How to: French Press Coffee.

Well hello there, coffee-connoisseur. If you've grown tired of your drip coffee, you've come to the right place. As a self-admitted coffee-addict, I enjoy trying different ways of making coffee. Not to mention my mother and brother who are probably more addicted than me...seriously though, does anyone know if there's a Betty Ford clinic for people like us?

Americans enjoy naming things after countries which did not originally create that product, so naturally, when the way of pressing coffee to create a different flavor and texture was created in Italy (1929), it became known as "French Press Coffee" across the United States.

Pressing the coffee grounds using the following technique will create a smoother and fresher taste to the coffee. And in my humble opinion, I believe it gets a touch (a very slight, but noticeable, touch) creamier.

Now for the reason you came: 

You will need:

• course coffee grounds. If you buy your coffee from a local shop, grab your favorite flavored bean and ask the bar to grind it "course" or simply ask for a "french press grind".       If you buy from the grocery store, find a grinding machine and set the dial to a course grind.
• A french press. You can find these online, at kitchen-ware stores, target, etc. I got mine from TJ Maxx. They typically are fairly inexpensive (or at least should be). Don't be spending $40 for a 4-cup press....it's not going to make that much of a difference. 

This is a French Press:

Instructions:

1. Get out that course ground coffee I've been yapping about and scoop some into the bottom of the glass of the press. Typically, I like to do 1 scoop per 1 cup of water. Though if you like it stronger, add accordingly.
2. Boil the corresponding amount of cups/scoops of water.
3. Once water comes to a boil, pour water into the glass (YES overtop the coffee grounds).
4. WAIT 3-5 minutes for the grounds to infuse in the water.
5. Put the "lid" of the french press on (it's the fancy mesh/filter/pump looking thing) and slowly push the pump down which filters out the grounds from the water.
6. Pour into cups, and enjoy!

Step 1

Step 2 & 3

Step 4 & 5

Step 6

Pair with some fresh bread from your local farmer's market for a tasty German breakfast or afternoon treat.