My husband and I are true coffee aficionados. We have a coffee grinder, to grind whole bean coffee, a coffee machine, an espresso machine and a French press pot.
French Press Coffee
When my husband is traveling out of town, on business, I still like to have a cup or two of coffee. I am a freelance writer, and work out of my house, so I usually have a couple of cups of coffee almost everyday. When I'm by myself, I often use our French press coffee pot, instead of the large coffee brewer.
French press coffee, has a smooth and creamy texture, which reminds me of hot chocolate. I tend to put a bit more creamer in French press coffee, then regular brewed coffee, just the way I've gotten used to drinking it I guess.
Christopher Bean Coffee
Although I could use the coffee grinder, to grind up whole bean coffee, I usually use pre-ground coffee with the French press. In addition to being a full-time freelance writer, I am also a sponsored, amateur athlete. Christopher Bean Coffee, based out of Daytona Beach, Florida is one of my sponsors for the 2009 race season. Every quarter, Christopher Bean sends me 6 packages of their delicious, pre-ground coffee.
Making French Press Coffee
To make French press coffee, I fill the electric tea kettle with water and turn it on. While the water is coming up to temperature, I prepare the rest of the items. My French press coffee pot makes 4 small cups of coffee, enough to fill 2 large coffee mugs. I place 4 tablespoons of coffee grinds in the bottom of the French press.
When the water comes to a boil, I turn off the tea kettle, wait for the water to stop boiling, then fill the French press with the hot water. I place the lid on the French press, and let the coffee brew for 4-6 minutes. Then you press down on the lid, which is fitted with a permanent metal filter, until the lid hits the bottom of the pot. Then I pour a tablespoon of flavored coffee creamer in a large coffee mug, and fill the mug with freshly brewed French press coffee.
Additional Brewing Tidbits
Coarsely ground coffee should be used in a French press pot. If you have a coffee grinder, you can use whole bean coffee, and grind it specifically for use in a French press coffee pot. I have a Bodum French press coffee pot, the carafe is made out of glass, while the lid, handle and bottom are made out of red plastic. The plunger/filter is permanently attached to the lid.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Tea Diva
