Hot Chocolate Machines: A Blessing

It's a cold wintery night and you're crumbled up cozily on the couch along with your loved ones. You're mesmerized by the sight of the dancing flames in the fireplace and you're lost in the blissfulness of the evening. But suddenly, you realize something is missing: a rich hot chocolate drink to sweeten your tongue and warm your core.

Then, you say to yourself, "Why haven't I bought a Hot Chocolate Machine yet?"

Preparing chocolate the old-fashioned way, using the pot and stove, isn't quite enjoyable and pleasant. You'll have to waste five minutes of your time just waiting for the water to heat up. You'll have worry about the clumps of cocoa mix that won't dissolve into the milk. You'll have to keep whisking and stirring so that the drink turns out smooth. And finally, you'll have to guess when the temperature is quite right so that you turn off the stove. To top all that, the chocolate never turns out to be as you wanted it to be.

However, making that mouthwatering drink is super easy using a chocolate machine or dispenser. All you have to do is put the ingredients (milk, shaved chocolate or powdered cocoa) into the chamber, set it and forget it. The machine will heat up the mixture to the perfect temperature and blend it until it's smooth and fuzzy. You'll then dispense the heavenly drink into your cup, top it with some whipped cream, chocolate chips or marshmallows and enjoy its cozy rich taste.

Not all commercial chocolate machines are the same though; some have advantages over the others. To begin with, a hot chocolate machine automatically turns off when the drink is ready. If the drink isn't served right away, it will cool and the whole essence of "hot chocolate" will be ruined. To solve this problem, some hot chocolate machines, like the Cocoa Latte, are programmed to periodically reheat the drink back to the perfect drinking temperature. Thus, you won't have to worry about returning to a cold drink. But not all machines have this function. For instance, the Mr. Coffee Cocomotion doesn't reheat the drink unless you press the "on" button again.

Also, using some machines, you'll have to pick up the whole pitcher in order to pour the drink into your cup. However, others contain a dispenser which makes them spill-proof and kids-friendly.

Moreover, some chocolate machines or dispenser can be used for preparing other drinks such as chai, tea and latte. Some of them, including the Bialetti Chocolate Maker, even have a cold setting by which you can froth cold drinks. These additional functions add immense value to the machine.

Hot chocolate machines are pretty affordable with prices ranging from 30$ to 100$. So if you haven't got a hot chocolate machine yet, then don't postpone buying one any further.

A Lavazza Blue To Make Your Day

No day is the same; no hour goes by just like any other hour. In every single moment in our lives, there's something unique and special, that is all its own. That's what I remember about Lavazza Blue - no matter what time of day, what mood I'm in, what's going on around me, there's a recently brewed cup of bliss that suits.

Lavazza Blue Tea Capsules

If you've been around here for long, you should know I'm a coffee fan... nothing quite brightens up my day quite like a hot mug of java. There are moments, though, when tea is the perfect answer. Lavazza Blue tea capsules are a treat anytime, and the superbly designed brewing system makes it amusing to process.

If I'm feeling like something entertaining and fruity, the Di Piu Peach Tea capsules are perfect. Bold black tea sweetened with sugar and infused with peach juice - it's a fresh peach explosion in my mouth. Once dinner is over, I like the Mint Tea capsules, with the bold aroma of black tea and powerful mint intensity. For the purist in me, nothing really beats my Lavazza Blue Lemon Tea capsules for those times when I feel like relaxing and enjoying a great book. The heady citrus blends with the premium black tea to offer a classic flavor with a modern twist.

Chamomile, berry, or green mint tea, anyone? Lavazza Blue capsules come in a magnificent variety of flavors, there's one for just about any mood or taste. I prefer buying the variety pack, so that there's almost always something new and fun to try.

Espresso, Espresso, Espresso

Of course, we can't overlook the heavenly espresso packaged in the Lavazza Blue capsules. The Intenso Espresso is just what you would expect from the brand: a high powered espresso blend of Brazilian Arabica and Robustas from Central America and Indonesia. Looking for robust flavor without the caffeine? Try the Decaffeinato capsule for total bodied and sweet flavor with a velvety texture and a rich, persistent crema.

When I'm in that delightful mood for something chocolate, I reach for the Ricco espresso capsules; dense and articulate, the blend provides you with chocolate undertones that make for a truly satisfying drink experience. And for a sweet, fragrant aroma, the Arabica espresso capsules can't be beat. Made from premium Arabic beans, the taste is smooth and the aroma heavenly.

Coffee, Tea, or... Soup?

Lavazza Blue goes well beyond the standard coffee maker fare. On top of their delicious teas, they also have a powdered milk capsule for a rich and yummy drink, and a consommé capsule that brews a subtle yet full flavored clear soup. A mouthwatering treat any time of the day, it makes a wonderful quick lunch that is satisfying and wholesome.

There is just so much to enjoy about the Lavazza Blue brewing system. The basic but stylish design of the brewer makes it fun to use. And the wide array of blends and beverages keeps up with my ever changing moods. It's just like having a full time barista at my command, ready at a moment's notice to create the perfect warm beverage.

That reminds me; it's time for my little cup of something wonderful... now if only I could choose! Tea, coffee, consommé, hot milk, espresso... there are so few hours in the day!

