"Like their cousins the bartenders, baristas practice an art of endless expression. Susan Zimmer has done a wonderful job of presenting some of their finest works, both the classics and the cutting edge of abstract espresso-ism"
-Mike Ferguson, Specialty Coffee Association of America
"A powerful link between the coffee professional and the coffee consumer. The technical information is presented clearly and "smartly," the humor is professional...and the recipes and photos are extraordinary." --
Miles Small, Editor CoffeeTalk Magazine"Coffee recipes or references, coffee facts or fun - whatever your reason for pouring into the vast world of coffee, Susan Zimmer teaches it all in this "how-to" coffee handbook." --
SAECO Canada Ltd"Indispensable new coffee book...filled to the brim with 111 recipes and a wealth of information from bean field to barista." --
The Gourmet Retailer"Susan Zimmer shares information about exotic coffee drinks...for all occasions, with easy-to-read instructions. Her knowledge and passion for the drink are evident throughout." --
Library Journal"The BEST book on coffee on the market, for all occasions. Susan's profound knowledge...makes it a very interesting and a most enjoyable coffee read. It's a must for everyone who likes or loves coffee!" --
Espresso Canada Inc."The definitive resource for anyone who loves coffee. This book explores the intricacies of serving the perfect cup; enjoying the various flavors, textures and aromas of coffee in all of its glorious forms." --
P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My book's espresso and coffee recipes have been creatively designed, customized and collected from various sources during my twenty-plus years in the coffee business - with the assistance of many and the inspiration of others.
"Espresso thanks" to every individual involved in my journey, including my coffee-loving customers, coffee suppliers, and employers, for the knowledge, opportunities, and friendships I have gained.
I am very grateful for my ueberpassionate espresso enthusiasm and inquisitive curiousity for coffee information inherited over the last twenty years, which involves: family ties with my professionally trained "chef" relatives in Germany (who are always drinking:
Das Kaffee), and uncommon ties with people who have crossed my synchronistic coffee-life path.
There are others, closer to this book, by whom I feel blessed and to whom I extend a genuine heartfelt 'thank-you':
Bob (Bobbie) Morisset, my "spirit of significance", with whom I share my life. Without his stellar support, eternal optimism, and great patience, this project would have been much more difficult to complete.
My coffee-loving editor, Jean Z. Lucas (who actually went into labor with her first child at a Starbucks!), and her team at Andrews McMeel who have patiently and passionately worked with me in the evolution of this "cutting-edge" coffee book.
I am expressly grateful to Albert Zuckerman, my literary agent at Writers House, in New York, and his assistant, Maya Rock, who both love coffee!
(why in the name of Juan Valdex, does on serendipitously encounter others who help one to better know oneself?) Everyone I attracted along the way of conceiving and developing this book loved coffee! The coincidences I have experienced along my coffee-life journey have certainly been God's way of being anonymous, for which I'm truly grateful.)
My sincere appreciation to all of the manufacturers and companies credited in "Sources and Resources" (at back of the book) for providing some recipe submissions and technical information needed to create this book. I also give great thanks to Maryann Olectic, Robin Jay, Amanda Stajan, Frank Roberts and Sammy Piccolo; and all the gals at Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and many of my cherished customers and friends who deserve much credit for their being supportive and interconnected. I hope anyone, or any group, that has been overlooked will forgive me for the apparent perils to list one and all.
For more spiritual and synergistic awards, I thank my coffee-loving family: my father-now Guardian Angel -Albert Zimmer, who taught me at a very young age that in life we can have a "Taster's Choice" (that was his coffee of choice!); my mother, Rose Zimmer, who taught me "where's there's a will, there's a way" and to also "never give up"; my only sister, Sonia, who taught me to "trust in all that is good", and my Earth Angel children- my two daugthers and my three stepchildren (our Brady Bunch family) and many precious grandchildren (now 10 and still counting!).
Last but not least, thank you, coffee-loving reader - although apart, you are my friend whom I have not yet met. Cheers! I raise my cup also to those hopeless coffee romantics who were the first to sip steamed milk combined with espresso!
-Susan Zimmer-Morisset