Out of the Blue [Sep 30, 2019, 10:16 am ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
Yesterday was
National Coffee Day in the U.S.A. and enough other countries that this is
often referred to as International Coffee Day. Apologies for not mentioning it
on time, as this included chances to get free coffee in some places. But since
proper coffee has been a frequent topic here in the past, I thought I'd use the
occasion to share the current official BlueTower-approved coffee brewing method.
Equipment is a large ceramic cone, a #6 brown paper filter, a coffee grinder, an
electric kettle and an instant-read thermometer. I fill the kettle and let it
come to a boil as a I grind a batch of French Roast beans on the finest setting.
When the water boils I pour a bit through the filter to get it wet and dump the
water that drips through. I then refill the electric kettle to the top and turn
it back on with the thermometer inserted so I can shut it off when it reaches
205ºF. By experience I know this means to turn off the kettle just as the
thermometer passes 201ºF, since the temperature continues to rise for a couple
of seconds (YMMV). I dump the ground coffee in the now-damp filter and top it
with a small pinch of salt. That is an ingenious tip I picked up from Alton
Brown: The salt helps bring out the coffee flavor as it will with any food, and
also helps counteract bitterness. When the water is at the right temperature it
gets poured through the coffee in a few batches and we're good to go. It may
sound a little fussy, but it's actually a straightforward process, and I'd pit
the coffee it produces against anyone's.
Obituary: Busbee, songwriter and producer for Maren Morris and Lady Antebellum, dead at 43.
Obituary: Busbee, songwriter and producer for Maren Morris and Lady Antebellum, dead at 43.
| Well-Brewed Links: | Thanks Ant. |
| Science: |
Elon Musk unveils new Mars rocket prototype, expects missions in
months. Black hole swallowing and ripping apart star captured for first time. Thanks RedEye9. |
| Images: |
Borderlands 3 Cosplayer Looks Like an Absolute Badass as Maya. The images that capture a phone-less world. Thanks RedEye9. |
| Media: |
Watch First Trailer for BBC's War of the Worlds Series. Thanks
Neutronbeam. The Billion Ant Mega Colony and the Biggest War on Earth. Thanks Simon. Compounding Pharmacies- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) (NSFW). |
| Follow-up: | Chernobyl Doctor Fact Checks the HBO Series. Thanks Baenwort. |
Shock wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 16:25:
I'm not a coffee drinker but that is waaay too complicated to do first thing in the morning.
Don't drink coffee in the morning. That's how you get addicted and screw your body chemistry up. After you wake up, your body produces its own version of caffeine, and continues to do this for 2-4 hours. Drinking coffee suppresses your body's built in wake up juices, and you then need coffee to wake up. It's reversible if you quit drinking coffee in the morning, your body will recover in a week or so.
I drink coffee in the early-mid afternoon when I start to feel sluggish. One "cup" (my cup is ~16oz.) and I'm good for the rest of the day. In the winter I sometimes drink a cup in the evening if I want a warm beverage, but I add some Irish Creme to it. It tastes good and tends to counter the caffeine so I'm not wired and unable to go to sleep.
I recently switched to a French Press from an Aero Press. I've had my Aero Press for over 10 years, and over this time the acid in the coffee has worn down part of the tube and it leaks when pressing. The French Press is stupid simple and makes great coffee. I put 550 ml water int he microwave, it takes exactly 3:30 to bring it to 195°F (3:50 in the winter). While the water is heating, I grind the beans. I also use a blade grinder. I use a coarse grind, 4 rounded scoops for 7 seconds. Put the ground coffee and water in the French Press, take it to my desk and let it brew for 4-5 minutes, pour and drink. Sometimes if I want to make a fancier drink, I will add cinnamon or other spices with the ground coffee coffee to the French Press.
"You can either want something to be true, or you can want the truth. Pick one." - Mr. Diety
Shock wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 16:25:Rituals are fun/calming. I'm a little surprised that Blue does all that but does not roast his beans and uses a spice grinder.
I'm not a coffee drinker but that is waaay too complicated to do first thing in the morning.
If you're that meticulous
(first choice was anal, thesaurus to the rescue) might as well go the extra mile. https://thecoffeeconcierge.net/pre-wetting-coffee-filters-is-it-really-necessary/Here's my method. Walk into coffee shop and see 6 people in line. Set down and spread out my stuff. Before i know it the barrista has brought me a shot in the dark aka redeye w/out me making eye contact or saying a word, and this is a place that does not have table service.
