Synopsis
A history of coffee and coffee-making, which also contains advice on choosing, buying, storing, roasting and grinding beans. Written by the author of A BOOK OF JEWISH FOOD, it includes recipes for cakes, mousses and gateaux to compliment the beverage.

A reader review , 7 April, 1998
This book lives up to its title.
Like most caffiene addicts I routinely start my day with a cup of coffee. And since the coffee I made at home was never as good as the coffee I could purchase just about anywhere else I would force myself to drive to a nearby coffee shop no matter how inconvenient or expensive this might be.Since I was devoting a great deal of time and money to this quest I decided to purchase Korby Cummer's The Joy of Coffee thinking that the investment would eventually result in a better home brew. Happily, the plan worked.

"Joy" is an incredibly detailed, thorough book which begins with the author traveling to Costa Rica to pick beans and includes descriptions of the various means of roasting, grinding, and and brewing. There is a chapter on Espresso and another chapter examining the health effects of caffeine. The author spends time demystifying coffee terms and compares coffees from around the world. He writes about the advantages and disadvantages of various coffeepots and includes a source guide and a glossary. But the book is not only comprehensive-- the writing is engaging. Mr. Kummer also includes forty tempting recipes. I baked the "marvelous mocha cupcakes" which the author says are "wonderful"-- sorry, but I didn't think they were better than "very good"-- in fairness the comments "scrumptious" and "amazing" were elicited by two of my friends who generously agreed to sample them. They lasted one night. I also baked his "unbeatable biscotti". They were excellent-- very crispy and light-- they lasted two nights. Naturally, I drink them with coffee I brewed from my new pot-- at home.

An excellent companion piece is "Glass Paper Beans" which eloquently describes something we would normally take for granted each day, in this case lingering over a cup of coffee at the local cafe. The author, Leah Hager Cohen, describes what is really involved when we sip our brew while browsing the local paper. She introduces us to the the family who picks the beans, the man who cuts the trees to provide the wood pulp for the newspaper and a woman who works at the glass factory and helps to make the glass that holds the coffee. After reading Ms. Cohen you will never take your daily cup for granted and Mr. Kummer will tell you how to fix that cup in your own home.

*Lists mail-order sources for the best beans, plus great coffee drink recipes, tasting tips, and a complete coffee taster's glossary

Synopsis
This work offers a concise and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of good coffee, designed to serve as a practical resource for consumers, but also useful for potential brewers, servers, and sellers. It covers coffee's origins and history, its varieties, how to find good coffee, how to brew it, and tasting tips. This brief, reference explains just as much as a reader needs to know to make sense of the speciality coffee trend and to increase drinking enjoyment, buying confidence, and brewing performance. It also provides mail-order sources for coffees, coffee drink recipes and a coffee taster's glossary.

What role did coffee play in Marilyn Monroe's wedding to playwright Arthur Miller?

How did coffee help prisoners of war escape from WWII German stalags?

Enjoying the aroma of a cup of coffee provides what health benefits?

What world-famous insurance company started out as a coffee house? Hint: they insured the Titanic!

Coffee Lover's Bible is filled with 101 fun, fascinating coffee facts, quotes and tidbits, all coupled with an irresistible recipe, all made with coffee or coffee liqueurs, that will please coffee cravers and cautious caffeine consumers alike!

The world's love affair with coffee has spanned centuries. It has inspired musicians and captivated kings. It has been hoarded, hidden and hyped throughout history. Coffee is a fascinating beverage whose powerful past and present-day popularity fuels the curiosity and cravings of even a casual coffee drinker. Coffee Lover's Bible explores this universal attraction in food, fact & fancy.

Readers will enjoy a varied collection of 100 coffee creations. Everything from sweet and rich coffee concoctions-both hot and cold-like Mexican Chocolate, Black Forest Coffee, Creamy Iced Coffee, and Cool Caffeine Smoothie, to coffee flavored cakes, cookies, pies, brownies and tortes all in easy-to-make recipes. You'll find many delicious offerings that include Mocha Pecan Pie, Mocha Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Six-Layer Toffee Torte, Jumpin' Java Cookies and Cappuccino Brownies. There are also sodas and parfaits and even a few savory sauces and main dishes.

But you don't even have to like coffee to enjoy this book. The coffee facts, history and quotes coupled with the 100 recipes ensure Coffee Lover's Bible will be at home in your kitchen or on your coffee table.

If you decide to order a copy of Coffee Lover's Bible I hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed pulling it all together. Thank You! Sincerely, Jill Yates