Food and drinks are social pleasures

Two of the things in this life that none of us can do are without food and drink. We must have food and drink to survive, but also play an important role in our social life. Interactions such as family reunions, dating or just sitting with a friend for a drink or a cup of coffee. And how many business deals, large and small, are consumed over a lunch or dinner? The answer is "plenty". Restaurants offer the atmosphere for social gatherings and business meetings. After all, a great number of our parents had their first date in a restaurant and got to know each other on food and beverages. They had not done so, then some of us might not be here today.

In several countries in the world, with all our cultural differences, food and beverages are what bring people together. Have the Luau In Hawaii, the Oktoberfest, Germany has the Easter feast has Russia, Mexico has Cinco de Mayo and your own hometown has the police officers at the donut shop. Imagine what life would be like if we ate only because we had to. There would be no festival, no gala dinners and social gatherings. Of course, we would still see the police officers at the doughnut shop because .... Well, simply because.

Let's face it. We just eat. We took great pains to ensure that our food always taste delicious and is readily available. Gourmet food is a good example. We can also buy gourmet food gift baskets. And take it from one who knows, are a special treat. In fact, getting a gift basket of food to someone is a good idea. Come to think of getting one for yourself could be an even better.

Being a RitzyShopper that you have at your fingertips restaurants, gastronomy, food gift baskets and beverages such as wine and tea. From a look and let your appetite guide you.

By the way, I only could resist kidding the police just a little bit. I have a police officer in the family and have a great respect for people who have put their lives on the line everyday so I can sit here and write this article. Thank you.

Steve Francis writes articles mainly to [http://ritzyshopper.com] is a nice job getting to write on various topics related to products sold by merchants of superior quality. This particular article dealt with food and drinks. Visit [http://RitzyShopper] for gourmet food, grocery baskets, chocolate goodies, restaurants and much, much more!

Gourmet Coffee Drinks

Gourmet coffee is good, gourmet coffee drinks are fabulous. Using your own gourmet flavored coffee or espresso as a base you can make those tasty treats at home and save yourself a lot of money while impressing your friends at the same time. Gourmet coffee drinks can vary from lattes and cappuccinos to exotic ice cream drinks. There are also alcohol drinks that feature coffee which can be very relaxing after a stressful day at the office.

Gourmet Coffee Recipes

Chocolate Cappuccino: For the chocoholic who loves their coffee this satisfies both desires.

Ingredients:

1 oz. Vanilla syrup
4-6 oz. Chocolate Milk or Chocolate Soy Milk if lactose intolerant
4 oz. Espresso or Very Strong Coffee - can use gourmet chocolate flavored coffee if desired
Chocolate Shavings
Whipped Cream

Directions

First pour the vanilla syrup into a cappuccino mug.
Now add your fresh brewed espresso or coffee to the vanilla syrup and blend the two ingredients together.
Next, steam your chocolate milk to 160 degrees F. (Use a candy thermometer to test the milk).
Add to the coffee mixture.
Top with a dollop of whip cream and chocolate shavings.

Variation: For a relaxing after dinner drink, add a 2 oz. Shot of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or other chocolate liqueur.

Iced Latte with Flavor Variations: The traditional latte served up cold and creamy for those hot sultry days when you need a boost.

Ingredients

2-4 oz. Espresso or Strong Coffee
4-6 oz. Milk
Ice Cubes
Flavorings as desired (see variations)

Directions

Pour the espresso and milk into a cocktail shaker.
Add ice cubes and shake until well chilled. For variations use one of the following flavors. Note: For frozen latte, use a blender instead of cocktail shaker.

Variations: Add any one of the following flavorings to the blender or cocktail shaker. *Coffee syrups available in coffee section of grocer or at coffee shops.

2 oz Vanilla Syrup

2 oz. Chocolate Syrup

2 oz. Hazelnut Syrup

Iced Mint Mocha: This is a wonderful coffee drink for those hot summer days. For a spirited version you can add a liqueur such as Bailey's Irish Cream.

Ingredients

Ice
1 oz. of mint chocolate coffee syrup
2 scoops of mint choc chip ice cream
2-4 oz. espresso shots or strong coffee
Cold milk
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings/sprinkles

Directions

Place ice in blender, add mint chocolate chip ice cream and mint chocolate syrup.
Pour in milk based on how thick you want the drink to be.
Blend to desired consistency.
Top with whip cream, chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
Fall Cappuccino: This coffee drink with a touch of cinnamon and cloves invokes those autumn nights when there is just a hint of chill in the air.

Ingredients

4-6 Whole cloves
1 Cinnamon Sticks
4-6 Whole Green Cardoman
3 tsp. Brown Sugar
Whipped cream
Chocolate Shavings and Ground Cinnamon
2-4 oz. Espresso
4-6 oz. Steamed Milk

Directions

Add 2 cups water to small saucepan.
Add all spices to the water and heat to boiling.
Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes.
Meanwhile, steam 4-6 oz. of milk to 160 degrees F.
Pour the espresso into a cappuccino mug, add the spice mixture and stir well. Top with the steamed milk. Decorate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and sprinkled cinnamon.

Variations: For more of a coffee drink, you can replace the espresso and steamed milk with 6-8 oz. of strong coffee.

For an adult beverage, add 2 oz. of your favorite brandy

Gourmet coffee drinks can be made without just about any flavorings you can imagine. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Using coffee syrups available online and at your local coffee shop combined with flavorings and spices in your kitchen you can serve up an array of gourmet drinks that would rival even the fanciest of coffee shops.

Sharon V Chapman writes on the joys of coffee and provides information on gourmet coffee drinks for Gourmet Coffee Guide - your number one online resource for gourmet coffee!