How to make coffee

 by killerjackalope
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From beans to cup this instructable will show you the whole process right the way through...
 
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Step 1: Getting your beans.

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You can get your pre-roasted beans from loads of places, many coffee shops, starbucks and clements included, along with your local supermarket.

Reading the packet/can should help you choose though phrases like 'rich aroma' and 'subtle blends' are a given, look for the kind of coffee you like/want, remember if ytou want you can get flavour infused beans aswell, though if they are much more expensive than the same without the flavour consider infusing them at home.
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mikebook says: Feb 12, 2012. 3:54 PM
My moka pot hasn't had any issues with pressure, but the coffee is extremely bitter. I thought the point of espresso was that it was made so quickly it didn't have time to get bitter. Nothing like any of the espressos I've gotten in cafés here in Europe. I think my grind might be too coarse, but coming from the U.S., I haven't seen espresso grind up close before, and I'm not sure. Any ideas?
furlow says: Nov 24, 2011. 6:46 PM
Grind size is key to this maker, you should have it finer than press pot coarse, but not as fine as espresso coffee. As others have said, don't pack it down, this is normally the cause of spluttering and the safety valve going and you end up with no coffee.
furlow says: Nov 24, 2011. 5:26 PM
I guess it depends on the coarsness of your grind, but I would never brew a press pot for that long, normally its about 3-4mins maybe 5 maximum. Anymore and it will probably taste quite bitter. Also most say that you should use water just off the boil to prevent any unwanted bitterness.
ifredsayred says: Aug 23, 2009. 12:22 PM
The only thing I'd add to this excellent instructable has to do with the French press method. I've found that after pouring the water, take a spoon and give it a good stir before placing the plunger top back on. That way the coffee grounds mix in completely with water instead of having some grounds sit on top. Very nicely done!
brevetto in reply to ifredsayredNov 24, 2011. 7:54 AM
I second that. Stirring the grounds with the hot water releases the carbon gasses expelled from the beans and aerates the coffee for a fuller richer taste.
The Locksmith in reply to ifredsayredMay 16, 2011. 10:41 PM
Oooo I'll try that! I use a French Press, and in my opinion, it's the best way to make coffee.
foxli says: Jul 29, 2011. 3:51 PM
Thanks for sharing this--I recently acquired a french press that has no instructions. With your help, I made such a good cup of joe I'm giving away my old Mr Coffee!
fancypenguin845 says: Nov 6, 2009. 3:03 AM
mabey theres something wrong w/ me i use a heaping tablespoon per cup }:]
foxli in reply to fancypenguin845Jul 29, 2011. 3:48 PM
Haha. Try two. That's what I do for my morning brew. ;) Puts a little pep in my step. Just a little.
killerjackalope (author) in reply to fancypenguin845Nov 6, 2009. 7:30 AM
Table spoon and dessert spoon are the same thing methinks, tea spoons the little one but looking at my table and dessert spoons I see nothing to differentiate other than what they got stamped on in the factory...
fancypenguin845 in reply to killerjackalopeNov 21, 2009. 5:45 AM
durn it im not as hardcore as i thought B/ haha
vumbaka says: Apr 26, 2011. 12:43 PM
You MUST NOT pack the cofee tightly,or teh hot water can't run well into the coffee,resulting in a disgusting quality of beverage.

(I'm italian,I know hot to make a GOOD coffee...)
seamaas says: Sep 26, 2010. 12:23 PM
most stove top espresso maker's have a release valve on the side it is that brass thing at the top of #1
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killerjackalope (author) in reply to seamaasSep 26, 2010. 12:36 PM
They do but if you get it wrong they'll still blast the grounds over the kitchen, it just stops the boiled piece from exploding under pressure though...
seamaas in reply to killerjackalopeSep 28, 2010. 9:29 PM
that is true
roobs says: Apr 16, 2009. 8:30 PM
wait, where does the coffee go??
thartaros in reply to roobsAug 5, 2009. 6:23 PM
right on number 3
seamaas in reply to thartarosSep 28, 2010. 9:29 PM
No it's on #2 which is the basket
creasemaker says: Feb 25, 2010. 1:21 PM
I just ran across you Instructable, and thought I'd show you the espresso maker I found at a surplus store 25 years ago.It came with "NO" instructions, and the people in the store did even know what it was. It came from Italy( has "made in Italy " on it) and has the name "La Sorentina" on it.
the first I tried to use it ,with help from my know it all brother inlaw, I shot coffee every were, because removed part that held the coffee while it was still under pressure. after some research several years latter I got it to work and saw it in a book as an "atomic  style"  and it still makes a great cup.

