I had two possible posts for tomorrow: a post about sourdough bread and a soup recipe. But apparently, my camera’s memory chip had other ideas and needed to be reformatted…which means I lost my photos. This happens when I forget to make space on the memory card and cram it full with too many photos. Even when tried to retrieve them, I couldn’t restore the photos from this week. At least I make plenty of bread and soup to reshoot – and hopefully next week will bring sunny days for good photography.
Soooo….instead of a recipe today, let’s talk about coffee. Today’s the type of day where we all just could use a good cup of coffee, right?
I can run on an empty stomach if it’s early enough and my run is less than an hour in duration. But I don’t like to run without having a cup of coffee. I’m a chipper morning person, but coffee just makes running in the dark more palatable. I feel more awake and my effort level feels lower (which is actually one of the benefits of drinking coffee for performance!).
For that first early morning cup of coffee, I use the French press. Ryan and I wouldn’t drink a full pot of coffee before a run and the leftovers would just smolder in the pot. I dislike Keurig machines because their coffee never tastes quite right. The French press is the happy medium between drip coffee and Keurig – and in my opinion, it produces a richer, stronger cup than either of those.
The French press is surprisingly simple to make – easy enough to make when I stumble out of bed at 5 AM.
What You Need:
- Electric Kettle (or a pot to boil water)
- French Press
- Coarsely Ground Coffee or Whole Beans
- Tablespoon Measuring Spoon
- Salt
How to Make:
- Bring water to a boil in the kettle or in a pot on the stove. There’s no need to measure out water precisely – I just fill up the press and then pour that into the kettle. Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and let cool 1 minute.
- Measure the grounds into the French press. I use 5 tablespoons of grounds for 8 cups (that’s 6-oz. coffee cups, not traditional 8-ounce cups), which is a ratio of approximately 1 tablespoon for every 8-9 oz. I like my coffee strong but not overpowering. If you like your coffee stronger, use 5.5 or 6 tablespoons.
- Add a tiny sprinkle of salt to the grounds. The salt cuts any bitterness and renders a smoother cup of coffee.
- Pour the water over the grounds and gently stir. Let steep for 4 minutes exactly – set a timer, don’t estimate.
- When the 4 minutes are done, slowly press down on the press. By plunging the press slowly, you create an emulsion that creates a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee. Take your time.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy! I like to drink my coffee black with just a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
I must confess…sometimes I don’t use coarsely ground coffee or grind my own beans. More often than not, I use just regular grounds. Our French press (Amazon affiliate link) has a fine sieve in the press and grounds rarely get into it even with drip coffee grounds.
[Tweet “Need a quick cup of #coffee before your morning run? Use the French Press! via @thisrunrecipes”]
Do you drink coffee before a run?
How do you drink your coffee?
What are your plans this weekend?
18 Responses
Thank you for sharing this! I guess one of my problems is that we dont have a kettle! I was trying to make 1-2 cups at a time by microwaving the water, then I was trying to brew hot water using the keurig but its difficult to get the right amount to fill the French Press. I think last weekend I came pretty close to getting it right. But a kettle would definitely make the process easier!
The kettle makes such a difference! Before we had that, I’d boil water in a pot on the stove which just took longer. We got our electric kettle for about $20 at Target and I use it for everything – coffee, tea, cooking quick oats, etc.
BOO to stupid cameras and their nonsense. Guess you’ll just have to make more bread 😀
I used to do French Press in grad school. I got pretty darn good at it! Now I make mine in large batches, but I love a good FP every now and then.
I know! I will just have to make more bread…too bad 😀
I love how your “plans” automatically typed out as “planks.” You know you’re an athlete when!!! Ha ha! So great. I should probably do a plank this weekend! I might be too busy schlepping around from soccer game to soccer game though. I love watching soccer but it’s tough when I have Callum with me and it’s pouring rain. French press coffee is the best. I use Kieurig in the morning only because I grind my own beans for the French press and it’s too noisy in the morning. Then I have my French press later on. It’s the best!
Oooohhh my gosh my brain would autocorrect that! But yes weekend planks are good! Freshly ground beans are the best for the French press!
I’ve never used a French press but have heard its a great way to do coffee. I am not much of a coffee drinker although I’ve decided that maybe its because I don’t like it hot. Perhaps more iced coffee needs to be in my future!
I have heard that the French press is great for making iced coffee or cold brew!
I -do- enjoy coffee before a run….only in the morning, though. I do not usually drink a cup before my afternoon runs (maybe I should start?!). Ironically, my BF and I were just talking about coffee from a French Press the other day. He was sharing his major #frenchpressfail moment from many years ago. Might need to add a French Press to my shopping list. 🙂
Weekend plans include the usual….long run + soccer. Also have chores around the house to do, too. Adulting at its finest. Hope you have a fabulous weekend (& hopefully get outside…).
You should definitely add a French press to the shopping list! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
I absolutely need coffee before I run! I will as far to say that although I insist that I eat before I run, if I had to choose, I could run without food but must have coffee!
Same here! Our 6 am runs became so much easier when I started making coffee for Ryan and I before we run.
We need to get better at our french press technique. It always just comes out slightly too strong and…thick?…for my liking and I can never drink much of it. Maybe I will try that salt trick.
The French press does make a strong cup of coffee! The salt helps cut the bitterness so much.
I usually just make a small pot of drip coffee, but this reminded me I like the taste of French press coffee better – I should get back to doing that!
It taste so much better than drip – especially when making a smaller serving!
I have the same French press! I’m trying your salt trick the next time I make coffee. Thanks!
You need just the tiniest pinch, but it definitely cuts the bitterness! I do that when making drip coffee as well.