Coffee Blends

There is something wonderful about the smell of fresh ground coffee. The anticipation of the first sip makes the wait well worth my time.

It really is a labor of love to create the perfect cup of coffee, whether I'm looking forward to a hot cup, or a sweet dessert filled with cream and nut extracts and caramel, or what ever I crave at the time (like chocolate.)

It's easier to buy pre-ground coffee, but I still prefer fresh ground coffee made from a really good coffee blend. And I do love a really good cup of fresh ground coffee. So how do you find good coffee blends?

I think it really has to do with your mood. I'm not a morning person, so in the morning I want something that lifts the fog from my brain, but still tastes good. Generally the blends I look for are lighter in color, less roasted blends. Those blends tend to be a little more bitter, but they have a much higher caffeine content.

When I'm shopping, I treat myself to a dessert coffee. The coffee blends differ from location to location, but generally they tend to be stronger brews with creams and ice creams diluting the coffee. Experiment and see what you like. I also enjoy making the dessert coffee drinks at home, especially when I'm being social and chatting with friends.

In the evening I enjoy dark roasted coffees. These tend to be more mellow, sweeter and nuttier coffees. By roasting the coffee longer, it caramelizes the coffee bean, reducing the caffeine and increasing the flavor.

I intend to explore coffee from different regions in more detail and experiment on them. Here in Oregon, we have an abundance of hazelnut extract, which tastes wonderful in coffee.

I'm collecting recipes and making recommendations for different brands of coffee that I like. What is your favorite blend of coffee? What is your favorite recipe?

I'd suggest making your favorite cup of coffee while we journey around the world.

I'll have one too.