The varieties offered by Coffee Bean Direct include single-origin Regular Coffees, such as Columbian Supremo, blended beans, such as Columbian Half-Caff, as well as flavored (Chocolate Cherry?) and organic selections. Prices are listed per pound and the bag sizes vary from five to 25 pounds in weight. Teas are sold in bags ranging from five ounces to two pounds in weight. Available types of tea include black, green, herbal, flavored and Wulong, among others. If you are this much of a coffee or tea lover, perhaps Coffee Bean Direct can interest you in some available accessories, such as mugs and t-shirts. You can also buy empty burlap coffee bags for storage. Don’t forget to take advantage of the monthly specials. For customers with their own roasting capabilities, i.e., restaurants or coffee aficionados, green beans are sold in quantities varying from five to 50 pound bags. They even carry ground chicory!

Needless to say, any restaurant owner with grinding and roasting capabilities should take advantage of the products freshly packaged and shipped daily by Coffee Bean Direct. Just imagine how attractive the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans could be to your potential customers.

This company specializes in green coffee beans. They do not accept partial bag orders. You can specifically request that your beans meet certain standards of body, balance, aroma, and the like. Upon receiving your shipment, the roasting, grinding, filtering and brewing the end product of your morning cup of coffee is all up to you. With an initial batch of a great brew, it’s easy for us “do-it-yourselfers” to get carried away. The website for Coffee Bean Corral cautions against this enthusiasm. They sell equipment only for home use.

Due to the expense of even the lower priced roasters, one can safely say that coffee roasting qualifies as a hobby, not a passing fancy. The least expensive roaster is almost $300.00 and the “high-end” ones cost close to $1,000.00. Therefore, you and your family should be serious about coffee. Of course, if you average one specially prepared “take out” coffee drink a day per person, it could be well worth the extra effort.

The good news is that you can personalize your own brews with labels and packaging. If you pace yourself and plan ahead, the next holiday season could be a fertile ground for attempting to share your homemade coffee brews and bean blends with those near and dear. Just remember not to overload your equipment.

Although no longer plagued by the scourge of slavery, coffee production still thrives today, although there are distinct differences between the consistent qualities of the coffee crops produced. All Jamaican coffee is not the same. Careful research should preclude the paying of top dollar for any variety of Blue Mountain Coffee.

It is easy to confuse the name variations of Blue Mountain Coffee and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. In many circles, these two brand names are marketed as the same product. The only confusion that results is due to the fact that Blue Mountain Coffee beans are sometimes blended with other coffees, to increase their quality. It is said that this does not occur with certified Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. Hence, the distinction between the two labels.

Coffee purists insist that each pot must contain freshly ground beans, or the act of drinking each cup is a total waste of time. These coffee aficionados could spend a similar amount of money to properly store their coffee beans and grinder that a wine connoisseur would invest in his or her collection. This “connoisseur” approach is similar to the passion with which one collects fine wines. For those willing to properly research the various labels of Blue Mountain Coffee, the rewards are paid daily, in the form of a cup of coffee unlike any other in the world.

Pre-ground coffee, meaning coffee that is ground at the time of purchase, can be shipped to any location around the world. Coffee purists may argue that the listed low-cost shipping option of 10-14 days’ duration may affect the flavor of pre-ground coffee. If you wish to save on shipping costs, a wise choice would probably be an order of vacuum-sealed whole beans. After all, if coffee is so important to you that ordering it online is your preferred option, a good grinder would be a worthwhile investment. While brewing equipment is available on their website, it appears that Barnie’s Coffee does not offer coffee bean grinders for sale.

Their signature Barnie’s Blend is the basis for all of the flavored varieties offered. As with many other online stores, teas, flavored syrups and cocoa products are plentiful. The first distinction between this and other stores is the existence of Broadway Coffee and Tea Company specialty shops, which comprise a wholly owned subsidiary, specializing in the Middle Eastern market. Other notable products include the wide selection of coffee accessories, including commuter tumblers and attractive mugs. They even have a few teapots for purchase.

Barnie’s Coffee actively solicits business accounts and provides a wholesale pricing schedule to restaurants and businesses with large populations of coffee consumers. For those who wish to take it to the next level as a franchisee, a 25-year successful track record is comforting.

Although patrons to Barista espresso bars are probably there for the great coffee, they can have the entire “restaurant experience,” if they wish. Other menu items include iced coffee items, smoothies and sandwiches. As you would find here in Borders or Barnes & Noble bookstores, many Planet M. or Shopper’s Stop stores have Barista espresso bars located within these stores. Taking a page from Starbucks, Barista has also begun offering their own compilations of music on compact disc. For the young adult set wishing to “hang out” while enjoying their coffee, board games are available.

Unlike other companies that are mainly subsidiaries of food manufacturers, Barista Coffee is a subsidiary of the Sterling InfoTech Group. Other diverse corporate entities within this conglomerate include Internet services, agricultural products and the fitness industry.

Aroma Coffee of Santa Fe roasts coffee beans from a higher elevation than many other companies in the United States. They believe that this environment of rarified air provides a special feast for the senses used when consuming an excellent cup of coffee. Oddly enough, this company did not begin in New Mexico, but Oregon. It was the brainchild of a “stressed out” executive, Howard Stone, who sought a more pleasant way to earn a living. As Mr. Stone began to rack up victories in coffee roasting competitions, he took a visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico and for all practical purposes, never returned.

Finding his own paradise on Earth, Mr. Stone decided to relocate his coffee roasting business as well. It has proven to be a very profitable choice. Aroma Coffee is now served in some of the best restaurants in the country. As a Certified Organic Roaster, Mr. Stone has made a commitment to place quality before profit. The end product more than justifies the extra effort.

The Aroma Coffee philosophy doesn’t just stop with the product. Altruistic efforts to give back to the lands that have allowed this company to prosper include providing assistance to families from the same countries where this extraordinary product is harvested.

It is possible that we can trace our coffee addictions back to goats. It seems that many years ago, farmers discovered the animals behaving with extra energy and observed them chewing coffee plants. Of course, as soon as we discovered their source of vigor, humans began using it to extend their workdays and, as they say, “The rest is history.”

Of all the coffee plants that exist, the Arabica and Robusta beans are the actual sources of the drink we enjoy every day. Arabica beans are always thought of as superior to Robusta beans by coffee lovers everywhere. Robusta plants are hardy and can survive more challenging conditions, but the trade-off is flavor. Oddly enough, while Arabica is the most desired of all coffee beans, it contains less caffeine than some of the other plants.

Types of Arabica beans include Typica, Caturra and Bourbon varieties. Of course, as Arabica beans are used by most coffee manufacturers, it takes a true connoisseur to point out the differences in flavor between these subcategories.

Coffee provides stimulation for all of our senses. Prior to enjoying our morning cup, we appreciate the smell of the brew. Many of us begin cannot properly function before we “have our coffee.” The goats were right!

If you are a regular subscriber to the services provided by Ambassador Coffee Service and Boutique, you might just get your project finished on time and without the members of your team doing serious bodily harm to one another. Pre-measured cups of various flavors of Ambassador Coffee are delivered to your office break room on a regular basis. If you’ve also splurged for a Keurig coffee brewer, Ambassador will stock as many varieties of their flavored coffees or brand-name teas as you desire. That fussy genius in the Accounting Department can brew his or her favorite drink in a matter of seconds.

Restaurant owners everywhere would be in deep trouble without the consistent quality of Ambassador Coffee products and equipment. Most restaurants use the BUNN multiple brewing stations, which are, of course, a part of the Ambassador Coffee Service package. Imagine for a moment how difficult it would be for any restaurant to operate for the slightest period of time without serving coffee.

Whether we are “pulling all-nighters,” or wish to impress that client that unexpectedly drops by the office, Ambassador Coffee Service is a small expense that can pay big dividends in the long run.

Old fashioned tea cakes have as their ingredients 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 eggs, 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Begin by creaming the sugar and butter together with the back of a spoon. Add the eggs which should be minimally beaten, flour, baking powder vanilla and salt. Lay on floured board and slice. Sprinkle sugar and put in the oven and bake at 400 degrees. Keep on the oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

Another tea cake recipe is called Maw-Maw’s tea cakes. They consist of 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup cooking oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups flour. This recipe is simple if you have the ingredients. Simply mix all of the elements and drop by teaspoonful on a cookie sheet which should be greased. Bake at 425 degrees about 10 to 12 minutes. The mixture will stiffen as it cools off.

The above simple recipes for tea cakes prove that you do not have to be a telecook to learn how to bake cookies. The ingredients are available everywhere and might even be in your kitchen cabinet, if you do much cooking. Cooking time is minimal, and you can put it on a timer so you do not have to watch them to prevent burning.

While friendship tea is a generic term for many different recipes, common ingredients include sugar, lemon, and orange flavored powders together with instant tea. Common spices include cinnamon and cloves to add flavor.

When its ingredients are combined and stashed in a hermetically sealed container, friendship tea stays fresh for days at a time and provides instant convenience and bite.

In addition to being utilized for a personal refresher, the mixture can be bottled in jars and covered with a cloth and given as gifts around holiday time. Let us look at a recipe for friendship tea.

Traditional friendship tea requires the following ingredients: ½ cup instant tea powder, 1 cup sweetened lemonade powder, 1 cup orange-flavored drink mix, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves. Combine all the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix them up and put them in an airtight container. When serving, put 1 tablespoon of mix in a coffee cup or beer mug and cover with 1 cup boiling water, stirring as you pour.

There are many other different types and recipes for friendship tea, namely spicy friendship tea and a variation to friendship tea. Ingredients of these include sugar, cinnamon candy, anise, and lemonade mix. To see these recipes click on www.learn-about-tea.com/friendship-tea.html.

Tea can be drunk either hot or cold and subsequently gives rise to many different recipes. A popular one in Thai restaurants and coffee houses is Thai Iced Chai. It begins with guarana or  California Chai made with 3 bags cooled. Add 16 ounces of water, 8 to 12 ice cubes, 1 ounce Dalf and half, 4 ounces milk, 2  ounces Almond Syrup, 2 ounces Coconut Syrup, and one ounce passionfruit syrup. Combine them all in a blender. Blend in spurts and on high speed until the ice is fine and the mix is smooth. Pour into big glasses and add a cinnamon stick as a garnish, and you are ready for this sweet, tasty and fruity refreshing drink.

Another fun recipe is fruit tea punch. This one is also drunk cold. The ingredients are 2 bags golden green tea, 1.5 cups of water, 1 cup honey, 1 cup orange juice, .5 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup fresh fruit crushed and 1 pint ginger ale. Make the tea as instructed on tea bags. Let it cool off. Combine all the ingredients except the ginger ale. At the last minute add the ginger ale and ice. Adjust the taste by diluting the drink with either water or ginger ale.

Sometimes the sour mix is replaced with sweet n sour mix or with lemon juice. Other times, it is replaced with coca or iced tea. Other times, you can add white crème de menthe. And finally, some bartenders replace the tequila with brandly.

However, just as a rose by any other name will smell as sweet, a Long Island Iced Tea with all its variants is still a very strong drink that the consumer should take precautions with. It does have a very delightful taste which often masks its potency. Drink it slowly and measure its effects. Make certain you do not have to drive anywhere too soon.

Overseas, this drink is often modified because sour mix is not as popular in foreign countries. Instead, Long Island Iced Tea is often made internationally with liquors and cola alone, leaving out the sour mix, with lemon and/or lime juice instead. Another popular variation of the Long Island Iced Tea is what is known as the Purple Rain. In the Purple Rain, the triple sec is substituted with a shot of Chambord and the cola is replaced with lemonlime soda. Long Beach Iced Teas, another variation, contains cranberry juice instead of cola.

