photo courtesy of Bittersweetcafe.com

Today, Bittersweet is announcing the launch of its own micro-batched, locally roasted coffees.  Just as the company has taken the hand-crafted approach to chocolate, it is now doing the same for a line of coffees.  This coffee is roasted in the Berkeley production facility by an expert coffee maker and the coffees will be sold in the three Bittersweet Cafes as well as online.
 
Bittersweet is creating espresso, drip (both blend and single bean) and decaf using beans from Kenya, Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Sumatra. 
 
As Penny Finnie, co-owner of Bitttersweet puts it:  “Our coffees follow the same hands-on approach we use for our Bittersweet Origins chocolate bars, This is another amazing varietal product and we are taking the same interest in the farms and cooperatives where the coffee beans are grown as we do with our cacao sourcing.”  
 
Thought you would be interested to learn of this new offering.  Bittersweet is one of very few companies offering micro-batched coffee.

About Bittersweet  Origins and Café
Bittersweet Origins is a manufacturing and retailing company which creates craft chocolate and coffee in handmade, micro-batches to engage the senses and the mind.  Bittersweet Café retail stores’ ambience and furnishings reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of its chocolate bars, chocolate drinks and coffees.  The warm and welcoming spaces furnished with unique tables, benches, carts and artwork from local craftspeople and artists create a gathering place for the community to savor locally made chocolate delicacies, coffee and tea.  The Bittersweet Cafes are located in San Francisco on Fillmore Street, College Avenue in Oakland and the Rose Garden Shopping Center in Danville.  For more information, visit www.bittersweetcafe.com or call 510-705-1860.

Just when thoughts of pumpkin pie and candy canes begin to increasingly dance in our heads, coffee creamer manufacturers take the opportunity to woo consumers with delicious reminders of the upcoming holidays. Available in powder and liquid versions, flavored coffee creamers from International Delight and Nestle Coffee-Mate not only add spice and pizzazz to our java and hot chocolate, but also make interesting ingredients for desserts and tasty toppings for ice cream.

Nestle Coffee-Mate

Introduced in 1961, Nestle Coffee-Mate holds the honor of being the first powdered non-dairy creamer on the market in the United States. Currently, the company offers more than 20 liquid and powdered flavors, including 12 reduced-fat and sugar-free selections. Coffee-Mate also provides seasonal creamers, like the powdered and liquid version of Pumpkin Spice. The following selections are available between late October and January:

• Peppermint Mocha (Powder and Liquid) – The chocolate/mocha flavor of this popular seasonal treat takes a backseat to the presence of refreshingly sharp peppermint.
• Gingerbread (Powder and Liquid) – Imagine dropping a piece of gingerbread in your cup of coffee and slowly drinking the aftermath – a successful blend of spices and the taste of an all-too-familiar holiday indulgence.
• Eggnog – Just like the spirited holiday beverage, Nestle captures the creaminess and richness of eggnog without delivering a punishing blow to your waistline.
• Caramel Apple – New this season, this creamer hopes to impress consumers with the sweetness and kick found in a real caramel apple.

International Delight

Hitting the scene in the 1980s, International Delight successfully produced the first flavored, liquid, non-dairy creamer. In the past, consumers could only choose between three flavors, which were served in individual portion control sizes. With the addition of fat-free and reduced-sugar versions, the creamers now come in pints and quarts – representing around nine core flavors and a host of CoffeeHouse Inspirations, limited edition, and seasonal treats, such as:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice (Limited Edition) – With the dreamy scent of nutmeg and cinnamon hitting your nostrils, prepare yourself for a truly tasty experience. Adding just the right amount of spice, International Delight successfully captures the enchantment of the ultimate iconic Thanksgiving dessert. Available Fall and Winter 2009.
• Chocolate Mint Truffle (Seasonal Celebrations) – Embrace the seductive combination of milk chocolate and mint in your coffee or cocoa, which easily lifts the spirits and warms the soul. Available Winter 2009.
• Vanilla Spiced Rum (Seasonal Celebrations) – Hints of vanilla and cinnamon join traces of smooth rum to create a spiced blend perfect for warming the bones after coming in from the cold. Available Winter 2009.

Das Caramelinis are bite size, all natural French Salted Caramels. These Fleur de Sel gourmet caramels are hand made with care and made with 100% natural ingredients, and ingredients are procured locally whenever possible.

Each box is approximately 4 oz. and contain, 16-18 Carmel pieces.  The Carmelinis makes this a great everyday treat because of its size.  Carmelinis come in a variety of flavors, so you are sure to find one you will love!

Classic
The original flavor of Das Caramelinis is the flavor of Lavender & Honey.  Made from fresh and local cream and natural butter, acacia honey, and a subtle lavender flavor, each Carmelini is topped off with the rare Fleur de Sel salt from Brittany.

