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OK to day we are going to talk about making one of my favorite things. Coffee! Having never been a morning person, and also being a parent coffee is the warm light of hope to my mornings. Everyone knows that it does not count as me being up until after I have wrapped my hands around that mug of warm happiness and had my first couple of drinks.
It is not just that it helps me function and keeps me awake enough to get the kids out the door and to school on time. It is something the I look forward to and enjoy immensely. The warmth of the cup in my hand, the flavors, the aromas. Even the process of filling the kettle and getting everything ready brings me pleasure.
There are many ways to prepare coffee and each has is own benefits and draw backs. Some or faster or easier, some produce a better or different flavor and some are just unique and interesting. We will discuss some of the ways to make coffee at home and reasons why you might choose each method.
If you read through to the end of the article I will tell you my own personal method of making coffee each morning. It is slightly different than the others list here and I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else before. It also makes the best tasting coffee of all (in my own humble opinion of course 😊)
Automatic Drip Coffee
We will start with what is probably the most common method of making coffee, at least in North America. The automatic drip coffee maker is the machine you probably grew up with in your kitchen, and the one that is seen most often in coffee shops and restaurants. This type of machine would include the k-cup and Keurig style coffee makers that have become popular in recent years.
The greatest benefit of automatic drip machines is their ease of use. Add water to the reservoir, add grinds or a k-cup, and push the button to go. The down side is that they are fully automatic so there is not much you can do to change the process. Many coffee drinkers feel that this can lead to coffee that is less flavorful.
Cowboy Method
On the opposite end of the spectrum from a fully automated machine is the cowboy method of brewing coffee. While probably something you are not likely to use unless maybe you are out camping, it is a simple and effective way of producing a cup of joe. This method of making coffee simply involves boiling a pot of water and then adding the grinds to the pot. After simmering for a few minutes you wait and let the grinds settle at the bottom and then slowly and gently pour the coffee from the top.
The downside of this is obviously that there is a very high chance you will end up with some of the grinds in your cup of coffee. It is however simple and requires no extra equipment that would not already be in a kitchen. The coffee produced is strong and has a risk of tasting burnt, but perhaps you like a good strong brew that will put hair on your chest.
French Press
The French press is another method that has been around for a long time and involves steeping the coffee grinds directly in the water. Water is boiled in a kettle and then added with the grinds to the French press. After steeping for a few minutes the lid of the French press is placed on top with an attached filter that is pressed down separating the grinds from the coffee.
The French press is the classic method of home brewing for coffee coinsures. It is easy to use, with the timing, temperature, and amount of grinds all easily adjusted. It is also relatively inexpensive, you can easily find a French press on amazon for around $20. It will produce a strong full flavored coffee, and is excellent for getting the unique flavors from different beans.
Personally I use the French press the most in the Summer time. By brewing a pot in the evening and placing it in the fridge overnight I have a wonderful iced coffee to enjoy the following day.
Pour Over Coffee
Pour over coffee is made using a specialized cone that sits on top of the coffee cup or pot being used. Most of these use a paper filter but you can also buy permanent filters made of plastic or metal. Once the filter is in coffee grinds are added. Water is boiled in a kettle and then poured into the cone to drip through the grinds and into the cup. The water should be poured evenly and over time rather than just dumped into the filter.
This method of making coffee is great because you are easily able to control the amount of grinds, water temperature, water volume, and the speed that the water is added. It is a good way of making coffee for someone who likes to tweak their method, or likes to try different types of coffee.
Espresso Machine
Oh a wonderful shot of super strong espresso. While not something I would replace my morning coffee with on a daily basis, I do enjoy sipping on an espresso as a treat once and awhile. And who doesn’t enjoy the odd late now then again.
The espresso machine works by sending pressurized water through tightly packed coffee grinds creating a strong sharp flavorful coffee. If you have never had one you can think of it as coffee concentrate.
Moka Pot
The moka pot is basically a stove top espresso machine. It is a specialised coffee pot with three chambers. The bottom chamber is filled with water and the middle chamber holds coffee grinds. When the moka pot is placed on the stove and the water starts to boil the pressure sends with up through the grinds into the top chamber. This creates a brew that is for all intents and purposes espresso. Getting the coffee ground to just the right consistency is important for the end product to turn out well, but otherwise the moka pot is easy to use, and is a much cheaper alternative to an espresso machine.
My Own Special Way
The way I make my coffee each day is a little bit different than any of the ones mentioned above. It is kind of a combination of the pour over method and the French press. I have found a nice permanent filter that would normally be used in a pour over cone, that nicely fits so that the rim rests perfectly on top of my coffee mugs, with the filter hanging down into the cup.
I place the filter on top of the mug and add my grinds. Then using a kettle I boil water. After boiling I let the water sit for a minute this leaves it the perfect temperature for brewing coffee. I pour it through the filter similar to the pour over method, but then I leave the filter in the cup for another minute letting the coffee grinds steep in the cup before removing the filter and grinds. This allows the water to absorb all the flavors of the coffee beans. As long as I pay attention and don’t leave my coffee sitting while I get other things ready (not uncommon) it also keeps the coffee from having to strong or bitter a flavor. I find that this method of brewing coffee is the most satisfy and is the best for really enjoying the uniqueness of each different coffee as it bring out the full richness the is just waiting to be enjoyed.
