illy query
[misc]
posted by catherine / February 22, 2006 / 
a question from a reader, michelle, that i am unable to answer! i thought you expert cultured folks might know better than i do in regards to this:
In one of your posts you mentioned Illy coffee. I am not sure if you brew it at home. If you do, I need some advice! I have a french press and am having major issues getting a cup that's just right. I'm usually dealing with a feeling that its too watery or too strong. Any advice would be so appreciated!!!
what say you?
Comments
1 coffee measure per 6 ounces of water. For a french press, you need coarse ground coffee (preferrably ground at the moment of preparation). The rest of it is up to the quality of the beans, the level of roast, and the cleanliness of your water.
I've never used one, myself, but I'm told burr grinders are essential for fresh presses. So, as usual, your friend simply hasn't thrown enough money at the problem.
Burr grinders are most commonly needed for espresso grinds. A cheap $9.99 Braun grinder (or forbid a supermarket's grinder) should be sufficient for the coarse grind needed for a french press. Although burr grinders should be able to handle all grinding needs, it's one of those appliances best left to a wedding registry. Sure, you can probably find a good one between $50 and $100 (cheap if you have disposable income), but if you think about how much you're going to use it over the period of a year... it may or may not be worthwhile.
Thanks to everyone!
I've been using the french press with my other coffee blend but bought some Illy (already ground and according to the canister at the right texture, etc for the french press - though I am totally doubting that now) and have had really inconsistent results. Tomorrow's cup better be good!
Oops! 6 oz should read 4 oz. My brain was thinking about my 6 oz. coffee cups and not water. I tend to use my coffee cup as a measure of water (because I actually measured it once). AGAIN... 1 coffee measure per 4 ounces of water!
Tomas: Thank you thank you! I sit here sipping my morning cup of coffee and its tasty thanks to your advice.
Now.... if only I could my new iPod to work properly we'll be having a good week.
that's a question for tommy!
I was actually able to get the iPod to work. I think that being properly caffienated helped.
and now I am going to attempt to make my IPod work again by drowning the MFer in coffee.
Zunta.org: answers for everyone!
Check out this very detailed list of instructions:
http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.brewers.frenchpress.shtml
or here:
http://www.fantes.com/french_press.htm
However, my method is pretty simple:
Take 2 to 2.5 scoops (the scoop I use holds about 1/8 of a cup) of whole beans and then grind using a burr grinder.
Pour in about 16 oz of boiling water.
Stir until the grounds are wet.
Put the plunger in about 1/2-1 inch down from the top of the water.
After 3 minutes push the plunger down and then immediately pour out all the coffee into cups or a thermos.
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