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The Best Beans and Machines for Making Gourmet Coffee at Home
Stopping for a steaming cup of delicious gourmet coffee on the way to work or when we are out shopping is an everyday occurrence for many people. The economic slowdown has caused people to cut costs wherever they can. Many people are more reluctant to spend $4 or $5 per cup on that mocha or macchiato.
Luckily, cutting costs doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite morning brew. There are lots of options for creating your own delicious hot and cold caffeinated beverages at home. Start with gourmet coffee beans and a quality machine.
The internet is a great resource when you're deciding the best way to provide yourself with delicious coffee for less. Search for articles written by experts about types of beans available for purchase. Read reviews of the newest and best brewing machines before making a purchase.
Choose the Best Coffee Beans
The first essential to making great coffee at home is, of course, great beans. For the best quality, buy whole beans and grind them yourself. A bean grinder is a fairly inexpensive investment and will help you preserve the quality and flavor of your beans.
The flavor of your coffee comes from the oils in the beans. When that oil is exposed to air, it begins to degrade and brew tastes less fresh. Pre-ground beans are also more susceptible to moisture, which can greatly affect the flavor. Whole beans ground at home provide a richer, fuller flavor.
There are many sources for buying gourmet coffee beans. Try searching by the geographic source of the coffee beans if you have found that you like beans from a specific part of the world. If you're not sure where to begin, experiment. You may find a new favorite by trying something different.
If you want to stick to old favorites, many gourmet companies also sell their beans for home use. You can get a good quality bag of gourmet coffee beans that will last 2 to 3 weeks for the same price as only 3 prepared espresso beverages. Always store quality gourmet coffee beans in airtight containers.
Regular Coffee
If you enjoy a simple, delicious cup of coffee, consider investing in a quality brewing machine. If you don't have the money to buy something new, concentrate on your beans and your grind. Brewing gourmet coffee can be so easy, and it's still possible to make a great cup with whatever equipment you have on hand.
Taking the next step and purchasing a top of the line machine can save time and provide a lot of convenience. A simple, quality machine like the Cuisinart DCC-2200 will allow you to brew up to 14 cups of your own gourmet coffee with style and convenience. The large carafe also makes this a great machine for home entertainment or office use.
Ever Popular Espresso
Fans of more complex drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, or people who just like the rich, strong qualities of espresso have options too. Espresso has become very popular, and luckily there are plenty of options out there for brewing your own espresso at home. Products like the Gaggia Espresso Dose machine feature a brewing system and frothing wand to make your own steamed milk. Many machines feature the option to brew one or two shots, and there are endless styles and colors to match your kitchen style.
Single Serve Pod Brewing Machines
One of the newest trends in the gourmet coffee world is the pod brewing machine. These machines brew single cups with speed and convenience. Your grounds come in ready-to-use single pods or pouches which you can insert into the machine.
Machines like the Lavazza Blue LB 1010 allow you to brew perfect espresso in only 30 seconds. Since there are no loose grinds, there is no mess. Pod brewing machines can also allow you to expand your horizons as there are often pods available to brew not only coffee and espresso, but also hot cocoa and tea.
Now that you've learned a little about brewing great gourmet coffee at home, you're ready to get started. Start exploring your options, and next thing you know you'll be brewing delicious, hot beverages from the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen. Don't give up your favorite gourmet drinks, simply change the way you acquire it.
About the Author Lili Rousso is a coffee aficionada who reviews Gourmet coffees from all around the world. This month she features the Lavazza Gourmet Coffee brand from http://www.aromacafeculture.com
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