How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

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If you’re anything like me, you live for that first sip of that first cup of coffee every single morning.  I can’t even begin to contemplate a world without it, can you?  My affinity for coffee began at 22 when I landed my first real job and had to be up and functioning at an early hour five days a week.  That was certainly a rude awakening after four years of rolling out of bed and crossing campus just in time for an 11:30 class.  But, what began as a necessity to stay awake has evolved into something so much more.  Now, to me, it’s about the experience…buying it, making it and relishing it.  Since I prefer to savor mine in solitude, I wait until all the kids are on the school bus, my kitchen is tidied and the beds are made.  Then and only then, do I feel like I can relax for a few precious moments and enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures.  While I appreciate a coffee on the go (especially a late afternoon latte from Starbucks), my favorite cup is the one I brew at home.  There’s something about the whole process from grinding the beans to watching it drip into the pot to finally pouring that cup of steaming goodness….oh, and the smell.  Is there anything better?  So, if you’re a coffee addict like me, it’s probably handy to know how to brew the perfect cup of coffee.  Here’s a few helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way.  And if there’s anything I’m missing, please, by all means, don’t hesitate to share!

1. Fresh beans are the best when stored properly.  In a perfect world, coffee tastes best when used within days of being roasted.  However, if you do buy in bulk (which I do from BJ’s…love their Kona blend), make sure it’s in a vacuum sealed bag and once you open the bag, store the beans in an air tight container like a glass canning  jar or a ceramic jar with a sturdy lid.  Oxygen and bright light are not kind to coffee nor is storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.  Room temperature is ideal.

2. Choose good coffee.  The saying “you get what you pay for” definitely applies to coffee.  Quality matters.  Always look for 100 % pure Arabica beans.  It tastes better and actually has less caffeine. So, the added benefit is it’s healthier for you too!

3. Use filtered water.  Since coffee is 99% water, the quality of water is key.  Never use tap water.  Filtered water or bottled water are your best options.

4.  Measurements matter.  I double the water per tablespoons.  So, if I’m making ten cups, I use five heaping tablespoons of coffee.  I’m sure some may say I’ve got this wrong, but I’ve been told I make a mean cup of Joe.  I figure, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

5. Clean your coffee pot regularly.  Coffee pots are a petri dish for germs fyi so be sure to give it a good scrub every week with warm water and white vinegar.

6. An expensive coffee maker is unnecessary.  Speaking from experience, I’ve owned a plethora of coffee makers over the years and while the fancy ones do have cool gadgets and look pretty on your counter, it doesn’t mean that the $20 one from Target can’t get the job done.  When my second Krups one broke, I scooped up this one at a fraction of the cost and I don’t notice a difference in taste at all.  Having said that, I am intrigued by the pour-over method and this Chemex version does sound like an ideal Christmas gift!

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For the Coffee Lover: