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scrapoodle1
PeaNut
PeaNut 529,022
November 2011
Posts: 234
Layouts: 0
 |  Posted: 10/8/2012 2:38:42 PM
My neighbor gave me a French Press to make my coffee. I have only used it twice and the coffee is OK, just a little bitter or strong to my liking so I guess I need to cut back on the grounds. Does anyone else use a French Press to make their coffee? Any tips or suggestions you learned along the way? | |
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,535
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 2:45:15 PM
I've used a French press for years and feel it makes the best coffee at home. I keep being tempted by those fancy single-serving machines with the pods but I would have to give up my French press and I KNOW the flavor and richness won't be as good.
One thing is that you have to use a coarse grind, not the fine grind that most coffees are sold as. I buy the beans and grind them at the store using their grinder (because I don't have my own). But there's a setting on the machine for Coarse or it will say Espresso, French Press, etc depending on the grinder.
If you're already doing that, I would say just play around with the amount like you were planning to. Also how long are you steeping it? |
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CheriVall
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 44,377
August 2002
Posts: 2,745
Layouts: 10
Loc: Spring/Woodlands TX
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 3:20:29 PM
I am just marking my spot ..we are taking a french press with us on our cruise in Jan and will be practicing before to make sure we get it perfect .. Erika any tips to make sure we come up with the perfect cup (besides playing with the amount of coffee we use)
Thanks,
Cheri |
"There is a choice you make in everything you do. In the end, the choice you make, makes you." ~Author Unknown
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." -unknown
Kaitlyn's Promise | |
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lisabb
PeaAddict
PeaNut 526,561
November 2011
Posts: 1,207
Layouts: 0
Loc: Bonnie Scotland
| Posted: 10/8/2012 3:26:17 PM
I had to google what it was and found it it's what we call a cafetiere. I use one all the time and even have a little individual one for my morning coffee. |
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peanuttle
PeaAddict
PeaNut 136,677
March 2004
Posts: 1,053
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 3:28:01 PM
We have one that we primarily use for camping, but every once in awhile we pull it out. It makes an excellent cup of coffee, especially if you grind our own beans. So fresh and yummy! | |
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ScrapnGranny
PeaFixture
PeaNut 11,212
February 2001
Posts: 3,144
Layouts: 94
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 3:30:05 PM
Cheri, I'm interested in why you are taking the FP on your cruise? We just came back from a cruise and wouldn't have thought to bring something to make coffee. Just curious.
We've used a French press in our trailer and liked it, but don't have any great tips. |
Janet
Granny's Score: Boys 5 ~ Girls 2
And yes, with my background, my opinion is worth more than that of a middle school teacher who can't get her facts straight.~ Batya
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naby64
Made 5000, now what?
PeaNut 180,263
December 2004
Posts: 7,606
Layouts: 154
Loc: Arkansas
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Runner5
Pea All You Can Pea!
PeaNut 36,843
April 2002
Posts: 16,617
Layouts: 25
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 3:34:14 PM
Best coffee ever!!
I admit I quit using mine after DH bought a Tass just cause I don't have to stand around waiting for water to boil.
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I am Jen
PinkKitchenStudio
PeaNut 14,286
April 2001
Posts: 15,208
Layouts: 244
Loc: Louisville, Ky
| Posted: 10/8/2012 3:41:59 PM
I love my french press & love the strong coffee, but I have no patience to use it every morning. I love fast coffee with my Keurig.
I do love taking the french press to the lake when we stay in a cabin & sit on the porch overlooking the lake early in the mornings with my coffee. I have the patience for that! |
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,535
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:01:34 PM
I am just marking my spot ..we are taking a french press with us on our cruise in Jan and will be practicing before to make sure we get it perfect .. Erika any tips to make sure we come up with the perfect cup (besides playing with the amount of coffee we use)
I take mine when I travel too but it's because I'm so picky now about having great coffee in the morning. Usually hotels et al offer Mr. Coffee-type brewing with Yuban or something and I'm far too hoity for that now, LOL.
