The Perfect Cup

Now that coffee is officially on the antioxidant list, we may as well really up the ante and add another newcomer to the "health food" family-chocolate!

Here's a quick and easy way to make a homemade caf mocha using a press pot (also called a French press).

1. Using a stainless steel pot or kettle, bring 2 cups (500 mL) of filtered cold water to a boil.
2. In a 1 cup (250 mL) press pot, add 1 heaping Tbsp (15 mL) of freshly ground coffee.
3. Pour the boiling water over the ground coffee to the fill line on the coffee press pot.
4. Pour the remainder of the boiling water in your coffee cup to warm it while waiting for your coffee to infuse.
5. Use a wooden chopstick to quickly stir the slurry in the press pot (optional).
6. Add the filter assembly, but do not press yet.
7. Wait 3 minutes, then press firmly and evenly on the on the plunger rod. Keep it straight to keep the coffee grounds from escaping into the upper chamber.
8. Discard the hot water that has been warming your coffee cup.
9. Drop 2 or 3 squares of your favourite organic, fair trade chocolate bar into the bottom of your warmed cup.
10. Pour your pressed coffee over the chocolate and stir gently until it melts.
11. Add milk, cream, soy, rice, or other milk alternative, or whipped cream to taste.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, January 2008