You can make good coffee every time. Just follow these golden rules which connoisseurs and manufacturers have established as essential for making good coffee.
Always start with thoroughly clean coffee maker. After each use, clean with sudsy hot water and a stiff brush to get rid of the fats and oils that form on the sides of the coffee maker. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Just before using, scald coffee maker with boiling water to remove stale odors.
Use fresh, cold water for making coffee.
The fresher the better - that's how coffee should be. Store it in an airtight container in a cool place.
Get the right grind of coffee for your coffee maker - saves you money and gives you the best flavor.
Measure coffee accurately. Allow 2 level measuring tablespoons of coffee for each ¾ cup standard measuring cup of water. These proportions may vary with individual taste, brand of coffee, and coffee maker. Find the amount that suits you best, then measure both coffee and water each time for uniform strength.
The water should come to a full rolling boil before you let it come in contact with the ground coffee.
Never boil coffee. If you do, you lose the good flavor of the brew.
Accurate timing is important. Find the best timing, then stick to it.
Automatic Coffee
Coffee makers are so foolproof that all you need to do is live up to the golden rules above and set the controls. Be sure to follow manufacturer's directions.
Percolator Coffee
This coffee has full body and rich flavor that make it the favorite of many.
Measure cold water into the percolator; place over heat. When the water boils briskly, take it off the heat and measure the coffee into the basket; cover and place over heat again. Let the coffee perk ever so gently about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove basket, and keep coffee hot till served over very low heat or handy table warmer.
Vacuum Coffee
This coffee is characterized by its clearness and lack of bitterness.
Measure fresh cold water into the lower bowl; place over heat. Insert the filter in the upper bowl and add the correct measure of finely ground coffee. When water boils, insert upper bowl into lower bowl.
When water rises to top bowl, stir mixture. Reduce heat. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, then remove coffee from heat. Let coffee return to lower bowl before removing upper one.
Drip Coffee
This coffee is aromatic infusion, deep amber in color, and without bitterness.
After the water comes to a rolling boil, measure the coffee into the coffee basket. Then measure the exact amount of water (¾ standard measuring cup for each 2 level tablespoons of coffee); pour into top water container; let drip through coffee. Remove the basket and water container, and then stir the brew briskly.
Instant Coffee
For each cup needed, place 1 rounded teaspoon instant coffee and ¾ cup boiling water in coffee pot. Heat over low heat 5 minutes. For just a few, fix coffee right in the cup.