Shock wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 16:25:
I'm not a coffee drinker but that is waaay too complicated to do first thing in the morning.
- Boil water.
- Grind coffee.
- Pour a little water in the filter and dump out what pours through.
- Replace missing water with cold.
- Turn kettle back on.
- Pour coffee into filter.
- Add a dash of salt.
- When thermometer hits 201+ degrees, turn off the kettle.
- Pour water over coffee.
It's not even one minute's worth of action, not counting the 10 minutes or so it takes the water to boil. If you don't like coffee it probably sounds like an ordeal. If you do, it's trivial.
Stephen "Blue" Heaslip
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Hoop wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 23:52:Livin' On The Edge!
I just drank a coffee whilst jamming salted peanuts in my mouth.
Even better.
A day without video games is like... just kidding, I have no idea.
I just drank a coffee whilst jamming salted peanuts in my mouth.
Even better.
Even better.
Um .. Behind you...
Another Yellowstone National Park story, "Man severely burned after fall into thermal water at Old Faithful". Snippet:
"
A 48-year-old man suffered severe burns after falling into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming late Sunday night, the National Park Service announced.
Cade Edmond Siemers told Park Rangers that he took a walk off the boardwalk without a flashlight and tripped into the thermal water near the cone of Old Faithful Geyser, the NPS said in a statement.
"
Probably another Twitter/Selfie attempt.
"
A 48-year-old man suffered severe burns after falling into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming late Sunday night, the National Park Service announced.
Cade Edmond Siemers told Park Rangers that he took a walk off the boardwalk without a flashlight and tripped into the thermal water near the cone of Old Faithful Geyser, the NPS said in a statement.
"
Probably another Twitter/Selfie attempt.
The most exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions.
Shock wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 16:25:
I'm not a coffee drinker but that is waaay too complicated to do first thing in the morning.
amen to that. never drank coffee in my life, never felt the need to.
Thanks El Presidente--I will try the salt trick.
Neutronbeam
jdreyer wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 14:26:
The images that capture a phone-less world.
Was listening to Berkeley sleep doctor Matt Walker. He said never ever use your phone in bed. Your brain will associate the bed as "the phone place" and not the "sleep place." He also said never use your phone after 8, although blue light filters mitigate that somewhat. His suggestion: read on paper in warm natural light on the sofa, then when you're close to sleep go to the bedroom. The bedroom should be for intimacy and sleep, and that's it.
I used to frequently be bothered by insomnia, and using my bed only for sleeping is one of the things I've learned to do that's helped. This includes not using my bed for naps as I'm more likely to sleep than have a quick nap. Also letting go of the delusion that I can have caffeinated drinks in the evening and it not effecting my sleep.
RedEye9 wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 14:44:Pigeon wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 13:54:hopefully not the reusable refillable k-cups
at work I use k-cups
Not just that, but also the most unbiodegradable k-ups we can find, packed with extra BPA. I drink it with a double Styrofoam cup that comes in packs held together with 6-pack plastic rings.
Kidding aside we are at least switching to, supposedly, fully biodegradable k-cups.So that's something at least.
I'm not a coffee drinker but that is waaay too complicated to do first thing in the morning.
Cutter wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 12:48:
What kind of grinder? I have a Breville burr grinder myself.
We have a cheapo blade grinder. This is definitely the weak link in the setup. I had a burr grinder that I loved despite it being a bit messy, but it died. I bought the one we have, which is essentially the same as a spice grinder, as an emergency replacement. I vowed to get a proper burr grinder when this one exhibited signs it's on its way out. So far not only has this $25 special outlived the fancy burr grinder that preceded it, I'm pretty sure it's actually going to outlive MrsBlue and me as well.
Stephen "Blue" Heaslip
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Blue's News Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, El Presidente for Life
Pigeon wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 13:54:hopefully not the reusable refillable k-cups
at work I use k-cups
Compounding Pharmacies- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) (NSFW).
Speaking of pharmacies, if you use generic prescription drugs, most of them are made in India or China, and are not tested regularly by the FDA (even less so under our current president). Many generics are produced using unsanctioned industrial chemicals, or in unsanitary ways. What you're taking might be unsafe or may not have the correct dosage. A few years ago when I switched from one generic to another, I thought it was strange that I had to increase the dosage. Now I know why.
