This post will cover what I’ve learned so far.
Starbucks Espresso Blend – Freshly opened bag.
A great cup of coffee starts with the beans.
One of the best ways to ensure the beans are fresh is to purchase directly from a roaster.
There are a few big name coffee roasters that are pretty popular around the web.
Those would be Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Intelligentsia Coffee.
The only downside is that the cost of the coffee adds up pretty quickly once you pay for shipping.
I’ve heard excellent things about Counter Culture Coffee out of Durham, NC.
Finally, I really enjoy some of the Starbucks beans.
They might not be as freshly roasted but they are convenient and affordable!
Today I opened a new bag of Starbucks Espresso Blend.
That’s typically a good sign that the beans are very fresh.
In addition to the shiny look, they smell absolutely incredible!
Never store the beans in the refrigerator, as they can absorb odors from other foods in the fridge.
Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
The next step in the process is to grind the beans.
Today I just received my new Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder!
it’s possible for you to easily pay over $400 for some fancy grinders!
When shopping for a grinder, look for a conical burr grinder instead of a traditional blade grinder.
These grinders are also quieter and produce a much more consistent grind.
This is very important if you are using a french press where a consistent, coarse grind is recommended.
The last step in the process is the french press.
I’m using the Bodum Chambord French Press that I got as a Christmas gift.
The french press avoids this problem.
The first step is to bring some water to boil on the stove.
Then measure and grind the beans.
Now add the grounds and pour the rest of the water into the french press over the coffee grounds.
I like to stir the top of the mixture quickly to prevent any clogging.
Set a timer for 4 minutes and wait while the coffee brews.
Once it’s done, slowly press the grinds to the bottom and pour.
Bodum Pavina Thermo Glasses – 9 ounces.
(Need bigger ones!)
I’m back!!
(Maybe…)
