Gourmet coffee beans must be ground to correct fineness to bring out most taste. Generally speaking, a fine grind will result in a full-bodied cup of coffee, but coarse grinds are used when making coffee with coarse filters like French cafetiere.

Once coffee has been ground, there are many ways to brew a cup of coffee. No matter whether you prefer espresso, drip, perked, or pressed, you need to start with high-quality gourmet coffee beans to get a good cup of coffee.

You can buy gourmet coffee beans in many types of blends. Most blends are a mixture of dark and light roast coffee beans and can be ground to suit type of coffee maker you use. Freshness is important when making good-quality coffee. Fresh ground coffee beans will give you best tasting cup of coffee.

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

If you're looking for something a bit more special, choose some gourmet Italian gift baskets that include appetizers, vinaigrettes, salad mushrooms and a savory sauce. You can also include a set of pasta bowls, or an attractive Italian serving tray that makes a gift that will be remembered for its thoughtfulness.

To top off a fabulous Italian meal, nothing goes better than a cup of an authentic Italian coffee. That's why many gourmet Italian gift baskets include a selection of coffees. Choose from espresso or cappuccino, and for true coffee gourmet, include an Italian coffee maker.

Gourmet Italian gift baskets are suitable any time you want to give a gift that shows you care. Top it off with a personalized note and you will have a gift that will be remembered for its great taste and thoughtfulness.

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