What are Paleo Desserts?

Paleo diet is starting to be the rage when it comes to eating healthy.  When you undergo this kind of diet, most processed foods are a no-no.  It is also called a caveman’s diet because it is patterned after how our ancestors ate, who were basically hunter-gatherers.  This was before the conveniences of microwave cooking and canned and frozen TV dinners came to existence.  It is said that it is just not the kind of food that one eats but also the lifestyle that changes when he decides to go on Paleo diet. 

credit: 4Hour Body Zone

Followers of a paleo diet food list should not really have a difficult time sourcing the food that they can eat because they are readily available anywhere.  The paleo diet isn't really that strict in the sense that other kinds of diet are very particular in the way a food is prepared and what ingredients can be included.  The paleo diet food list is pretty much straightforward when it comes to foods that shouldn't be consumed – potatoes, beans, legumes, grains and dairy products are not allowed.  With all the advancements in food technology and preparation, a person following the paleo diet wouldn't really have a hard time following recipes that are not paleo-friendly, since they can just substitute ingredients.

One of the things that you would have to forgo would be sugar and its byproducts.  So you might just have to say goodbye to your favorite coffee drink with a shot of Torani syrup.

However, if you have a sweet tooth, there is no need to fret.  The Paleo diet does have a lot of options and recipes for desserts.   It does not mean that you would have to deprive yourself of satisfying your craving for dessert as there are a lot of available recipes for dessert available.   You can do a bit of research online so that you can get ideas if you would want to try this diet out.

Most people who decided to “go Paleo” usually started out as a necessity for their health concerns.  In this diet, one would have to cut out grains, dairy, legumes and sugars in the food that is taken in. This is perfect for those who are looking for a completely gluten free diet. So if you are one of those that have yet to give up on desserts, here are a few ideas on what Paleo desserts are.

• Mostly fruit based – Paleo diet permits most fruits in the diet.  Fruits that are picked like berries, bananas and apples.  Most fruits are permitted, provided they are organic.

• Spices as flavorings – You would have to be creative in flavoring your desserts as sugar is not permitted in this diet. You can opt to use the sugar-free cinnamon-flavored Torani syrup for your dessert

Sugar-free Torani syrups may be a great option for people following a Paleo diet, especially if they want to consider a cheat day. Not only are they made from natural ingredients, they are also free of sugars!

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What Food Goes Best With Coffee?

Coffee pairing is almost the same as wine pairing wherein you pair the foods that you eat that go best with the wine that you drink.  Most people usually drink coffee with pastries and sweets and anything that is rich in carbohydrates and fat. That is why it is often served after a full course meal together with the dessert. Coffee even that with Torani syrup does a great job of cutting out the sweetness and the richness that is common with desserts.

However, there are also certain foods that can go with coffee which are not necessarily sweet and indulgent.   There are coffee-based drinks and those mixed with Torani syrup that can be taken and paired with savory foods like pasta and main dishes.  This may sound a bit off but the pairing of savory foods and coffee does go well contrary to the belief of most people that it only goes well with desserts.

Here are some of the more famous pairings of food and coffee that a lot of people appreciate and would consider to be the perfect match.

photo credit: Shape

·       Doughnuts – We all know that coffee and doughnuts go well together.  Whatever the kind of doughnut is, plain, jelly stuffed or cream filled, it is indeed a decadent pair.  The pairing of caffeine from the coffee and sugar from the doughnut can provide a person with the energy that he needs. No wonder this combination is a breakfast hit. Policemen are portrayed, at least in the movies and on television, as practically living on a coffee and donut diet. If it works for guys who fight crime, why wouldn’t it work for us, common folk?

·       Muffins – This is another pair that maximizes sugar and caffeine.  It is also a staple breakfast fare for most households. It can be eaten on the go or leisurely during weekends. Some go with partnering breakfast or English muffins with coffee, while others prefer to indulge themselves with sweet desert muffins. Either way, both do taste good with a cup of joe.

