Coffee

I have several friends who don’t like coffee. I have several friends who say they like coffee, but drink really weird things with a lot of splenda and artificial flavors. But I will admit to the world, right here and right now, that I LOVE COFFEE. (ps when I learn my photoshop I’m coming back to this post specifically to make that last part really really big and pretty.)

To me, there are fewer things more luxurious than waking up and easing into the day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Even better… TWO cups of freshly brewed coffee. I love everything about it. I love feeling the spoon dive into the fresh grounds and then slowly coming back up, some of the grids falling back into the bag, all the while the strong Sumatran flavor dancing in your nose, ruining your nose for all other scents. I love pouring the half and half (more on this later) and watching the cream mingle with the coffee in a seductive “pas de deux.” But most of all, I love that first sip.

Wait. Scratch that. I hate the first sip. I’m always really timid and scared and without fail wind up burning my tongue. Let’s re-write that:

But most of all, I love that… 5th or 6th sip when you can finally taste again.

There is something nearly divine that happens when you feel the caffeine slowly seep its way into your veins, and that sudden jolt of warmth wakes you up and ready to take on the day. I’m not kidding! Is this rave of coffee semi-neurotic?? Maybe. Or is it proof that god exists and probably in the form of coffee beans?? More likely…. * please don’t smite me for that one. We’re still cool, right?? *

Hilliary’s Tip for the Perfect Cup of Coffee: Warning! Not for those who only like it sweet!

Step One: Start with a bolder blend. Lately I’ve been drinking Starbuck’s Sumatra which is really bold. The lightest blend I would personally drink would be a medium roast like Starbuck’s Columbia. Remember, you want to taste those beans!



Step Two: The Grind: I have a Melitta coffee maker in Germany, but a normal “Mr. Coffee” coffee maker in the States. Depending on the equipment you’re using you’re going to want different types of grinds. Generally if you ask a Barista, they should be pretty helpful and know what’s best! Also the instruction manual (if you ever even read that crap) should say something.



Step Three: Brew that!! Needs no further explanation!!

Step Four: Adding the cream. I use half and half because it truly brings out the flavor of the coffee. Some people insist on using non-fat milk because of weight loss reasons, but honestly, you might as well just add water. It does absolutely nothing for the flavor of your coffee. Half and half has some sort of miracle molecule (confirm with your local chemist) that makes coffee delicious. I pour in just enough to get THIS color out of my coffee. This is the winner color. When you have this color, stop pouring the cream.



Step Five: WAIT! I know it’s exciting, but coming from a veteran, you WILL burn yourself and it will be awful.

Step Six: Enjoy!!!






Now one last anecdote before I relieve you all of my coffee antics for the day!

A few days ago I was at Borders with my friend Naomi, and decided to waltz (not literally) into their café to get a coffee while she searched for a book. Now, to preface, I love the coffee they serve at Borders. They brew Seattle’s Best, and it truly is a delight to have. However, when coupled with maybe the most annoying Barista in the world, it was anything be a delightful experience (until I left).

Here’s our dialogue:

H: “Hi! I’d like a medium sized coffee with just a little bit of room for cream!”
Sounds like a simple, low-maintence order right??

He responds,

B: “Well would you like to instead try our new Orange Mocha Lattee with Soy Milk for only $4.95??”

H: “Umm.. no thanks just the coffee.”

B: Well would you like to sign up today for a Border’s Rewards Card? It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s free.

H: I already have one. Just the coffee. Thanks.

B: Ok, well would you like to buy an additional bag of Seattle’s Best House Blend to donate to the Troops overseas.

H:…. Just the coffee, PLEASE.

B: Okay. So what was it you wanted again??

I feel like this scene should be in whatever the next quirky Paul Rudd/ Seth Rogan film is.

Till next time,

HBP