Little Reviews of Cool Stuff

Don Morgan, Psy.D.

 

OK, this issue’s Little Reviews of Cool Stuff features coffee.  After years of trying and failing to make a cup of coffee that I really love at home, I was driven to the internet and did some research.  It turns out that there is a cult of coffee roasters/grinders/brewers that is quite impressive.   Reminds me of alchemists attempting to make gold from base metals.  I can now pass along the secrets of my success, and a suggestion for even better coffee that I haven’t quite succumbed to yet.

           First and foremost is the discovery of my holy grail of coffee makers – the Aeropress – made by the guy who invented the Aerobee, the Frisbee-like ring thing that you can throw a mile.  Anyway, he wanted perfect coffee and spent a couple of years experimenting with all known methods.  Then he invented this little plastic $25 item that blows all the other away.  Click here to see it, watch video of how it works, and read his story: http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm

           Recently there have been some reviews of coffee making on various internet geek sites and this one always wins.  This link will give you the whole rundown on methods and a video and discussions of variations that people find helpful [water temperature, agitation, grind, etc]

http://lifehacker.com/#!5778831/dropping-the-drip-how-to-get-started-with-better-coffee-making

           Finally, if you want to go the next step…. [don’t read any further unless you are willing to risk it all for great coffee and don’t say I didn’t warn you]  ROAST YOUR OWN COFFEE.  I’ve resisted roasting my own so far, but have made a few cups using Mocha Java coffee that was roasted “yesterday” at home by a guy I know, and it was truly superb.  Using one’s favorite beans that you’ve roasted “yesterday” and grinding it in a top of the line “burr” grinder and brewing it in the Aerobee Press….  Nirvana.

           OK, so you can get fresh green beans and roast them in a very simple 20 minute process in one of several inexpensive small home roasters that are available for around a hundred dollars, maybe less on ebay.  Click here at your own risk for a most wonderful coffee-lovers’ website that has it ALL, including what you need to begin roasting.  http://www.sweetmarias.com/index.php

           Sweet Maria’s also reviews the Aeropress and has its own ideas about how to best use it.  http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmarias/coffee-brewers/aeropress.html

           So I hope you all enjoy some great coffee, and I look forward to reading some emails describing your ecstasy while drinking my great cup o’ Guatemalan, home roasted, burr ground, Aerobee press-brewed Joe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Don busy researching coffee and cool stuff.