Someone finally showed me how to make a decent pot of coffee.
The owner of Zukafe in downtown Edmonds took the time to teach me how to brew coffee using a french press. They serve french pressed coffee as their standard "drip," by they way. AND the first refill is free!!
First, he said, use fresh beans. Fresh beans are chalky in color with maybe the slightest amount of moisture. Coarsely grind 5/8 of a cup of beans. Pour into the bottom of an averaged-sized french press.
Next, pour in 200 degree water. Swirl the press as you pour. Fill to just below the chrome line.
Fresh coffee will be frothing on top of the nearly boiling water. Wait one minute. Tap the plunger on top of the frothing grounds a few times before pressing it all the way to the bottom.
Cheers!
Tom
A note about coffee beans: Avoid really oily, shiny looking beans. The oil is probably rancid. Also, stay away from those large bins in the grocery store. There's no way of knowing how old those beans are. (Or if the bins have ever been cleaned!)
FYI: Zukafe is about 1/2 block east of the roundabout in the heart of Edmonds; a fun spot to chill out.