·       Pie - This goes great with coffee as the bitterness of the coffee cuts into the richness and sweetness of the pie. This is a staple pairing for a leisurely afternoon snack, and is usually what we get to order in the usual diner. Perhaps, the best pies that would be an excellent companion for coffee are key lime pie, and of course, the classic apple pie.

·       Bacon and eggs – A breakfast with eggs, bacon and coffee is truly fit for a king.  This will surely give you the energy to last the whole day. Some may opt to go for ham and eggs, but the crisp crunch of bacon is still somehow more popular than the combination made popular by Dr. Seuss, only in a green version.

Whatever the time of the day is (except bacon and eggs, if we have to be proper), these foods can be enjoyed with good cup of freshly brewed coffee.

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A Look at Tropical Torani Syrup Flavors

Torani syrup is a famous brand of flavored syrups that is used by most coffee shops all over the world. The variety of available flavors gives the barista freedom to be as creative as he can be when preparing coffee drinks.  Aside from coffee shops, bars and even kitchens also utilize these flavored syrups for added flavor to the dishes and drinks that they prepare. The dessert and beverage flavors you can get by just adding a squirt of syrup is amazing, not to mention endless with a dash of imagination and daring.  

The tropical line of syrups is among the hits that people appreciate with Torani syrup, especially during the summer, if people want to feel like they’re in some vacation, as well as in the cooler months, so they can feel warm even during fall and winter. You need not bring yourself to a tropical island to feel the vibe as the flavors of the syrups should be enough to transport you there. At least, you won’t need to get in a plane, thus saving you a lot of money! These flavored syrups embody the flavors of the tropical islands.  Coconut, guava, lime, orange, and mango are some of the syrups under the Torani line which can give you the tropical flavor that you are in the mood for. If you are looking for serving suggestions for these tropical syrups, read on!

The Torani coconut syrup can be added to piña coladas to give that authentic tropical flavor. Assemble your usual piña coladas. What you need are 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 2 ounces of rhum, and instead of using an ounce and a half of cream of coconut, use only three quarters of an ounce. Add a twist by using the Torani syrup. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice before adding these ingredients, then shake well. Pour into a martini glass with a cherry and a Maraschino cherry for garnishing.

Other flavors can be used for desserts and drinks.  Torani’s mango flavored syrup can be added to drinks or desserts for a truly authentic tropical vibe. Cakes can have a lighter, tropical feel by adding mango syrup instead of piling up one chocolate flavor after another, which can be quite heavy on the taste buds.

Passion fruit syrup is also another favored tropical flavor. Use this syrup on cocktail drinks to add a tropical dimension to rather strong alcoholic flavors. Singapore sling, a popular cocktail can be further tropical-ized with the addition of this passion fruit flavor. Lower the amount of cherry brandy and add a quirt of passion fruit syrup instead. Your cocktail will surely have a more tangy flavor!

You can be as creative as you want to be with the variety of tropical flavors.  It is easy to hold a luau party because you can easily recreate the flavors of the islands with your drinks and food that you plan to serve.  The tropical flavors are sure hit, especially this fall and into the colder months. 

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Is There Such a Thing as Asian Coffee?

Coffee is one beverage that is loved by many.  It can be considered as a universally accepted drink because most cultures accept this beverage.  Because of this, countries that have coffee as an agricultural product are pushing it to become a main player in the industry. Coffee beans are becoming in demand all over.  What is there not to love about coffee?  It is easy to prepare and can be flavored with any Torani syrups and other ingredients.

Asia is one of the continents that are known for its coffee.  Other parts of the world like Africa and South America may be more known for the crop, with Asian countries more known to be tea drinkers, but that doesn’t stop a lot of Asian countries from growing their own kind of coffee.  Here are some facts about coffee and Asia that you may not know:

Imege credit: 123rf

      ·         Indonesia is one of the countries known to produce some of the best coffee beans. 

