Save time, keep the kids asleep and still drink gourmet coffee

Peaceful minutes to linger, sip and read a good book. Or simply sit without anyone needing anything.

The peace and calm that comes with the smell of fresh coffee and a cozy, quiet house really can’t be beat.

Oh, wait. I have small children. Who happen to be extremely light sleepers in the morning.

I’m an outgoing introvert, and doing without that peace and quiet is not good for me – or my family. I also have a deep love of coffee.

What’s a busy mom to do?

Typically, I grind fresh beans and then use the espresso machine to make an awesome Americanos or a latte.

Getting up early specifically for extra work/quiet time and then having them wake up to my making coffee defeats the purpose. So does skipping the coffee in favor of silence.

The solution:

• Pre-grind the coffee* the night before (Yes, I am giving up some quality here. It’s worth it. And if you’re less of a snob than I am, this isn’t an issue).
• Use an AeroPress for silent coffee creation.
• Drink and enjoy pure coffee bliss.

*We love Stumptown Coffee, even if they did sell out to Peet’s and are no longer hipster-cool here in Portland.

I’d read a few reviews of the AeroPress over the years, and was admittedly skeptical. When my french press bit the dust (i.e. cracked and shattered), and I was tired of drinking poor quality instant coffee, I made the leap. I only wish I had done it sooner.

As one of my friends said,

This is the best coffee I’ve ever had at home.”

Yes, yes it absolutely is.

Alternatives if you’re less of a coffee snob than I am:

• Use a traditional drip brewer with an automatic timer. (Does this make anyone else think of ‘90s Folgers commercials?)
• Use a french press.
• Use a Chemex or other pour over method.