Review
“A powerful link between the coffee professional and the coffee consumer. The technical information is presented clearly and “smartly,” the humor is professional…and the recipes and photos are extraordinary.” — Miles Small, Editor CoffeeTalk Magazine”Coffee recipes or references, coffee facts or fun - whatever your reason for pouring into the vast world of coffee, Susan Zimmer teaches it all in this “how-to” coffee handbook.” — SAECO Canada Ltd”Indispensable new coffee book…filled to the brim with 111 recipes and a wealth of information from bean field to barista.” — The Gourmet Retailer”Susan Zimmer shares information about exotic coffee drinks…for all occasions, with easy-to-read instructions. Her knowledge an (more…)
June 8th, 2009 at 12:16 am
I work part-time as a barista, and I picked up this book to get some ideas for flavor combinations that we could introduce into our cafe. Certainly, this book has tons, featuring unusual flavor combinations- think chocolate/orange/hazelnut- and also holiday ideas (eggnog for Christmas, creme de Menthe for St. Patrick’s etc.) as well as the classics. Even more importantly, it gives you the know-how to make your favorite latte combinations at home. As odd as it may seem, one of my favorite things to do at work is to steam milk- I love the look and feel of the foam. Zimmer explains how to do that almost perfectly using a pan, a whisk or handheld mixer and your stovetop. (Sadly, this doesn’t work as well for me with soymilk, but with practice I’m sure I’ll get it.) She also explained how to do a stovetop espresso with the classic Bialetti espresso maker. Since it retails for about $35, that’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a souped up espresso machine and would almost definitely pay for itself after about ten lattes; you may never need to go to your local cafe again.
However, I disagreed with her instructions for many of the flavored lattes and mochas. She advises pouring in the milk first and then the syrups and espressos; I find the flavor is distributed better if the shot and syrup are in first and then followed by the milk. But that’s probably more a matter of preference than anything else- your results may differ.
This is also a comprehensive reference for beans and roasting, and she even gives instructions for roasting your own beans at home. Seriously, she leaves the reader pretty much no excuse not to have the best cafe-level coffee in your own home.
Highly recommended.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:52 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book but thin in places
The book starts with the usual items that are in every coffee book (the history of coffee, types, blends, machines and such, then it goes into some very nice advanced drinks, some…
June 8th, 2009 at 1:53 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
home brew
This was a very good and informative book on the ins and outs of making a great coffee, and other coffee flavored drinks.
June 8th, 2009 at 4:14 am
Susan Zimmer takes coffee seriously - make no beans about it! Her humor comes through in this amazing book that not only offers super-duper, impressive recipes for all kinds of coffee drinks (hot, cold, w/liquor, caf & decaf!), but she also shares her vast knowledge on all other aspects of this addictive brew.
I own one of her earlier works, “Cappuccino Cocktails & Espresso Martinis,” but in her new book, she really hits her stride. It is small and colorful and packed with everything you need to know about our latest obsession. As “The Queen of the Business Lunch,” (I am the author of “The Art of the Business Lunch), I need to be in the know about everything relating to fine dining, entertaining and taking care of guests. The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 And 2
I entertain a LOT at my home. I was so inspired by Susan’s book that I decided to host a Sunday Brunch just so I could get creative and offer my guests some of her suggested drinks. What a hit!
I used coffee as the theme and sprinkled beans on every serving dish. I knew more about coffee than any of my guests after reading “I LOVE COFFEE” and everyone seemed to delight in learning little tidbits of information. We did taste tests and made several of the recipes. Every single one was a winner. Then we got into the coffee martinis. We had a blast. I put out a tray with various sugars, whipped cream, chocolate covered beans, cinnamon sticks and other garnishes. I never knew coffee could be so much fun.
This book also makes a great gift. We played a few games and I gave away a copy as the grand prize. I got rave reviews from my clients who came to brunch. They were all impressed with the theme and all of the treats. I think everyone who loves to cook or entertain should have a copy of Susan’s book and read it from cover to cover. I can’t rave enough about her wit, her humor and her knowledge. This is an excellent book!
June 8th, 2009 at 6:11 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
coffees
I love coffee and I love this book. Lots of great history and recipes–regardless of the type of coffee maker you have.
June 8th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Me and my husband love coffee, and we like trying out new recepies. It is a nicely presented book with good recepies. It has nice pictures as well. you may find the information about coffee and beans in most of the coffee books, but since the writer has been in coffee bussiness for years it also gives hints.
Nice book, worth it.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:55 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
More information than I could have hoped for.
Tons of facts about the origins of coffee and different types, along with the different methods used to prepare it and their advantages and disadvantages.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
My boyfriend loves it!
I bought this for my boyfriend as an Chanukah present and he absolutely loves it. We haven’t gotten a chance to try any of the recipes, but he loves how it has the history of…