 
Cafe Cortado
Carmel is blended with freshly brewed expresso and whole coffee bean.  Topped with the wonderful Fleru de Sel.

 
Chocolate & Walnut
Dark Chocolate and toasted walnut is mixed with a hint of Ancho Chili for a unique flavor.  Polished with a sprinkling of the french salt.

Orange & Honey
Orange zest, Indian cardamon, and acacia honey create this refreshing Orange & Honey Caramel. Fleur de Sel tops off this creation.

Ginger & Pistachio
Candied ginger and chunks of freshly roasted organic Pistachio nut.  Of course, sprinked with the signature salt.

Chai Latte
Whole Indian Cardamom, Cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of cloves creates the Chai Latte Carmelini.  Perfect for Chai lovers!

Lemon & Honey
Honey, Meyer lemon zest and Thai lemongrass are blended with a touch of Indonesian Green Peppercorns to create the unique flavor of this lemony Carmelini.

Chili Pecan
Sweet at first, and then your get the three pepper chili spice. Fresh pecans, from a small farm in Texas, are added in this indulgent bite size caramel.

Das Caramelinis are available at DasFoods.com or Amazon.com.

Price: $6.99 each or $15.75 for a 3 Pack on Amazon.com.

We have featured Chocolate Inked Sweet Shoppe in our Chocolate Manufacturers – Guide for Chocoholics.

Chocolate Inked Sweet Shoppe is located in the historic Village of Metamora, MI. Metamora dates back to the 1800′s and is also known as “horse country.” The building that CISS is located in was built over 150 years ago and has quite a history. It was recently purchased by friends and has been in the process of a complete renovation, the chocolate shoppe is located in the back half of the building. The outside of the building is in the process of being completed now, though when you walk into the shoppe  you will be taken back to years gone by. It gives you a quaint, warm and cozy feeling when you see the signature colors of teal and brown. The fireplace will make you want to sit at one of three tables that remind you of a old fashioned ice cream shoppe. You can enjoy the warmth of the shoppe as you wit with your laptop to access the only shoppe in the village with WiFi or you can relax as you watch a favorite program on the large plasma T.V. 
 
Sharon and Kevin make a variety of handmade chocolates, which include their signature handmade salted caramels, molded caramels, molded chocolates, truffles, specialty chocolates, nutty and krispy barks, dipped nuts, fruits, pretzels, cookies, and so much more. They offer muffins, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and even Sharon’s signature cake that will truly bring you back. The signature cake can be ordered in any flavor with infused ganache, a chocolate whipped cream, or a fruit filling. Each cake is then drizzled with dark, milk and white chocolates. It is a mouth watering cake that will have you wanting more. “CISS” also does gift baskets for all occasions. One unique product that they have is chocolates that can be printed with photos, logos, and text. These chocolates are not made by Sharon and Kevin, they are made by their supplier in a nut free facility. They do personalized chocolates for all occasions, weddings, graduations, birthdays, funerals, etc. “CISS” also offers Cook’s Farm Dairy Ice Cream. Cook’s is a  working dairy farm and is well known in the Metamora area. You can order ice cream cones, handmade waffle cones and bowls that are dipped in chocolate, great tasting shakes, smoothies, sundaes, parfaits. Coffee, sweet tea, lemonade, canned soda, bottled water are other items that are available. You never know what may be available on any given day, there is always something different.
 
Chocolate Inked has a website for the personalized chocolates and you can call them with any questions and to place your orders. You can access the website at: www.chocolateinked.com
 
You will be pleasantly surprised when you enter the world of “CISS.”  With a tag line of “Have you been CISS’d today?” first time customers will leave with a special chocolate “CISS” so that they too,  “Have been CISS’d today!”
 
Chocolate Inked Sweet Shoppe
70 E. High St.
Metamora, MI. 48455
810-678-2022
Fax: 810-678-2022

We featured Cafe Britt in our Chocolate Manufacturers – Guide for Chocoholics.

White Chocolate Covered Lime Jelly

Inspired by Florida’s favorite Key Lime Pie and world-famous citrus groves, these small, white orbs are big on refreshing, tropical flavor.

We’ve covered tangy lime-jelly chews in creamy white chocolate for a sweet treat that refreshes like a cool, ocean breeze. Packed in a colorful Miami-inspired bag, they’re as great for giving as they are for snacking.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Passion Fruit

Double passion for chocolate!

The rich-flavors and pleasant tropical aroma of Passion Fruit are contained within every bite of our smooth gourmet dark chocolate. An exotic delicatessen directly from Costa Rica’s unique rainforests, created by Cafe Britt, just for you the passionate chocolate lover.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Pineapple

Indulge with this tropical temptation!

The golden sun and wild scenery of Costa Rica has inspired Cafe Britt to create this exquisite combination of fresh golden pineapple jelly and smooth dark gourmet chocolate. The result is an exuberant flavor that celebrates nature’s best!

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Guava

Experience an exotic treat that celebrates local tradition!

