Beyond the Bean

Brewing Great Coffee at Home:

A few basic rules…

1. Buy whole beans and grind them yourself.
2. Use the right amount of coffee – weighing is best - .38 ounces per 6 ounce cup. If you can’t weigh, use 2 rounded ground tablespoons per 6 ounce cup.
3. Use good water. Spring or filtered is ideal but cold tap water also does the trick.

Favorite Brew Methods

Favorite Brew Method #1 – French Press. TIPS: Use a coarse grind. Pour water ‘off the boil’ (just to boiling point). Once poured, submerge grindes with a spoon or the screen, and let steep between 3 and 3 ½ minutes before plunging.

Favorite Brew Method #2 – One Cup Melitta Cone. TIPS: Use a fine grind and water ‘off the boil.’ Pour slowly so extraction time is over two minutes.

Favorite Brew Method #3 – Stovetop Espresso. With all the $8,000 espresso machines on the market today, nothing says ‘smart’ more than great stovetop espresso. TIP: Serve over ice or with a twist!

Favorite Brew Method #4 – Vacuum Pot. If you like lighter, more delicate coffees, this is your choice.