Hello my Foodie Friends. Recently our son moved to San Diego, CA from Boston (wanted the sunshine). While he was trying to minimize what he was going to have to pack to have transported out to the West coast, there was one item that he insisted he had to pack (and that we also send him a back up on) – the French Press. There are many ways to make coffee. However, my son insists that this one is one of the best. People who use a press know and act like it is their own secret. You can see it in the smile they have when they talk about it as they are purchasing one for a friend. You can also see it in their frowns when they need one because the old one is lost due to a move or they are visiting here for an extended vacation and need one now! My customers have many different passions for their favorite products but French Press people are knowledgeable and loyal. French Press coffee captures more of the flavor, aromas and oils from the coffee beans than drip coffee makers. You lose a lot in a drip maker to the paper filter. The difference between French press and drip coffee is that the grounds using a French press are steeped in boiling water while water just passes through the grounds in an auto or manual drip system. Grounds used for French press coffee must be larger and rougher. These grounds tend to release more caffeine, especially when steeped longer. Connoisseurs contend that this method of brewing produces a richer, fuller flavor. A serving that’s higher in caffeine may also have health advantages as well.
Once you have your press here are the simple directions:
1. Place the pot on a dry, flat surface. Hold the handlefirmly, then pull out the plunger.
2. Add a heaping tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee to the pot per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water.
3. Pour hot water — not quite boiling — into the pot, and gently stir.
4. Carefully reinsert the plunger into the pot, stopping just above the water and ground coffee (do not plunge yet), and let stand for 3-4 minutes.
5. Press the plunger down slowly, exerting steady pressure.
6. After each use, wash the pot with water and mild detergent, and dry thoroughly.
Note: Use coarse ground coffee. (remember, fine will come through your screen).
You should probably consume your coffee within about 20 minutes as it could become bitter. Some people prefer it that way so whatever your tastes are is fine. You can also vary the strength by adding more or less coffee. If you remember, last week I talked about Tea and they also make a tea press which is catching on with Tea customers also.
Here is one of my favorite French Presses (and it doesn’t break)! Thermos 34 Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Gourmet Coffee Press:
• The time-honored European method of making coffee is now more efficient, convenient and delicious than ever. This 34-oz. vacuum insulated coffee press from Thermos Nissan keeps your pressed coffee at the just the right temperature three times longer than a glass coffee press. The Coffee Press has an insulation capability of up to two hours at 147° F and the quality stays consistent. Its stainless steel inner and outer body and press parts are dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
• Durable 18/8 stainless steel interior and exterior withstand the demands of everyday use.
• Simple stainless steel brewing mechanism brews without electricity so you can make coffee anywhere in 3 simple steps:
1. Add coarse ground coffee
2. Fill with hot water, then cover
3. Wait 4 minutes, press plunger and enjoy!
• Body stays cool to the touch with hot liquids.
Whereever your tastes take you, do what is best for you! Family businesses care more and put a little bit of themselves into their products. Stop in to my family business at Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place and let’s have some coffee talk and how Barbara Streisand is like “buttah.” Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care,
John & Paula
