French Press Friday

A few weeks ago I was on the hunt for a new coffee machine.  I have an espresso machine - which I love - but I needed something else.  Everyone had suggested the Keurig to me.. but I couldn't justify paying that much money for one.  Though I know a lot of people pay for it for the convenience.  Stick in the cup, press the button, out comes your coffee.  And that's fine.

But I needed something that would be friendly to our bank account.  And I'm not in a rush for my coffee in the morning.  So the fact that is brews coffee in like 30 seconds wasn't a 'wow' factor for me.  I just wanted a good cup of coffee, for a good price. 

My cousin had suggested I get a French Press!  I had heard of them before, but didn't know much about them.  So I did my research.  And I ended up going out that same weekend to purchase one.  I took my 20% off coupon and headed to Bed Bath & Beyond to purchase the Bodum Chambord Coffee Press.  It is fun to use.. and only takes 5 minutes for the coffee to be ready.  One minute to boil the water, 4 minutes to steep.  I could live with that.  The coffee it makes is so smooth and rich.  I was pretty proud of my purchase.  Plus it's all pretty-looking.. sitting there on my 'coffee station' in my kitchen.  ;)

Every cup tastes so fresh, because it's best to grind your own when you use a french press.  The smell of coffee beans?  Best smell.  Ever.  Especially in the morning.

You want to grind it, so it's still pretty course. 

And then you have to combine it in the french press with some hot water.  Give it a stir, and let it steep for at least 4 minutes.  After that, you press down the top so it pushes all the coffee grounds to the bottom, and all the coffee up through the mesh strainer.

Of course my favorite part.. is enjoying it.  :)

Anyone else use a French Press and love it?  Or have thought about using one?