Cheri, I can't think of any tips per se but here is my procedure 
Boil water in a tea kettle (I don't let it get too super hot because I want my coffee sooner than later)
Pour coarse ground coffee into French press. Right now I'm using Trader Joe's pumpkin spice coffee then a dash of some plain espresso. I just eyeball it until the bottom is covered and there's maybe 1/2 inch (?) of coffee. (I probably drink mine stronger than most so YMMV).
Pour boiling water almost to top, allowing room for the lid and press.
Let brew for 5-8 minutes, then push press down.
While I'm waiting, I get my coffee mug ready with some whole cream and pour the coffee over it.
Sometimes I use plain coffee then add sugar-free vanilla syrup and cream. Or with naturally flavored vanilla or pumpkin spice coffee, I add cream with pumpkin spice and cinnamon. That's my drink this time of year.
After a mug or two, I pour whatever's left into a Starbucks insulated cold cup, stick it in the fridge, and have iced coffee later in the day.
I have an insulated stainless steel French press from Starbucks but I can't find it online. This is the idea though:
cE9s4PsSkSBP-DtKQ9K!~~60_35.JPG)
I'm a slow coffee drinker and this keeps it warm all morning.
When I'm done, I dump out the grounds, rinse the 2 pieces, and put 'em in the dish rack. I wash with soap about once/twice a week. I read at some point you're supposed to "season" it like a pan. Anyway, so much easier than cleaning my old coffee maker. |
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CheriVall
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 44,377
August 2002
Posts: 2,745
Layouts: 10
Loc: Spring/Woodlands TX
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:25:57 PM
heri, I'm interested in why you are taking the FP on your cruise? We just came back from a cruise and wouldn't have thought to bring something to make coffee. Just curious.
Because I am SUPER picky about coffee and the coffee on the ship SUCKS .. I only drink one cup a day but it has to be good 
Cheri, I am being extra nosy. We are possibly booking a cruise in Jan. We have to take it before Feb and Dec is wayyyyy toooooo busy. Will ya'll be leaving out of NO or Galveston? Just wondering if a fellow pea may be on my cruise...
Jan 20 on the Magic out of Galveston .. it is 7 days and the ports are Belize Roatan and Cozumel .. if you have not picked one yet ..pick that one 
Cheri |
"There is a choice you make in everything you do. In the end, the choice you make, makes you." ~Author Unknown
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." -unknown
Kaitlyn's Promise | |
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naby64
Made 5000, now what?
PeaNut 180,263
December 2004
Posts: 7,606
Layouts: 154
Loc: Arkansas
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:28:16 PM
Jan 20 on the Magic out of Galveston .. it is 7 days and the ports are Belize Roatan and Cozumel .. if you have not picked one yet ..pick that one
Well, Boo! We have one picked and it is out of NO. It is closer to us than to go to Galveston. Besides, DH gets to pick destination this time and he wants Key West and Bahamas. I really would like to see Belize and Roatan. Oh well, I guess I pick the NEXT one.... Ya'll have fun!! |
Renee
mom to 3 great kiddos - 21, 18, 15
GO HOGS!!!
GO RED WOLVES!!!
Renee's Musings
   
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CheriVall
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 44,377
August 2002
Posts: 2,745
Layouts: 10
Loc: Spring/Woodlands TX
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:28:50 PM
Thanks for the instructions Erika .. if we find that we like the FP a lot we are asking the son's for the one like you have for Christmas .. We are just going to use the glass one that they sell at Starbucks for this trip.
Cheri
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"There is a choice you make in everything you do. In the end, the choice you make, makes you." ~Author Unknown
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." -unknown
Kaitlyn's Promise | |
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mygirls
PeaNut
PeaNut 53,051
October 2002
Posts: 333
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:32:13 PM
I took my French press to Disney world. Love a good cup of coffee in the room. Coffee in hotel was blah. I took on vacation this summer and used multiple times a day | |
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CheriVall
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 44,377
August 2002
Posts: 2,745
Layouts: 10
Loc: Spring/Woodlands TX
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:33:08 PM
Besides, DH gets to pick destination this time and he wants Key West and Bahamas.
We did that one last year at this time.. Had a blast .. the pics are on my facebook page ..
