Drain and chop soaked dried chiles, set aside. Heat vegetable oil in non-stick stew pot. Add onions, garlic, ginger, fresh chiles, fry until onions have begun to

soften. Add chicken cubes, fry until very lightly browned. Add spices and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, dried chiles, and peanut butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring

occasionally, for 30 minutes. Add vinegar and peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Cook until sweet potatoes are done (20 to 30 minutes). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Pat Schraier is an ECookbook writer and former restaurant chef/owner. She has been cooking since she was 4. Soup & Stews Cookbook

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Most gourmet coffee is produced from Arabica beans which results in a coffee rich and full, providing an intense and fulfilling taste experience. Unlike Robusa coffee, which is considered inferior in taste, aroma and body, Arabica beans grow at higher elevations which means that they take longer to mature thus allowing beans to produce more of oils which give coffee its remarkable flavor. With tastes including caramel, chocolate, nutty, earthy, spicy or even floral, gourmet coffee has something for nearly every palate.

It is roasting process, however, correctly described as both an art and a science, that is essential to outcome of any coffee. Roasting gives coffee beans their characteristic dark color and intense aroma. The heat cracks beans, releasing rich oils hidden inside. Roast at a temperature that is too low, and bean becomes sour. Roast at too high a temperature and bean is burnt with a taste of wood ash. The darker roasts produce espressos, while lighter roasts yield more mellow morning coffees.

Grinding coffee, another critical phase in preparing "perfect" cup, should be done at last possible moment, just before brewing. Utensils should be clean and water cold and untreated. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of about one tablespoon of ground coffee to every six ounces of water. Of course individual tastes vary, so adjust accordingly.

The Internet is a tremendous source for refined drinker of gourmet coffee. In addition to buying world's greatest beans online, there is easy access to miscellaneous accessories necessary to prepare ideal beverage. Coffee can be both a food and a pleasure and with a little online help perfect ingredients can be easily gathered.

P.S. In Italy, espresso is considered so essential to daily life that price is regulated by government.