Monthly Archives: January 2013

Need an espresso machine of commercial quality for the home or small sized business?  The Cuadra Commercial Espresso Machine is a beautiful and stylish machine which makes up to 60 drinks per day. In contrast to a full size machine, it makes for a low-cost espresso maker for business's that require a lower volume of daily servings.   The Cuadra also offers all the functions of a full size machine without the ample need for space.  It has a great steam pressure and produces excellent espresso. Prepare espresso, cappuccino and lattes easily.  You will be able to make a thick rich colored crema and drinks that taste even better as you get to know the machine better.  Your place will get that awesome smell of a gourmet coffee boutique shop! 

The quick heating process is another amazing feature- the Cuadra takes under 15 minutes to heat up and reach pressure and can then be left on all day.  It meets full commercial specifications with its coffee handle, group and 1.8 liter copper boiler. The machine also includes one steam, one hot water tap and a 3 liter pour-in reservoir. It's durable construction with stainless steel front and back panels and metal side panels is sure last you a lifetime.  It is available in a sleek black or attractive red finish.  And don't forget; in order to have the best espresso moment, it is very important to also have a high quality grinder (preferably a burr grinder) and good fresh coffee.

Thinking- what's the big deal which color my mug is? Well, the color of your cup can make the drink!

Researchers in Spain and England asked 57 participants to taste hot chocolate in white, red, orange and cream colored plastic cups. Their results, published in the Journal of Sensory Studies, found that volunteers preferred the hot drink in orange or cream cups.

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Oxford prepared hot chocolate in four differently colored cups- red, white, orange and cream- and gave it to 57 lucky subjects, who reported a better taste from the latter two colors.

So what color is your morning mug? If you didn't say orange, your java was so-so.

Get To Know Your Cup Of Joe!

Cafe au Lait- made with equal amounts of strong drip brewed or french pressed coffee and steamed milk.(Should not be confused with Cafe Latte which is a drink made with espresso, not strong coffee.)

Caffe Americano- A shot of espresso diluted with hot water, making it similar to the regular drip coffee but with a different flavor.

Latte- A shot of espresso with steamed milk and lightly topped with foamed milk.

Latte Macchiato- A half shot of espresso added gently to steamed and foamy milk, creating a layered drink with a 'macchiato'- mark of espresso in the milk foam. Flavored syrup is often added to increase the sweetness of the drink.

Mocha- A shot of espresso with chocolate syrup, steamed milk, topped with foamed milk or whipped cream. The bottom of your cup is coated with chocolate syrup, then the shots of espresso are brewed on top, steamed milk still on top of that and finally a heapful of whipped cream.

Cappuccino- A shot of espresso with about one-third steamed and one-third foamed milk.

Espresso- A concentrated coffee beverage produced with a method of brewing that uses pressure rather than gravity, to pass hot water through a special blend and roast of ground coffee beans. Espresso is usually measured in 'shots' of about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces.

Espresso Macchiato- A shot of espresso topped with a dollop of foamed milk on top.

Espresso con Panna- A single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream.

Lungo- Espresso that has been 'run long' so more water is passed through the grinds. It is milder than a regular espresso and comes in a slightly larger portion.

Ristretto- A 'short run' of espresso, meaning a smaller, slightly stronger shot.

Half Caf- A cup of coffee that includes equal parts of decaffeinated and regular coffee.