AND y'all are going after they do the upgrades to the Conquest (I am assuming Carnival)
Cheri |
"There is a choice you make in everything you do. In the end, the choice you make, makes you." ~Author Unknown
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." -unknown
Kaitlyn's Promise | |
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TXDancermom
PeaFixture
PeaNut 146,748
May 2004
Posts: 3,672
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:39:37 PM
I have a little one that I can make just one cup for myself if I want to. it takes some trial and error to get the right amount of coffee. Never thought of taking one when we travel, ours are glass so they would be a pain to pack.
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 10/8/2012 4:53:12 PM
For those who are interested, here are a LOT of FP makers. I love to see the different ones.
Linky to FP images
I use our FP for ribbon storage, until we have a power outage. Then we boil water on the gas grill for our coffee and use the FP. |
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Mystie
Dancing to the end of love.
PeaNut 8,446
December 2000
Posts: 11,800
Layouts: 173
Loc: Newport News, VA
| Posted: 10/8/2012 5:09:34 PM
I have a little one that makes one cup at a time. I found I needed to use less coffee than the instructions called for--I like my coffee mild. It really does make a fantastic cup of coffee! |
Janelle
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ScrapnGranny
PeaFixture
PeaNut 11,212
February 2001
Posts: 3,144
Layouts: 94
| Posted: 10/8/2012 5:40:57 PM
Thanks, Cheri. That's sorta what I figured. I love my coffee, but admittedly, my palate is not that refined. Someone bringing it to me, hits a 10 on my scale. 
Enjoy your cruise. |
Janet
Granny's Score: Boys 5 ~ Girls 2
And yes, with my background, my opinion is worth more than that of a middle school teacher who can't get her facts straight.~ Batya
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50off_scrapper
PeaFixture
PeaNut 135,621
March 2004
Posts: 3,528
Layouts: 52
Loc: somewhere in Texas
| Posted: 10/8/2012 7:26:36 PM
I do. I did buy an electric kettle and it heats up the water fast. It turns off automatically and I really like tha. |
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50off_scrapper
PeaFixture
PeaNut 135,621
March 2004
Posts: 3,528
Layouts: 52
Loc: somewhere in Texas
| Posted: 10/8/2012 7:27:08 PM
I do. I did buy an electric kettle and it heats up the water fast. It turns off automatically and I really like that. |
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molove
Gabby Pea
PeaNut 82,634
April 2003
Posts: 16,565
Layouts: 2
Loc: Seattle, WA
| Posted: 10/8/2012 7:29:37 PM
Every morning!
Get the best beans you can--your favorite flavor.
Grind them right before you put them in the press.
Add boiling water. We have one of the automatic boiling water faucets on our sink, so it's really easy. Instant tea, coffee, hot chocolate when we want it.
Wait 4-5 minutes, press and voila!
We have a little "coffee station" on the counter. It's got the big grinder, french press pots (we have a few sizes) and then the big latte maker. Hubby only makes lattes on weekends, so it's FP for weekdays.
The key is using a coffee you love. Hey--even Howard Schultz said FP was the best way to experience coffee! | |
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Scraptologist
Princess Pinkness
PeaNut 2,163
December 1999
Posts: 9,735
Layouts: 76
Loc: I'm So Canadian Even My Blood Cells are Red and White
 | Posted: 10/8/2012 8:37:07 PM
I used a French press for years b/c I was the only coffee drinker in the house and I could make a great single cup. Then I bought a Keurig and took my French press to work. Then I bought a second Keurig for work. | |
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Beth P.
PeaAddict
PeaNut 15,577
May 2001
Posts: 1,788
Layouts: 118
Loc: Sydney, Australia
| Posted: 10/8/2012 9:00:22 PM
They're very popular here and we've used one for years. The rule tends to be one tablespoon/cup plus an extra for the pot. I like strong coffee so I tend to put in 4-5. I think it's a tablespoon - it's the one that came with the pot. We've had a number of Bodum ones over the years. My favourite is the one we have now - the outer part is rubber and it had plastic "windows" that encase the glass.
Why do I like it? It's harder to break 
It is much stronger than automatic drip coffee but you can add less ground coffee or more hot water to your cup so it's not as strong. |
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