Starbucks Passion for Coffee

by Dave Olsen

Offers recipes, brewing tips, and serving suggestions for coffee in all its forms, with facts on its history and cultivation

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food, Cooking

96 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Claudia]

This is a basic introduction to coffee from the plant and the areas of the world where coffee grows, how the coffee berries are harvested, dried, prepared for roasting and roasting levels. Common terms, the most common varietals and descriptions of their flavors. How to make the perfect cup of coffee with a variety of machines as well as making espresso varieties with foamed and steamed milk.

Then comes the cookbook part with some wonderful recipes as well as the coffee blend that would go best with each yummy pastry. None of them seem out of the reach of most bakers.

I've been drinking coffee for decades and never even thought about getting something beyond the grocery store's regular coffee in a can. Maybe I need to be a bit more adventurous with other blends to find those varieties that appeal to my pallet. Certainly can't hurt and I have a bit more knowledge to work with

[Robert Hudder]

I have my own problems with Starbucks. Some of it is due to its globalization efforts and how it has conducted its business and some is how they shaped the American tastes for coffee.

There is no doubt that they raised the level of coffee experience for North America. I am grateful that they were able to do that. It is kind of like saying great band but hate their fans.

In terms of their politics and doing business, they have changed and adjusted. I begrudgingly have to give them that. I still don't like that they are perceived as an indicator of gentrification, and that their fans will forsake a local, and better quality place because of the name. They have become a symbol for me, rightly or wrongly.

This book is similar. It gives the basics of most coffee preparations and a more or less standard definition where it suits the Starbucks brand. There are gaps and then there are places where they add in the Starbucks way without saying that it is a Starbucks standard and not a general standard. An example is the coffee sizes or their way of roasting.

The recipes are pretty standard and good examples can be found in most general cookbooks. Remember, Starbucks is in the business of selling baked goods and coffee. This is a simple pleasure that many places can give. Even in your own home.

I am clearing my shelves of older cookbooks and coffee related books. This one does not make the cut even though it is a decent starter book, mainly due to my own biases.

[DeMilya]

Loved the recipes. Definitely will try out.

[Diana]

I learned quite a bit about coffee from this book. It made me want to plant a shrub or two of my own, even though it would be way more work than I'd be willing to do. However, it did inspire me to start trying some different varieties of coffee and and some new brewing methods. I had no idea they were so different. Turns out I really like French pressed coffee. And the recipes were quite tasty. Matching the recipes to the different types of coffee was fun...like a wine tasting, but with coffee!

[B.C.]

I worked for the Bucks a while ago and it was good, but I don't buy into a lot of what they push. This book was a decent very high overview of coffee and then some recepies. It was ok, nothing special. Learned a little, but not enough.

[Amy D.P.]

An interesting read for any lover of coffee.

[Sandra]

The last half of the book is recipes (not made with coffee)but are simple, easy to make delicious things that anyone could use.