In the bubble tea sugar syrup recipe, the ingredients include 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar and 2 cups of water. These ingredients make up 32-35 sixteen ounce servings. Simply mix the sugar and water in a big pot. Heat on medium high temperature. After the mixture boils, remove it. Refrigerate and serve. Let us look at a bubble tea recipe for a fruit drink.

Otherwise known as a Boba, combine 1 cup fresh fruit, ½ cup milk, 1 scoop bubble tea sugar syrup, 1 cup ice and 2 fl. Oz. cup of cooked bubble tea pearls. Mix all ingredients except the pearls into a mixer. Make certain the fruits are mashed well into the shake. Add bubble tea tapioca pearls in a cup, and pour the drink mixture on top of it. And not to be forgotten—insert a straw and inhale and enjoy this luscious drink.

It is served all year with every meal, unlike other places where people only drink it in the summer. What exactly is a sweet tea you might ask? Sweet tea is a form of iced tea that has sugar added to the hot water at any time, whether it is added before brewing, during brewing, or post-brewing. After you add the sugar the drink is then chilled and served.

This tea is common in the Southern states because it can be made in large quantities. It is also very quick and inexpensive to make. Some restaurants in the South will even put a pitcher of sweet iced tea on a table for the dinner party to keep refilling for free.

But where did the idea of sweet tea come from? The oldest sweet tea recipe that is found in print was written in a community cookbook called Housekeeping in Old Virginia, by Marion Cabell Tyree, which was published in 1879.

At first this recipe stated that the maker of the iced tea had to use green tea, but during World War II we were cut short of green tea supply and people started using black tea. After that black sweet iced tea became revolutionary.

Unfortunately, Green Tea is now high on the list of “wonder cures” for obesity. While its use in the East dates back thousands of years, and it is a wonderful component of the ritual known as the Japanese Tea Ceremony, we want to instead concentrate its properties in powder or pill form and ingest it as quickly as possible, believing that such an action will aid in the rapid loss of weight.

While there are many admirable properties found in Green Tea, several of which have potentially beneficial outcomes, we fail to admit that one panacea will not replace years of bad eating habits and a lack of regular exercise. We feel that more is better—a high concentration of Green Tea will allow me to drop a dress size in two (2) weeks! We ignore any potential shock to our systems that imbibing large amounts of Green Tea can produce, and whether we are actually endangering our future by seeking the “quick fix.”

The evidence of many of the health claims attributed to Green Tea are largely anecdotal and the FDA has only approved it as a component in a medication for genital warts. Therefore, we best serve ourselves by slowing sipping an occasional cup of Green Tea or enjoying it as a participant in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The time and effort needed to lose weight is best spent embracing the simple principles of exercise and a proper diet.

If we take a moment to examine the culture and the context in which green tea is served, we may notice that these elements are as important to Asian longevity as the attributes of green tea alone. Japanese green tea plays an important part in their tea ceremony, where the handling of the cup alone is a series of special movements.

In other words, if we can really attribute the use of green tea to everything from weight loss to the prevention of cancer cell growth, it should be as important to examine the context of the consumption of green tea, as it is to cite the beneficial ingredients of the tea itself. If we examine the Asian culture, we will immediately notice the importance of deliberation. They do not gulp; they savor their green tea and celebrate its preparation.

Perhaps we should look at our health practices with more patient eyes. Long ago, the originators of green tea recognized that the process was as important as the product and the journey was a part of the destination.

Apparently, the processing of green tea leaves by steaming them is thought to preserve the antioxidant properties of the chemical ECGC. In addition to combating free radicals, these antioxidants are said to promote the oxidation of fat cells. At this time, many people consider green tea to be a staple in their regimen for weight loss. Green tea does contain caffeine, but much less than found in a cup of coffee. It is also possible that most people drink it without the additives of cream and sugar commonly used with a cup of coffee.

The antioxidants contained in green tea are also anecdotally attributed to lowering cholesterol and even prevention of cancer cell growth. We can hope these claims bear scientific fruit in the future. However at this time, the Food and Drug Administration has not endorsed the use of green tea, except as indicated above. In the meantime, the best strategy is to consult your physician before consuming more than a cup or two of green tea per day.

As a part of a calming ritual after a hectic day, a cup of green tea can do wonders. Who knows? Perhaps the day will come when we can prove that it does much, much more.

Green tea has been cited for its antioxidant properties, in the form of ECGC chemical components and its reputed oxidation of fat cells. But no matter how much of it we drink, it will not replace the necessary changes in our lifestyles from the sedentary to the active. Those of us who are too rushed to enjoy a properly prepared cup of green tea now have the option of ingesting its extract in pill form. While this may seem more efficient, the possibility of an overdose is considerable, and we negate the enjoyment that savoring a cup of green tea can provide. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration does not currently endorse the use of green tea for weight loss.

Our bodies are systems and attempting to take “short cuts” to permanent changes inevitably result in defeat. In other words, the experience of five (5) pounds off is followed by 10
pounds back on. The use of green tea originated in the Far East where patience in all things is revered. We would be well served by following this cultural example when attempting to change our bodies. In the words of the tortoise, “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Let us take a look at some of the variety of coffees that Starbuck offers. For $14.95 a lb. bag, you can get 10% Kona blend which boasts “A warm Aloha in every sip.” It has a Hawaiian princess pictured on its web site so it is certain to bring the taste of Hawaii to you.

For $9.95, you can buy the Breakfast Blend. Advertised as “mild and flavorful”, this blend must be the alternative to the adrenaline-producing regular brand. It has a cosmic looking face on its ad—presumably to tie-in its Latin American roots.

Starbucks Breakfast Blend is also offered in 18 2.5 oz packs per box at $42.95. This enables you to give them as gifts or as favors to friends, colleagues or family who need a morning lift. It is also advertised as “light-bodied” for the cautious.

But today? What do the baby boomer’s kids think of as a coffee shop? They most assuredly know of Starbucks and those establishments brave enough to compete with them who serve gourmet coffee, cappuccino, espresso and tea at slightly elevated prices. They usually have computer terminals in them, and sometimes are equipped with couches and easy chairs. They are magnets for writers, students, and musicians.

Be aware that while coffee shops often thrive, 50% of all Americans do not drink coffee. So, if you are considering opening a coffee shop, do not call it a coffee shop. Call it a diner which is really very similar to a coffee shop.

Green tea has been consumed for thousands of years in China and many other cultures in Asia from Japan to the Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, its popularity in Western countries had grown exponentially where black tea was more customarily served.

Although there are many types of green tea, they all originate from the same plant. Differences, in climate, location, harvesting and processing create the unique varieties grown.

Over the last 20 years, green tea has gained popularity because of the numerous touted health benefits attributed to the drink.
Green tea has been subjected to massive amounts of scientific and medical scrutiny over claims of lower chances for heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Anecdotal evidence also supports that regular consumption of brewed green tea leaves may aid in the suppression of appetite and there fore may be useful in weight loss and management.

Data is still being gathered to support or refute those claims, but physicians and scientist alike do admit that green tea provides an above average amount of antioxidants and that aspect alone may indeed aid in improvement of cardiac function among regular green tea drinkers.

Green tea has also bee reported to aid in general digestive function, in treating neurological and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

Founded by the husband and wife team of Mona and Herbert Hyman, “The Coffee Bean”, as it is affectionately known by regulars, is noted for their small café-type feel and quality of products despite their growing franchise-type store status.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary in September of 2008, The Coffee Bean has hundreds of locations all over Los Angeles and Southern California as well as may other major cities on the west coast.

Recently, franchises have been added in Hawaii and various major cities throughout Southeast Asia  in addition to their other international locations in Mexico, Korea, Israel, the Philippines and the Middle East.

Despite popular belief, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was the first coffee store to introduce and trademark “The Original Ice Blended Coffee” drinks over twenty years ago, which in effect started the entire blended/flavored coffee drink craze which is now so commonplace.

The Coffee Beans’ ingenious idea unfortunately has been the victim of countless imitators over the years, some of which garnered more popularity and success that the original drink that inspired them.

One of the favorite perks among frequent Coffee Bean goers is that the chain offers completely free Wifi service to anyone in close proximity to a store and for the convenience of their customers, have added several full service and limited menu outlets to Southern California Ralph’s grocery stores and supermarkets.

Since majority of cups used are light in color and the refuse leaves are dark, this inherent contrast in itself has a meaning.
The cup, which is often white or a light color to aid in interpretation, is often denoted as  “good” or positive and holds affirmative connotations for that reading.

While the dark colored tea leaves can be construed as “bad” or having a darker, more sinister meaning for the drinker or person being “read”
Symbols can be anything from a cloud, to a car, to a bell, to a dog and be taken quite literally as “what you see is what is meant”.

However, two or more images can be present representing a more complex idea or concept in the subject’s subconscious. Images appearing close together may be a related thought, while tea leaf symbols spaced far apart in the cup may be completely independent and one may have nothing to do with the other.

The closer the symbol appears to the top of the rim, the more likely that the outcome of that reading will occur soon.
Most symbols are can be read to have a good or bad connotation and are likened to Tarot readings in this regard.

The art of tea leaf reading is highly subjective differs from culture to culture and depends on the, the accuracy, skill and prerogative of the psychic or spiritual advisor.

Most times, in tea leaf readings, the a broad loose leaf variety of tea like Earl Grey or Jasmine for ease in reading the results The person being “read” would be asked to add a spoonful of loose leaf tea into a teapot for steeping or directly into a teacup of waiting hot water. Some advisors ask that you stir the tea leaves themselves before adding to water to impart their energy on the leaves. The tea is poured by the advisor and stirred by the person being “read” and at the same time if often asked to concentrate on the problem or situation that brings them to advisor’s care.

Once the tea has cooled, the person receiving the reading sips gingerly at the tea while continuing to ponder the question at hand. Once the tea has been consumed down to about 1/4 cup, the tea is customarily swirled clockwise there times to get the tea leaves in a state of suspension. The remaining contents are dumped onto a waiting napkin and or saucer. It’s those remnants of leaves stuck to the bottom and sides of the cup are the portions to be read by the advisor.

In order to interpret the findings, simply allow your mind to wander and see what shapes and symbols are visible. Breaking the cup mentally into 12 segments…like the hands on a clock allows for discernment of time with your predictions.

Once you understand the basic principles behind tea leaf reading, it can become easy and enjoyable pastime.

Not may supplies are necessary for your own tea leaf reading adventure.
A good broad loose leafed tea…not the commercially sold kind that comes in teabags.

These tea leaves are large enough that once steeped the wont disintegrate in water and will still be viewable to the Reader after brewing. Earl Gray is a very popular variety to be used because of its universal appeal and pretty wide availability.

The other item needed is a wide rimmed cup, bowl or other type of vessel dedicated to this purpose.
Sometimes professional mystics and spiritual healers will have cups painted with special symbols according to their slant on the tradition.
(A popular cup is one with the twelve signs of the zodiac painted on…leaves landing on a certain section of the cup denotes action in a certain “house” or Zodiac sign.)

The other supplies needed are a spoon designated only for this use, a saucer, and napkin, to catch the tea leavings for interpretation. The other extremely valuable tool you will need is an interpretation guide…or a listing of symbols to help you translate the meaning of the leaves.

There are several free online sources dedicated to tea leaf reading as well as several printed publications available for purchase online and at popular book outlets.

Someone seeing an airplane shape in their brew might be seeking advice on an upcoming business trip, or that same shape may be a symbol for travel and excitement waiting to be had.

The image of a book swirling around in your tea may represent the search for deeper knowledge, a fish may mean the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, a mountain may represent a challenge to surpass or a bird may be the harbinger of good fortune soon to come.

