Cold brew fever

I read this article in the NYT a couple of weeks ago. (sorry, it is only on Times Select now, but maybe you subscribe?) I immediately alerted Carla, who replied, "mine is already brewing!" So I decided to make my own finally last night. The straining method of sandwiching a coffee filter between two strainers worked really well. What did not work well was the amount of coffee I used - I needed probably about twice as much. So I just drank the coffee this morning straight up, I did not dilute it like Carla's nectar, or as the article recommends.

Also, I am missing something from my kitchen - a pitcher! I used the coffee carafe, and then strained it into a bowl and poured it back into the carafe for keeping in the fridge.

I think the second time will be the charm, but this round is totally imbibable.

Guest Chef Carla: Cold brew coffee!

From loyal reader Carla:

"Fight Global Warming, Make Cold Brewed Coffee!

As the weather and the Earth heat up it is important to stay cool while also reducing your carbon footprint. I have discovered the answer to our Global Warming problem… cold brew coffee! This coffee will cool both you and the earth down. Unplugged your coffee maker, turn off your kettle, just some cold water and ground coffee is enough to quench your summer caffeine craving and no electricity is needed! Unplugged your AC, this coffee is enough to keep you cool.

Simply combine in a pitcher or other similar container, 12 oz of ground coffee and 2.5 quarts of water. Stir it up and let it sit for at least 12 hours. Then double strain the coffee. I do this by using a strainer with a coffee filter in it and then pouring the coffee through the top of my drip coffee maker. This ensures that I get every single ground out. All of this essentially creates a coffee concentrate, so when you want to have a glass just put half of the coffee concentrate with half water and of course lots of ice. The coffee lasts more than a week in the refrigerator. (Maybe longer, I just haven't had the opportunity to test it longer than that, because I always drink it up). Also, unlike coffee you brew hot and then chill, this isn't bitter at all. "

Thanks, Carla! I copied you, but should have followed your recipe. See the next post