Make a GREAT Cup of Coffee

I admit it…coffee is one of the few things I just refuse to give up that MIGHT not be good for me. Actually…it seems that “they” go back and forth between whether coffee is bad or good and I think it’s on an upswing right now from what I’ve heard. Come to think of it…what I’ve read says that the best coffee for you is a fresh brewed cup.

So…with this in mind I thought I’d share my favorite way to make a killer fresh brewed cup of coffee. The secret to a really great cup of coffee? A French Press. I know they seem fussy and a little intimidating…but really, making coffee in a french press should not scare you off.

Let’s Go!

1. Use good beans. Experiment with the roast you like – medium or more bold, but use good Arabica beans.
2. Start with cold, filtered water.
3. Grind only the beans you will be using at that time.
4. Remove the plunger (the top part) from the French Press.
5. For each cup of coffee grind 2 T (1 coffee scoop) of whole bean coffee. When using a French Press, the dark roasted, oily beans are usually used. Be sure not to finely grind the beans! Use coarsely ground beans because finely ground beans can clog the filter of the press.
6. Place the coarsely ground beans in the bottom of the French Press.
7. Add hot but not boiling water to the pot. Leave at least one inch at the top. Stir carefully.
8. Place the plunger back on top of pot. Turn the lid to seal the pour spout opening. Don’t press down yet. You need to allow the coffee to brew for about five minutes.
9. Hold the pot handle with the spout turned away from you. Start applying slight pressure on top of the knob and carefully lower the plunger straight down into the pot. Try to lower the plunger slowly and evenly for best results. Please don’t rush this step! If you push the plunger too fast you can cause scalding water to shoot out of the spout!
10. Open the pour spout and serve the coffee.

See?  I told you that wasn’t so bad.  French Presses are not expensive and you can often find them at thrift stores and rummage sales.  Try this and let me know what you think!  You won’t be sorry!

Technorati Tags: Arabica, beans, Coffee, French Press