Archive for June, 2009

According to the National Coffee Association’s 2009 Coffee Drinking Trends survey, 5 percent more of us are brewing beans at home this year — resulting in the highest level since 2003. So what does this mean for frequent coffee drinkers? Well, with a bit of know how and the right tools, you can still get your favorite cafe java drinks at home. This summer, as you get the taste for iced coffees, try out these alternatives to taking a trip to the coffee shop:

Iced Coffee

At the Cafe: $3

At Home: First pour 1 pound ground coffee into a non-reactive container. Then slowly add 10 cups of cold water. Cover and let steep at room temp for about 10 hours. Strain well. Store coffee concentrate in the fridge and use gradually as you need. Serve over ice; add milk or sugar if wanted.

Iced Latte

At the Cafe: $3.50

At Home: First fill up a cup with ice. Add 12 ounces of cold milk and 2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can always get one from Zaccardis.com at a great price.

Iced Chai

At the Cafe: $3

At Home: Use a Chai tea concentrate and mix equal parts Chai and milk. Add ice and serve.

Blended Coffee Drinks

At the Cafe: $4

At Home: Try some of the mixes available in your coffee aisle. For stronger flavors, add syrups or frozen cubes of coffee.

Coffee Beans

When you pick up your morning cup, are you really thinking about what beans make that distinct, tasty flavor come out? Or are you more concerned about getting your caffeine boost? Either way, coffee lovers can benefit from good beans in their machines, and most importantly, can spice up their normal routine by just choosing a more exotic bean. Instead of reaching of the traditional grocery-store tin of grounds, opt instead to give Kona or Sumatra or Yirgacheffe a try. Not only will you be sampling something new, but you’ll also be giving your palette a trip around the world. Many of these exotic flavors also pair well with desserts, making them a special ending to any meal. So go ahead, spice up your cup at your next dinner party, book club, or even to your daily routine by trying an exotic coffee from Zaccardis.com.

While most people like to avoid manual brewing because of time, there are actually a lot of benefits to doing it yourself, including enhanced flavors and the feeling of accomplishment as you sip on your homemade cup. To make the most out of your manual coffee brewing experience, here are some things you need to know:

1. Freshly roasted beans should be used within ten days in order to ensure freshness. To maximize their

   

   Put Care into Every Cup

   flavor, store whole beans in an airtight, opaque container in a cool location like a refrigerator or freezer, though be cautious to protect the beans from freezer burn.

2. Don’t grind your beans until you’re ready to brew and keep in mind that Burr Grinders give the most even, fine grounds.

3. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is somewhere between 190 to 200 degrees, so adjust your brewing methods accordingly to correspond with your pot.

4. Depending on the fineness of the ground, brewing takes about 4 to 7 minutes. Any longer and you’ll end up with saturated coffee.

5. In terms of amount, the rule of thumb is 1 level two-tablespoon scoop of whole beans per 6 ounces of water.

According to a recent story by NPR’s Morning Edition, a new cafe in Michigan is helping a town boost its mood and stay strong throughout the economic downturn by offering a simple and effective remedy: a comfortable place and a nice cup of coffee.

The Front Porch Cafe is a non-profit cafe with a mission to help the people of Ellsworth, Michigan. After the town lost its diner, bait shop and grocery story, a local church decided that the people of Ellsworth needed a better place to gather and to build community of a warm cup of java. So they opened The Front Porch, a cafe that serves up affordable breakfasts, pie, and fresh brewed coffee. On any given day, you’ll find a fair amount of the town’s 500 citizens taking part in the community and brews at the cafe as the town looks to make it through the downturn. Thanks to The Front Porch, Ellsworth finally has a spot where residents can get a slice of pie, a cup of coffee and a sense of community.

How has coffee and community impacted your area in the downturn? What inspiring stories have you shared over a cup of joe?