Conversely, images that are directly contradictory to what’s happening in the subjects’ life may imply conflict in the person’s thinking. That plane may signify your unwillingness to travel or experience change.

Also to consider, the size of the symbol may indicate the importance of the subject in the person’s life.
Sometimes the positioning of the leaves in the cup can be another barometer for what the future holds, but the top or the rim of the cup almost always represents things that are happening or may be happening in the near future.

All attempts at interpretation are subject to the expertise and scrutiny of a psychic or spiritual professional.

This ancient art was reported to have been originally developed in Asian tea drinking countries.
However separate incidents of tea leaf reading have been recorded in Middle Eastern and Ancient Greek civilizations.

Numerous European countries such as Ireland, and England have garnered a huge tea leaf reading following and have spawned numerous writers and experts on the practice.

Many turn of the century English porcelain makers created beautiful tea services especially designed for the practice of prediction using tealeaves and other drinkable herbs and continue this practice to this very day.

Some African and Arab cultures also use this method to carry out their divination practices and it is also said that some in the Turkish culture have been known take part in similar prophetic ceremonies with coffee grounds.

Most cultures and religions that indulge in this activity have specially designed vessels or cups from which to do their readings. Also referred to by some as Tasseomancy or Tassology, tea leaf readings sometime involve swirling the contents and allowing them to settle before reading.

Some practitioners have a predetermined list of symbols that can be “read” in the random occurrences of tea leaves settling in the liquid. Regardless of method, the common factors necessary are always loose-leaf tea, water for steeping the brew and whatever kind of cup or container predetermined by the practitioner.

Though it isn’t always on a restaurant menu, it’s well-known enough that any bartender (or waitress) would probably know how to create one on special order.

The sharp citrus of the lemon compliments the smoothness of the tea very well, and creates a very refreshing beverage.  It’s extremely easy to make an Arnold Palmer iced tea.  To make an Arnold Palmer, fill a glass halfway with lemonade, and then fill the rest of the way with iced tea (which can be sweetened, usually with simple syrup, or unsweetened).

There are many variations of this drink, made by adding different alcoholic drinks or fruits, and most of these variations have “Palmer” somewhere in the title.  But one of the most popular variations is the Chi Chi Rodriguez, where lime flavoring is used instead of lemonade.

Arnold Palmer iced teas can also be found canned and bottled by many different companies, and in fact Arnold Palmer himself has his name on a line of canned Arnold Palmer iced teas.

First came the electric coffee maker, then the hot tea maker became a popular appliance, and now there are many companies that manufacture an iced tea maker.  Most of them are extremely fast; you can make iced tea in ten minutes or less, when without a machine it could take you far longer.  And most of the machines will make a large amount of tea at one time.

Most of the iced tea makers work by brewing tea in hot water and then instantly chilling it with ice.  Some of the iced tea makers can be adjusted to make both iced coffee and iced tea, as the brewing process is similar.  The iced tea makers have pitchers that disconnect from the machine and can be stored in the refrigerator, and some of the pitchers are specially designed to fit easily in refrigerator doors.

Most of the machines accommodated both tea bags and loose tea.  Tea bags used to be the popular choice, but loose-leaf tea is gaining in popularity.

There are also non-electrical iced tea makers, that are not as fast as the electric ones.  These usually have a filter for the tea leaves or bags, and require chilling for several hours.

In the south, iced tea is usually known as sweet tea, and is freshly brewed to be very strong and very sweet.

In the past, there was no alternative to freshly-brewed.  It could be prepared by brewing hot tea and then cooling it down, or it could be made “sun tea” style – by brewing it in the sun in a large glass jar.  As it became more popular, more iced-tea-related items appeared in stores.  Special brewing jars, serving bowls and ladles, glasses and flatware are now easy to find and fun to use at summer parties.  But even more conveniently, there are now many types of instant tea available that make preparing iced tea easier.  There are varieties of frozen concentrate and tea bags designed to make a great, and easy, glass of iced tea.

And of course, convenience was behind the emergence of bottled and canned iced tea.  There are a huge amount of variances in bottled iced tea…different types of tea used, different sweeteners and different flavorings all mean that it’s easy to take your perfect cup of iced tea with you.  Carbonated iced tea is extremely popular in Europe, though not as much in America.  And there are even electrical appliances now on the market that will brew iced tea easily in your kitchen.

There are a few different stories about its history; one of the most popular stories is that it was created by a bartender, named Robert Buttu, at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York.  He named it Long Island iced tea because the cola and the ice made it look like iced tea; in some variations (but not many), tea is used instead of cola.

However, there is also a popular story that it is named for the community of Long Island in Tennessee, and goes as far back as the 1920’s.  In the 1920’s, Prohibition was the order of the day and alcohol was illegal.  The story goes that the Long Island iced tea looked like a non-alcoholic iced tea, and people were able to get away with drinking it, even though there is no iced tea in it at all, and it has a huge concentration of alcohol.

Of course, the Long Island iced tea has many variations, and everyone has their favorite.  It’s completely possible that it was created in different forms in different areas of America.

Ironically, there is no actual iced tea in a standard Long Island ice tea.  In general, the Long Island ice tea ingredients are gin, tequila, vodka, and rum (white rum is the standard).  Triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola are added in the standard version.  Specifically, equal parts gin, tequila, vodka, rum, and triple sec, with one and a half parts sour mix.  Simple syrup is also often added, as a sweetener.

However, this is a drink that can be altered in many ways to suit personal preference.  As many people don’t like sour mix, the sour mix is often switched out with sweet and sour mix, or even lemon juice, lemonade, or lime cordial.  Cola is sometimes replaced with iced tea.  The tequila is often replaced, as well, often times with brandy.  Some of these variations have other names, although they all stem from the basic Long Island ice tea ingredients.

It is usually served on the rocks (over ice).  The standard garnish is a lemon slice, and it’s usually served in a highball glass.  Long Island ice tea ingredients are usually mixed straight in the glass, over ice, and then stirred.

To make a Long Island ice tea, combine equal parts gin, tequila, white rum, triple sec and vodka, with a splash of cola and one and a half parts sour mix.  Mix it in a highball glass with ice, and serve with a garnish of lemon.

There are a huge amount of variations of the Long Island ice tea, as there are several different types of alcohol used and personal preference comes into play.  The Long Beach ice tea uses cranberry juice instead of cola.  The Purple Rain ice tea uses lemonlime soda instead of cola, and uses Chambord instead of Triple Sec.

In most of the variations, though, the sour mix is switched out for something else, as sour mix is not always a popular add-in.  Lemon juice, lemonade, and lemonlime soda are all popular alternatives to the sour mix.  As well, pineapple juice has become a popular alternative to sour mix.  In countries outside of America, sour mix is never used, and lime cordial is the addition instead.  Occasionally the tequila is switched out, too, because it has a very strong taste and can overpower the other flavors.  Often brandy is used instead of tequila.

Hundreds of scientific studies involving Wulong Tea have been conducted and the results are just piling up: it works.
But what does it do? Where to begin…

Wulong Tea helps lose unwanted pounds. Really helps. Satisfied regular users report losing 30 or more lbs. since they started drinking the tea. And it does this without the use of any unnatural chemicals or lab-made drugs.

There is also a staggering correlation between the active ingredients in Wulong Tea and the decrease in the signs of aging. It works against the free radicals in the skin that cause wrinkles and blotches. Regular users report having a cleaner-looking, healthier, and smoother skin.

Aside from aiding in fighting carbohydrates and burning calories, the tea is also a significant source of antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and help protect against colds and other forms of sickness.

Studies have shown that Wulong Tea also increases the density and health of bones as well as teeth by significantly hindering the buildup of plaque which causes decay.

Wulong Tea is 100% all-natural and organic, with no artificial ingredients or additives. Regular use has proven undeniably to promote the health and well-being of anyone.

That’s because Wu Long Tea burns calories faster than other teas are reputed to as well as combats the fattening consequences of carbohydrates. A high concentration of a special compound, polyphenol, which attacks fat cells by breaking them apart and then dissolving them, is found in Wu Long Tea, to a much higher degree than other green or black teas.

It has a very ancient, long-standing reputation in China of supporting the wellness of the mind and the body, as well as the intricate relationship between the two. A healthy mind is vital for a healthy body and the opposite is just as true—there’s no getting around it.

Wu Long Tea leaves contain antioxidants that bolster the immune system, reducing the chances of infection of viruses like the common cold as well as helping to fight them.

Regular drinkers of the tea will find themselves with a healthier glow in their skin. This is because it helps fight the free radicals that cause the signs of aging and deterioration of skin quality.

Wu Long tea is entirely natural and organic, but the best part is that it is scientifically verified to work in studies that have been published in leading academic journals! This is something beyond the typical view of holistic medicine as something outside Western science. We can see that Wu Long Tea actually works!

Look into something called Wuyi Tea. It contains a special ingredient found in many teas called polyphenol, which speeds up your metabolism and is a big help in the breaking down and dissolving of fat cells in the body. The difference between Wuyi Tea and other teas? Wuyi Tea is loaded with it.

It’s popping up on consumer response message boards all over the internet, and it seems that the people are most definitely pleased. Regular drinkers say they experience the much desired weight loss they’ve been unable to have with other methods, no matter how hard they had tried. More results reported are that it’s lowered blood sugar levels and blood pressure. And still more results shared by people are that it’s given them more energy.

While many different kinds of teas have been scientifically observed to help protect against cancer, lower the risk of heart attacks, and increase the strength of bones and teeth, all with varying levels of effectiveness, Wuyi Tea seems to have them all beat. And that’s not to even mention its unique weight loss qualities again.

This special tea can be purchased from Generation Tea, which you can find here.

Its most commonly drank for its property of aiding the digestive process, but also for detoxification as well. It contains many different types of nutritive acids that the body can use for many different purposes.

On top of helping digestion and the body’s detox process, the acids found in organic kombucha tea hinder harmful bacteria, encourage energy production of the body’s cells, combats many kinds of yeast infections, and also aids in the reconstruction of muscles.

Other helpful nutrients in the tea are vitamin groups C and B, which are known for boosting the body’s defenses and resources of energy.

While the tea is the result of the fermentation process, you cannot get drunk from it. Drinking two gallons of it would be roughly the same as drinking a single can of beer. Such a trace amount of alcohol may seem useless in that sense, but it has other benefits. It aids in circulatory system and the lymphatic system, and also enables the tea to ferment continuously, preserving it so that it does not require refrigeration when making it in the home. It needs only to be stored in its brewing container with a cloth on top which will enable it to breathe.

Organic kombucha tea has been long used for its digestive aid and beneficial properties, as well as enjoyed for its exceptional taste with a kick.

After you obtain all the ingredients, combine orange-drink mix, sugar, tea powder, cinnamon, and closes. Mix them all together in an airtight container such as a Tupperware and put aside.

Once you mix all the ingredients together, pour 3 teaspoons of the mixture in a mug. Simply add boiling water, and there you have it. Adjust the amount of mixture to taste.

As we said, this can make a great Christmas gift. One woman’s daughter made a sand art mixture out of it by layering the ingredients in a small baby food jar. She placed a piece of fabric between the mixture and the lid and secured it with a rubber band. The daughter then covered the rubber band with a garland for aesthetic purposes.

The good news about Russian Tea is that unlike soft drinks or flavored coffees, it is not fattening. There are 0 grams of fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 mg sodium, 0 grams of dietary fiber, and 0 mg of protein. It does, however, contain 8.4 grams of total carbohydrates per serving but this appreciably less that the calories in a coca cola or sweetened iced tea.

The recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea includes ½ oz. triple sec, ½ oz. rum, ½ oz. gin, ½ oz. vodka—should we stop there? Of course not—and ½ oz. tequila. Throw in 1 oz. sour mix and cola garnished with a lemon wedge at the top of the glass and you have got a Long Island Iced Tea—something F. Scott Fitzgerald would drink at his gala parties in the Hamptons.

Variations on the theme abound. You may replace the sour mix with sweet n sour mix or with lemon juice, the coca cola with genuine iced tea for a hint of sobriety, or you may add crème de menthe. The drink has a 28% alcohol concentration which makes it as lethal as it is and popular among party-goers and bar hoppers. This is attributed to its relatively small amount of mixer.

In Europe, the sour mix is often left out. Instead, it is often mixed with liquors and coca cola alone, with lemon and lime juice, or with lime cordial. Another variation of the Long Island Iced Tea is the Purple Rain. Here, the triple sec is substituted with Chambord and the cola substituted with lemonlime soda. In The Long Beach Iced Tea, another offshoot of the Long Island Iced Tea, the coke is substituted with cranberry juice.

What are tea sandwiches? The uninformed may ask. Tea sandwiches are small, dainty sandwiches that can be consumed in one or two bites. In fact, tea sandwich recipes may include everything from Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, Tomato Tea Sandwiches, Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Pepper Cheese Sandwiches, Pineapple-Cream Cheese Sandwiches, and Hummus in Pita Bread. Each recipe has its own distinct ingredients but generally, it is best to be aware that there are five characteristics of traditional tea sandwiches.

Firstly, they are small. They are generally cut into 4 bite-size pieces—either four squares or triangles or three fingers. Sometimes, hostesses choose to utilize a cookie cutter, but that technique is not recommended because a lot of the sandwich goes to waste.

Secondly, tea sandwich recipes have no crust. The crust is removed before making the tea sandwich for a tea sandwich recipe. This is for aesthetic not nutritional purposes.

Thirdly, the slices of bread are thin. This-sliced bread is available in many different types. German bread is thin sliced and makes a great tea sandwich. If you cannot find German bread, buy square-topped unsliced loaves of bread, and have the baker behind the counter slice them for you. You can even do it yourself if you have the right kitchen utensils. Use your electric knife or a knife you carve turkey with. They will work.

Fourth, tea sandwiches are tasty. Your guests will love them.

Fifth, most tea sandwiches are spread with butter and/or cream cheese.

Simply take ½ oz. triple sec, ½ oz. light rum, ½ oz. gin, ½ oz. vodka, ½ oz. tequila and 1 oz. sour mix. Ah, these are the ingredients that will make your head spin. Remember, we are not talking about iced teas around the Canasta table on Long Island. We are talking about a Long Island Iced Tea. Mix the alcohol and sour mix together over a glass filled with ice. Add the cola and garnish with a lemon, and voila…you have it.

If you do not like a strong drink, you can add more triple sec. Long Island Iced Tea connoisseurs suggest using 1.5 oz. of liquor and 3.5 oz. of triple sec.

Afficionados also suggest buying high quality liquor to increase the quality of the taste of the drink. We all know how we sometimes skimp on those cheap bottles of vodka in dire situations. The point is to make the best Long Island Iced Tea that you can–the one that tastes like how your local pub makes it.

Chai tea mix recipes have a tendency to differ practically from person to person because historically there wasn’t a standardized recipe for Chai tea. Each chai tea mix recipe has a unique blend of ingredients suited to the taste of the individual, the only true requirement being black tea, milk and spices. As with many aspects of using a chai tea mix recipe, even the type of tea used is also up for interpretation with some substituting herbal infusions like rooibos or yerba mate for black tea. Many spices and flavorings are typically used in chai tea mixes, but the most important among these is cardamom, as it is key in giving chai tea its characteristic flavor. Spicing agents like black peppercorns or ginger are also integral to the recipe. There is much debate about the proper ratio of milk to be used, but most estimates call for equal parts milk and water.

In the past, most chai tea was painstakingly made at home of served in a local café. In the last twenty years, the popularity of the beverage has spawned a multitude of mixes to be made at home as well as readymade chai tea drinks available in practically every modern supermarket and coffee shop.

Chai tea as westerners know it refers to a sweetened spiced tea concoction with milk initially made popular in the Masala region of India. It was originally born out of the economic thriftiness of the Indian local vendors serving tea to British colonists to stretch available tea reserves by adding larger amounts of spices milk and sugar to tea then the English were used to in their tea consumption. Even though the beverage wasn’t as widely consumed among the English visitors, the popularity of chai tea has spread worldwide.

Since there isn’t a standard recipe for chai tea, mixtures and strengths differ from region to region. It is known that families in the same region can create the beverage from very different ingredients. Even with the differences, the four main components of chai tea, tea, spices, sweetener and milk are fundamentally the same for all versions of the recipe.

The tea component of the drink is usually made from some sort of strong black tea.  Milk is another necessary ingredient; however the varieties can range from whole, low fat and fat free, as well as rice, almond and soy milk. White sugar is often used for sweetener, but raw sugar and even honey are suitable replacements.

The item that is most varied among modern chai recipes are the many spices included. Cardamom is the primary spice and probably responsible for the flavor characteristic of chai tea. Other spices commonly used are cinnamon, pepper, ginger, cloves, rose, nutmeg, or licorice.

Bone china is known for being highly translucent and brittle in relation to strength and durability. It has a characteristic bone ivory coloring and is one of the hardest forms of porcelain made. It’s these fine qualities that make it a perfect material for tea pots and tea pot sets for afternoon or formal service.

Bone china tea pots are constructed basically like any other ceramic tea pot in design, size and shape. Although bone china is very strong, it is not to be heated over a direct flame. As a result, bone china teapots are for steeping and serving hot tea beverages exclusively.

The décor on bone china tea pots are either hand painted on by a master artist or printed with enamel paint for mass produced works. Even pieces created using a transfer print type of artwork are sought after by antique collectors for their delicate design and craftsmanship of fine porcelain.

Bone china tea pots are known for being delicate and having an abundance of ornate details. Care and caution should be exercised in handling because of bone china’s propensity for chipping and cracking.

These two elements make a perfect vessel for heating and serving because once warmed, the tea pot will keep beverages warm for a reasonable period of time. Most modern copper tea pots are steel lined to protect the copper from we’re and tear and any potential corrosive properties of the contents.

Copper tea pots that are steel lined have been known to last generations with daily use. Because of copper’s tendency to tarnish when exposed to air, a copper tea pot will need to be polished often to retain its original shine.

Any number of commercially available cleaning products will help keep retain the original integrity of the piece. Using copper to make utensils for heated beverages seems to have roots in various cultures with many having their own versions of copper tea pots or kettles.

In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe, elaborate urn like tea pots made from copper or other metals are known as  “samovars” and early versions were to be heated over charcoal. Modern models are now made for stove top use or are electrical and fully-self heating.

Because of the brilliance, shine and beauty of some ornate styles of copper tea pots, they are also used as decorative items, particularly in the kitchen. One distinct difference between tea pots for use and decoration is that the latter often is glazed in a protective lacquer to keep tarnish at bay while on display.

Once the English learned how to make porcelain they began to design tea pot set creations that fit with their own burgeoning tea customs. But their inventions were obviously influenced by the design of the Chinese tea pots. China tea pot sets are highly prized for their function and use in formal tea parties.

However, china and ceramic tea pot sets in general are much sought after commodities among antique collectors and tea enthusiasts. As a result, the terms “china” and “porcelain” are now used interchangeably among English speakers and generally refer to construction from the same type of material.

Tea pots made from china are known for their strength and the fact that china is pretty much impermeable to outside elements even before glazing. The properties of china make any object made from it hard, translucent, brittle and glass-like, the perfect qualities to make a decorative yet functional piece like a tea pot.

Unlike their cast iron counterparts, china tea pots are solely made for steeping and serving tea and aren’t made to be kept over any type of direct flame or heat source.

It is said that the rather ordinary looking teapot can turn all of the rainbow colors into a magical teas and that you can actually drink from it. The trick plays out with the magician placing silk scarves of every color into the teapot only to produce “teas” or liquids of each individual color.

The tea pot used in the illusion is usually made of metal and looks to be normal inside and out. It only adds to the confusion and delight of the observer when the performer offers members of the audience multi colored cups of tea from a tea pot that appeared completely empty moments earlier. Every tilt of the teapot by the performer produces another brilliantly colored liquid, much to the astonishment of amazed onlookers.

Another variation on this trick is for the performer to pour the colored liquids from the kettle first. After amazing the crowd with a tea pot that produces a range of “teas” from shades of red, blue, yellow, green, and orange, the magician then pulls open the lid to reveal a completely dry teapot inside and multiple scarves in colors corresponding to the liquids poured earlier. If the trick is performed properly.

The top handle design of the Japanese cast iron tea pot is due to the fact that these pots are designed to be heated over braziers (charcoal tea warmers fore cast iron teapots of this style) and the top handle aids in removing the pot from the fire.

These cast iron tea pots are widely known for their ornate decorations usually formed in relief in the actual casting of the pot. Japanese cast iron tea pots also come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes and this along with the exemplary craftsmanship they display make them highly prized as collectors’ items.

Although the Japanese led the way in using cast iron for a heated drink vessel, the Russians also developed cast iron tea pots called “samovars” that while being esthetically very different than a tetsubin, it performed many of the same functions with similar technology.

Also variations of the iron kettle for tea have been found all throughout Asia including small iron Chinese tea pots, which bear an obvious similarity to their Japanese counterparts. Iron tea parts are not only prized for their beauty, but they are also coveted for their strength and durability over glass tea pots.

With its increased spiritual role, tea drinking along with teapots became gradually more refined. The more sophisticated forms of Chinese teapots certainly paved the way for the delicate porcelain teapots designed in Europe, the earliest known modern form created around 1680. In the early 1700’s, the creation of porcelain was discovered and advanced the crafting of teapots even further by giving yet another medium for the creation of more artistic and esthetically pleasing pieces.

The rudimentary earthen teapot has evolved into a myriad of modern forms we know today including copper, glass and even cast iron teapots. Many electric teapot varieties are also available offering ease and convenience for the user, much to the ire of may tea purists. Despite the availability of teapots in different forms, the silver teapot made popular by the English has still remained among the most used at traditional afternoon teas and formal tea parties. The simple teapot inspired an entire tea culture in the wealthy circles in Europe and America that is still evident among the elite today.

The documentation of weight loss has been anecdotal, but enough to pique the curiosity of university researchers. At this time, definitive studies of this product have not been published and the Green Tea Hp has not been given FDA approval. Persons who are or may be pregnant or taking medication are advised to refrain from taking Green Tea Hp, as serious side effects and contraindications may exist.

The touted components of Green Tea Hp also present special challenges. For example, noni juice is exceptionally high in potassium and could be toxic to patients with kidney disorders. High potassium levels (“hyperkalemia”) can have an effect on the cardiac function of the body, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death.

As it is a combination of popular supplements, Green Tea Hp is being aggressively marketed as a potential treatment for every ailment from weight loss to cancer. With the presence of anecdotal evidence and the absence of FDA approval, it is always best to consult your health practitioner before adding Green Tea Hp to your daily regimen.

Of course, for those who cannot tolerate large amounts of sugar, there is a diet version available that contains the sweetener Splenda. Honey is still an ingredient; therefore, this product cannot truly be classified as “sugar free.” Always remember to read the product labels carefully and check the amount of servings per container.

