Coffee Break

With all the time and money I spent at Starbucks, I gained a taste for strong coffee. But it's not something I can spend the money on everyday and frankly, it's not the same making the journey to Starbucks without friends. So I considered buying a coffee maker but I realized I had one from my friend Linda that was still in its box. It's a French Press:
I have to put ground coffee (here I used 4 fat spoonfuls) and boiling water (here I poured 2 cups) and let it sit for about 5 minutes with the plunger up:


Then I have to push down the grounds with the plunger, which has a coffee-filtering screen:


And then pour. I used espresso coffee, which is pretty strong for me:


But I like it so I can make a latte. I nuke up some milk--like in this handy milk steamer/frother my sweet cousin had given me:


Which also comes with its own plunger with a special aerating screen attached:


After a few vigorous pumps, the milk becomes frothy:


And it makes one sweet latte:


Allow me to pour it in a glass mug so one can see the beautiful latte-ness:


But you know what else I can do with this strong coffee? I cool it in the fridge and grab a tumbler of ice:


Then add the cold espresso:


Pour some cold milk:


Stir:


And enjoy an Iced latte!


At less than $6 for that brick of coffee and half gallon of milk, the cost is hard to beat and frankly, my home-barrista skills aren't too bad.

So who wants to take a coffee break with me? I'll make some delicious lattes and even some coffee cake if you'll swing by SoCar!