Coffee Anyone?

For many of us the day just can’t begin without a good cup of coffee.  According to thehistorykitchen.com:
“Second only to oil, coffee is the most valuable legally traded commodity in the world. We love it, we rely on it, and we drink it in massive quantities. It is estimated that 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed each day worldwide. New Yorkers are said to drink 7 times the amount of any other U.S. city, which is why it may seem like there is a Starbucks on every corner of Manhattan. Famed French writer and philosopher Voltaire was rumored to have drunk 40 – 50 cups per day. Coffee is a daily ritual in the lives of millions of humans around the globe. ”

Here are some rules for brewing great coffee:

1. Always buy fresh and good quality coffee– Buy coffee from a store or coffee house where you know they turn over their beans often so that they will always have a fresh supply.  Be wary of beans sold at the supermarket from large bins.  The oils from the coffee remain in the bins and often turn rancid.  Coffee beans packaged by quality-conscious roasters and sold in sturdy, vacuum-sealed bags are often a better bet.  Always buy 100% Arabica beans, it is simply the best coffee.  And remember the finer the grind the greater the flavor.

2. Keep Coffee Fresh – Canning jars or canisters with seals make good storage options. Never refrigerate or freeze coffee, especially dark roasts.  Buy only enough coffee for 5-7 days at a time and, whenever possible, grind your own.  Coffee made from freshly ground beans is always the best.

3. Use good water and filters – Tap water has chlorine that can effect the flavor of your coffee.  Softened or distilled water is even worse as coffee needs some of the naturally occurring minerals in water to create a really good flavor. Spring water is best. Likewise cheap paper filters can have residue from bleaching or processing that will effect the flavor.  Gold plated filters that are reusable, like SwissGold, are believed to deliver the best cup of coffee

4. Use the right amount – 2 tablespoons of ground beans per 6 oz. of water or 2 3/4 tablespoons per 8 oz. of water will yield the best cup of coffee.  Trying to use hotter water and less grounds will only lead to a disappointing experience.  Water that is too hot will extract compounds in the coffee that are bitter rather than pleasant.  Once brewed, don’t expect coffee to hold its best flavors for long. Reheating, boiling or prolonged holding on a warming platform will turn even the best coffee bitter and foul-tasting.

5. Keep things clean – Clean storage containers and grinders every few weeks to remove any oily buildup. At least monthly, run a strong solution of vinegar and water through your coffeemaker to dissolve away any mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly before reuse.

Now here is a reminder of some our favorite things to enjoy with that morning Cup of Joe:

Simple Danish Pastry

Inside Out Jelly Donuts

Breakfast Egg Muffins

Baked Apple Fritters

Now you can begin your day/your week with something yummy, and a great cup of coffee.  Doesn’t that sound like a good start on a lot of love, joy and abundant living? 🙂