Additional products from this company include the Arizona Green Tea Energy Drink. This drink is slightly carbonated and each can has approximately 200 mg. of caffeine. Other possibly thermogenic ingredients include guarana. The amino acid taurine is added to complement the caffeine and is reputed to improve mental performance. There is also a great deal of sugar present from honey and high fructose corn syrup. Hopefully, those of you who swear by this drink are engaging in some forms of aerobic and weight-bearing exercises, thereby channeling the extra energy boost you receive from the drink. Otherwise, the ingredients may result in a weight gain, which would defeat one of its highly touted features.

Now available in Regular (flavored with sugar) and Diet (with sugar substitute added), the Lipton Company has answered the challenge posed by the Snapple Company. Founded in 1972, Snapple began marketing bottled teas in 1987. Therefore, Lipton has faced stiff competition in its bid for the share of the bottled tea market. Another challenge posed by Snapple concerns the element of taste. Apparently, aspartame is the sugar substitute used by Lipton in its Diet Green Tea, while Snapple Diet Green Tea uses Splenda, thereby giving the consumer a more conventional “sugary” taste.

There are those who would discourage the use of either artificial sugar product. With the introduction of the next generation of brand name sweetening additives such as Truvia, many companies marketing a “diet” green tea may have to go back to the drawing board. The overwhelming demand for a sweet taste without calories and/or side effects will keep Lipton and Snapple developing new ways to serve their customers. There is no doubt that we will benefit from this “healthy” competition.

As a component of the Japanese tea ceremony, Matcha Green Tea can be bitter. The taste  is counteracted by the traditional sweets that are served to guests before the presentation of the tea. The teacup or “chawan” is turned clockwise three (3) times by guests before drinking. When finished, guests are expected to slurp their appreciation, wipe where their lips touched the cup with their hand and turn it counterclockwise before returning the teacup to the host.
While this practice seems intricate to those of us living in the West, we should take note that few of us engage in any ritual practices in our home unless we are celebrating a religious holiday. It might not be a bad idea to add the practice of some sort of ritual to our daily lives.

The claims for Matcha Green Tea abound, due to the aforementioned concentrations. In the rush for the “quick health fix” by the average consumer, the contraindications of ingesting a high concentration of antioxidants can be ignored. Such a mistake could have dire consequences.
It is best to consult a health practitioner when considering non-ceremonial use of Matcha Green Tea.

Over 250 years ago, Sohen Nagatani developed a process for steaming green tea leaves. He originated this process in the Uji region, and it immediately produced a better tasting tea than the traditional method of roasting the tealeaves. To this day, one of the differences in the flavors between Japanese Green Tea and traditional black tea can be attributed to the steaming process. Mr. Nagatani shared his unique processing method with the local residents, thus ensuring the economic survival of the region. Many tea merchants pay tribute to this generous inventor by visiting his grave every year.

Another contributing factor to the successful proliferation of Japanese Green Tea is that it is grown in an area that is never chilly enough to freeze. Therefore, the non-deciduous plants grow healthy and strong.

The gift of Japanese Green Tea is highly regarded and is appropriate for all festive occasions. I have been so fortunate to receive a popular rendition of this gift. Many years ago, a group of friends celebrated my birthday by taking me to a special sushi bar. As much as I loved the meal, the highlight of my celebration was the desert of Japanese Green Tea ice cream.

There are many different types of Chinese green tea. Many well-known teas are harvested in the Zhejiang province alone. A very popular variety is Longjing Tea, which is named for its origin in the Longjing area of Hangzhou. For optimal flavor, the leaves are harvested during the first two weeks in the season and picked by hand. When we are served Chinese green tea in Chinese restaurants, it is highly possible we are enjoying this most traditional variety. Grown in the Zhejiang province, the leaves are a curved yellow-green. Another popular Chinese green tea is Long Ding Tea, and is more commonly known by the name Dragon Mountain Tea. It is harvested from March to April of the year.

The Chinese green teas mentioned above are just a few of the varieties available. One should keep in mind that there are many Chinese provinces that grow green tea and like wine connoisseurs, we should appreciate that these teas each have different bouquets and compliment different Chinese cuisine. Unlike our Western idea of “eating on the run,” the tradition of enjoying Chinese green tea is a ritual in itself. Tea preparation and service are done slowly, and the tea is savored. Even if we cast aside all of the touted health benefits, the ritual practice of drinking Chinese green tea might aid our digestion by slowing down our eating habits.

Ultra Lean Green Tea is a supplement marketed to those wishing to quickly lose weight. It appears that there is a free trial available with the payment of shipping costs of $5.95. However, it has been noted that if you do not cancel the trial, you are billed for the full cost of the packet, which is apparently over $70.00. The ingredients listed are referred to as amino acid and mineral “blends.” What are the proportions of the blends? What clinical trials support their use?

As any reputable health professional will state, rapid weight loss is not desirable. Most physicians specializing in obesity recommend dietary control of calories and an increase in exercise, with the goal of losing one to two pounds per week.

Ultra Lean Green Tea promotes its product by touting rapid weight loss, along with anecdotal testimonies of many other benefits. Many of the listed benefits of green tea extract have yet to be confirmed by the FDA, not to mention the potential complications from any other drug interactions. Unfortunately, many people will happily endanger their well being in an effort to zip a pair of size 4 blue jeans.

It would be wise to consult your health professional before embarking on this or any other weight loss system.

Within the last 10 years, scientific studies conducted worldwide have demonstrated that the ingestion of green tea extract resulted in increased energy and oxidation of fat cells. Of course, as there is caffeine content in green tea, that lone factor could account for the extra energy expenditure, which has produced significant anecdotal reports of weight loss.

Obviously, the more dramatic claims made to date concern the use of green tea to prevent cancer cell growth. Other fans of green tea insist that it can be used to lower cholesterol and produce better cholesterol ratios and even cure bad breath. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to endorse these claims.

With that in mind, green tea may be a beneficial and enjoyable repast, but it has yet to be used as a significant component in the treatment of cancers and other serious diseases. While it is no doubt more pleasant than the standard cancer and other disease treatment protocols, it has not replaced them. As always, it is wise to consult your physician before using it in significant amounts.

Green tea has been touted as a powerful antioxidant for some time. One of the anecdotal claims of green tea is weight loss. Due to its components of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and caffeine, green tea has thermogenic properties, meaning that increased energy and the burning of fat are possible results from ingestion. Clinical trials have yielded mixed results.

Obviously, replacing sugary sodas or chemically laden diet drinks with a cup of green tea is a healthier choice. However, the use of green tea alone will not provide permanent weight loss.
For optimal results, overall lifestyle changes must take place including regular exercise (aerobic and weight-bearing), the proper amount of sleep and the consistent practice of good nutrition.

In addition, anyone taking medications on a regular basis should consult their physician before adding significant amounts of green tea to their daily regimen, as the effect of some anticoagulant drugs can be diminished by green tea use.

As always, a disciplined lifestyle with a focus on healthy habits and constructive thought patterns is more effective than the use of a single product.

In 2006, the FDA approved “Veregen ointment,” a topical prescription used for the treatment of genital warts caused by the HPV virus. It has been acknowledged that green tea extract is one of the chemical ingredients of the ointment. This ointment is available only by prescription. Therefore, physicians may use it as a part of an overall treatment plan for the HPV virus. A visit to the doctor is necessary, and clinical trial results have been mixed.

Before rushing out to stock up on green tea extract, a word of caution is in order. Please note that the FDA does not recognize green tea as an effective panacea for the rest of its claimed benefits and a “more is better” approach could result in toxicity. The anecdotal evidence of the benefit of green tea is based upon the consumption of it in the form of tea, meaning that it has been diluted by water. The heavy concentrations found in green tea extract are many times the potency of drinking a cup or two of green tea per day.

Just like everything else, there are no “quick fixes” or “short cuts,” to safe ingestion of green tea. If brewing tea really presents a problem, it would be wise to consult with your physician or health practitioner before beginning to use any concentrated form of green tea on a regular basis.

Do you practically exist on coffee and Diet Cokes, just to make it through the afternoon? Are you trying to lose weight but the scale has not budged? If there were a drink that gave you a boost without chemicals, would you want to try it?

Everyone at your office has the flu, yet you sail through the week symptom-free.
What’s your secret?

All of the above scenarios depict some of the claimed benefits of drinking green tea on a regular basis. Perhaps the next time you prepare a cup of green tea to sip at your desk, your co-workers may ask to join you. Due to the presence of catechins, which are powerful antioxidants, your “green tea breaks” may have protected you from the latest office “bug.” Green tea also contains caffeine. Therefore, you may also be on the only person fully awake at the meeting held after lunch.

Whether or not all of these claims are scientifically substantiated, it is safe to say that drinking green tea on a regular basis is probably a good health habit to have. Just remember to consult your doctor before attempting a green tea regimen to combat any outstanding health issues. Remember that your body is a “temple of systems,” and it is always best when everything you ingest works in conjunction with everything else.

The bread for the sandwiches should be fresh and without crusts. Some traditional ingredients are:    Thinly sliced cucumbers on buttered bread
Smoked salmon on dark bread
Egg salad
Pate on dark bread
Cream cheese on banana bread

While the preparation of these sandwiches can be time-consuming, one should plan to prepare them the day of the party and allow just enough time for them to briefly chill in the refrigerator prior to the guest’s arrival. Many items will either solidify and/or discolor if chilled overnight. Unfortunately, this is one event that does not lend itself to making the food the night before. If a “Lazy Susan” tray is available, it presents a wonderful way to display the various types of sandwiches. Plates should be set next to it, so that guests can pick from the tray and return to their seats. In traditional tearooms, its forerunner, known as a “dumbwaiter,” was on display in the center of the room. The sandwiches were also often served by the tearoom staff that brought the tray to each table and allowed the guests to make their selections.

Petit fours, which are small iced cakes, are the perfect finale to the sandwiches and provide the “dessert” course of this small meal.

Upon finding a suitable husband, Victorian women were expected to always be prepared to welcome any person who might come to call. In social partnership with her mate, the Victorian wife was adept at making a guest in her home feel special, and was a true asset to the advancement of her husband’s career interests and her family’s reputation. A beautiful tea service was an appropriate wedding gift, and at least one sterling silver tea service was almost mandatory. Tea and the appropriate finger sandwiches were always a part of the well-stocked Victorian household.

As one of the few nonacademic opportunities for camaraderie outside of the home, meeting for afternoon tea was another way young Victorian women could visit with each other and “see and be seen” within the community. When considered ready for “society,’ they could be observed at a reputable establishment, enjoying afternoon tea and practicing their skills of artful conversation. To this day, an invitation to a formal afternoon tea is an opportunity for any woman to wear the most tasteful and fashionable attire, including a hat and gloves.

If time allows, invitations to a proper Victorian tea should be written and mailed. A last minute invitation would have been thought of as a social slight; however, if it is unavoidable, the telephone can be used to warmly assure any guest who does not believe the invitation is genuine.
The invitation should state the date, time, and location of the event, which was customarily held in the afternoon. A host or hostess should also welcome the wearing of Victorian dress, if available, or at the very least, classically tailored modest attire for the women and a coat and tie for the gentlemen.

The proper exercise of manners was also an indication of the social status of the hosts and hostesses of this era. Invitees to current parties often practice the custom of asking the hostess if she would like help with the food or its preparation. During Victorian times, that would have been considered a breach of etiquette.

A guest contributed to the event by his or her prompt arrival to and departure from the party, as well as providing pleasant, stimulating conversation in between. These events were perfect parties for the introduction of new persons to the local social scene in small groups. Following the party, a handwritten note thanking the hostess and referencing a particularly enjoyable occurrence or food should be sent as soon as possible.

After an unfortunate encounter with the Queen of Hearts, where she accused him of “murdering” the time and then called for his head, the Mad Hatter made every attempt to stop time in its tracks, going so far as to carry a pocket watch with only the date present.
The Dormouse was apparently only pretending to be asleep and was encouraged to tell a story. When she did not understand the Dormouse’s story, Alice interrupted it with questions, much to the annoyance of the March Hare and Mad Hatter. Clearly, they did not want Alice to join them, and eventually, she leaves in disgust.

