I started thinking about this "time thing" even more when visiting my friend Jaymel at his home for a couple of specialty craft beers and grilled chicken. It had been a long day and his invite couldn't had been at a better time. I don't grill as much as I used to and was thinking of getting a gas grill for convenience. My current setup is not too fancy. It's a Weber grill ( similar, but updated model here ) that I've had for about ten years now, but from lots of use it needs some new parts. Guess that's what got me thinking of something new. Jaymel had used a charcoal grill and the chicken was fantastic! Yes, some of it had to do with the prep/spices (jalapeño rub from The Pork Shop), but it would not have been so good without the charcoal vs the quicker gas grill.
For those that know me, you know that I love coffee. Anytime of the day you'll usually see me with a cup/mug, and I have lots of them. I love collecting mugs from different places. For me it's not the caffeine in the coffee that I like, it's the just the taste. Most of the time I drink decaf and the bolder the flavor the better. Nowadays there are so many quick fixes for coffee too. Don't do it! Most of us start out our day with a cup of coffee so why cheat yourself. I use a french press. It doesn't take too much time, just a little effort. Even though it takes time it is worth it. Once you use a press, you'll be happier, and don't be suprised if everyone notices something different about you (in a good way).
To make the best cup of coffee start with:
- 8 cup french press
- electric kettle
- coffee bean grinder
- coffee beans from Superstition Coffee at the Queen Creek Olive Mill
- plastic or wooden spoon (just not metal)
- filtered water
- thermometer
- timer
- measuring cup
First, fill your electric kettle with filtered water. Insert your thermometer making sure that it is not touching the heat element inside the kettle and turn it on. While the water is heating, grind your beans. I use a healthy half cup of beans. You want to make sure that the beans are a coarse grind, not fine so that they don't go through the wire filter when pressed. Pour the grinded coffee beans into the press.
Once your temperature is 190 degrees turn off or unplug your electric kettle. Remove the thermometer. Pour the water into the kettle stirring with your spoon to make sure that all of the coffee grounds are wet.
Place the top back on the press and set your timer to 4 minutes.
Press down slowly, then pour into two of your favorite coffe mugs. Serve one to yourself and then to someone else to make their day.
