it will prevent any condensation from forming anywhere on the chocolate. Any water droplets may prevent the chocolate from melting smoothly which could then go on to compromise the texture and overall quality of the melted chocolate.

A Guide To Using Espresso Coffee Machines

Article Summary: Buying your own espresso coffee machine is a major investment, especially if you purchase a fully-automatic model So it pays to do some research befor making your final purchase, since there are a lot of espresso coffee machines you can choose from

Buying your own espresso coffee machine is a major investment, especially if you purchase a fully-automatic model. So it pays to do some research befor making your final purchase, since there are a lot of espresso coffee machines you can choose from.



A fully automatic espresso machine will be the best choice if you can afford one. They may run to the thousand dollar level, but will take the guesswork out of perfect espresso preparation since all you have to do is make sure you have the beans and water in the machine, and off you go to make the perfect espresso with a single touch of a button.



There are also semi-automatic machines that can make espresso preparation a bit easier than manual types, but you need to get a little involved with the settings.



Either way, both types of machines will need you to invest a bit in terms of resources, so it is crucial that you know the basic rules when using an espresso machine so you know what's going on every step of the way. Likewise, having sufficient knowledge about these machines will allow you to properly maintain them so they can get to serve you all through those years ahead.



Prior to using your espresso machine, be sure are ready with the basic equipment and ingredients. You should have an espresso grinder, a few demitasse cups, espresso beans and some water. Don't use bottled mineral water in your expresso machine though. The high mineral content of spring water can cause scaling which may destroy your espresso machine. Filtered water is the best option.



Follow these basic steps when using your Espresso Coffee Machine:



1) Pour clear, cold, filtered water into the water chamber of your machine. As a general rule, you will need an ounce of water per shot. Then secure the boiler cap.



2) Position the coffee basket in the filter holder and lightly push down the ground coffee. Most filters help you to measure how much espresso you want.



3) Remove scattered grounds around the filter and then place the filter holder in the espresso machine.



4) Securely position your demitasse or glass carafe beneath the spout. Flip the power button and when the water is heated to the right temperature it will then be forced through the coffee grounds.



5) Coffee is delivered into your cup or carafe, and you should remove this when the foam begins to turn white (The best espresso comes with a light brown foam or "crema", so the moment it just begins to turn white is a sign that the best coffee flavor has been extracted)



There is a wide range of coffee flavors, roasts and blends in specialty coffee shops or supermarkets. The more serious coffee lovers buy an espresso grinder for themselves so they can grind the beans just before brewing. This is the best way to have your coffee - freshly ground.



Follow these steps in using your home espresso machine. Hopefully this will help you make the best espresso!

Handy Tips in Finding the Perfect Automatic Espresso Machine

Article Summary: Coffee has evolved from a simple early morning perk-up drink to a highly sought-after beverage that comes in various forms, blends and flavors Businessmen seal important deals over a cup of brewed coffee, friends bond together for an after dinner cappuccino at a coffee bar and family laze away reconnecting with each other as they enjoy different coffee flavors on a relaxing Sunday afternoon

Coffee has evolved from a simple early morning perk-up drink to a highly sought-after beverage that comes in various forms, blends and flavors. Businessmen seal important deals over a cup of brewed coffee, friends bond together for an after dinner cappuccino at a coffee bar and family laze away reconnecting with each other as they enjoy different coffee flavors on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.



Brewed, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, short or long coffee beverages - coffee can now be enjoyed in various forms and presentations. Cafes and coffee stations offer them all, but you really won't need to go to your favorite neighborhood cafe to enjoy a perfect espresso shot. There are home espresso machines you can get for use at home. It will be a major investment to get one however, so you'll want to read this article carefully to make sure you don't waste your money.



You will want to bring home an espresso machine for various reasons - having your espressos at the coffee shop can cost quite a bit, or you will want an espresso shot the the first thing in the morning. Probably, you're just an avid espresso lover. Whatever your reason, they are fascinating equipment for every home kitchen.



There are a few important things to take into account when purchasing an automatic espresso machine. Cost will be a major factor since they don't come inexpensive. You will have to put in some money for good quality and performance, just like everything else we invest on. And if you want superb espressos then you don't want to go cheap.



Don't give in to impulse and buy the first espresso machine you set your eyes on; instead, look for great steals if there are any. When you fancy a particular model in your local store, you will possibly find the same online at a discount. You can also check when they have sales and even look for coupons that may offer a price cut.



Next, look for an espresso maker that comes with a built-in grinder. That will come with a little more added to the price tag but you'll appreciate the difference between freshly ground espresso and pre-ground coffee. A built-in grinder will also mean you'll have more kitchen space than having to buy a stand-alone grinder.



Check on a few models you like, and look deeper into their functions and features. There's a lot of information available online. It will be an added benefit to consult home espresso machine owners and get first-hand reviews from them. An actual user or owner can give you the best product assessment. Don't leave out the bad side though, as they're as important as the good stuff about each espresso machine model.



Double check that the espresso machine you've been eyeing has full automatic functions and features. There are machines that are fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. The worst thing that can happen is finding out it is manual. Just make sure you read all the details before you take it home.



Whether you are looking to make simple espresso shots or cappuccinos, an automatic espresso machine is definitely one hot kitchen accessory. You'll be making a very good investment if you can get the best deal. Pretty soon your friends will be asking to chill out at your place for your delectable coffee beverages!

