This is my new favorite way to brew coffee. Funnily enough, we’ve had this filter holder (maybe made by Melitta?) for a long time. It usually sits in a cupboard at home. I brought it with me, along with some individual filters. When I was in Chautauqua earlier this summer, Andrea, one of my roommates, showed me a collapsible filter holder (I’m including the link because it’s such a neat idea) that she took with her on the road. She is a costume designer and she travels a lot. She also likes strong coffee and this way of making coffee results in a good, strong cup. (I still want to get that collapsible holder!) She made me a cup and I was sold.
I suppose it’s the same idea as a Keurig, but much less expensive. Just the holder, a filter and however much coffee you want to use. I am a Peets French Roast fan, so that’s what I spoon into the filter. I’ve been using the teakettle here to boil water, add it slowly to the filter in a swirling motion and voilà! Great, great coffee. It takes more time, but I’ve been thinking about that. Just as making tea can be a sort of ritual, I think making a cup of coffee should be as well. It’s one of my favorite things about the morning, so why not honor that ritual?
When Don was here, I made his coffee this way and he really loved it. I think we’re sold. I don’t know when I bought this filter holder, but it was years ago and it probably cost $5.00 or less. Can’t beat the price.
I finished this book yesterday.
I miss my friends in Mitford. Jan Karon has such a gift for creating a small town and all its inhabitants. It was over 500 pages long and I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m sad. Where are all my friends in Mitford, North Carolina? It’s a great gift when you can read a book and feel surrounded by friends. A great gift.
My mother loved these books and I would always let her know when a new one was coming out. I miss talking to her about them. Love you, Mom.
I’ll review it either tomorrow or Monday, depending on my schedule. But I’ll give you a heads up: it’s wonderful.
The show is going very well. Scout is doing well. She greeted me last night full of hyper energy. She ran a bit in the park (just a bit) and she ran down the street back to the apartment. I had to rein her in! She was hungry – so far, so good with the food staying down – and she doesn’t like me being away at night, so she was glad I was home. In fact, she had that slightly crazed look in her eyes that only Scout can get. I shake my head in amazement. Now, she’ll sleep through most of the day.
So I’m staying for at least one more night, and will most likely stay through Opening Night tomorrow, although I have nothing to wear. Then we’ll pack up early in the morning and head home.
More on all of that tomorrow: living in an apartment away from home and why I will miss it.
Happy Thursday.
That is exactly how I make coffee when we are camping..or at least did. My husband bought me a stove top percolator which I do love. I’ll probbly do both. I need to look at that collapsing filter holder. Great idea! And Peets coffee is wonderful! My parents enjoyed the Mitford books (I believe my Dad read them to my Mom as her health began to fade). I’ve never read them, but they certainly get a lot of good press. Once I get thru the hundreds lined up on my bookshelves and on my Kindle, I’ll need to check those out. Glad Scout continues to do well.
My mom loved them, as well. We would talk about each new addition in the series. You’d like them, Vera.
That is the way my daughter in Cali makes coffee and it is wonderful. She has some fancy kettle thing that gets water to the exact right temp. She grounds her beans fresh each morning. My other daughter and her husband us a French Press. I’m still happy with my Keurig…I think I’m lazy in the morning :)
So so happy Scout is feeling better and you can stay a little longer and maybe enjoy the opening night.
hugs,
Linda
I’ve used a French Press in the past – I remember I started to use one because a friend I was staying with in England used one. But they are a little messy to clean up – at least for me. So I think I’m going with this – just pull the filter out and dispose of it!
I just finished a book last night – ‘Station Eleven: A Novel’ / Emily St John Mandel – a beautifully written story and I did not want it to end. As I was reading this book , you kept coming to mind; and, I wondered what you would think of it. I know you are busy with work — and soon you and Scout will return home – but, I wanted to include a link to a review of the book at GoodReads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20170404-station-eleven). Check it out if you have time – I think you would like it.
PS So glad Scout is still able to surprise/delight her Mom with her zest for life. May you two girls continue enjoying adventures together !
Oh, thank you for the link! I will definitely check it out, ReginaAnne. It’s a title I haven’t heard of before. Thank you for expanding my reading horizons!
When I make tea…it is a ritual that I totally enjoy. And, you’re right…we should treat coffee in the same way. We use a Bunn…so our coffee is ready in 3 minutes…we are impatient here! So happy you get to stay an extra night…but…happier still that Scout is feeling better! ;)
Well, I’m usually very impatient about the whole thing, but since I’ve been here and I’ve had to walk Scout first thing, etc., I’ve been more inclined to take my time about it – if that makes sense?
Oh…it makes total sense! Pets come first…even before coffee! Besides…I would think, the fresh air alone would wake you up! ;)
Wow Claludia, you are a FAST FAST reader, I’m only up to page 209. I’m loving it as well and look forward to your review. I just love hearing about Scout. Thank you for sharing your life with us, you are a breath of fresh air.
