Monday 21 May 2012

10 Types of Coffee


Who doesn’t like the intense coffee flavour? You have probably tasted some different types of coffee but I’m sure that you would like to try more and more. Coffee is an experience of different textures, colours and flavours.


 
Espresso
It represents the most intense type of coffee flavour. It is the original one and if you are brave it can be served without sugar. But if not, please, don’t sweeten it too much because it may lose its essential bitterness.

Caffé Latte
It is a typical French coffee. It is prepared with an espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk. Some people like with a bit of milk foam and others prefer without it.

Caffé Mocha
It is a variant of caffé latte. It is made with an espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup with milk foam over the top.

Cappuccino
It is probably the most famous Italian coffee. Although it can be made in different ways, not everybody makes a good one. Once you have added the coffee and the steamed milk, it is very important to create very solid milk foam; this is the essence of this coffee. Then you can add a little cinnamon or chocolate powdered topping.

Carajillo/Correto
Although carajillo (Spanish coffee) and correto (Italian coffe) are not exactly the same, they would be in the same category. Correto is an espresso sprayed with liquor such as grappa or cognac.  Carajillo is a large espresso sprayed with liquor (the most known is cognac or brandy but with whisky or rum is also fine) as well but with a very important difference. First, put sugar and the liquor in a small crystal glass. Burn the liquor and remove it with a spoon until the flame was disappeared. Then, add the coffee. Put a cinnamon steak and a little slice of lemon.



Irish Coffee
Put hot black coffee into a mug and then serve the Irish whiskey in there with a little amount of brown sugar (better than white sugar) and mix all together. Finally, gradually add a layer of cream with the spoon, without mixing with the coffee.

Granita Caffé
It is a cold espresso. Once you have prepared the coffee let it cold in the fridge. Once it is cold mix it with a glass of crushed ice cubes. Add sugar to taste.

Café Sour
It is prepared with Kalua, a Mexican coffee liquor. Mix sugar, lemon juice, a beaten egg white, crushed ice cubes and liquor in a whisky sour glass.

Frappé
It is a cold drink and it has to be served in a large glass. It is made in various different forms. In a blender combine cold milk with ice cubes, vanilla ice cream, coffee and a bit of chocolate and mixture well blended. It is a delicious combination to be had in summer.

 
Passion me
It is a coffee originated by the Spanish chef and the coffee brand Lavazza in 2002. It is made by an espresso, maracuyá juice, crushed ice cubes and topped with some mint leaves. Add sugar to taste.





Friday 11 May 2012

The ten best gifts to experience father’s day together


Father’s day is coming up and it is time to honour your old man with a great gift. Surprise him this year with an ultimate experience instead of presenting him a pair of socks. There are plenty of great gift ideas and if you are smart you make sure you get experiences for two so you can join in on the fun.

1. A day out in the sky
There is probably no bigger thrill than flying a light weight aircraft. 




2. An evening of tasting wine
In case your dad prefers a quiet evening with a glass of wine over a day of paintballing. Wine tasting classes can be a lot of fun. Get a few people together and try several bouquets of wine over a scrumptious meal.

3. Speeding together
Always wondered how it would feel to speed down the racetrack in a red Ferrari? Chances are your dad does as well. Book him an hour of racing in the car of his choice and treat yourself at the same time.



4. Meet the wildlife
Your dad took you to the zoo when you were little and now it’s time for you to return the favour. Only you will do it better. Instead of visiting caged animals you will meet some magnificent wildlife and hold them in your own hands. Britain is home to some amazing wildlife including birds of prey. Visit one of the many fowl farms where you get the opportunity to fly prey birds in their natural habitat.

5. An afternoon on the greens
Organise an afternoon of golf at your nearest golf course. Most clubs offer gift cards for singular lessons, tournaments or even entire weekend breaks. 



6. Fire up the barbeque
There is nothing better than a nice little barbeque on a sunny afternoon. Buy your dad a funky apron or a set of new spatulas for the barbeque. Chances are he wants to use them straight away and fires up the barbeque before he even gets the chance to thank you.  The result: a great gift for the entire family. 

7. A game of paintball
Invite the entire family for a game of paintball. It is fun and will bring the whole family closer.



8. Do the locomotion
Is your dad one of those old romantics who is nostalgic about everything from his childhood? Than book a train ride on a vintage steam train for two. The day will take you through the lush green countryside and you can hop on and hop off whenever you please. This is a great idea for anyone who likes to go back to a time where trains were a fancy mode of transport.

9. Enjoy the views from above
Balloon rides are a great way of spending some quality time with your dad. Marvel at the stunning views over the British countryside whilst you enjoy a long catch up with your dad.



10. Include mum
In case you have skipped mother’s day and would like to give your parents a combined present, give them one of the many experience gift packs available online. This is a great option for when you have run out of ideas and you want to give them something they will both enjoy.

Monday 7 May 2012

10 creative uses for custom labels

Using a customised label can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Adding one’s own design to a blank roll or sheet of labels from a label manufacturer can make a gift, food or favour truly personal and help give it your own unique stamp.

The 10 creative ways to use a custom label to give your gifts that personal touch are:

10. Jam jar labels


Jar labels

A homemade jam or chutney is loved by all. As such, it would be a good idea to design one’s own label before giving them out this year. Incorporating one’s name and photo on to a design similar to that of a well-known brand such as Hartley’s Jam, making it read Harry’s Jam, say, could be interesting.

9. Beer labels

One’s own name designed on a home-brewed beer bottle would appeal. For example, Steve’s Scrumpy, Bill’s Brew, Adam’s Ale or Insider Cider could do the trick.

8. Wedding cookies

A great wedding favour for guests to take away is cookies. A homemade cookie in its own cellophane bag labelled with the couple’s names and perhaps an image of them would be nice.

7. Photo coasters

Applying a photo printed on a label to a coaster allows for the making of customised coasters. These could be used as inexpensive gifts to send out as a thank you for newborn baby presents or wedding gifts.

6. CD or DVD labels

Cover a CD or DVD disc with a custom printed label. It could provide for an attractive case to present a music or video compilation.

5. Address labels

A beautiful invitation wrapped in a customised label indicates a personal touch. It could also save writing the sender’s address several times over.

4. Gift bags and boxes

Rather than splash out on a customised printed box or bag for the gifts, use a carefully designed label on a plain bag or box. This could save money while creating exactly the desired effect.

3. Bath and body gifts 
This is one Mother’s Day gift to be remembered for. Giving someone a special homemade gift they could be pampered with could lift spirits. Bath salts and soap are easy to make and a collection mum would cherish.

2. Sweet jars

This Easter or Christmas fill a small glass jar with sweet treats and stick on a customised label to give it a personal touch.  It would spread the warmth of the holiday season.

1. Wine bottle labels

Wine labels
A homemade wine adds that extra bit to the drink. It could be a wine for wedding guests or a Christmas bottle of something special – either way it can be made more special by applying one’s family wine label. Gifts labelled with love go a lot further.

Resources


Get inspiration for hundreds of custom label uses

Homemade recipes for bath products
Learn how to create beautiful bath and body gifts
Discover how Italian wedding cookies can be made