The phrase, “Mad as a Hatter,” has a factual basis in symptoms found in hat makers. Apparently mercury was used to process the felt material used in hats and inevitably, the vapors were inhaled. Exposure to the vapors affected the nervous system and could be fatal. A possible true historical model for the Mad Hatter is Theophilus Carter, the inventor of the alarm clock bed. Another possible source for the Mad Hatter character could be Roger Crab, a soldier under Oliver Cromwell. Mr. Crab was struck on the head and renounced his business as a hatter, choosing a life of poverty.

Seattle in particular is also known to be of a substantially rainy climate, which can only help the many coffee shops that are in the city attain good business numbers. The prospect of ducking out of the rain to enjoy a nice mocha or latte is something that people are easily drawn to.

One of the most popular coffee shops in Seattle is Caffe Umbria, located in Pioneer Square, which offers coffee drinks and gelato, among other confectionaries. Many sites exist on the Internet that have extensive lists of a ‘best of’ Seattle coffee shops, and judging by the number of different shops that show up on these lists, the city has more than its fair share. Its status as many people’s favorite coffee location in the United States seems to be shown in the sheer abundance of the number of shops that you can find in the city.

The allure of dodging the droplets of rain cascading down the streets by curling up in a low-lit, quiet coffee shop while enjoying free Wi-Fi internet is a pretty welcoming thought, and probably appeals to many of Seattle’s tourists, eager to experience some of the smaller, independent coffee shops in Seattle have to offer. In a sense, it is somewhat ironic that Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, yet the city has a lot of much smaller, independent coffee houses that offer up unique experiences of ambience as well as mochas.

Some may be reading the newspaper, some may be reading a book, and some may just be enjoying the company of a friend or acquaintance.
A coffee shop is no longer just a place to go buy a cup of coffee. Even the word ‘coffee’ has changed, into a blanket term for a wide array of different beverages of varying flavors, varieties, sugar contents, calorie contents, and sizes.

Whereas once a ‘cup of coffee’ was just that, a cup of brown liquid in which you could add sugar or cream, now ‘coffee’ can mean a Double Venti Chocolate Mocha, or a White Chocolate Caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream.

The more health-conscious person can seek out a low-calorie, sugar-free drink; the hyper-caffeinated high school student can order a chocolate-flavored sugar-soaked milkshake, essentially, with a coffee twist; ‘coffee’ has been adapted to suit a wide variety of desires and tastes.

Sure, one of these big expensive specialty drinks is fattening and not a good idea to put into one’s system, but every now and then, our nagging sweet tooth must be appeased, lest we get driven insane by desire. Chains such as Starbucks have capitalized on this inherent desire, and have become very successful and marketable because of our needs and wants as consumers.

For some, a coffeehouse is a good place to go on a date, with its low-key lighting and gentle jazz music playing on the PA system. Some such coffee shops, like Starbucks, take advantage of the environment felt in these stores by packaging together collections of the music that customarily plays in the shops and selling them as CD’s, or iTunes albums to customers who have taken a liking to the experience. That way, customers can essentially take home the experience of being at a coffee house and enjoy it in the privacy of his or her own home.

A specific music genre has even emerged out of this type of coffee retailer, known as ‘coffeehouse rock’. Various radio stations on XM radio and other such outlets have channels devoted to this type of music, which is generally low-key, easy listening acoustic folk rock such as Donovan Frankenreiter or Jack Johnson-esque artists, with gentle melodies and easy rhythms that complement the ambience of being in a coffeehouse.

This sense of ambience is probably a reason that a lot of coffeehouses stay open much later than people usually drink coffee, if solely for the purpose of being somewhere to relax and socialize with friends in a much less abrasive environment than a bar would provide.

Organic tea has paradoxically yet effectively been used for the unique combination of both relaxation and alertness, creating a harmony between them in the individual. The level of caffeine is less harsh in organic tea than it is in coffee, producing a calmer but nonetheless energizing result.

It has been renowned especially for its active improvements in the immune system due to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. It has long been a common weapon against sicknesses like the common cold.

The antioxidants have also proven to be useful in the fight against the free radicals which cause cell damage and produce what can be seen as the effects of aging. Over time, a regular use of organic tea can show remarkable differences in the quality of the skin, making it smoother, softer, and more evenly toned.

Organic tea has been linked by scientific studies to the prevention of tooth decay and has also been known to fight bone deterioration by strengthening the density of the bones.

Several other studies have also linked it with the risk reduction of many types of cancer, and have as well even shown it to reduce the size of certain tumors.

Organic tea has always been known to improve the health and well-being of those who regularly partake of it, and in the long way science has come from ancient times, this fact stands stronger every day.

Wu-Yi Tea is a special derivative of the green oolong teas specially grown in the Wu Yi mountains in Fujian, China. It has been known in China for its wonderful properties for thousands of years, but it’s now being widely acclaimed for the almost oddly amazing effects it has on the body. Not only is it an effective weight loss supplement with some regular users reporting as having lost 30 lbs. or more, but it has proven to benefit the health of the skin, making it smoother and more evenly toned.

Other regular users have happily reported that it lowered their blood pressure and blood sugar levels as well.

One Wu-Yi drinker has been reporting on his experiences with the tea from the very beginning of his trial with it, and has described some rather amazing results of weight loss. His blog can be found  here where you can read his story with Wu-Yi Tea from his initial research through his trial tests, and to his current results.

Wu-Yi Tea has amazed countless people over the years and across the world with its aid in shedding pounds of fat, promoting positive physical and mental health, and even its pleasing taste!

In Canada, ice tea is highly sweetened, and is so loved by Canadians that it is readily available in canned, powdered, or frozen forms, to make at home!

Ice tea is also extremely popular in other areas of the world.  In Asian countries it is sometimes brewed slowly in a pot, similar to coffee, until it is very strong, and then served with lemon.  Milk is sometimes added to ice tea in Asian countries, although it becomes more of a dessert, and can be served with tapioca pearls and jasmine blossoms.  Green tea and oolong tea are popular to use in ice tea in this part of the world.  Bubble tea, made with tapioca pearls and condensed milk, is also very popular, and has become increasingly popular in America, as well.

Bottled and canned ice tea is a popular all over the globe.  In Europe, carbonation is a popular variety, and is a ready alternative to other soft drinks.  There are a few well-known companies whose ice tea products span the globe, but many countries have their own local manufacturers that are extremely popular.

By dumping tea into Boston Harbor, the group of men known as the “Sons of Liberty” gave the local Governor Hutchinson a tangible demonstration of their displeasure of the policies he was entrusted to enforce. The men were disguised as American Indians; however, it was clear to all concerned that the protesters were conveying views held by American colonists. They were motivated by the Great Britain practice of “taxation without representation” levied upon the American colonies. Future Continental Congress delegates who participated in this act of protest include Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Although Governor Hutchinson may have disagreed with some of the policies of the British crown such as the Stamp Act (1765), he was far too entrenched in his own career advancement to promote American colonial interests.

The Boston Tea Party was just another indication that Governor Hutchinson was not in control of his jurisdiction. The following year as tensions heightened, Governor Hutchinson was replaced by General Gage, as it was determined that a military governor would be more effective. Any success General Gage enjoyed was short-lived. By now, the men who dumped tea into Boston Harbor were convinced they could control their own destiny.

It was first concocted during the 1970s by Robert Bott, a bartender from Long Island. Charles Bishop, a moonshiner during the 1930s, is also credited with the concoction.

First, take ½ oz. triple sec, ½ oz. light rum, ½ oz. gin, ½ oz. vodka, ½ oz. tequila, 1 oz. sour mix, and 1 oz. cola. Sounds deadly, right? Let us continue undaunted with the outcome. Pour the alcohol and sour mix together into a Collins glass filled with ice. Then add the cola topping it off with a slice of lemon.

At first, the drink will taste like a harmless, refreshing soft drink. It will seduce you into a second drink. Then, watch out! Its potency is legendary.

Many variations to the drink can be found in the type of spices or sweeteners used. There are any number of spices and flavorings that have found their way into chai tea recipes including cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, anise, allspice, licorice, and vanilla. Any combination of these is acceptable, but many believe that true chai tea needs to include cardamom and either pepper or ginger for spiciness. Almost any sweetener is used, but the most common is plain white sugar. Turbinado, demarara and other raw cane sugars are sometimes used for an earthy flavor and some recipes even call for honey. Any type of milk or non-dairy milk substitute can be used, but there is much debate about the proper proportions of milk to water to be used.

Many retailers have caught on to the chai tea phenomenon and have produced quality chai tea mixes for speed and ease. Popular outlets have their own brands and mixtures like Starbucks chai tea, which has become one of their best selling drinks. Other brands like Mystic Chai Tea, Big Train Chai Tea and Tazo Chai Tea provide authentic flavor with the convenience of being already prepared. Many times, the drink is also referred to as “chai tea latte” to denote the presence of milk in the beverage.

Through export and trade, tea and the early Chinese tea pots were introduced to the west and made an immediate impression on royalty throughout Europe. Soon, the practice of consuming tea spread to the European upper classes, and with it the custom of using tea pots. As tea pots became more refined, they became regarded as valuable objets d’art in their own right for their beauty as well as for their supreme design that hasn’t been greatly changed or improved upon in hundreds of years.

As a result, tea pots and their accessories have become not only a common household kitchen utensil, but artistic and ornate antique varieties have become sought after collector’s items. Tea pot sets, or groupings that include a tea pot with an accompanying plates used during a traditional afternoon tea are the most popular among tea connoisseurs and enthusiasts

The displeasure of the colonists reached a boiling point on December 16, 1773, when a group known as the “Sons of Liberty” disguised themselves as American Indians, boarded the decks of the American ships Dartmouth, Beaver and Eleanor, and emptied tea found within those ships into Boston Harbor. It now believed that the reasons for the disguises were to convey the association of the American Indian with the concept of freedom and not to belittle them.

The participants in these acts of protest straddled all classes of society, from the unemployed to tradesmen, teachers and physicians. Records of their approximate ages are incomplete; it is believed that these men were between the ages of 18 to 48 years. A few future signers of the Declaration of Independence were thought to have participated in the Boston Tea Party, including Samuel Adams, Paul Revere and John Hancock.

We often praise this act of protest and defiance by the American colonists, and find it justifiable in light of the times. Would we view the dumping of corporate cargo into Boston Harbor by protesting citizens with the same vigor today?

there are eighty shops worldwide. It is currently the second-largest non-franchised coffee house chain in the US, after Starbucks. The first Caribou Coffee shop was set up in Edina, Minnesota in 1992; the company’s headquarters are still in Minnesota at present.

The shops sell coffee products and baked goods, and some stores sell clothing and accessories.

The chain’s signature cold drink is the ‘Cooler’, a coffee beverage blended with flavors such as vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or others. Caribou Coffee formed a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, to promote ‘agriculturally, environmentally, and socially responsible’ coffee. This move has attracted some criticism.

In 2005, Caribou Coffee became a publicly traded company. Real estate company Arcapita has a large stake in Caribou Coffee, and the First Islamic Investment Back of Bahrain has a large stake in Arcapita.

When the news came out that Yusuf al-Qaradawi was involved with the bank, Caribou Coffee was protested by some groups. In 2002, the bank severed all ties with Al-Qaradawi, somewhat ending the dispute.

A law firm was hired to evaluate the charitable donations, and now no charitable contributions from Caribou’s people go to groups banned by US law. Despite this dispute being basically solved, Caribou Coffee has had some issues with criticism and protests, similar to those faced by Starbucks.