Sweet guava jelly, from fragrant guava fruits grown in the warmth climate and rich soils of nurturing Costa Rica are bathed in rich dark gourmet chocolate. Cafe Britt ‘Guayabitas’ rekindle an age-old traditional flavor in Costa Rican sweets to share with friends and family at home.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Orange Jelly

We couldn’t resist creating a delicious confection inspired by Florida’s most famous fruit.

This luxurious medley of dark chocolate and chewy orange jelly is pure poetry. Sweet and tangy, surprising and subtle, this is sure to be a fruit-and-chocolate-lover’s favorite. Packed in a colorful Miami-inspired bag, they’re as great for giving as they are for snacking.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Gourmet Macadamia Nuts

Enjoy this explosive flavor combination!

Cafe Britt’s premier macadamias, grown amid the tropical mists in Costa Rica’s volcanic soil, are delicately covered with the purest gourmet dark chocolate in small batches to attain perfection. Delight your guest with this unique sweet or indulge yourself, either way, you’ll assure contented smiles.

Price $8.95 5oz bag

Dark Chocolate covered Gourmet Cashew Nuts
Nuts & Chocolate, Oh my!

Nurtured in the warmth of Costa Rica’s tropical climate, our prime whole cashews are delicately bathed in creamy gourmet dark chocolate to attain perfection. These festive crescents will add a warm touch to your party and be perennial favorite with friends & family.

Price $8.95 5oz bag

White Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans

Latte Coffee with a twist!

Cafe Britt 100 gourmet Costa Rican espresso coffee beans are carefully roasted and delicately dipped in cocoa butter white chocolate. Our coffee’s enticing aroma and the crunchy texture of our coffee beans complement the soft white-chocolate flavor for a soothing sensation that lingers in your palate.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Dark Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans

Share our passion for coffee!

Cafe Britt 100 gourmet Costa Rican espresso coffee beans are carefully roasted and delicately dipped in creamy dark chocolate. Our coffee’s enticing aroma and the crunchy texture of our coffee beans complement the velvety chocolate flavor for a cheering sensation that lights up your palate.

Price $8.95 6oz bag

Gourmet Gift Box Sampler

Enjoy 8 of Cafe Britt’s very best candy creations, all packed in this beautiful gift box. It includes an assorted combination of Cafe Britt’s most popular flavors. You can find chocolate-covered pineapple, guava or passion fruit; chocolate-covered macadamia or cashews, as well as crunchy whole gourmet nuts. Of course, you can’t miss our famous fresh roasted coffee beans, all covered in creamy white or dark gourmet chocolate. Simply irresistible!

Price $8.95, 7.6oz, approx. 1 oz. per pack

For more information about these gourmet chocolates, check out Cafe Britt.

Espresso Vivace. Photo courtesy of Laughing Squid

At the end of a deeply satisfying meal, people around the social dinner table often become antsy and begin squirming in their seats. The conversation may be going strong, but the stomachs around the table are feeling stretched. People peer around the room wondering where dessert is, and if it will be tasty enough to warrant unbuttoning at the waist. The wine drinkers at the table are loud, and the non-drinkers are getting sleepy. How do we save this social situation and bring everyone to a place of comfort?

Easy. Coffee! Not just any coffee though, it must be a very special coffee. A coffee that will compliment any dessert yet not detract from the experience of the warm and wonderful meal just consumed. A coffee that will awaken the sleepers, satisfy the drinkers, and allow for that special moment of bonding that only occurs over a comforting cup o’ joe. Fitting this enormous billing perfectly is a teeny, tiny cupful of coffee… The Italian tradition of a good, creamy, strong shot of espresso.

Espresso Gradient. Photo courtesy of Doozzle

A good espresso will be thicker than normal coffee and very creamy. A tiny bit of foam should adorn the surface, giving the drinker a hint of the wonderful texture and flavor to come. The quality of the foam is a good indicator of the quality of the coffee beans used to make the espresso. It takes both a good bean and the proper process to make a quality cup of espresso. At home, you may choose to use a professional style electric espresso maker (such as those they sell at Macy’s), or you can make it in the traditional way by using an aluminum stove-top espresso maker (such as the Moka Express from Bialetti).

Condiments are according to taste. Adding sugar is common. I prefer to use one teaspoonful of raw sugar, and you can always add milk or cream or a tasty after-dinner liqueur (FYI: once you add milk it is technically no longer an espresso, it has become a macchiatto). If you’re after a true Italian espresso, I recommend using LavAzza or Illy, both well-known Italian espresso coffee brands. Make sure you read the package and purchase the correct grind for your type of espresso maker.

Italy is renowned for knowing how to throw a good dinner party, and no respectable meal is ever considered complete without offering the guests “un cafe”, a cup of espresso. Pair your espresso with a tasty dessert, and you will leave the dinner table feeling full… and delightfully satisfied.