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kitschykat says: Sep 17, 2009. 11:27 AM
Is it one spoonful of ground coffeevper 6 oz., 8 oz. or 10 oz. cup?
arhodes18 says: Aug 11, 2009. 3:53 PM
you don't have the siphon/vacuum maker...
Bartboy says: Jul 6, 2009. 8:33 AM
Drip coffee?.....
killerjackalope (author) in reply to BartboyJul 6, 2009. 10:29 AM
Done and added...
Bartboy in reply to killerjackalopeJul 6, 2009. 10:22 PM
I is happy.
:D
Knex has made it into another featured ible!
Victory at last!

you have no idea how >:( I'd be if it became un-featured..... lol
killerjackalope (author) in reply to BartboyJul 8, 2009. 8:28 AM
Well it's actually a good example of a drip coffee maker, though if I ever do find myself making coffee the drip method I'll make it right it to the cup more often than not...
killerjackalope (author) in reply to BartboyJul 6, 2009. 9:08 AM
Bugger I'm sorry, never got round to it before I got kicked out... Will fix now...
highoncatnip says: May 28, 2009. 1:11 AM
marijuana is not physically addictive
killerjackalope (author) in reply to highoncatnipMay 28, 2009. 1:46 AM
Eh what? I didn't mention weed? The spammer below, if you want to reply to him, it's the bottom right corner of his comment, that reply button...
DougHardy says: Mar 31, 2009. 7:15 AM
Another thing to help prevent explosive coffee syndrome is to put your moka on LOW heat, as the instructions state. Combined with the loose packing of coffee, this is all you need. It's really a wonderful espresso maker. :)
markie161 says: Mar 6, 2009. 1:05 PM
The key to your exploding coffeepot syndrome is where you say that the water, “expands enough to be forced through the packed in coffee...” Do NOT pack the coffee into this coffeepot or it can build up too much presser and burst. Just fill the holder and level it off, I've used these for years and never had any bursting issues.
killerjackalope (author) in reply to markie161Mar 8, 2009. 4:23 AM
It also has a pressure realease valve, which failed to activate, not actually sure why it burst like it did...
merseyless says: Feb 17, 2009. 12:05 AM
The Italian's are upset, and they are coming...
Paul55 says: Feb 6, 2009. 9:31 AM
Caffeine AddictionCaffeine Addiction - Caffeine Effects and Withdrawal part I

In this article, we are going to discuss the importance of caffeine addiction and the most important facts about it, as caffeine addiction is something we all must prevent in order for us to be healthy and stay that way for years. We are also going to mention some significant facts about caffeine effects and how caffeine effects may affect our body performance considerably.

Caffeine addiction is one of the most famous types of addictions in the world, just like cocaine and marihuana. Caffeine addiction sometimes has been considered a lie, but it is a really, because caffeine is a stimulant that becomes addictive within a certain period of time. Interestingly, caffeine addiction shows up when you are not expecting it, and it does not necessarily show up because we want to

Pure caffeine is, chemically speaking, a plant-based alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous system in any living creature that intakes it. Biologically, caffeine serves as a form of pest control for certain plants like cacao trees, coffee shrubs, yuba mate and tea trees; it causes insects and other pests to fall down from the effects of over-stimulation. So, just like those pests and insects that I mentioned, caffeine also produces stimulation in our central nervous system, which usually makes us feel more energized, invigorating and active.

There is something called caffeine withdrawal, which refers to the sudden denial of us to consume caffeine, and it happens when regular consumers of caffeinated products may experience painful headaches if the body is denied caffeine. These headaches are caused by excess blood gathering in the area around the brain and sinus cavities, so without the stimulation provided by caffeine, the blood vessels shrink, restricting the blood flow. The traditional cure for caffeine withdrawal is to ingest more caffeine, which is not a healthy solution and this is also why many headache medications contain small amounts of caffeine.... to be continued

You can find more info at: http://yourcaffeineaddiction.com/http://yourcaffeineaddiction.com/
killerjackalope (author) in reply to Paul55Feb 9, 2009. 3:30 AM
No spam please.
fancypenguin845 says: Dec 31, 2008. 9:25 AM
now i drink like three cups of coffee a day
fancypenguin845 says: Dec 31, 2008. 9:24 AM
i was first introduced to my caffine addiction (it runs in the family :) ) when i had a BFC monster before a school dance. i swear people thought i was on crack. i dont actually enjoy the dances, i just go so i can double back after my mom drops me off and buy a ton of energy drinks
whatsisface says: Sep 25, 2008. 1:31 PM
I had 3 coffees and a red bull in the space of two hours today. I was speaking really fast apparently.
killerjackalope (author) in reply to whatsisfaceSep 25, 2008. 1:50 PM
I remember the only time I've truly been hit by a monster caffeine rush was when I had seven hammerheads back to back while meeting with someone (hammerhead - two shots espresso, filter coffee to top up to a big mug) it was stressful conversation so it was a case of coffee at all times and several cigarettes, the girls at the shop were talking to me after and gave me a fully stamped loyalty card because it was so funny for them... So next week in for my free one and I end up missing a thing I was supposed to go to because they started chatting to me...
Bartboy in reply to killerjackalopeNov 11, 2008. 9:52 PM
When I went to the dominican repulic when I was 9, I sat in a bar drinking ( virgin : ( ) margaritas and espressos almost all day ; 0
Rishnai in reply to killerjackalopeSep 26, 2008. 10:32 PM
So it's hammerheads that I love drinking... I always wondered what the term actually was.
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