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How to: Make the perfect cup of coffee

My Bialetti French Press

I am a coffee snob

Having worked in the specialty coffee business for some years. I began as a barista and worked my way up through the ranks. I admit it, there are certain things that I can be a SNOB about, and coffee is VERY high on that list (along with chocolate and good champagne). The ONE thing that I loved most about my job, was offering coffee tastings to both customers as well as at private dinners (they would hire me to do tastings much like wine tastings). I  may not be a five star chef, but I DO pride myself on making a great cup of coffee (whether it be pulling the perfect espresso shot, steaming milk and foaming, or just making a simple pot to enjoy in the morning).

The beauty of coffee is that the BEST brewing method is actually the simplest. While machines with pods and plastic cups are easy to use, what makes GREAT coffee is DIRECT CONTACT between the coffee and water. That being said, my preferred method would be to use a Bialetti French Press. 

Making the perfect cup of coffee:

1. Bring  filtered water (I use bottled) water to a boil and let it sit while you’re going through the next steps. The water should be HOT…not boiling when you pour it over the grounds.

2. Grind your favorite coffee (mine are the Indonesian varietals) to a COURSE grind. There are people who like a medium grind, but they’ll find themselves with lots of sludge in the bottom of their cup from all of the grinds that have made it through the screen.  **If you grind at home make certain that you’re using a burr grinder, as blade grinders can’t seem to get that grind right for a press.

3. Measure the coffee into the bottom of your Bialetti French Press. I use 2 TBS per 6 oz.

4. Pour the water over the grinds EVENLY (I use a circular motion).

5. Set your timer for 4 minutes. Once you do this a few times you’ll find just what timing is perfect for you. Don’t forget that the coffee will sit in the pot for a short while and get stronger between your first and second cup 😉

6. Do NOT cover the coffee with the plunger just yet. You want the coffee to BLOOM. OPTIONAL: In order to get a better more even bloom, I use chopsticks to give the grinds a little stir.

Stir the grinds a bit & watch the coffee “bloom”

7. OPTIONAL: Some coffee drinkers like to skim the grinds off of the top before plunging. It does make a smoother cup.

8. Place the Bialetti coffee plunger on top and slowly press down making certain that the lid is centered.

9. Get your cup ready, because you’re going to wonder why you’ve been drinking any other kind of coffee.

Over the years I’ve used quite a few different brands of coffee makers, and while I have perfected the art of the perfect cup of coffee, Bialetti has perfected the coffee maker.

Don’t be satisfied with a BAD cup of coffee

I don’t know about you. But my coffee sets the day. It’s the FIRST thing that I truly enjoy upon waking up. Wasting my time with a BAD cup of coffee can throw my entire day off.

Where to buy the Bialetti French Press

I received product to facilitate my review. I am retired from Starbucks and spent many years making GREAT coffee. All opinions are strictly my own.

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Comments

  4. I never cared for regular coffee but love iced coffee. It’s all about the creamer with that kind!

  6. Would you believe me if I told you I have NEVER made a cup of coffee in my life.

    I worked at an office once and I came in first and then a bunch of guys came in later. They complained that I was the “woman” and came in first so I should make the coffee.

    I said I don’t drink it…I ain’t making it!

  13. No caffeine for me, so coffee is only decaf flavored monstrosities very occasionally. But if I ever need to make the perfect cup at least now I know how.

  14. I can gratify my coffee cravings with the one in packs. One type of coffee that I can spend so much is the Alamid Coffee from the Philippines. It is rare and delightful

  20. I could wear the smell like perfume. It’s odd that you love the smell and not the flavor. Do you like coffee ice cream?

  30. You can have all of the fancy coffee makers in the world yet NOTHING makes coffee better than a french press (unless it’s espresso).

  35. It IS good, but you can drink a cup of tea or hot chocolate while I have my coffee and we can still hang out and talk. 😉

  40. Great advice we make it very closely to how you suggest. the only difference is that we take the water off the heat just prior to it hitting the boil. The water remains oxygenated and we believe that it delivers more crema and flavor to the sip from the french press. Thanks for your advice!

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