For Better Or Worse

Thursday Thirteen - Grandma isn't listless anymore
This started as a list of things that could be improved. Coffee made the top of the list. No need to go further. For those who love coffee. For those who don't, because they've never had a really good cup. Here are 13 ways to make better coffee.
  1. Equipment
    Skip glass carafes that sit on hot plates. They make coffee bitter very quickly. Hamilton Beach makes a coffee brew station that is my favorite. Push button dispensing and no bitter taste, even hours after it's made.
  2. Keep it clean
    Remnants of yesterday's coffee will not improve today's. Wash removable parts daily. A monthly vinegar rinse will prevent buildup that slows brewing time and keeps coffee tasting great.
  3. Grinding
    Buy the beans whole and grind them right before you make your coffee. Coffee grinders are inexpensive and grinding takes seconds. The aroma alone is justification for this one.
  4. The Right Bean
    Truly a matter of personal taste, so try different beans to see which you like best. There are many different roasts, not to mention a multitude of flavored beans.
  5. Heavy Cream
    No substitute has the same wonderful effect. Spare me the cholesterol lectures. I'm talking about better coffee, not better arteries.
  6. Spice it up
    Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to change your coffee experience.
  7. Cocoa
    Every chocolate lover should enjoy this one. Put cocoa in a shaker and sprinkle it on top of your coffee. Or mix a teaspoon of cocoa with the ground beans before brewing
  8. Whipped Cream
    A totally different experience from cream in the coffee. Take a couple minutes and whip it fresh while your coffee is brewing. Calico and I like creme brulee flavored coffee topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  9. The Right Mug
    Again it's a matter of personal taste. Some may prefer using the same treasured mug each day. We choose from a variety for different seasons and holidays. The mug is part of the total experience. Don't just thoughlessly grab one.
  10. Keep it hot
    No, Grandma is not attempting to instruct you in matters that should be personal. I'm talking about a mug warmer. No need to gulp your coffee. These handy little devices are quite inexpensive and do a great job of keeping coffee warm.
  11. Moderation
    I used to drink several cups a day. I got lots of caffeine buzz, but not much coffee pleasure. Now I drink one cup and enjoy it more.
  12. Time
    Nothing this good should be rushed. If you're using that mug warmer, you won't need to. Savor each steaming, flavorful sip.
  13. Company
    Sure you can drink alone and I won't even recommend a 12-step program if you do. But regardless of how you make it, it's always better with a friend.
Grandma
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Comments

  1. What a cheerful page. Love your background here! I don't drink coffee, but I'll be sure to pass some of these tips along to my friends who do. I'm here via Thurs.13. Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. I'm so glad you like my graphics. I wanted to design something that I enjoyed seeing, since I spend a lot of time here.

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  3. I love the classical black Italian espresso just with sugar !

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  4. I like coffee made with a french press.

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  5. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coffee. And the teaspoon of coffee in the ground beans is one I hadn't tried (usually add cinnamon to my grounds before brewing). I'm going to try it tomorrow morning. Thanks, Grandma :)

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  6. Enjoyed that, even though I'm a tea drinker.

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  7. Coffee has such rich and abiding traditions and techniques. It's such a personal and social thing. Makes me really wish I could drink it.

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  8. I love coffee, my sister makes the best cup for me!and yes,I do love your blog background too, it's neat!!!

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  9. I don't know what my day would be like if not for my morning coffee. I don't think I should find out. I love a French press as a treat in the middle of the afternoon. Otherwise I take my just plain brewed. My dream coffee maker is Bunn but alas I can not justify $100 for this item. So I stick with Mr. Coffee. I put my coffee into a Corning insulated carafe. I use a very small mug so that it says warm/hot with out a warmer. It is like a 4 ounce mug.
    Love this topic.

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  10. I love the smell of coffee, but not the taste. Weird, huh?

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  11. I don't actually like coffee (although I love coffee ice cream) but I must have it in the morning, hot, strong and black. Otherwise, I am a zombie all day.

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