The French Press (press pot)
When we want a good cup of black coffee around here, we use "The Press".
(Bodum makes the most popular and can be found in just about every discount department store for under twenty bucks).
ADVANTAGES:
1. When using the proper grind (coarse), it allows for the best extraction because the slurry steeps as opposed to the grounds taking a quick shower.
2. The 'strength' can be adjusted by allowing the slurry to steep for a longer or shorter period of time.
3. No special electric appliance is needed, cluttering the countertop.
4. The flavor from freshly roasted, freshly ground, freshly french pressed coffee is nothing short of wonderful!
DIS-ADVANTAGES:
1. Your cup will have some sludge on the bottom requiring it to be emptied and rinsed before refilling.
HERE'S HOW TO DO IT:
1. Grind the beans coarsely (see GRINDING page) and add approx. 2 tablespoons to the flask per 8-10oz. of intended water (plunger removed).
2. Add water to about 1" from the top. note: water should be "off the boil" (185 degrees +/-). This temperature can be achieved by turning off the heat
to your kettle right when it begins to rumble and make sounds...well before it begins to whistle.
3. Take a knife, chop stick or whatever useful to stir and mix into a slurry (this isn't necessary but we think it helps to extract the oils).
4. Insert the plunger/filter assembly keeping the filter part near the top of the flask...do not "plunge" yet.
5. We let our's sit for 4 minutes or so...sometimes longer because we are easily distracted and sometimes less because we're impatient.
No worries...PLUNGE AWAY and enjoy.
Here's a trick for two party households with different opinions on what constitutes a great cup of fresh coffee:
If you only plunge half way down, the slurry will continue to extract and make a stronger coffee for the bottom half; the top half will be 'done' and
should be poured. For example, the top half could steep for 3 minutes and the bottom half for 6. Yes, using a press will make your relationship better,
add peace to the universe and build a bridge between coffee lovers who's opinions are as varied as the sizes of rocks that constitutes Mt. Washington.