A steep-and-plunge method of brewing known for creating a tasty, unfiltered cup, a French press is an easy and affordable way to brew great tasting coffee at home.
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water has come to a boil, pour a small amount into a clean 32-ounce French press and swirl it around to warm the vessel.
Once the French press is warmed, pour the hot water back into the pot and set the empty French press beneath a coffee grinder. Pour the coffee beans into the grinder and grind them into the French press.
Pour 3 2/3 cups boiling water into the French press in a circular motion being careful to wet all the grounds. Set a timer for 4 minutes and let the coffee steep, uncovered.
When the time is up, take a flat spoon and break the crust that has formed on the top of the coffee. Give it a light stir and tip the French press ever so slightly into a bowl to remove any leftover crust. Carefully skim out any remaining grounds that rise to the top. There will still be some grounds at the bottom.
Assemble the lid onto the top of the French press and slowly push down the plunger. If the plunger meets any resistance along the way, just back it up a bit and continue.
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
To watch as Gelateria Tavolini’s Jonathan Andrus takes you through a step-by-step video for brewing French press coffee at home, click here.
2.1 ounces whole coffee beans
This article appears in March 2011.