The Advantages of Coffee Pods For Espresso Machines

Article Summary: Italy has always been famous for its delectable espressos and no one seems to make espresso better than the Italians With the availability of ready-to-use coffee beans or pods and automatic espresso machines however, just about anyone can now prepare the perfect espresso

Italy has always been famous for its delectable espressos and no one seems to make espresso better than the Italians. With the availability of ready-to-use coffee beans or pods and automatic espresso machines however, just about anyone can now prepare the perfect espresso.



There really is nothing like the perfect espresso. Dark roasted and finely ground, that potent aroma of coffee fills your senses and truly perks up your day. In Italy, ordering a coffee of course means that you are ordering an espresso. Italians may walk into their local bar a couple of times a day for that perfect Italian cup of espresso. In the US, it used to be so hard to find true espresso like the Italians make them. Now with coffee pods and espresso machines, the confusion has been taken out of espresso preparation at cafes or even at home.



Because espressos are the standard for coffee making in Italy, most Italians are not really acquainted with our version of the coffee maker. They use a "machinetta" which looks sort of like a metal pitcher that has two sections. The bottom portion is where the coffee grinds go, after which tap water is poured into it. The machinetta is put on top of the stove and heated to boiling. Water then percolates towards the top section, pressing through the coffee grinds. The word espresso means "expressed" and the pressure between the two sections presses the coffee to get as much flavor from the grinds as possible. Milk is heated and whipped separately. With the intricate and precise steps required, it is easy to err in manual espresso preparation. You can err on the amount of water or coffee, turn the heat on too strong or just not get the right timing.



The popularity of espresso has gone beyond Italian borders and out into the rest of world. People everywhere want to have espresso coffee in their homes. For a simple yet perfect espresso every time you may consider buying a machine that uses coffee pods. Pods are pre-measured coffee grinds packed into filters or capsules. They come in various sizes, including single-serve capsules manufactured specially for espresso types. Simply place a pod into the machine's receptacle and push a button. No need to clean up messy grinds afterwards as you simply throw away the pod when the espresso is done. No mistakes, too, on getting the correct amount of grinds needed for a cup.



One major factor when choosing your automatic espresso machine would be its versatility. Some machines only take an exclusive brand of coffee pods, while others are more flexible with different pod brands. A few even give you the option of using loose coffee grinds. The flexibility to use either pods or loose coffee means you can use it even if you don't have access to a steady supply of pods. Since this type of machine is relatively new in the market, it will take while before the pods to be available at the supermarket shelves. Until then you may need to order them from the manufacturer or a local distributor. So having the choice lets you experiment with other roasts or flavors to further satiate your coffee pleasures.

Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine?

Article Summary: Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but what I'm about to tell you may surprise you The caffeine in green tea acts differently than the caffeine in coffee

Yes, green tea contains caffeine, but what I'm about to tell you may surprise you. The caffeine in green tea acts differently than the caffeine in coffee. In fact, it may have surprising benefits you don't normally find in coffee.



First of all, while green tea does contain caffeine, it has far, far less caffeine than coffee. According to About.com (http://coffeetea.about.com/library/blcaffeine.htm), an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee can have up to 120 mg of caffeine. By comparison, 8 oz of green tea has only 20 mg-- just one sixth the amount in coffee! Even black tea has just 45 mg of caffeine. Clearly, coffee is far and away a more stressful drink.



Why does tea have so much less caffeine? In part, it's just a difference in the plants coffee and tea come from. Coffee's made from beans, which concentrate caffeine in the same way a peach concentrates sugars. On the other hand, the tea plant spreads its own caffeine production across hundreds of leaves. What's more, the preparation method of each drink draws out a different amount of caffeine. Most teas are prepared from whole leaves. This means the leaves are simply put in hot water and allowed to steep for a few minutes. Thus, much of the caffeine remains trapped in the leaf. With coffee, the bean is ground, increasing the surface area of the bean and thereby increasing the amount of caffeine that can be extracted. Add to it steam-based brewing methods, like those used with espresso, and you get a higher caffeine content.



While green tea has less caffeine than coffee, it also reacts differently with your body. After all, Zen monks use green tea to stay focused during long meditation sessions. Imagine if they tried that with coffee! Because tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, caffeine's effects get mitigated over time. L-theanine has a calming effect on your nervous system. While coffee gives you a quick jolt of energy followed by a sudden crash, the caffeine in green tea gives you a sustained sense of alertness and focus. It's ideal for late-night study sessions and a boost throughout your workday. Like many highly complex natural chemical reactions, the mechanism by which tea has this effect is poorly understood. Nonetheless, it's been used by Asian monks for centuries to stay alert during long sessions of chanting and meditation.



Finally, the caffeine in green tea has (at least) one other beneficial effect. You've heard green tea touted as an aid for losing weight? Some medical research reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm) has indicated that green tea's caffeine boosts the metabolism in some individuals. This metabolic boost, combined with a thermogenic effect that burns fat thanks to green tea's catechin polyphenols, can aid in weight loss and weight control in lightly to moderately obese individuals.



So green tea has just the right amount of caffeine to give you a little boost in alertness and metabolism, along with a little weight loss to boot. Research is ongoing into this remarkable beverage, and the findings a