Still, Caribou Coffee remains a popular chain the US. While not nearly as popular as the mammoth Starbucks Corporation, Caribou Coffee does do well for itself, while running a distant second.

It is one of the most expensive and desired coffees in the world. Its origin, in the Kona districts of Hawaii, has ideal weather conditions for coffee bean growing.

Kona coffee plans grow in February and March, and green berries begin to grow in April. Each tree provides twenty to thirty pounds of its cherry fruit for picking.

From that picking, it takes seven to nine pounds of the cherry to make one pound of roasted coffee. Because of the high amount of cherry needed to make amounts of coffee, Kona coffee has attained the title of one of the most expensive and desired coffees, due to its flavor and its ideal growing conditions from which it originates.

Forbes Magazine said that a type of Kona coffee was ‘best coffee in America’, so the accolades for Kona coffee are plenty. Hawaii is the only state that commercially grows coffee, and that adds to its exclusivity and popularity.

Unlike other processing plants that commercially mass-produce coffee, Kona coffee trees cannot be mechanically harvested, which means each tree must be hand-picked, basically guaranteeing that only the ripest fruits are picked for coffee production, and that can lead to the ‘perfect cup of coffee’.

The region of Kona has about six hundred independent coffee farms, most of which are family-owned. The small amount of suppliers of Kona coffee helps make it so desired and expensive, due to the laborious process that goes into cultivating and producing the coffee.

The Starbucks Coffee chain was the target of fierce controversy, after the story broke that the company donates part of its profits to the Israeli army.

This came about because the President, Chairman, and CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, is Jewish.

This was actually a false rumor, but groups protested and acted against Starbucks anyway. Due to protests about this false rumor, Starbucks had to close a store in Beirut, Lebanon.

Pro-Palestine supporters also vandalized a Starbucks store in London on January 12, 2009, and it is believed that they tossed a firebomb onto the location after dark, causing more damage.

On January 17^th, there was a protest at Trafalgar Square in London. Two more Starbucks in the city were attacked and vandalized, by people upset over the alleged Zionist ties. Besides this controversy, Starbucks has dealt with labor disputes as well, over union issues.

In 2006 the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) protested and picketed outside fifty Starbucks locations in the US, demanding the reinstatement of some fired Starbucks employees, who had been engaging in union-organizing.

More recently, in 2008 the company has had to pay some baristas $100 million in lost wages, as the business practices had robbed them of some tip money, against labor laws. Starbucks has not had a smooth run during its existence, but it is still arguably the most popular coffee chain in the world.

Negative press and these controversies have hurt the company in the public sphere, but it still remains profitable and successful, despite all these setbacks.

There are approximately 16,120 stores in 94 countries spread through the world, and that number continues to grow every day, as more and more stores spring up all over. Starbucks started in Seattle, Washington, probably what helps Seattle be considered the ‘coffee capitol’ of the US. Starbucks coffee shops sell coffee, coffee products, breakfast items, and other related products.

Starbucks has also created its own entertainment division, called Hear Music, which sells CD’s and DVD’s in stores as well. Paul McCartney’s latest solo album, Memory Almost Full, was released on the Hear Music label, and sold only at Starbucks chains at first. The original Starbucks store was located on 2000 Western Avenue in Seattle, opening in 1971 at Pike Place Market.

The first Starbucks chain to open outside of the US was Tokyo in 1996. Since its inception, Starbucks has become more than just a ‘coffee shop’, into a globalized marketing phenomenon….tourists all over Europe can walk into a Starbucks in a lot of different countries, and feel the familiarity that they feel at home in the US.

Starbucks is a lot like McDonald’s in that regard, as the familiarity is palpable all across the globe.
Starbucks is the leading coffee chain in the world in terms of popularity, and that will undoubtedly increase as time goes on.

Fun trivia: the creators of Starbucks were inspired by Alfred Peet, the forefather of Peet’s Coffee & Tea, now a rival of Starbucks in the coffee business.

There are a lot of other websites that provide recipes for sour cream coffee cakes of various types. A cookbook specializing on coffee cakes and other baked goods is Carole Walter’s Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More, and is available on Amazon. Sour cream coffee cakes can usually have a variety of toppings and other ingredients, such as chocolate chunks and/or fruit garnishes, such as cherries or strawberries.

The possibilities are endless, as many, many different types of coffee cakes can be created.
All someone needs is an imagination and some idea of what to do in the kitchen; even if someone does not know much about assembling a coffee cake, the Internet can provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect cake.

Some supermarket chains, such as Von’s and Safeway, sell pre-made coffee cakes, including sour cream varieties.
They are modestly priced, and readily available to customers. They are also quite good, but if someone would rather make it themselves, then they just need to look around the Internet or bookstore for a cookbook or set of recipes from which to choose.

Sour cream coffee cakes are generally rather moist and decadent, and ultimately delicious.

Granted, coffee cakes are probably not a good idea for the health-minded dieter, but in those instances in which we cater to our ever-present sweet tooth, a fresh coffee cake can prove to be hard to resist.

A quick search of ‘Bisquick coffee cake’ on Google creates a long list of sites offering different recipes, for different cakes.
Finding one to actually select may prove challenging, due to the large amount of options from which to choose.

Some sites indicate that a coffee cake may prove to be higher quality if it is created not using Bisquick, but by compiling the ingredients from scratch, but Bisquick is still a very viable option as well.

There are a lot of blogs, as well, on the Internet, providing detailed recipe lists for potential coffee cake connoisseurs.

Bisquick is commonly used for making pancakes, waffles, and other such foods, but it can also be used for coffee cakes or other confectionaries.

Finding out how to do so is readily available throughout the Internet, for anyone interested. When it was created in 1931, Bisquick was intended for the sole purpose of making biscuits quickly, but it has since branched out to facilitate the creation of pancakes, pizza dough, cakes, and other baked goods.
Bisquick is notable because it does not contain any cholesterol.

Bisquick is still extremely popular for cooking, and one of its uses can be to make coffee cakes, or other types of baked goods. The product had endured for decades, and will likely continue for as long as people enjoy baking their own goods at home.

Like any business endeavor, starting a coffee shop can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. Here are a few steps that can help get a new shop up and running:

First, pick the perfect location. A coffee shop should be in a busy area with a lot of foot traffic. After a location is picked, you can negotiate a good lease.

Next, figure out how much it will cost to run the shop. The cost of operating the shop includes: lease payments, insurance payments, employee salaries, advertising, and utilities. Once the cost of running the shop per day has been calculated, it is time to figure out how much business needs to be done in order to cover that cost. For instance, if it is going to cost $500 dollars per day to run the shop, and there is an estimated $5 profit per sale, 100 transactions must occur every day to cover the cost. (Remember this is just the cost to break even, making profits would require more transactions).

Next, obtain necessary funding. It is recommended that individuals acquire 25% more money than they initially believe they will need. This protects them from running into unexpected expenses that are quite common.

Now it is time to make some major purchases for your shop. The proper brewing equipment needs to be purchased, along with things like paint, flooring, lighting and furniture to fix up the shop just right.

The next step is hiring a knowledgeable, well-trained staff that can improve business from the get-go. One of the last, but most important steps is advertising the new shop. Good places to consider advertising would be nearby college campuses or businesses neighbors.

The very last step of course is enjoying the first of many cups of coffee!

Amsterdam is an infamous city, and for good reason.

Marijuana use is allowed, many other illicit activities are tolerated, and for that reason many tourists enjoy vacationing there.

You can do things there that you cannot legally do in other countries. That said, Amsterdam’s 150 coffee shops have specialized products for sale, such as marijuana and hashish.

Many of these shops allow customers to smoke the marijuana on the premises, perhaps with a nice mocha.

Many of the coffee shops in Amsterdam also sell ‘space cakes’, which are variations of marijuana brownies, very popular with tourists as well.

There are a lot of these coffee shops by Centraal Station and the Red Light District. However, not all of the coffee shops in Amsterdam sell marijuana.

‘Brown cafes’ do not sell marijuana, and it would probably not go over well if you asked someone there for some; brown cafes generally are situated like corner pubs on the street.

One highly rated coffee shop in the city is Baba, which pumps trance music through its speakers all day, closing at 1 am.

The shop sells space cakes, marijuana, and coffee products. Another popular one is Hill Street Blues, located next to a police station.

Its right next to the Baba café, and it also sells a lot of space cakes and other products of the like. These are just a couple of the highly rated Amsterdam coffee shops; there are many more from which to choose, and all of them help make the experience something unique to Amsterdam.

There is a wealth of internet resources that sell gift baskets for a variety of occasions, and a lot of them include gourmet foods and chocolates with the coffee.

Some sites also allow the customer to design his or her own specific gift basket, thus providing the customer with the chance to cater to a specific person’s favorites, and put a personal touch on the gift-giving that would definitely be appreciated by the individual receiving the gift.

Ghirardelli Chocolate provides some gourmet chocolate and coffee gift baskets, for those with a sweet tooth for fancy chocolate from San Francisco’s famous brand.
Gourmet coffee gift baskets vary widely in price ranges, from large baskets to small, modestly-priced baskets, depending on the occasion.

Given the abundance of retailers offering gift baskets online (and the fact that many coffee retail chains also sell gift baskets in-store), it is easy for anyone who is thinking of giving a gift basket to find one rather easily, and affordably. Sites such as igourmet.com and coffeeam.com have hundreds of varieties of coffee gift baskets for purchase, while zaccardis.com offers coffee and tea baskets geared toward Christmas and holiday gift-giving, as well as year-round occasions.

Ehow.com even provides consumers with ideas of how to create one’s own gift basket, from assembling the required products and how and where to procure a basket for the gift, allowing people the chance to truly make the gift-giving a personal, intimate experience, rather than just buying a pre-made basket from a retailer.

This provides the consumer with the unique chance to cultivate his or her own type of coffee, however they wish.

What’s more, green coffee beans generally sell for cheaper prices than beans that have already been specially roasted.

Coffee beans roasted at home are also generally fresher than pre-roasted coffee, providing another incentive to the consumer to purchase green coffee beans and do their own roasting.

Roasting can be carried out with a skillet, a popcorn popper, or a variety of other household utensils that most consumers have at their disposal at home.
There are even some magazines devoted to home-roasting, which indicates the popularity of this method of coffee production.

The average consumer will probably relate to green coffee beans if he or she does not want to buy a mass-produced, commercialized coffee product, and wishes instead to create his or her own personal, creative type of coffee, for their own use or perhaps to give as gifts to friends and loved ones.

There are many, many websites devoted to selecting the best quality green coffee beans from distributors and also what types of coffee roasting products one will need to brew their own brand of coffee from the comfort of their own kitchen.

Green coffee beans offer a great chance to consumers to make their own type of coffee, and the Internet provides a bounty of helpful information for anyone interested in such endeavors.

Coffee plants actually have red and purple fruits attached to the plant, and the coffee bean is inside those fruits.

Once the beans are removed from the fruits, the fruits are usually used as either fertilizer, or just tossed in the trash.

Coffee plants are abundant in subtropical Africa and parts of Asia, and the beans are then shipped out across the globe to meet coffee demands and productions.

There are two main varieties of the coffee plant that are cultivated for their beans: coffea canephora and coffea arabica.

Some retailers sell coffee beans coated with chocolate, or other confectionaries, so the marketability of the coffee bean is more than just an ingredient in a beverage.

One aspect of the production of coffee beans that is important is that it takes approximately 140 liters of water to help grow the coffee beans needed for just one cup of coffee, so the issue of water use is one that potential coffee bean producers must take into consideration.

