How to Brew Coffee with a French Press

Brewing coffee in a french press (or press pot) allows all of the flavors of the coffee bean to come through, and it makes an elegant presentation for after-dinner coffee.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• French press coffee maker
• Coffee beans
• Bean grinder
• Water
• Kettle
• Stove

1. Boil the water in the kettle.

2. While the water is boiling, grind the coffee beans, using approximately 2 rounded tablespoons of beans per 8 ounces of pot capacity (e.g. 3 rounded tablespoons for a 12-ounce press). The grind should be slightly more coarse than for a drip coffee maker.

3. 

   Remove the lid and plunger from the press and place the ground coffee in the glass beaker.

4. 

   Add water and stir.

5. 

   Place the plunger and lid back on the pot, being careful not to press the plunger down yet.

6. Let the coffee brew for 4 minutes.

7. Carefully remove the lid and plunger, and give the coffee a gentle stir.

8. 

   Replace the lid and slowly press the plunger down. The coffee grounds will be confined to the bottom of the pot, beneath the filter.

9. Pour and serve.

[phantasm74]

on 7/9/2008 I wouldn't use the phrase " Boil the water in the kettle" since you should never use boiling water when making coffee (should never go over 200 degrees F) but otherwise the instructions are right on the mark.