The country’s hot and humid climate as well as the volcanic soil may be the reason for the complex flavors that their beans have.  Asian coffee is beginning to become a dominant force in the coffee industry of the world.  Most coffee shops now carry an Asian blend in their selection lineup.  Thus, it is a no-brainer that one of the colloquial names of coffee is “java,” as in the island of Java, an Indonesian island where coffee is grown. Another island in Indonesia popular for growing coffee is Sumatra.

·         Climate in most Asian countries is ideal for growing coffee.

Since a lot of Asian countries are located in the equatorial area, they have become an ideal place in growing coffee.  The hot and moist climates of the forests in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines provide a perfect place for growing coffee plants.  The combination of the factors in climate and soil are said to be the contributing factors as to why Asia is one of the best places to grow coffee with beans that have a complex flavor.

·         The best Robusta beans are grown in Asia.

Yes, not only does Asia grow coffee, but the region is actually considered as the grower of one of the most popular kinds of coffee, Robusta. This kind of bean can be considered the Asian variety of beans. Vietnam is considered to be the number one exporter for Robusta beans and its flavor is known all over because people who love strong coffee love prefer this because of its bold flavor.  This is perfect when flavored with Torani syrups.

·         Civet Coffee is beginning to gain ground.

This coffee is beginning to be noticed by coffee connoisseurs because of its taste.  No need to add Torani syrups for this.  This is also grown in the Indonesian island of Sumatra. But take note, this kind of coffee can be quite pricey. In fact, Civet coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world.  Just don’t care to know the way the coffee beans are harvested is also being talked about.

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Getting Your Coffee If You Have Hyperacidity

Coffee is one beverage that a lot of people love to drink especially in the morning.  However, there are those who do not appreciate it because they say it causes their stomachs to go crazy on them. This is a common problem as coffee is said to cause or trigger the onset of hyperacidity.  What is hyperacidity?  It indicates that they body’s tissues and fluids are more acidic than they should be.  It is usually the stomach that feels this as it is often associated with stomach ache.   It is not just coffee that triggers this symptom in the body but it does happen often after drinking a cup of brewed coffee flavored with Torani syrup.

If you are one of those people who usually suffer hyperacidity coupled with stomach ache after drinking a cup of coffee, there are other alternatives for you.  This is for those who really cannot let go of their coffee fix even if their bodies are not attuned to it.

credits: The Healty Happy Life

       ·         Opt for blended drinks – The good news is that coffee houses nowadays serve a variety of coffee beverages that cater to different tastes.   These blended drinks lessen the impact of the coffee acids in the stomach as there are other ingredients blended with it that could absorb the stomach acids. The usual ingredients include milk, chocolate, Torani syrup for flavoring, cookies, chocolate chips, and mini-marshmallows.  You may need to acquaint your taste for these blended drinks.

·         Ask for additional syrup for strong coffee blends – If you really prefer to have a cup of just plain coffee, you can ask for a few extra pumps of the Torani syrup of your choice as flavoring.  This can lessen the coffee taste because of the added flavor. This means you can still have strong coffee, but just add syrups to stabilize the acidic content of your beverage.

·         Try out different brands – There are those that have a preference for a particular brand that when they try out others, their stomachs just won’t cooperate.  If this happens to you, better stick to the brand that you have been drinking. If you want to try this method, you may need some trail and error, as you would need to check which blends and preparations suit your tummy.

·         Go for coffee with low acid levels – Believe it or not, there are not variants of coffee that have been treated in a way that its levels of acid have been diminished. You can definitely look for that, especially in health food stores. By drinking this, you would be able to drink your favorite coffee drink without having to worry about your acidity levels. And most people who swear by these low-acid variants swear it doesn’t taste half as bad, if any different at all.

·         Don’t drink too much – Of course, as with everything else, coffee should be taken in moderation.  Drinking too much would definitely make you feel sick to the stomach, not to mention will make you feel bad for days! 

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