Coffee...mmmmm, it is so many thing isn't it? It is comforting...cold misty mornings become warm and cozy, good conversation always comes when shared with a friend. There are so many ways to prepare it, so many beans to try. A shot of espresso prepared by a barista is so different from grocery store brands filled with coffee mate or flavored creamers. I think they invite different emotional responses. I remember my Mr. Coffee machine and paper filters. All I wanted was that quick burst of energy, never mind the taste of it. The rituals now involve conversation, indulgence of taste, and of sharing that inner most part of ourselves with another, all while we sip. Now it is fantastic brew, and it seems to indulge the senses from distant lands. I feel as if I have been there and back again to these places of origin. It is breakfast or dessert, an accompaniment or replacement for food at any hour.
It comes with delectable additions. You can get the addition of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, caramel...you can have it iced, with steamed milk, or blended. But, oh, the aroma...it is a heady aroma and whether or not you drink coffee, it still transports you to distant lands, to patios of the other worlds.
Gone are the days when you could just drink your coffee on the run before work, or on a late drive home to help you stay awake. It has developed into a lifestyle that we indulge in and bring greatness into relationships by sharing this little brown delight together. I know I have sat for hours with friends just talking about any and everything and the world seems to be a little kinder, ideas seems to be clearer, and dreams develop ever more, over coffee:)
Another great post! Gotta figure out why my coffe always tastes so watery, even if it's strong. Where is that nice, almost smoky,rich taste the coffe shops serve? Any hints ye olde sister (LOL), let me know!
ReplyDeleteDear C,
ReplyDeleteCould it be the taste of espresso you are missing? I know a lot of specialty coffees use shots of those in them. How about the water you use? I know you have bottled water, but there is a difference in the taste of different filtering systems. Culligan and Arrowhead both have a very salty mineral taste. But that doesn't make sense because coffee shops probably just use tap water!! Have you tried using sweetened condensed milk instead of cream and sugar? Also, I think the machine is also a great contributor of the taste, as well as, darn good coffee. I learned, for example, that coffee really only lasts about a week after roasting. I learned never to put it in the refrigerator or the freezer as it breaks down the oils and becomes bitter and acidic. When you come here, let's go try out a few different shops ok? Have you tried a French coffee press? And, are you adhering to the suggested amount of coffee per cup? I can't get James to make it strong enough, ever! His coffee looks a little darker than strong iced tea! It is suggested 2 tablespoons of coffee for 6 ounces of water. I gasped the first time I read that! Here are a couple of different things to check out:
http://www.terroircoffee.com/learn/brewing/
There are so many ways to make coffee! One thing that seems to remain the same no matter the method is, that is seems imperative to grind the beans just before you use them. Here is a video on two different methods of making coffee.
http://vimeo.com/12167131
Interested in learning about the world of coffee? Check this out!
http://savayacoffee.com/
So, ye olde sister wants to know what kind of coffee maker you have, what kind of coffee you use and how you make it:)