topic Re: Coffee for one in Community Chat

Coffee for one

Lacey1 — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:00:51 GMT

Well, DH used to be a coffee snob. Grind his own beans, fuss with brewing-blah, blah. I was happy to drink it, but was not into the big fuss. Fast forward to Dec. of last year. He had complications from surgery, had GI problems and he wasn't able to tolerate his fancy-schmancy coffee. He's tried a few other ways to prepare his coffee and settled on this Aeropress thing. It's sort of a miniature French press and brews one cup at a time. Fine for him, but he makes it in the morning and goes to work-no leftovers for me.

Now, I know this sounds like the PERFECT reason to get a Keurig. However, I don't have the counter space, I don't even have a spare outlet for one. So, I've been drinking instant. Let me tell you, I know some people love instant, but it's hard to get used. I've even tried mixing it with hot chocolate mix.

Can someone recommend a good brand of instant or a way to doctor it up? I remember that years ago, Maxwell House put out a product that was coffee in a large tea bag. I don't think they sell it anymore. TIA

Re: Coffee for one

vac — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:11:39 GMT

I like my coffee very fresh so I make it a cup at a time in a plastic cone Melita filter. They used to be available at Bed, Bath & Beyond but they're a little hard to find now. A friend recently found me a new one somewhere online -- if you Google it, I'm sure you could find it. They cost less than $10 and you can use any ground coffee in them. Way better than instant!

Re: Coffee for one

ccb13 — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:42:38 GMT

Why not just use the Aeropress? Doesn't take up any counter space or use electricity, and you can just use coffee that's already ground. Only takes about 2 or 3 minutes--however long it takes to heat the water for it, no cleaning involved--just rinse off after your cup of coffee is done. I have a keurig machine on the counter, but only use it for guests or if I can find a good sale on k-cups. It makes a great cup of coffee--you just have to find the right amount of coffee and water to use that suits your taste. I did a lot of research and read the reviews on Amazon about it before I bought mine. It's also handy and small enough to travel with--hotel room coffee is sometimes not the best, and there's never enough for me.

Re: Coffee for one

Moonlady — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:45:22 GMT

I second the Melitta system. You can get the mug with the cone:

...or just the cone:

The nice thing about the cone is that it fits over every style and size mug. Wegmans currently sells the cones for about $3.49, and the cone/cup combo is only a couple bucks more. Every grocery store sells the #2 filters, too.

For one cup, I like to use a heaping coffee measure (that'd be as much as I can fit into a measure), of Arabica coffee, then I sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top, and slowly add the boiling water.

Re: Coffee for one

Lacey1 — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:41:18 GMT

Thanks, I guess I was just being lazy. It doesn't get much lazier than instant coffee. Since we already own the Aeropress-I should just make friends with it.

When DH is off, I make a pot of not-so-strong coffee in my old corning ware stove-top coffee pot. Then, I pour it into my $7 Aldi's carafe. It stays hot all day. Very nice with a scone or biscotti! Now, would be nice!

Re: Coffee for one

liz ae — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 18:35:39 GMT

Do you have is microwave? If so make a coffee concentrate, keep it in the refrigerator and it's there for you when ever you need a cup.

Re: Coffee for one

Lacey1 — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 18:37:59 GMT

That's a pretty good idea, thanks!

Re: Coffee for one

ROMARY — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 21:13:23 GMT

Hey, I like that cone idea! Thanks. Also, you can get a larger French press as a gift to him, and there will be coffee left over for you to drink after he has left for work.

Re: Coffee for one

sfnative — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:18:19 GMT

The Melitta cone system is the best! We've had two Melitta products during our 45 years and the quality is tops.

My husbands likes coffee and has a two cup maker he purchased from Bed Bath and Beyond. It has a very, very small footprint, is electric, so does require an outlet. He drinks both cups, as I drink English breakfast tea.

However, to each his or her own, I say. No need to fret over our choices or needs.

Good luck in finding a solution. (I'd go for the Melitta.)