From campfire to expresso

I love a good cup of coffee. I like it strong and usually black. Sometimes I will add some half and half or tequila rose. Believe it or not...the tequila rose is very tasty in a cup of coffee, just like a flavored creamer. I love coffee hot or cold. And I do not care for many of the popular flavorings available. I think I am the only one that when asked "what flavor would you like?" to actually answer..."coffee please." I usually get that dazed deer in the headlight look from the baristas.

Sitting here drinking my upteenth cup of coffee and wondering if anymore has been made...got me to thinking of coffee in general and how it has probably changed down through the years. I mean think about what we have available to us in coffees and coffee related items.

Coffee was first noted in English language as "chaoua" in 1598. Coffee is believed to originate from Ethiopia since the plant is indigenous there. For a beverage to be created the coffee beans must be ground and infused with hot water long enough to extract the flaver but should never be boiled. Again, there are various levels of fineness of the grind and various ways of preparation.

One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy a cup of coffee is to perk the brew over an open fire. I tend to think that coffee probably was enjoyed this way in it's earlier years. Our ancestors grinding up a few beans and throwing into a cup of very hot water and letting it steep for several minutes while enjoying the aroma. Uuummm.

Now, besides all the flavorings, one must choose how they want their coffee served. It is mind boggling sometimes with all the lattes cappuccinos, frappes and expressos. In even the earlier stages of all this variety one could only get their specialty coffee drinks from specialty shops. All the machines and contraptions needed and used to make a cup of expresso would not fit into the average home.

But how that has changed. It is now possible for anyone and everyone with the room, time and budget to find and purchase a coffee brewing machine that will satisfy their taste and needs. This is going to be my next purchase. This is the Nespresso d290 and though this is a good price, I am still holding out for a sale.

"I believe humans get a lot done, not because we're smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee." 
~Flash Rosenberg

Peace, Love and True Faith.