Me and the Bean

As many of you already know, I am in love with coffee. Not just any coffee though. I will not drink decaf for any reason and if you serve me a cup of watered-down brew I'll more than likely let it grow cold in the cup. I am very picky about what brands of coffee I will drink and even more picky about the way it is made. Don't give me no level scoop! Pile that stuff on! Make a mound for mama! In my family I'm known as a coffee "snob".

Now I can't always blame it on the coffee grounds either. Sometimes the coffee maker is just as much to blame, if not more so. My mom and dad's machine for example. The fact that I bought them the machine in question irks me to no end. It's a Mr. Coffee, and one of their better models, but I don't care what you do to make a cup of coffee in this machine, it always tastes like crap. I've tried several different brands of coffee in it, and have even double scooped, but the coffee never comes out right. I've gone so far as to experiment with different water. Tap? Well, that's just disgusting in FL, but yes, I've tried it. The filtered water from the fridge? Yep, tried that too. And last but not least was bottled water. Even that made no difference. So I guess this means I'm also a coffee machine snob, eh?

Now to me, it's not a cup of coffee unless it's made so strong that it burns holes through your esophagus and has you running to the potty before you're halfway done drinking it.

I've only found two other human beings on the planet who can make it the way I like it. One is my sister in law, Pat, who like me, doesn't mind a few extra hairs on her chest now and then. And there's Jimmy's aunt Pat who lives in CA and who also makes a great cup of mud. Nothing excites me more than to see that spoon stand upright in the sludge!

So if I'm such an connoisseur of java, what type is it that I drink, you ask? Well, for day to day consumption you might be surprised, but it's good old Folgers Colombian. It's strong enough to make me happy, but not so bold as to be bitter. When at my in-laws' house, it's Don Francisco, because this is the only brand my father-in-law likes. But to be perfectly honest, their Colombian blend really isn't all that bad. Special occasions, like all-day shopping sprees with Jill, definitely demand Starbucks. Now I know what you're thinking, Starbucks is highly overrated and for that matter over-roasted. Well yes, that's true and the reason they have the nick name of Charbucks. But if you really want to get your java buzz on, order a Grande Cappuccino with an extra shot. Yummy!

Don't let anyone tell you that Dunkin' Donuts has the country's best coffee, 'cause it just ain't so. It's okay in a pinch, but even McDonald's coffee is better than DDs.

Like I said before, there's no hope for a good cup of Joe at my parents' house. It's either hold your nose and chug, or just go without. I have just one more experiment to run there, and that is to bring my own coffee machine to their house. Oh, I bet you're wondering what I use, hmmm? Well, for the past three years I've been using the Starbucks Barista Aroma, and I tell you, this puppy has not let me down. It doesn't make the hottest cup of coffee in the world, but it makes a good cup of coffee, and stays fresh for hours in the stainless steel carafe.

So now I've publicly admitted it. Not only am I addicted to the bean, but I'm a snob about it too! But any time you get a hankering for a strong cup of java, you know just where to come, and my door is always open to coffee lovers! Well, that is unless you're a psychotic coffee lover. In that case, go to Starbucks!

Until next time, Justine :o )