The Dude of Food explores Prop 65 warning labels and coffee.

Many people have created myths and formed opinions about Starbucks for posting the state regulated Prop 65 warning label. While exploring this topic the local Dogtown coffee barista told the Dude of Food ‘our coffee isn’t like Starbucks cancer coffee because our coffee is organic’, not realizing the warning comes from the roasting not the beans origin.

The following information may help shed some light on the subject of Prop 65 warning labels at coffee stores.

A little research shows that it is not Starbucks fault. It may be possible Starbucks could alter their process and possibly avoid the warning altogether, but that would cost money, and is a different story.

The warning is prompted and occurs due to the following research.

Acrylamide is on the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity (such as birth defects and other reproductive harm).

For many years, acrylamide has been used in grouts and cements, pulp and paper production, ore processing, permanent-press fabrics, and dye manufacture. It is also used to produce polyacrylamide, which is used in water and wastewater treatment, soil conditioning and oil drilling. Acrylamide also is present in tobacco smoke.

In 2002, Swedish researchers discovered that acrylamide forms during the baking, frying, or roasting of certain kinds of foods, particularly starchy foods.

Acrylamide is not added to foods. It is a contaminant that forms during the baking, frying or roasting of certain plant-based foods. Boiling and steaming foods does not create acrylamide.

French fries, potato chips, other fried and baked snack foods, roasted asparagus, canned sweet potatoes and pumpkin, canned black olives, roasted nuts, coffee, roasted grain-based coffee substitutes, prune juice, breakfast cereals, crackers, cookies, bread crusts, and toast all contain varying levels of acrylamide.

Vegetable pasta. Spaghetti squash. Miss Paris!

From what the Dude of Food understands, you can purchase a thing that you stick vegetables in and when you turn the handle it magically turns the veggies into, voila!, spaghetti! This is a kitchen item that I need to add to my kitchen toolbox.

Right now the Dude of Food is sitting down with coffee at home, pretending to be served by Miss Paris in my amber room overlooking the river. I ask her to dip her finger in my coffee to sweeten it just right and sip my delicious cup of brew while relaxing in bed watching the boats on the river. I’m imagining a zucchini pasta with assorted mushrooms smothered in a cheesy white wine glaze served with a side of warmed buttery green beans and 3 poached eggs on sourdough toast is about to arrive next pushed in on a cart by 2 of Germany’s Next Top Models. A breakfast of champions in bed is a great way for the Dude of Food to greet the day.

See what happens to you if you purchase one of these Paderno Spiralizer from Williams-Sonoma.

Bon Appetite.

The Dude of Food likes Leberkasse und kaffe

A good way to start a leisurely Saturday is with a Leberkasse from the downtown LA Grand Central food court.

They need to do something about the parking though. The street is $4.00 an hour and the lot across the street is $5.00 flat. Can’t imagine what it’s like on weekday but it must be madness. Probably not best suited for folks who are on a budget or quick lunch break unless you can walk from your office.

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Bon apetite!

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the Dude of Food Morning Coffee Mantra

COFFEE

by Peter Pearce

The scent of the brew wafts through the house and wraps itself into the cool dark morning air.

My senses tingle when the aroma arrives at my nostrils and the pulse of excitement runs through my body reminding me of another beautiful day that is about to begin.

I hear the final pumps of water as the machine gasps and sighs and steam seeps out the seam at the top.

As I turn the corner towards the kitchen the green power light on the machines front penetrates the night as strongly as the scent of the brew itself. I see it’s green glow in the form of a dot at the base of the source of the scent, resonating small and bright in the distance.

The chosen mug stands by attentively waiting to fulfill its duty as holder of the vital morning fluid. The organic milk with an expiration date way into the future stands nearby to assist in the control of the fluid. The machine gives up its final gasp of steam as the last of the water runs through its process. The dark, warm, effervescent brew sits idly in the glass container patiently waiting to be consumed.

The hand that rocks my cradle pours the brown joy into the attentive mug and then proceeds to top it off with a splash of vitamin D milk. It’s at this point that I begin to think things are going well.

When the brew touches my lips and the heat from it rises into my face i begin to feel more alive. Then the warm brew hits my stomach and on the way down lets my body know a beautiful new day is about to begin and it is time to get into the moment and to lead the masses.

Category: coffee