Because consumers are enjoying a wider range of coffee drinks in offices, corner cafes and restaurants, they are also demanding better-tasting coffee at home. Here are a few tips for a better brew:

* Pressure-brewed is best. In blind tests, more people prefer the taste of coffee that is high-pressure-brewed, versus any other method. High-pressure-brewed coffee requires the use of pump-pressure coffee machines, like espresso machines.

* All pressure-coffee machines are not equal. Steam-driven espresso machines create pressure in a closed boiler, then force the hot water through the coffee. Most can make up to 10 ounces of coffee at a time. A pump espresso machine pumps hot water through ground coffee faster than a steam machine, creating more pressure with better flavor and aroma.

Automatic coffee centers, like those from Jura-Capresso, provide better flavor and aroma because they grind the beans just before the high-pressure brewing process. These machines control all aspects of high-pressure brewing, resulting in a better quality beverage, regardless of whether you choose an espresso, cappuccino, latte or just a large cup of pressure-brewed coffee.

* Look for crema. Crema is thick frothy foam that sits on top of pressure-brewed coffee or espresso, trapping all the flavor and aroma underneath.

* A high-pressure-brewed coffee should always be the base for your cappuccino or latte. If you prefer cappuccinos or lattes, experiment with the amount of milk to suit your taste. Remember, coffee does not have calories, but milk does.

* Determine your price range. Take a look at your coffee-drinking habits. If you purchase two cappuccinos a day, you may be spending about $1,900 a year on gourmet coffee. For less than this, you can purchase an automatic coffee center from Jura-Capresso that produces the same quality found in the coffeehouses.

For more information on espresso machines and automatic coffee centers, and a video clip on how to froth milk, visit www.capresso.com.

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Published by Buy-Me-A-Coffee.com. For low acid coffee, visit http://www.buy-me-a-coffee.com/coffee-store .

(ContentDesk) March 25, 2006 — The 2006 Easter collection features a Marshmallow Bouquet consisting of Rose Petal essence from the Middle East; Jasmine essence from Asia; and Lavender from our friends at the Hood River Lavender Farms in Oregon. These heavenly pillows are hand-crafted using natural ingredients. Split Bean Coffee’s Dulces del Rocío Marshmallows are available in over 20 flavors (including strawberry, cherry, coconut, vanilla, orange, green tea, chocolate, raspberry), and can be specially crafted for your needs.The 2006 Easter Collection also feature a Super Size Alfajor  Alfajor Gigante filled with either Guava or Dulce de Leche. Split Bean Coffee is also offering a Fancy Box of Guava filled alfajores covered in White Chocolate and Gold-leafed with an Easter theme. These beautiful and delicious alfajores make a wonder and unique gift for the Season.

Can’t decide what to give these Easter Season, let Split Bean Coffee prepare a special Easter Basket that best reflects your taste and budget.What is and alfajor you may ask? Alfajores are South American Shortbread cookies. These delicious treats are normally filled with Dulce de Leche (milk caramel) and lightly dusted with confectionary sugar. Split Bean Coffee offers a variety of standard unique flavors including Quince, Guava, Raspberry, Strawberry, Lucuma, and a chocolate covered variety. Recently featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s Food Lovers Guide, The Miami Herald, The Oregonian, and The Oklahoman, these cookies are just to die for!ABOUT SPLIT BEAN COFFEE: Split Bean Coffee® is a Southern California based Micro-Roaster of single origin Nicaraguan Coffees, and confectioner of Artisan Quality Gourmet Sweets, featuring their world famous Alfajores La Misión® and their Dulces del Rocío® Award Winning Marshmallows.Split Bean Coffee is a family owned business dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Old Fashioned Coffees and Treats. Using family treasured recipes from their families in South America and The American South, they have combined the time honored traditions of people’s love for good quality coffee and the old-fashioned sweets traditions their grand-parents learned to love.Split Bean offers a fine selection of Micro-roasted coffees, of which Nicaraguan Coffees is their flag-ship coffee.

Grown in the highlands of the Matagalpa region, and minimally processed in a family member’s fair trade co-op farm. Split Bean Coffee’s commitment to its customers is to provide freshest roasted coffee every time. Each bag of coffee is roast-to-order to assure the customer always receives the freshest roast possible.Split Bean Coffee also features a selection of hand-made Artisan Sweets, of which Alfajores La Misión® are their best seller. They are quickly becoming America’s favorite cookie.Split Bean Coffee’s products have been featured in several national publications including The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, The San Jose Mercury News, Tu Ciudad Magazine, Specialty Food Magazine, The Dallas Post-Telegram, The Miami Herald, The Portland Oregonian, The San Fernando Valley Social, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Travel Savvy Magazine, The Oklahoman, The Candy Addict, and Indulge Magazine. In addition to Alfajores, Split Bean Coffee also makes Artisan Marshmallows, Toffee, Southern Peanut Brittle, & Chocolate Truffles.

These products are available under the Dulces del Rocío® label. Split Bean Coffee was recently voted one of the Top Five Gourmet Marshmallow Makers by Travel Savvy Magazine. For additional information you may contact Split Bean Coffee via their webstie at www.SplitBeanCoffee.com..