Those who enjoy coffee will love this book. Those who love coffee will clutch it to their hearts as the aroma of coffee permeates the house and its taste infuses drinks of infinite variety, some with alcohol, some without.
The first section of the book is devoted to coffee facts and the art of the perfect cup of coffee. In vivacious and easy to read prose author Susan Zimmer covers the bean itself, its varieties and cultivation, the roasting process, what makes decaffeinated coffee. One is startled to discover such facts as that the darker the roast (French roast, for example) the less caffeine in the coffee, or that Jamaicans know it's harvest time when bats are drawn to the coffee beans at night.
Continuing with everything one needs to know, Zimmer explains the various coffee machines from percolator to French press, their advantages and disadvantages, and brewing techniques. In this chapter you know you are on your way to becoming an expert who brews the perfect cup. She moves on to a full chapter on espresso including the Four M's - the Musts for making perfect espresso. In this section, Zimmer reveals how to make a latte or a cappuccino without a machine.
The final chapter in this section is devoted to making coffee drinks with tips and tools, proportions. Also in this section is "How to Make Basic Latte Art," and in this glorious, fully illustrated section the artist lurking in each coffee-loving soul emerges.
Armed with knowledge and technique, the reader has a choice of over 100 easy coffee drinks. Hot and cold, with and without alcohol, you will find sections for Coffee and Espresso Martinis, Coffee Dessert Drinks, Seasonal and Holiday Coffee Drinks even for Coffee Syrup and Whipped Crema Recipes and tips. Recipes include:
Amaretto Coffee Smoothie,
French Kiss Caffè Latte,
Tiramisù Martini,
Black Forrest Iced Mocha,
Mint Cappuccino,
Cognac Mochaccino,
Toffee-Coffee Latte
Midnight Star Coffee Cocktail (yes, complete with star)
Orange Yule Delight Latte
To guide the eye, there are color photographs throughout the book. This is a must for coffee lovers. Even tea drinkers will find delight in this work.
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