|
In the 1930s, physicists started discovering a
whole zoo full of exotic atomic particles. There were muons and kaons and
who-knows-what-else-ons. When told of these, the famous physicist Enrico Fermi
said, "If I wanted to remember all that I would have become a botanist."
Ironically, later he invented the process used in atomic bombs.
I feel the same way about coffee. It may be fascinating and delicious and even
romantic, but sheesh -- all those names!
frappe
There's the elegant and simple Frappe, but with a silent 'e'. Widely consumed
in Europe and Latin America, it's a cold espresso made with two teaspoons of
sugar and milk with crushed ice cubes. For a nice variation, add a quarter cup
each of brandy and crème de cacao. Since it's served with a straw, I just wish
those drinking it were silent, too.
cappuccino borgia
The counterpart to the innocent Frappe is the wicked Cappuccino Borgia, named
for the famed poisoner. You'll just die for one of these quarter-cup peeled
orange, one and a half cup chocolate ice cream dreams. Add also six tablespoons
of orange juice and a quarter-cup milk to an espresso, blend and start speaking
15th century Italian.
calypso cooler
Re-enter the 21st century and jet to the Caribbean for a Calypso Cooler. A
cup of chilled, extra strength coffee gets subjected to a couple of ripe bananas
and two cups of coffee ice cream. Add four tablespoons of rum and lose your
luggage.
caffee zabaglone
While we're adding alcohol to our coffee, let's not forget the mysterious
Latin Caffee Zabaglone. A quarter cup of dry Marsala with a quarter cup of sugar
starts the feast. Add a pinch of salt and four egg yolks, then wisk and cook
until thick. Add a cup of Italian roast at room temperature and you've got a
drink, breakfast and a hangover cure all in one.
mardi gras
But the ancestors of Rome have nothing on those of France in modern New
Orleans. Add double strength American roast to a half-cup each of heavy cream,
eggnog and bourbon and you have a Mardi Gras, with a silent 's'. Too bad the
crowd isn't silent -- it's 4 a.m. and I'm trying to sleep.
cardamom kaffee
Ordinary Turkish coffee is famous for its dark, strong flavor cut with
cardamom. But they're not the only ones to have discovered a good use for this
ancient spice. Scandinavians make a Cardamom Kaffee.
Start with an eighth-cup of cognac and add two teaspoons of curacao, a teaspoon
of sugar and a cardamom pod (cracked and seeded). Heat in the microwave for
about ten seconds then light with a match. Pour on a half-cup of extra strength
coffee and be prepared to douse a four-alarm fire.
Despite all the names, I have to give credit to the many creative inventors of
all those different mixtures. They may not have invented huge bombs, but their
products sure do give you a jolt!
|
