Cold brewed coffee

Good things come to those who wait...

I have a new coffee obsession - cold brewed coffee. 

What started my obsession?  Initially trying cappuccino mixed with hot chocolate during college.  (Thank you, Mandy and Tanya!!!)

What started my cold brew coffee obsession?  Califia Farms Mocha Noir and a moment of complete throwing-caution-to-the-wind.  It is smooth like the most perfect piece of dark chocolate coupled with low acidic coffee.  I believe this stuff will be in Heaven.

I was feeling adventurous on Friday so I Googled "cold pressed coffee at home diy."  Google directed me to a delightful blog post complete with pictures.

Yesterday I went to Target and purchased a 2 quart Mason jar.  And BONUS I discovered a $5 Target gift card tucked safely in my wallet.  Said gift card made rhe jar $0.99 plus tax.  Since I was going to get this jar for around a buck, I decided to go back to the kitchen area and purchase a "juice carafe."  It is not for juice in my kitchen.  In my kitchen, this lovely container is my iced coffee carafe.  It is fantastic. 

Upon returning to my apartment, I washed and dried my new containers and prepared to begin the cold brewing process.

Step 1:  Set coffee bean grinder to Course.  Grind coffee (1:8 - coffee to water).  I used 1 cup of coffee since I was starting with 8 cups of cold water.

Step 2:  Place course ground coffee in the bottom of the jar and then add appropriate amount of water.

Step 3:  Gently stir.

Step 4:  Seal jar and let steep 16-24 hours.

Step 5:  Use a colander to strain coffee in jar in to a large bowl or large pitcher.

Step 6:  Strain again using paper towel* to catch grounds.  Repeat step 6 several times.

* - After the straining, I thought - why couldn't I use a coffee filter to strain the grounds instead of using paper towels.  Will try this next time.

There you have it...

When it comes to coffee, I like my coffee NOW.  In the case of cold brewed, it was well worth the wait...much like my single journey through life.  I am sooo worth the wait!!!! ;)