Coffee can make or break a Christmas meal

Paul Smithson

22/12/2011 09:41:10

A columnist has suggested the way coffee stays on the palate after a meal means it holds a vital role at special meals.

Writing for the The Oxford Times Weekend, Helen Peacocke pointed out that this comes into deeper focus at Christmas, when everyone gathers together to eat, drink and be merry.

She noted that people may be tempted to serve their coffee with liqueurs and flavourings or perhaps with festive chocolates. In her opinion, this is a “superb” method of adding depth to the otherwise simple coffee course of the meal.

Ms Peacocke gave an indication of how crucial she sees the part played by the after-dinner espresso coffee by saying: “It’s the flavour that lingers on your palate when you have tasted everything else - get the coffee wrong and it could spoil the whole meal experience.”

While coffee may have a key role in the Christmas dinner, it may also feature on some Christmas lists, according to ROASTe.com, It suggested lovers of the caffeinated drink may enjoy receiving a variety of different coffee-related presents.

As well as different machines for making fresh coffee, the website also noted that people can buy different styles of coffee and gadgets that make the experience more fun for drinkers.