“I think that possibly maybe I’m falling for you.” One of the many songs involving one of my favorite things. I can recollect early Sunday mornings watching my great grandmother make coffee. It was very rare that my parents would ever drink coffee, actually I would go as far as to say that coffee was a foreign concept in our home. If we were drinking anything relative to the bean, it was in the form of an icy cold frap mostly consumed by a syrup of some sort (probably chocolate in my case). My great grandmother, who we referred to as Nanny had an internal clock that would hardly ever let her sleep past the 6 a.m. hour. And her morning ritual was a cup of black coffee in a floral mug.
I remember how the sun grazed over her one acre garden outback and seeped in through the kitchen window. As I stood in the doorway, I can recall the beams of light blinding me as her silhouette reached for the shimmery blue can of Maxwell House.
She would just fill my cup half way and make sure to let me know that too much coffee for a child would stunt their growth. Superstitious or not, anytime I ever shared a cup with her I could be sure to hear that phrase. It still rings in catacombs of my memory from time to time.
My affinity for the bean has grown into quite the unrequited love over the years. It seems that why my palate continues to say yes, my GERD continues to say no. And so for the better I have tugged back on the amount of coffee I drink in any given week. I’ve simply become a coffee snob, saving that cherished mug for the perfect blend of earth, air and water. I enjoy a coffee with fruity, chocolaty and sometimes spicy nuances. Drew’s Brews, a local roaster, makes a blend called Timor, a clean and vibrant coffee with a hint of chocolate. And it has become one my favorite selections.
There is an eclectic little store nestled into the cluttered Hillsboro Village by the name of Davis Cutlery & Cookware. One of the gentleman who is part owner, his name escapes me, has a son who roasts and blends their coffee. If you don’t know what it is you’re looking for; these gentleman will be more than happy to steer you in the right direction. But believe me when I say, “make sure you are not in a rush”, the conversation could carry on for an hour or so(no kidding).
The blend I purchase from their is a silly name that would cause giggle when stumbled upon by a child. Jitterz Blendz, spelled exactly so, with no apologies. The subtitle Home-Fire Latte which is to differentiate the nuances. A well-rounded blend of cherry and chocolate notes with a hint of earthiness. There are so many different types of coffee out there that one should take the time to find the perfect blend. We all have an appreciation for art but we’re not all a fan of the same technique.
Nashville has a flourishing coffee shop scene that I’m thoroughly enjoying. While not everyone makes a killer cup of joe. You always have options. Just a few of my faves are dose coffee and tea, The Jam Coffee House and The Well Coffee House. I really could go on and on but I won’t continue to bore you. Though if you happen to have some free time on your hands this week. Check out these pieces on coffee. NPR is full of good bits of information that will expand your knowledge about the bean and who knows? You might discover the coffee connoisseur within yourself.
How to make French Press coffee
Step 1. Boil 3.5 cups of water. set aside. The rule of thumb is two tablespoons per every cup. If you desire darker or milder, adjust accordingly.
Step 2. Add the ground coffee to your French Press. Using a vessel that will allow you to stream the water. Pour water over coffee grinds in 360 degree motion ensuring to cover all the grinds.I fill my press right below the line.
Step 3. Place the lid back on to the top of press but do not depress the plunger. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 to 10 minutes depending upon how strong you like your coffee. I typically let it go for about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4. After you poor your cup of coffee. Pour the remaining coffee into a carafe or thermos so that it won’t become bitter. Enjoy!
And I know that there are hardcore coffee drinkers out there who believe they have better methods, tips etc. And I’d love to hear them. What does your coffee ritual look like? Are you a Clever, Aeropress or French Press kid?…or other?
Turkish Proverb: “Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.”