This Austrian Chocolate Cake recipe is a very old recipe courtesy of my Grandmother. I hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup (6 oz) castor sugar
• 1 cup (4 oz) self raising flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• grated rind of 1 lemon
• 2 oz butter, melted and cooled
• 4 oz cooking chocolate
• 2 tablespoons water or coffee

Filling and Frosting

• 1 cup cream, whipped
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum
• vanilla essence to flavor
• 8 oz cooking chocolate
• 2 tablespoons water or black coffee
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 1 oz butter, melted
• walnuts or pecans to decorate

Method

Butter a 9 inch springform cake tin and line base with greased greaseproof paper. Dust lightly with flour. Set oven temperature at moderate (350F)

Beat eggs with sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift in flour and fold carefully into egg mixture with vanilla, lemon rind, melted butter and chocolate which has been melted over low heat with the water or coffee. Turn mixture into prepared tin and bake for 1 hour in a moderate oven. Remove from oven, and cool with spring released.

Filling and Frosting:

Carefully cut in half and sandwich together with the whipped cream sweetened with icing sugar and flavored with rum or vanilla. Chop chocolate into small pieces and put into a pan with water or coffee, rum and butter.

Stir over low heat until it melts. Cool slightly, then spread over cake. Decorate with nuts, chill and serve.

This Swedish Coffee Ring is ideal to serve at a morning coffee catch up with girlfriends.

Ingredients

• half the quantity of basic bun dough (basic bun dough posted below)
• 1 tablespoon soft butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup raisins
• White Icing
• 1 cup icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon hot milk

Method

Roll out dough to a rectangle 37cm x 23cm approx. (15in x 9in). Spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins.

Roll up tightly.

Place on a creased baking sheet, form into a ring and press ends together to seal.

Make cuts two-thirds of the way through the coffee ring at 2.5cm (1 in) intervals.

Turn each slice on its side, cover with a cloth and allow to rise and double in bulk – approx 30 minutes.

Bake in a moderately hot over (375F – 190C). for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire cake rack. Frost with white icing.

White icing:

Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and gradually stir in the hot milk until it resembles a thick cream which may be drizzled over the coffee ring.

Basic Bun Dough

• 4 cups plan flour
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 60g (2oz) butter
• 30g (1oz) compressed yeast
• 1/2 cup castor sugar
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water     )  mixed together
• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk       )
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Method

Sift the flour with the spices and salt into a bow. Rub in the softened butter. Cream the yeast with the sugar. Add a little warm water to the creamed yeast to dissolve completely.

Add the milk and remaining water to the yeast and add with the beaten egg to the well in the flour mixing to form a soft batter. Place on a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place into a clean, creased bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size – about 1.1/4 to 1.1/2 hours

This Austrian Coffee Cake is one of the magnificent cakes which you may find in an Austrian coffee house. It is delicious served as a dessert with whipped cream or simply with coffee. It is best baked the day before to allow the coffee and rum syrup to flavor and moisten the cake.

Ingredients

• 185g (6 oz) butter
• 3/4 cup castor sugar
• 3 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1.1/2 cups self-raising flour
• pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Method

Grease 6.1/2 cup cake mould. Sprinkle with fine, dry breadcrumbs.

Beat the butter until it is soft, add the sugar a little at a time and continue beating until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in the eggs, beating thoroughly after each addition. Fold in the sifted flour and salt alternatively with enough milk to make a droppping consistency.

Pour into the mould and bake in a moderate oven (350F – 170C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Leave to cool in the mould for a few minutes. Turn out on to a cake rack. When cold, replace the cake in the mould. Slowly pour coffee syprup over the cake. Refrigerate and remove from the mould just before serving. It can be served as a dessert with whipped cream.

Coffee Syrup

Ingredients

• 1.1/4 cups of strong black coffee
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rum

Method

Put the coffee into a jug. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan and allow to boil for 2 minutes. Add to the coffee and allow to cool. Flavor with the rum.

I hope you enjoy the Austrian Coffee Cake as much as my family and friends.

DeLonghi Perfecta 5400

The DeLonghi Perfecta 5400 is a fully programmable and automatic espresso machine that is equipped with an easy to use digital menu and control panel that gently guides you through the whole coffee making process.

The conical burr grinder has 13 different grind settings, simply adjust the fineness to suit all bean types. The machine grinds the required amount of coffee needed automatically or you also have the choice to use pre-ground beans. The 15 bar pressure pump ensures maximum extraction of flavor every time.

This very easy to use machine has 5 strength settings for your coffee as well as the ability to choose cup size from small to extra large.

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The Perfecta 5400 stainless steel aluminum boiler heats water faster resulting in a fresher coffee flavor and also no more waiting between espresso and steam. While the instant reheat function means the machine is instantly ready to deliver perfect espresso at correct temperature.

