{How To} Brew French Press Coffee

I first learned to brew French press coffee when I was in university. My roommate taught me his tricks of the trade, and I've never forgotten the massive, stainless steel press that we used to use. Lately I've been using our one-cup brewer a lot, but I've been wanting to get back into the tradition of brewing a fresh batch of French press coffee each morning. This post was originally published January 15th, 2012.

Fact: I LOVE my Bodum. Brewing French press coffee makes me all giddy and I love brewing it up for the same reasons I love brewing up a pot of tea. It's all in the ritual. Choosing my favourite bean, trying new blends, grinding in my favourite grinder, pouring, stirring, smelling, sipping.

There are lots of different methods to follow when it comes to using your French press, so today, I'd like to share my a bit about my French pressing habits. Enjoy!

First, I like to start with whole beans, as fresh as possible. These particular ones happen to be from Starbucks, but I often like to buy them downtown from the roaster I used to work for.

I grind the beans as my water boils on the stove. For a French press, you generally want a coarse grind, but I like mine a wee bit finer. It's all visual for me. This grinder is a bit of a prized possession, actually... it's on its way out though. Nearly broken and try as I might, I can't find an identical replacement, so I treat her with care. (Seriously. If you ever spy a yellow Philips grinder online or at a thrift store, please let me know!) When I'm grinding, I don't actually measure my beans. I just know how full the grinder ought to be for one full Bodum. However, I measured it out today, and for my size press (an 8-cup, 32oz. Bodum) I used about 8-9 tablespoons, or about 2/3 cup beans (before grinding).

Once I have my grinds the way I like them, they go into the French press with a tiny pinch of salt. Around the holidays, I sometimes add nutmeg & cinnamon for a fun kick.

Next, I pour the water in a circular motion to soak all of the grinds, then stop once the carafe is about 1/3 full. Then I grab my trust wooden chopstick and stir til the coffee "blooms". You want to see the colour change a bit, as the ground start to steep and magic starts to happen. Once your coffee "blooms", fill your press to the top, pop the lid (press) on top, then set a timer for four minutes. At the end of four minutes, you're free to get pressing.

My trick? Place your hand on top of the French press plunger and allow the weight of your hand to do the pressing. You don't want to shove it. If it so happens that your grind is too fine, your press may be a bit tougher to get down as the grind block the flow.

To rectify this, simple reverse your press to halt the blockage, then continue pressing. Never PUSH your press down. This can end in a mess of boiling water and coffee all over you. Messy & ouch.

Once your coffee has been pressed, you're ready to savour & enjoy. Find your favourite cozy mug, pour away & add your accoutrements if so desired. I like a dollop of cream and a bit of organic sugar. Or sometimes Bailey's, if I'm feeling festive.

And that's that, mes amis. Time to sit back & enjoy your cuppa. Don't forget to pour the rest of your brew into a thermos or carafe of some description to keep it piping hot til you're ready for mug no. 2 and beyond.

Peace!

What's your favourite way to brew coffee? French press? Chemex? Drip? Share in the comments!

{Wordless Wednesday} What Sustains Me

Chemex Considerations

We all know how much I adore making French press coffee, but I'll admit my neighbour has me wondering what all this Chemex fuss is all about.

Have you ever made Chemex coffee? I know I've had the pleasure of enjoying it in the comfort of my lovely neighbour's living room, but never have I brewed up a batch myself!

PS. If you missed my French press how-to post a while back, check it out here.
PPS. Friends Chemex!

Images spotted here & here.

{How To} Brew French Press Coffee

Fact: I LOVE my Bodum. French press coffee makes me all giddy and I love brewing it up for the same reasons I love brewing up a pot of tea. It's all in the ritual. Choosing my favourite bean, trying new blends, grinding in my favourite grinder, pouring, stirring, smelling, sipping.

There are lots of different methods to follow when it comes to using your French press, so today, I'd like to share my a bit about my French pressing habits. Enjoy!

First, I like to start with whole beans, as fresh as possible. These particular ones happen to be from Starbucks, but I often like to buy them downtown from the roaster I used to work for.









I grind the beans as my water boils on the stove. For a French press, you generally want a coarse grind, but I like mine a wee bit finer. It's all visual for me. This grinder is a bit of a prized possession, actually... it's on its way out though. Nearly broken and try as I might, I can't find an identical replacement, so I treat her with care. (Seriously. If you ever spy a yellow Philips grinder online or at a thrift store, please let me know!) When I'm grinding, I don't actually measure my beans. I just know how full the grinder ought to be for one full Bodum. However, I measured it out today, and for my size press (an 8-cup, 32oz. Bodum) I used about 8-9 tablespoons, or about 2/3 cup beans (before grinding).

Once I have my grinds the way I like them, they go into the French press with a tiny pinch of salt. Around the holidays, I sometimes add nutmeg & cinnamon for a fun kick.

Next, I pour the water in a circular motion to soak all of the grinds, then stop once the carafe is about 1/3 full. Then I grab my trust wooden chopstick and stir til the coffee "blooms". You want to see the colour change a bit, as the ground start to steep and magic starts to happen. Once your coffee "blooms", fill your press to the top, pop the lid (press) on top, then set a timer for four minutes. At the end of four minutes, you're free to get pressing.







My trick? Place your hand on top of the press and allow the weight of your hand to do the pressing. You don't want to shove it. If it so happens that your grind is too fine, your press may be a bit tougher to get down as the grind block the flow. To rectify this, simple reverse your press to halt the blockage, then continue pressing. Never SHOVE your press down. This can end in a mess of boiling water and coffee all over you. Messy & ouch.





Once your coffee has been pressed, you're ready to savour & enjoy. Find your favourite cozy mug, pour away & add your accoutrements if so desired. I like a dollop of cream and a bit of organic sugar. Or sometimes Bailey's, if I'm feeling festive.









And that's that, mes amis. Time to sit back & enjoy your cuppa. Don't forget to pour the rest of your brew into a thermos or carafe of some description to keep it piping hot til you're ready for mug no. 2 and beyond.

Peace!

Love List

♥ Buttery new yarn, bamboo circular needles, a cowl in progress, Christmastime downtown, big mugs of coffee, blogging with friends, unwavering support, silly songs on repeat, dancing with my daughter, tights, tights, tights, kettle chips, chai lattes, power bars, heavy credenzas, balancing, breathing, candlelit showers, peppermint essential oils and heather grey socks.

Mondays Are For Cozy Sweaters & Coffee

A new week, a new start. Today, I'll be hanging out at Glow, chatting with mamas and watching the Christmas excitement downtown. I also plan on making a list of all the things I'd like to get sewn up before the big day. Finances and frugality may have dictated a low key Christmas this year anyhow, but to be honest, I'd much rather cozy up with my sewing machine and patterns, than head out to the mall. Any purchased gifts will a) books, b) handmade items by my crafty friends or c) items found in the downtown core. Live local, shop local, support small business.

Have you been crafting this holiday season? I hope you'll share below. I'm also always looking for new patterns to sew up for Gretchen as well, so feel free to comment with link to your favourite tutorials!

Wishing you a lovely (warm) Monday, dear hearts. Peace.

Image source.

Day 21: Something I Could Never Tire Of

Day 11: Something I've Been Craving

Country life. My homestead. Sustainability. Animals. Gardens. Herbs. Flowers. Drying. Sunning. Steeping. Freshly brewed pots of coffee. Escape. Grace. Quiet, foggy mornings. Pitter patters. Pine trees. Canning. Bricks. Beauty.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.

Recently