How to Make European Coffee

Make your coffee the European way.

The world not only has to thank goats for their rich milk, but also their wonderful discovery: coffee. A shepherd noticed that his goats danced about ebulliently after eating some red berries and couldn't sleep that night. After sampling the berries himself, the shepherd realized their potential. Making coffee in a press is one of Europe's favorite ways to make coffee. With a press, you can make your own coffee and imagine yourself in Europe.

Things You'll Need

• Kettle
• Water
• French press
• Measuring cup or spoon
• Whole coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Chopstick (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill your kettle with water and put it on the stove. Turn the burner to "High." When the water boils, remove the kettle from the heat. While waiting for the water to boil, go on to the next step.

2. Remove the lid and take out the plunger and filter.

3. Preheat the French press with hot water from the tap. This will help temper the glass so it doesn't break when you pour in the hot water from the kettle.

4. Measure coffee beans and put them in the grinder. The formula is approximately 1 tbsp. of medium to coarsely ground coffee for every 5 oz. of water. The amount is approximate depending on your individual taste. If you like strong coffee, you may wish to increase the amount to 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp. of ground coffee for every 5 oz. of water, or fewer teaspoons if you prefer weaker coffee.

5. Pour out the tap water from the French press. Put the ground coffee in the bottom of the French press.

6. Pour the water from kettle into the French press. Wait for the coffee grounds to sink.

7. Put the plunger and lid back onto the pot. Lower the plunger until it is about 2 inches from the bottom. Let the coffee grounds steep for three to four minutes, then press the plunger down the rest of the way.

8. Rotate the lid until the hole lines up with the spout and pour yourself a cup of European coffee.

Tips & Warnings

• You can help the coffee grounds sink more quickly by stirring them with a chopstick.

References

• National Coffee Association: The History of Coffee
• What's Cooking America: French Press