I just discovered that there's one mail order pharmacy that tests every single batch of generics it receives, and rejects any that don't meet the quality standard: Valisure. I haven't used them yet, but once my current prescription I'm going to order from them.
Speaking of pharmacies, if you use generic prescription drugs, most of them are made in India or China, and are not tested regularly by the FDA (even less so under our current president). Many generics are produced using unsanctioned industrial chemicals, or in unsanitary ways. What you're taking might be unsafe or may not have the correct dosage. A few years ago when I switched from one generic to another, I thought it was strange that I had to increase the dosage. Now I know why.
I just discovered that there's one mail order pharmacy that tests every single batch of generics it receives, and rejects any that don't meet the quality standard: Valisure. I haven't used them yet, but once my current prescription I'm going to order from them.
RIP RedEye9. We miss you.
The images that capture a phone-less world.
Was listening to Berkeley sleep doctor Matt Walker. He said never ever use your phone in bed. Your brain will associate the bed as "the phone place" and not the "sleep place." He also said never use your phone after 8, although blue light filters mitigate that somewhat. His suggestion: read on paper in warm natural light on the sofa, then when you're close to sleep go to the bedroom. The bedroom should be for intimacy and sleep, and that's it.
Was listening to Berkeley sleep doctor Matt Walker. He said never ever use your phone in bed. Your brain will associate the bed as "the phone place" and not the "sleep place." He also said never use your phone after 8, although blue light filters mitigate that somewhat. His suggestion: read on paper in warm natural light on the sofa, then when you're close to sleep go to the bedroom. The bedroom should be for intimacy and sleep, and that's it.
RIP RedEye9. We miss you.
Cutter wrote on Sep 30, 2019, 12:48:
What kind of grinder? I have a Breville burr grinder myself. I bought it because I drink much more espresso than coffee and you absolutely need a good burr grinder for that. Only downside is it's effing loud. I also thought I'd treat myself to some Jamaican Blue Mountain this Xmas as I've never tried it before. I have had Kona and am curious for any of you aficionados which one you like better - or any other brand or blend for that matter. I generally drink Don Pablo coffee - Colombian Arabica. I find it smooth with low acidity. I am definitely not a dark roast person.
I only drink Kona. It's amazingly smooth, and no salt needed since there's no bitter aftertaste. Luckily my local Costco carries it for $20 per pound which lasts me a couple of months since I only drink a cup a day (actually down to a couple days a week at this point. Mostly drinking green tea).
RIP RedEye9. We miss you.
I hit the on button on my Mr. Coffee, with my pre-ground whatever is cheaper beans. If that doesn't raise y'all's hackles, at work I use k-cups. Feel free to roast me along with your beans.
I'll have to try the salt pinch trick next time...
My favorite coffee so far:
1) Lava Java's Maui Peaberry (very expensive - but incredible)
2) Cafe 1820 Clasico (inexpensive - and dirt cheap if you buy it in Costa Rica - perfect daily drinker)
3) Triangulo de Oro (Costa Rica)
4) Britt Organic (also Costa Rica - but priced for tourists)
My favorite coffee so far:
1) Lava Java's Maui Peaberry (very expensive - but incredible)
2) Cafe 1820 Clasico (inexpensive - and dirt cheap if you buy it in Costa Rica - perfect daily drinker)
3) Triangulo de Oro (Costa Rica)
4) Britt Organic (also Costa Rica - but priced for tourists)
I'm just here sipping on Yerba Mate.
"Just take a look around you, what do you see? Pain, suffering, and misery." -Black Sabbath, Killing Yourself to Live.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
Everyday is National Coffee Day. Period.
What kind of grinder? I have a Breville burr grinder myself. I bought it because I drink much more espresso than coffee and you absolutely need a good burr grinder for that. Only downside is it's effing loud. I also thought I'd treat myself to some Jamaican Blue Mountain this Xmas as I've never tried it before. I have had Kona and am curious for any of you aficionados which one you like better - or any other brand or blend for that matter. I generally drink Don Pablo coffee - Colombian Arabica. I find it smooth with low acidity. I am definitely not a dark roast person.
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