I am an avid coffee drinker, yes, I drink like a pot a day. I really wish I didn’t do that, but recently I read an article about the good properties of coffee, and that it has been proven to actually contain anti-oxidants and other things that ward off all kinds of problems. I’ll take that. At any rate, I have dozens of lbs of coffee grounds at the end of a week or two, and sometimes even leftover coffee, so what can I do with all these extra’s and exactly how do I make the perfect, hot cup of coffee? Read on to find out.
1. Always use cold water when filling your coffee maker. Do not use hot water. The cold water allows it to work slowly, getting the full effect and allowing you to use less coffee grounds and still make a perfect cup of coffee.
2. To flavor your coffee, just add extracts to the pot. Taste test until desired flavor is sought.
3. For the freshest, fullest flavor, buy whole bean coffee and only grind as much coffee as you plan on using that day. It is less expensive to purchase the whole beans and it keeps your coffee fresher for longer.
4. Not being a big fan of black coffee (a little bit too bitter for me), I tried this tip and actually enjoyed the flavor quite a bit. Make your coffee full strength which is about 2 level Tbs. per 6 oz. of water or 2.5 – 3 level Tbs. per 8 oz. of water, and then mix hot water into the strong coffee. The cup of coffee I enjoyed was quite a bit smoother with no bitterness than my typical “black cup”. While I still wanted my cream and sugar in it because that’s just me, it tasted a LOT better.
5. In the summertime in particular, I really enjoy an iced coffee once in awhile. Now you don’t have to just drop ice cubes into your coffee to turn it into iced coffee. Try this: Brew a fresh pot of coffee, remove it from the warming plate and allow to cool to room temperature. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Drop these into your coffee and when the “cubes” begin to melt, your iced coffee will not become weaker. They really work and are quite refreshing.
Now to change pace a little and give you some “recycling” methods for your coffee grounds, etc.
6. Use coffee grounds to fertilize your plants or garden. Used coffee grounds are nutrient-rich for flowers and plants that thrive in an acidic soil. Just sprinkle and then mix into the soil. Works especially well for carrots and radishes!
7. Do you fish? Mix the coffee grounds into the soil before dropping your worms in, and they will stay alive longer. I’m not sure why this works but we tried it and it did.
8. Deodorize your refrigerator or freezer. Place coffee grounds in a bowl and place on shelf of either. The smells will go away.
9. Coffee grounds make a fairly abrasive cleaner. Mixed with the acidic nature of the grounds, they are great for removing tough cooked on foods, etc.
10. Believe it or not, coffee grounds are great for your skin and hair. Use as facial mask, and then when removing, use to exfoliate your skin. Be sure and use them to wash your hair as well. Those with brown or darker hair, will find natural shiny streaks and highlights after a quick wash through. We tried this on my daughter’s blond hair, and her hair was very bright and shiny afterward. She loved the result and her hair seemed softer.
Do you have any strange/odd/obscure uses for coffee grounds or know of a terrific tip for getting the best cup of coffee?
