It’s National Espresso Day, so trade your regular cup of java* for an espresso.

Some people are intimidated by an espresso machine. This video shows how easy it is to use one.

Espresso can only be made in an espresso machine, which exerts a specific amount of pressure on the ground coffee beans. The beans need to be an espresso roast, the darkest roast of coffee beans. The objective is a strong, pleasantly bitter shot of coffee.

You can get an espresso machine with a small footprint that will pay for itself in two weeks, assuming you purchase one espresso daily. With your own machine, you can enjoy a shot—or a double or triple shot—as often as you like, for pennies.

The Capresso espresso machine shown in the video is less than $60.00. Take a closer look at it on Amazon.com).

What if you don’t want to buy an espresso machine? The closest cup of strong, bitter coffee is a brewed Italian roast, made in a regular coffee maker.

Find everything you want to know about espresso in our Espresso Glossary.
 
See all of the national food holidays.

We’ve gotten a lot of use out of our microwavable tortilla warmer. It’s just $9.78 on Amazon.com.

The tortilla warmer—an insulated pouch—holds up to 12 tortillas, and keeps them warm and moist for up to one hour.

Simply place the tortillas in the pouch, then heat it in the microwave for approximately 45 seconds.

For a more elaborate gift, add a couple of bottles of gourmet salsa.

Tortillas remain warm and moist. Photo by Elvira Kalviste | THE NIBBLE.

If you ate more than this for Thanksgiving,
you may need this article. Photo courtesy
WilliamsSonoma.com.

If only we could follow that sensible advice! If you and your family have self-control on Thanksgiving, well, we wish we were you.

However, if you have tendencies to overeat, and then suffer from bloating, indigestion and overall discomfort, here are some cures:

1. Head for the antacids. Don’t wait: Swallow a dose of Pepto-Bismol ASAP. It provides relief for indigestion, heartburn and upset stomach, among other digestive upsets.

2. Take a walk. Even if you can barely move, you’ll really benefit from a walk around the block. Walking helps food move through the digestive tract.

3. Try some gentle massage. As much as your abdomen feels that it doesn’t want to be touched, use your palms to massage it, in a circular motion around your navel.

4. Drink herbal tea. Even if you’re convinced that you can’t ingest another thing, sip some herbal tea: It will help to reduce the bloat. Take advantage of fresh herbs in the kitchen—basil, cilantro, ginger, mint, oregano, rosemary and/or sage are good. Steep 4 to 6 teaspoons in a cup of boiling water. Or, grab a camomile or mint tea bag.

5. Lie down. Don’t hesitate to excuse yourself and get horizontal after eating a big meal. Just 20-30 minutes in a reclining position helps your stomach muscles move and digest all that food.

6. Try a heating pad and breathe deeply. Breathe deeply to relax clenched stomach muscles that may contribute to sdiscomfort. Something warm—not scalding hot—on your abdomen for about 20 minutes can also make you feel better.

Do you have an overeating “cure?” Let us know.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at THE NIBBLE.