Have you recently purchased a quality coffee maker for your home, but still find yourself running to the local coffee shop for that "special" tasting cup of brew? If so, you're probably wasting a ton of money! Let me give you the best advice on making gourmet coffee at home!
Coffee: The first step in making that coffee house style is brew found in the perfect coffee bean. Yes, I hate to break it to you - but if you really want gourmet - you should start by grinding your own beans. Now, before we jump ahead to grinding your beans, you have to buy the best quality to start with. There is a wide variety of beans available on the market, from Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts to brands not known on a national scale. I personally suggest beans from The Roasterie in Kansas City Missouri. Their line includes
a ton of flavors, but what they are most widely known for is the fact that they air roast their beans which leads to a more pure, better taste and aroma.
Water: You'd be surprised to know that the water you use really does make a huge difference in the taste of the final product. Most coffee makers have filters built in, so be sure to change yours on a regular basis. If your coffee machine does not have one built in, use filtered water instead of tap water. This should be done whether you are using a 0 machine or a generic unit.
Grinder: Many will tell you that it is ok to use pre-ground breans, but I whole-heatedly disagree. The oils in pre-ground coffee beans tend to evaporate, causing them to lose some of their flavor. Make the investment and get a good grinder. For many aficionados,grinding beans is an art form - and as with any art, the artist is only as good as the tools he uses. You may be tempted to get one of the smaller (and cheaper) push down grinders - if that's all that's in your budget, be prepared to practice - a LOT! You do not want to over grind because it makes the coffee bitter. It is better to use a little more bean than to risk over grinding. The Kitchenaid Coffee Burr is a great grinder and worth the investment (search for sales and deals online to soften the blow to the wallet)
Bean Storage: You'll likely find yourself storing your beans in the fridge or the freezer, but keep in mind that in order for the flavors to truly come forward - they have to be at room temperature. If you have more beans than you'll use - keep them in an air tight container and place them in the freezer. When you remove them from the freezer for use, it is best to let them sit and "thaw" out for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Now these are just my personal tips from my very own kitchen, but you'll need to really play around with your own recipes and understand your particulars when it comes to taste.
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