I’ve had a fair amount of free time this week, which has helped. And I knew I had to get it back to the library here in Hartford before I leave town. That makes one read a little faster!
That Scout is one amazing girl! My Scottie I had many years ago was not into “adventures” at all! Back in the early 70s, a friend of mine spent a year in France, and then told me about Melitta. So somewhere around then I bought a 6-8 cup Melitta thermos carafe that came with the 6-8 cup filter holder. I hadn’t used it for years, but when family came this past summer, I got it out (the thermos liner was still good), and made them coffee with that. My nearest grocery store didn’t have the 6-8 cup cone filters, so I bought the 3-4 cup and added the boiling water very slowly indeed. But it turned out well. I should look for a smaller version, too. However, I’ve had to practically weed out coffee anymore because it gives me heartburn. :o[ (Well, I was drinking too much at work.) Enjoy the last of your stay in Hartford! Oh … forgive the long comment, but wanted to add that my mother loved the Mitford books, too, and led me to read them all. I look forward to your review. I’d better put a hold on it at the library now because it will be awhile, no doubt! Blessings to you and yours, Bess
Yes, do put it on hold, Bess. It’s really wonderfully written and it will be worth the wait!
French Press..I haven’t had coffee that way for a long time..Glad Scout is better..I know you’ll all be glad to get home..Don’t know how you do it!!
Me either! But you do what you have to do, Missy. Soon we’ll be back home – which will seem like someone else’s house for a few days, I’m sure.
My Mother had a Melitta filter that sat on top a cup many years ago..she enjoyed coffee that way also..I didn’t start to drink coffee until I was in my thirties..the collapsible filter looks like a great idea for travelers like you and Don..and not too expensive..I didn’t realize there were a series of those books..anxious to hear more..Miss Scout is certainly enjoying her little bouts of “puppiness” isn’t she??
Yes, there’s over 10 of them, I think. I’m tempted to reread them all in order.
Scout is slow getting going, but by the evening, she’s full of vim and vigor – at least for the last few days!
Hi Claudia,
This is a coffee and reading day for me too as a Northeaster blows its way through Maine. I’m reading Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini and really enjoying it. Your coffee sounds delicious. Enjoy the rest of your day! ~Cheryl
The Nor’easter just left here, Cheryl. Very windy and rainy. My hat blew off yesterday and rolled down the street!
I bought one of those “pour-over” filters years ago. I liked the “no-tech” quality of it, and since I was living in a studio apartment at the time, it was a great space-saver. When not in use it sat atop my favorite big mug in the cupboard. But the few times I used it I either poured too much water or did it too fast – or something. Because I always ended up with a puddle of water and coffee grounds on the countertop. So I went back to my trusty French press [which makes 2 big mugs at once, my limit for the day. But I do remember the “pour over” coffee being really delicious. Maybe I’ll dig the filter out and give it another try.
I pour the water in a bit at at time, let it work its way through the filter, then pour some more – until I have a full mug.
Coffee used to be a much anticipated after dinner ritual in my parents’ home. After we closed up my parents’ house, my sister and I each took one of the traditional long-handled, small copper pots that my mother used to make coffee. I’m not allowed to make the morning coffee at work as apparently my coffee has too much kick for my co-workers.
So glad things are looking up with Scout and that you may be able to attend opening night. ‘Nothing to wear’? Just some of your fabulous red lipstick is all you need – you already exude glamour!
Aw, you’re very sweet, Barbara! (I feel anything but glamorous lately!)
Books and coffee…they just go together, don’t they? I’m “in love” with my French Press. It’s how I make my coffee every morning. Glad you’re almost done with your work in Hartford…I’m sure you’ll be very glad to get home.
Yes, one more full day after today and then we’re outta here! I’ll miss it, but I’ll be glad to get home.
I agree with you on the Karon book, Claudia. It is wonderful! She has such a gift of writing such warm books . Have you ever read any of the Miss Read books? They are written by Dora Saint who lived in England and passed away a few years ago. She wrote all her books under the name of Miss Read. Miss Read is a village school mistress in a quaint little English village. Many of the village characters are repeated in each book. She wrote two different series of books – Fairacre and Thrush Green. All are wonderfully cozy books. I have them all and have re-read them several times. They should be in your library and also are very cheap on Amazon. Check them out!
I have GOT to get back to reading that book. I got up to about page 50 and was trying so hard to remember all of the characters and the geography that my thoughts kept drifting off.
We are in the midst of a re-do of our liv room and dining room and everything has been torn apart for too long for me. Carpet gets installed on Tues. and the new furniture gets delivered on Thurs. I am debating taking the mirror off of the buffet (like yours) for a while. It will fit on my 1/2 wall that way. Anyway, as you can see, I can’t keep a thought going with this mess.
Now I want to finish the book before you post your review!!
I, too, want to re-read them in order after the first of the year.
I am so very happy that Scout seems to be putting several good days in a row together. Yay! Also glad you have been able to stay longer. I know that would have bothered you a bit if you would have had to leave earlier than planned. It will be so nice to get back to home-sweet-home!!