The removable 60 ounce water tank with level indicator is very easy to fill and also clean.
The removable drip tray and used coffee container also allows for easy coffee waste disposal and cleaning.

Product Features:

An illuminated indicator light appears on the digital control panel when the machine needs to be de-calcified.

The 5400 comes with a hot water spout ideal for making tea.

If you are looking for a fully programmable and automatic machine then the DeLonghi Perfecta 5400 will certainly fit the criteria. This is a stylish and well built machine and comes with a 1 year warranty.

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 DeLonghi Magnifica 3500

The DeLonghi Magnifica 3500 is definitely the must have espresso machine for your kitchen.

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The easy to use digital control panel walks you through the initial set up. The Magnifica 3500 effortlessly prepares latte and cappuccino with the patented single touch hot milk system. Simply slide the milk tank onto the front of the machine program your coffee choice and simply watch as the 3500 produces your steaming coffee with a delicious thick crema.

The variable coffee strength (5 settings) caters to all taste buds. The conical burr grinder allows you to adjust the fineness settings resulting in an aromatic espresso. Fill the coffee bean container and the machine will automatically grind the beans right before brewing or if you prefer you can also use pre-ground coffee.

Another great feature of the DeLonghi is the instant reheat which keeps the machine at an ideal temperature and ready for instant use regardless of how long it is between drinks.

The brewing system in the Magnifica 3500 is compact and removable for easy cleaning, and as an added bonus all parts are dishwasher safe! The machine has an automatic function that rinses itself after turn on and before turn off every time. There is an automatic de-calcification indicator light located on the digital display panel to tell you when it is time to clean the machine. How simple is that.

The height adjustable coffee spout accommodates even the largest early morning coffee mug. Tea enthusiasts have not been forgotten either, the hot water spout is ideal when wanting to brew either normal or herbal teas. While the cup warmer keeps your cups ready for instant use.

The removable 60 ounce (1.8 litre) water tank is fitted with a water level indicator. Removing of the tank allows for ease of filling and cleaning.

The DeLonghi Magnifica 3500 comes with a 1 year warranty.

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DeLonghi Magnifica 3300

If the perfect cup of espresso is important to you then the DeLonghi Magnifica 3300 is the machine you have been looking for. The Magnifica 3300 delivers that perfect cup every time.

The Magnifica 3300 is a super automatic espresso machine capable of preparing either the coffee, cappuccino, espresso or latte of your choice. This fully automatic machine is also super easy to use.

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Product Feature of the DeLonghi Magnifica 3300:

• easily prepares latte and cappuccinos
• create a rich creamy froth for perfect drinks every time
• easy to use rotary and push button control panel with programmable menu settings
• adjustable start time, auto off, time and temperature
• adjustable coffee strength (5 settings)
• adjustable cup size with rotary dial (4 settings)
• grinds beans instantly for the freshest espresso
• brewing system is compact and removable for easy cleaning
• no waiting between preparing espresso and cappuccino with the double boiler system
• consistent, fresh and aromatic ground coffee with the professional quality burr grinder
• grind settings allow you to adjust the fineness for all types of coffee beans

Unique to the DeLonghi range is the beans to brew system that grinds the coffee beans immediately before brewing giving you the freshest coffee flavor. The burr grinder automatically grinds the coffee beans, also allowing you to change the grind setting from either super fine to a more course level depending on how you prefer your espresso. You can also use pre-ground coffee beans if that is your preference.

DeLonghi also incorporates two stainless steel boilers to maintain excellent heat distribution. The instant reheat function keeps the machine at the ideal temperature, ready to brew your next coffee at anytime no matter how long between cups.

The front display panel offers easy access to all the controls so adjusting the level of water and coffee to suit individual tastes from either weak to strong or long to short is very easy. The electronic steam and coffee thermostat maintains the machine at a constant temperature and ready for instant use.

The coffee spigot height can be adjusted to allow for different cup sizes, even a tall mug will fit. Also you can rotate the cappuccino system 180 degrees to accommodate any size milk jug.

The Magnifica 3300 cup tray keeps cups warm for immediate use, while the three hour automatic shut off insures added safety.

A water level indicator is located on the 60 ounce water tank, this tank can also be removed for easy filling. An automatic program will indicate when the machine needs to be de-calcified. Doing this process when indicated will ensure no build-up.

It is recommended to clean the brew mechanism at least once a week. To do this simply remove and run under hot water.

The DeLonghi Magnifica 3300 is made in Italy and comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Mr Coffee Espresso Machine

There are a number of budget espresso machines to choose from within the Mr Coffee Espresso Machine range. Whilst all these machines are priced below $100 there is no scrimping on these machines performance to produce an excellent espresso.

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Lets now review a couple of machines:

Mr Coffee ECM160

This great little espresso machine is capable of brewing up to 4 cups of coffee at a time. The powerful milk frother can also produce creamy cappuccinos or excellent hot chocolates.