Top Ten Tips for Coffee Lovers

Anyone who loves their coffee knows that if you simply grab a mug, fill it with instant and quickly drink it before rushing off, that you are not fully appreciating or enjoying the wonder that is a properly made coffee drink. Take your time, get to know your coffee and follow these top ten tips for getting the most out of your drinking time.

1. Don't grab the first packet off the shelf in the supermarket and stick with it. Remember that there are a wealth of quality coffee types available and you will need to experiment with different types such as Colombia coffee or flavoured varieties, and strength before you find the ones that work best for you.

2. When first made coffee is at its best so ensure that you drink it within twenty minutes at the most, otherwise the flavour with start to diminish.

3. In line with number 2, don't ever reheat your coffee. Microwave cooked coffee is a poor imitation. Similarly leaving your pot simmering on the coffee machine will have the same diluting effect.

4. Maintain your coffee machine properly. It doesn't matter what type of machine you have and whether it is a "pod" machine or a filter coffee piece of equipment, an unclean machine will not produce the luxury coffee effect that you are looking for. All parts of the machine should be thoroughly cleaned.

5. Use the right level of ground coffee. It is easy to waste coffee and not really get to enjoy the full flavour due to your own brew being too weak or too strong. Follow the amount instructions on each packet then carefully adjust afterwards to achieve your optimum cup level.

6. Have a good sniff. Part of the enjoyment that comes with enjoy a quality cup of coffee is the aroma, that heady scent that hits you when you walk into your favourite coffee shop. Take a moment before taking that first sip to fully appreciate the scented steam from your favourite blend.

7. Use nice water when making a pot or cup of coffee. The majority of what makes up your coffee is water. Use filtered water for the perfect tasty cup and you can enjoy the full flavour of your coffee without the artificial taste that comes from using some tap waters.

8. Have a favourite cup or mug. For some people the only way to drink a coffee is from a cup and saucer. For others being able to wrap their arms around a cup or mug is the only way to comfortably enjoy their drink.

9. Why not decorate your own lattes? Fancy coffee shop baristas will hand you a coffee with beautifully decorated froth which depict hearts, flowers and all sorts. Why not do a little internet research and see if you can recreate this skill yourself? It makes enjoying your coffee all the more special.

10. Take your time. In order to properly enjoy a cup of coffee you need to take your time. Make yourself comfortable, reduce the noise and distractions and just enjoy the aroma and taste of your favourite luxury coffee.

Montes de Oro are producers of premium high altitude coffee, grown in the Gold Mountain of Honduras. Through this coffee they ensure better living and working conditions for the people of Honduras and offer their chocolate tasting supreme slowly matured ground coffee to the world.

The Best Accompaniments for Your Cup of Coffee

Sometimes all that you need is a steaming cup of your favourite quality coffee and five minutes of peace and quiet. There are other times however that you find that you need something else, an accompaniment to your favourite beverage, and these are great examples to choose from.

The Muffin 

There is a reason that coffee shops sell so many muffins these days. Clearly customers have recognised that a muffin goes really well with their latte, Americano, Colombian coffee or flat white. Whether you are a chocolate muffin person or crave a blueberry muffin, either will work well with your favourite blend. Of course the hardest decision here is whether you should go for the small bite sized ones or throw calorie caution to the wind and indulge in a "Grande" muffin.

Cake 

There are few cakes that don't work well with coffee; the two even sound great together, "Coffee and Cake". Two types of cake that go particularly well with a steaming hot mug-full of aromatic coffee is the carrot cake (moist but still firm) or a walnut cake, with or without cream. A slice of either if in a coffee shop or in company is perfectly acceptable. A wedge does the job just as well should you be home alone.

Biscuits 

This is a difficult one. Usually biscuits are associated with tea, and with dunking. While many assume that dunking in coffee is OK, it really isn't. Soggy crumbs floating on the top of a cup, or worse still, a broken off chunk which has sunk to the bottom are both ways to ruin a perfect fantastic luxury coffee. Italian biscuits, fig rolls and even a bourbon biscuit will make a suitable accompaniment here, no rich teas or digestive should ever be considered.

Cookies 

Cookies are different to biscuits, they are indeed in a class of their own. Whether your cookie of choice is a white chocolate, chocolate, double chocolate or some other combination of soft crumbly goodness, it is safe to say that any of these treats will work well.

Fruit 

Fruits, provided they aren't too sour work fantastically with coffee drinks. Whether they are dipped in chocolate or form some part of a fruit tart, with or without cream, they certainly look healthier than a biscuit or slab of cake. One could argue of course that such a treat could even form part of your five a day.

Chocolate 

Coffee and chocolate are both said to contain antioxidants and no-one could ever have too many antioxidants surely? The type of chocolate that you indulge with depends on the type and blend of coffee that you are enjoying as some combinations work better than others. Many enjoy a piece or two of an almost bitter dark chocolate alongside their favourite ground coffee.

Should you be looking for a different type of accompaniment one of the most highly recommended includes a good book, a comfortable sofa and a roaring fire. These coupled with a fabulously aromatic mug of coffee is just perfect.

Montes de Oro are producers of premium high altitude coffee, grown in the Gold Mountain of Honduras. Through this coffee they ensure better living and working conditions for the people of Honduras and offer their chocolate tasting supreme slowly matured ground coffee to the world.

Food and Drink: Coffee

Food and Drink: Coffee