This chestnut frying expert wandered about destitute in Beijing after Kaifeng was breached by Jin people, expressing his nostalgia with several packages roasted chestnuts. Perhaps Beijing sugar roasted chestnuts perhaps got handed down because of this, same with Hangzhou's Song sister-in-law fish soup, all were Northern Song Dynasty's old custom.

The standard sugar roasted chestnuts require shell to be supple and crisp. The outer shell, internal membrane, and nut should be separated effortlessly when you open it. The pleasure of eating roasted chestnuts would simply vanish if it has to go through hassle ripping outer shell, and then more effort to tear off internal membrane. The nuts should not be crisp, soft, or worst of all, tough (gen). It supposed to feel moisture in driness, sandy, floury, and smell should be strong and sweet.

Coffee is flavored by adding flavoring substances after it is roasted. The flavoring substances are highly concentrated and only a small amount is used in gourmet flavored coffee. Be careful when buying flavored coffee -- be sure to buy from a reputable company. Some companies use flavoring process to hide taste of inferior quality coffee.

The flavoring used in gourmet flavored coffee loses its strength when exposed to air. Always keep coffee beans in a tightly sealed container for maximum flavor. For best cup of coffee, grind beans right before brewing.

You can make your own special blends by combining various gourmet flavored coffee. Adding a touch of flavored coffee to your regular coffee beans adds a special taste that is uniquely yours. The sky is limit! You can have a new flavor of coffee every day!

Hans is author of the Coffee Specials and Gourmet Basket section at Steaks-Guide.com