Use a French Press

Mission Level

Not this type of press

Success!

French Press Coffee
When you are sick for any period of time and you eat certain foods during this time, it is more then likely you will be unable to eat that food again because it will remind you of how you felt.

I believe this is because things like sound and smell are deeply places in our brains. It’s why when you hear a song from your first school dance or during a very sad time, you can remember it very well. For example, the smell of car exhaust reminds me of ice cream because when I was growing up, in the summer, my Dad would take us to get ice cream in his 1969 Mustang.

I use to say that I escaped my sickness unscathed by these sick -food demons, that is untrue. I found I avoid:

• Peanut butter protein bars: These were a staple of my at-deaths-door diet.
• Ham and potato casserole: Can’t do it. Can’t even think about it. Don’t even like a ham omelets next to hash browns.
• Water from my parents’ bathroom: I’ve been getting better with it, quite honestly. However, I do not live with my parents anymore.
• Oreos: I never liked chocolate and because of this, I ate Oreos every time I had to take a medication with food that I knew was going to incapacitate me.

Oddly enough, there are foods I have had horrible experiences with that I still can chow down with:

• Banana: Taste the same going down as they do coming up.
• Ice cream: Once, it was all I could eat. I would eat this if I knew I was going to be puking because a good quality ice cream tastes the same going in and coming out.
• Meat: If you think you are going to be sick, don’t eat meat. I have and I still eat meat.
• Coffee: Staple.

Learning About CoffeeMy doctor and I shared a love of coffee. Being that he was a person I saw the most (minus my parents) during my sickness, and had been through what I had been through, we had a pretty good rapport.

A real French press

Not the caffeine addicted omg-I-luz-DD type love - an appreciation of the science and chemisty behind brewing a fine French Roast. I enjoy a mellow breakfast blend on the weekends but a darker roast during the week. This is the type of coffee you don’t find in Dunkin’ Donuts or Wawa. Sometimes you might find the grounds, but, certainly not the right way to make it.

Also, don’t put your coffee in the freezer or fridge. It’s not good for it.

Using the PressI really wanted to get into the French press of making coffee because, well, really, I have no reason. I think it worked out when I didn’t like the coffee at work and I could brew my own with this fascinating piece of equipment.

It works pretty simple, you pull up the plunger, put in your coffee, put in the water, wait and then push the grounds down and pour.

Get a good quality coffee and grind your coffee with a nice grinder for the best results. For a French press you want larger particles of ground coffee. This is why on ground coffee bags it will say things like “For drip coffee” or “for espresso” or “French press.” The size of the coffee particles is key in making a good coffee. You can also purchace the coffee.

Here is the best step-by-step I ever found – which I cannot take credit for. Mark Prince – the friendly Canadian photographer came up with it.


Proper Instructions

Final Thoughts
I don't use my French press as much as I use to, it is a special treat. I enjoy the coffee where I work so the last times I used my press when I was working from home at my old job. I have actually not used my press since my doctor passed away in November 16, 2010.

Be Part of the Adventure

Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.

Image Credit
French Press from ign.com
Other from theblaze.co