Coffee is generally available to consumers in caffeinated or decaffeinated form; the excess caffeine removed from coffee beans is usually sent to the pharmaceutical industry, probably to be used with caffeine products such as pills and other over-the-counter stimulants.

The coffee cake became Americanized in the late 1800’s, and with that emerged a variety of coffee cakes because of the many ethnicities.  You do have a choice when it comes to coffee cake.  It just depends on your particular flavor.  You can choose from sponge or pound, fruit or fruitless, nuts or no nuts.  In addition to being one of Americas all time breakfast sweets, you can celebrate the coffee cake on the annual coffee cake day—April 7th.

There may not be coffee in coffee cakes any longer, but when you try to enjoy it without a cup of coffee or tea; you may find that the spunk is missing.  In addition, you may find that for some unknown reason, coffee cake looses its taste appeal in the middle of the day.  I suppose its okay with an afternoon cup of coffee or tea.  It could be my imagination, as well as maybe you’ll have a different experience but I would stick to eating it at breakfast time— and definitely not without coffee or tea.

The alternative of course is to make it yourself.  But why bother with planning and clean-up when the coffee never turns out as good as it should?  Do not despair café connoisseurs!  Nowadays just about every major supermarket offers an array of gourmet coffee beans at much, much less than you’d pay at one of those specialty coffee houses.  Plus, you can create your own special blend – ¼ Italian Roast, ¼ Sumatra, ¼ Colombian, and ¼ Vanilla Hazelnut.

As a barista, you’ll need two important appliances in your kitchen arsenal.  First is a simple coffee grinder. Remember: The fresher the grind, the better the flavor – so grind up only enough for a few days.  Some like to store the remaining whole beans in the freezer to preserve their freshness.

Second, perhaps the most over utilized / under appreciated appliance – the coffee maker itself.  The two most important features to look for are a programmable timer and an Auto-Shut Off.  Opt for a permanent type mesh ‘cone’ type filter – you never be surprised by running out of filters when you really need that cup o’ joe.  Most important is the heating temperature of the unit.  195º to 205º Fahrenheit is optimum. This temperature extracts the fullest flavor of the coffee. This may mean buying a higher end unit – but when you consider your savings from ordering that ½ caf-1/2 decaf, double latte with non-fat milk – you’ll be way ahead.

Starbucks is the nation’s first premium coffee shop which started in 1971 when English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegel, and writer Gordon Bowker opened a store in the down town Seattle and today we know where it has reached in last 38 years as the giant of all coffee shops.
We would all love to enjoy the experience at home that’s why you may want to consider getting Starbucks coffee drink recipes.
Try out this Starbucks coffee light frapuccino made from brewed coffee, sugar and skimmed milk, you’ll forget you way to Starbucks once you have the home made one.

If you live in US and you haven’t been to Starbucks then you must be living in Stone Age. Nothing compares to the frozen coffee recipes like Starbucks. Also try out the Skinny Caramel Macchiato like Starbucks made out of Nonfat Milk or any milk of your choice, espresso, Starbucks Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup, Caramel Drizzle.

Starbucks coffee frappe is another smooth blend of coffee made from any flavored syrup, double strength coffee, served with an ultimate topping of whipped cream at the top.
Coffee recipes are always special and when it comes to Starbucks coffee drink recipes they are certainly one step ahead of all the other special coffees that rock the town.

If you’re a calypso fan the check out this Calypso coffee recipe made from dark roast coffee, vodka, sugar and molasses which gets ready in two days but the taste you get is a knock out one!
Café Mexicano is another smooth taste for coffee lovers made from baking chocolate liquor and brandy. Few sticks of cinnamon and cloves add to its zesty flavor.

If you are a cold coffee aficionado then caramel iced coffee made from caramel and chocolate syrups is a perfect blend of smoothness and taste.
A simple and easy coffee recipe is the coffee punch recipe made from vanilla ice cream with a whipped cream and ground nutmeg on top.
For a coffee with fruity flavor Apricot iced coffee made from apricot juice, vanilla ice cream and fresh apricots with a cup of fresh apricots on top tastes simply superb!

You can even try out your own coffee recipes by doing mix and match and working out the taste which you think you like the most with the taste of coffee.
For an easy holiday taste Eggnog coffee punch made from egg nog, coffee ice cream and freshly brewed coffee is just what you need during the chilled Christmas night.

1/2 cup coffee
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp honey

Blend with 1/2 cup of ice and pour into a coffee mug.

Creamy Mexican Chocolate iced coffee
1 cup whipped cream
6 tbsp chocolate syrup
2 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Double strength coffee cooled to room temp
ground cinnamon

Whip 1/2 cup cream to soft peaks, set aside. Add remaining 1/2 cup cream, syrup, sugar and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a pitcher or bowl. Stir in coffee until sugar dissolves. Fill 4 glasses with ice; pour coffee mixture over ice. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish with coffee beans.
Jamaican Iced coffee
1 oz dark rum
1 oz Tia Maria coffee liqueur
3/4 oz whipping cream
4 oz hot black coffee

Shake and strain into a wine shaker filled with crushed ice. Add short straws, a sprig of mint, and serve.

If you are looking for a quick and easy coffee cake recipe, then try out the one layer coffee cake with streusel topping.

For a fruity flavor jam swirl coffee cake or a zesty orange topping coffee cake simply make your day.
Depending on your taste and the flavor you enjoy the most, you can check out end number of recipes online for coffee cakes.
One of the most unique recipes in coffee cakes is a sour cream coffee cake with walnut topping.

For a quick breakfast or snack a super blueberry coffee cake is a perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare as all the ingredients needed to bake it come handy for everyday purpose.
It’s believed that the early recipes of coffee cakes mostly resembled bread than cake. It was named coffee cake just because people would have it with a cup of coffee and were made mostly from flour, eggs, yeast, sugar and nuts later on it evolved with tasty fillings of cheese yoghurt and various other creamy fillings.

Bisquick Coffee Cake

2 cups Bisquick
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup water or milk

Mix all ingredients. Sprinkle Topping over the top. Bake in a greased 9-inch round pan at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Topping:
1/3 cup Bisquick
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, firm

Mix until crumbly.

Amazing thing about these cakes is that they are rich, smooth, full of taste and texture, and yet still light and fluffy. Many are drizzled with a light icing that makes it hard to eat just one piece. Coffeecake is especially good when served warm, fresh from the oven or reheated in the microwave.

If you are looking for a quick and easy coffee cake recipe, then try out the one layer coffee cake with streusel topping.

For a fruity flavor jam swirl coffee cake or a zesty orange topping coffee cake simply make your day.
Depending on your taste and the flavor you enjoy the most, you can check out end number of recipes online for coffee cakes.
One of the most unique recipes in coffee cakes is a sour cream coffee cake with walnut topping.

For a quick breakfast or snack a super blueberry coffee cake is a perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare as all the ingredients needed to bake it come handy for everyday purpose.

Ideal in transforming any living space a lift top or flip top coffee table helps you bring almost anything close to you-right from a cup of coffee, your laptop or a news paper.
To increase mobility these tables also come with wheels so that they simply add to your convenience everywhere at your home. And guess what just because its lift top doesn’t mean you don’t have a choice in design; you get a wide variety of choice in these.

Nothing can be more relaxing than enjoying a scrumptious meal on a lift top table or working on a laptop; it makes life much easier as all you have to do is just lift the table. Forget back problems as it doesn’t require bending anymore.

An excellent solution for patients suffering from illness as it makes everything accessible. It also adds to your storage space and you can keep all your favorite stuff like books, DVDs and CDs right under your nose.
Before you’re out to buy lift top tables always decide your function and how you wish to use it, so that you can select the right design color and size for your living room. Lift top coffee table take practical use and modern design to the next level. Come and see what’s the perfect lift top design for you today.

They come in different shapes and of course the choice is endlessly yours depending on your choice.
If you want that chic contemporary look then you can go for various choices like glass to wrought iron coffee table, wooden lift top tables and even more. If you are a bookworm then coffee tables with book shelves is the right choice for you.

Though glass coffee table are a little high maintenance and risky business especially when you’ve kids around but they certainly bring a glitter back to your living room.
Wooden coffee tables are a quintessential choice for most of us as there are endless shades to select from-natural finish, cherry, oak, walnut, birch wood, beech wood.

Low height coffee tables are a rage these days as it’s reachable and nice for an informal gathering. Shape plays a big role when it comes to adding up to the space in your living room. If your living room isn’t big enough then an oval or round coffee table would be great choice and also if you’ve kids at home then it’s safer to have coffee tables minus edges. Bottom line- you make the correct choice based on three main things- convenience, availability and budget.

There are extreme choices to make when it comes to glass coffee tables. You get glass coffee tables wooden base, steel or even wrought iron.
If you don’t have any safety issue with the kids then glass coffee tables can make your room look more bright and spacious due to its reflecting quality.

These days you get glass coffee tables in different shapes and sizes, a little different from the usual square and round you even get glass coffee tables in octagonal, rolling and curves which other than purpose also make them a piece of art.
Usually glass coffee tables are made of tempered glasses which are quite safe for living room and there is absolutely no risk of any cracks or breaks.
Though glass coffee tables with wooden bases give glimpse of the Victorian era, glass coffee tables with a wrought iron base have much more contemporary look.

How about a super sleek black glass coffee table, if you’re looking for more variety other than the simple bland white glass then.
Even two and three tier glass coffee tables look very offbeat with options to spin around and being detachable could be separated as side tables and placed elsewhere in the room.

Let’s take a look at a modular coffee table which could be created by where the fun part is that these could even be separated to keep as two end tables. A coffee table with a rising top is an ideal choice for all those space constraints and keeps your living room clutter free for an endless circulation of free positive energy.

If you’re looking for some modern and more contemporary plans then you can try out this of the finest examples revolving glass top coffee table, which could be folded back and forth according to space requirements.

To give your coffee table a unique look a fusion in material is a fine way to give it a modern look for instance an abstract glass top coffee table with a wooden base and multiple shelves. For a simple yet modern taste a coffee table with clean glass top, steel frame and chrome legs give your living room an extreme new changeover.
It’s up to you some times you get wonderful deals with coffee table plans- you a couch at an affordable price or two end tables to fill that extra space beside the couch. Go for the right plan and give your living room a makeover with a new coffee table.

The Sounds of Disneyland is an authentic hardcover 72 page coffee table book that brings to us the musical and audio history of the Disney land park. Disney coffee table books give us an insight into the complete world of Disney the evolution of its different characters, its influence and it different themes which have revolutionized the kids toys industry.

Disney coffee table books provide a whole lot of inspiration not only for the kids but for the grown ups as well. It helps us to take a peek into the world of animation and character sketching at its best.

Disney coffee table art books are a wonderful way for kids to learn different forms of craft work and build their creative abilities.
One of the most inspiring Disney coffee table books is the “The Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation” book which unravels the journey of animation and the individual styles of the nine old famous animators in the Disney studios back in the 1930s. Disney coffee opens before us a unique and sensational history in the world of animation.

A coffee table book could even be a virtual journey of someone’s life and inspiration of ideas like a wedding, make up, designer clothes, art and culture or even interiors demonstrating the latest trends to catch up with.

And what a wonderful idea to give someone a coffee table book as a birthday or a holiday gift, they can certainly prove to be a gem of a collection to share for lifetime, great family stone for generations to love and for keeps.

And not to forget spending those rainy or wintry days immersed in a coffee table book with designer or art collection.
Also it sounds funny but how about an interesting way to kill hunger by flipping the pages of a coffee table book with all gourmet foods you ever dreamt of.

It’s the best way to keep someone engaged when you’re busy making a drink for the guests or away for few hours.
Coffee table books in hotels and airport lobbies are a great way to keep people pouring in for publicity purposes.