The ECM160 is super super quiet and really is quite foolproof to operate. The on/off indicator light along with the cup warmer are great additions usually only found on high end machines. Cleaning is easy with the removable drip tray and the conveniently placed cord storage keeps any excess cord neatly out of sight. If kitchen bench space is limited this is the ideal espresso maker as it takes up very little space.

Mr Coffee ECMP50

The ECMP50 is not only incredibly easy to use but is very compact in size. A standard coffee cup fits comfortably under the spout and the steam feature is powerful, simple to use and works well resulting in a creamy, frothy crema.

This Mr Coffee machine uses a thermal block heating system and has a removable water reservoir for convenience when filling. All parts that require cleaning are easily detached including the removable drip tray.

The on/off indicator light switch is located at the front of the machine for easy viewing. With the Mr Coffee ECM50 you will be enjoying delicious espresso coffee in the comfort of your own home. The machine does not come with a frothing pitcher but one can easily be purchased separately.

New Jarden Mr Coffee Coffee Maker

The New Jarden Mr Coffee Coffeemaker is a combination steam espresso maker that also allows you to enjoy a cappuccino. This is a high quality machine with a very reasonable price tag.

If you have long wanted to purchase an espresso machine for home but have been hesitant because of the hefty price tag associated with many of the machines on the market today, seriously consider one of these one of these budget Mr Coffee Espresso Machine, you will not be disappointed.

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Cuisinart EM200

If you are looking for a programmable espresso maker then you cannot go past the Cuisinart EM 200.

Enjoying that first morning coffee will only take moments with the EM200. Simply turn the machine on, fill the porta filter and the machine is ready to brew your first gourmet quality espresso for the day all in the comfort of your home.

Pods are also available for convenience but remember you can still enjoy your favorite blend of freshly ground coffee beans. The preselect service size is a great feature for people who enjoy a large mug of coffee first thing in the morning.

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Features:

The large warming tray is great and really does  keep cups warm and ready each time you want a fresh espresso.

Another convenient feature of the EM200 is that the steam button functions separately and takes less than 30 seconds to steam and froth milk resulting in authentic espresso with excellent crema. You can also enjoy a latte, cappuccino or the occasional hot chocolate which is always a big hit with the kids (and maybe the not so big kids).

There is no more guess work when measuring the volume of espresso needed with the pre-programmable cup size (small, medium and large). This is really convenient when making 2 cups and one person wants a large coffee.

The Cuisinart EM200 has full stainless steel construction making it a very sturdy machine that will give excellent service for years. It also comes with a 3 year warranty. This is an attractive machine that can take pride of place in any kitchen.

The 64 ounce reservoir removes for easy filling and the lift up handle makes it very easy to carry from the sink back to the machine.

Cleaning is a breeze with the removable drip tray.

With a purchase price of just under $200 for a programmable machine that comes with a 3 year warranty and makes a high quality espresso the Cuisinart EM200 would be hard to beat.

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 Cuisinart EM100

The Cuisinart EM100 espresso machine is well built and of a sturdy construction which will definitely give you years of excellent service. The machine itself is quite heavy so may be a little difficult to move around, but will sit proudly on your kitchen counter giving you coffee house standard beverages every time.

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Product Features:

Ease of Use

Not only is this espresso machine easy to use it is also very easy to clean which is always a great benefit.  Both the drip tray and cover are easily removed for cleaning ensuring the machine will stay in excellent condition for many years. Also the machine comes with an easy to follow DVD which a lot of people find much easier than reading a manual, especially if this is your first coffee machine or you have never used an espresso machine before.

You can either use coffee grounds or the convenient pod filters. It is important to remember the final result will depend on the quality of coffee beans or grounds you use. The EM100 is more than capable of performing a double shot for all the strong coffee lovers out there.

The large water reservoir can easily brew 4 or 5 espressos with enough in reserve to steam
the milk as well, so no more waiting for the water to reheat in between cups. Fill the water tank in the morning and enjoy an espresso at anytime during the day.

The warming plate on top of the machine keeps cups warm and ready for use throughout the day.

The 15 bar pump produces a good amount of crema for a cappuccino, latte or the all time kids favorite of hot chocolate. How excited do you think the kids will be when they get home from school to find a hot chocolate with marshmallows waiting for them especially in the middle of winter.

The stainless steel frothing jug is large enough to make one latte or two cappuccinos.
And for those non coffee drinkers hot water is available for tea or herbal teas, or for the health conscious hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice which is great for the digestive system.

Conclusion

The one thing you do need to be aware of when using the EM100 is not to tamp the coffee too tightly as the water may have difficulty filtering through the coffee grounds and can cause a blockage in the machine. Just remember not to tamp too tightly and use the included tool to clear the holes the espresso is pumped through and you will not have any problems.

If you are in the market for a smart looking machine, that produces great tasting coffee every time then look no further than the Cuisinart EM100.

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