How to Make French Press Coffee

What you'll need:

- French Press

- Coffee beans (coarsely ground)

- Hot water

- Mug

- Spoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the French Press:

- Rinse the French press with hot water to preheat it and maintain the temperature of your coffee.

2. Add Coffee Grounds:

- Add the desired amount of coarsely ground coffee to the French press. A good starting point is 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust according to your personal preference.

3. Pour Hot Water:

- Slowly pour hot water (just off boiling, around 195-205°F) over the coffee grounds. Make sure the water level is about 1 inch below the rim of the press. Stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon to combine the coffee and water.

4. Let it Steep:

- Put the lid on the french press but do not press down the plunger. Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. This allows time for the flavors of the coffee to fully extract into the water.

5. Press the Plunger:

- After 4 minutes, slowly press down on the plunger to separate the brewed coffee from the coffee grounds. Use gentle pressure to avoid stirring up the grounds.

6. Pour and Enjoy:

- Carefully pour the freshly brewed coffee into your cup. The coffee will be stronger in the press, so you may want to dilute it with some hot water according to your taste preference.

7. Clean Up:

- Discard the used coffee grounds and rinse the French press. Be careful as there might be some leftover small coffee grounds at the bottom. Wash the plunger and lid with mild dish soap.

_Tips:

- Use fresh, coarsely ground coffee for the best flavor. Pre-ground coffee can lead to a muddy taste._

_- The coffee to water ratio can be adjusted to your taste. For a stronger coffee, use more coffee grounds. For a weaker coffee, use less coffee._

- _Experiment with different types of coffee beans and grind sizes to find your favorite combination. Finer grinds will produce a stronger cup of coffee while coarser grinds will result in a lighter brew._

- _Allow your French press coffee to bloom for 30 seconds before plunging. This allows the carbon dioxide gasses to escape and improves the flavor._