How did Espresso Arrive in the Coffee Scene?

Espresso means made expressly for you.

Whether or not you are a history buff, that is a good question. It is a question that I would like to explore since I am such a coffee fan. I think it would be good to know where my favorite beverage originated. Don't you?

So I went digging on search engines looking for the answer to this question: "when, how and from where did espresso enter the coffee scene?"

Here is what I found:

The first true espresso originated in Italy in the early 1900's. I found some impressive information at "1st in Coffee" so visit their site to read more. According to their information, "Luigi Bezzeri patented the first steam driven espresso machine."

Fascinating. Did you know that?

How did the word spread about this new coffee taste sensation with lots of caffeine kick?

Is Hot Chocolate Just for Cold Winter Days?

Photo Credit: The Midnight Writer
Seriously, what is your opinion? Hot chocolate- is it just for cold winter days or is it just as enjoyable in the summertime?

Oh, you thought this blog was just about coffee? I'm sorry if you had that misconception, but I thought I explained it very well in the introduction to this blog. This is a cafe. Here, we will share about all drinks shared in a cafe/coffee shop setting. This includes many kinds of drinks, such as:

• ~ teas
• ~ coffees, espressos, capuchinos, lattes
• ~ hot chocolate, cocoa and chocolate based drinks
• ~ herbal teas
• ~ energy drinks
• ~ smoothies
• ~ juices

As you can see, there is a lot of room for discussion. But this post is about hot chocolate.

MMMMmmmmm......Delicious, rich, hot, steamy cup of chocolate is great for the cold hands in winter time. After coming in from sledding all afternoon, we used to cozy up in the living room near the woodstove and share hot chocolate with marshmallows. Mom knew how to make it best. The conversation centered around the chocolate, the next day's sledding excursion and who was going to shovel the driveway after the next snow. Beyond that, we talked excitedly about a good movie to watch that night and was there enough cocoa and marshmallows for the next round.

Can you relate?

What about drinking hot chocolate in the summertime? Do you have some good experiences to share or suggestions as to when and where this is a good warm drink to share with family and friends?

My favorite place to drink hot chocolate in the summertime is while sitting around a campfire during a high mountain campout. Usually we spend the days hiking and foraging for neat rocks and plants, so come night fall when the moon rises we build a cozy campfire and circle around to share exciting adventure stories. Sometimes we tell ghost stories or discuss possible adventures for tomorrow.

Camping. Campfires. Family. Friends. Moonlight. Hot chocolate. A perfect combination. With toasted marshmallows from great willow branches.

There is Something Good About a Basic Cup of Coffee

There is just something special about a basic warm cup of coffee. I like mine with cream. To me, sitting in a cozy chair with a good friend and cup of java just sets the tone for the day. I can take it without cream if I have to drink it that way, but I definitely can take it without sugar.

When my hubby and I visit Starbucks we drink espresso in a good coffee like Italian roast or Pike's Place with vanilla syrup added. Now that is a wonderful drink if you are traveling and taking some down time at a coffee shop. I like to write at Starbucks for a few hours so this sweet espresso drink pumps me up for a the time period that I need to stay pumped. Most of my freelance writing happens on the road so I have grown to love Starbucks.

After drinking so much espresso sweet coffee this winter, I really look forward to a plain cup of coffee made with Italian or espresso roast grind with just a little cream added. Lately, my hubby and I have been either brewing our own or visiting friends and family so we plugged in the coffee maker and brew some java. Sip a cup with a friend or loved one and feel the warmth of mingling coffee and conversation with friendship. Now that is a flavor that cannot be found in any bean. I call it the love bean. Mix with any setting and you have a winner!

Talking about coffee drinks and flavors brought up a question in my mind. What is your favorite coffee drink?

The Midnight Writer