Perusing
this book caused in us a slightly schizophrenic
craving for both a cappuccino and a
cup of Earl Grey. We can’t quite decide.
We want them both; so kudos to the authors of
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Coffee &
Tea for succeeding—entirely without the
help of pretty pictures—to bring to life
two of our favorite topics without dumbing them
down. You see, while this book is aimed at the
neophyte, even someone who has sampled these brews
around the world will be pleased. Finally, someone
addresses the reason why a cappuccino in the U.S.
tastes nothing like one in Milan! (We “supersize
everything” and add way more milk than the
Italians do.) And why coffee preferences vary
even within the U.S. (The West Coast likes it
stronger.)
By
the time you’re done with the tea chapters,
you’ll be comfortable with terminology
like flush, tisane and “low” afternoon
tea. No matter which is your beverage of choice,
this book will show you how to save hundreds
of dollars spent at the local chain and instead
make your own tasty drinks at home. So whether
you grew up on Folgers and Lipton and just recently
had your first caramel macchiato or cup of Pur-eh,
or if you were nursed on Arabica and gunpowder
and are an old pro, The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Coffee & Tea is a delightful pick-me-up.
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