Percolatin' Perks

Vintage runs in my blood.
Although I've always had an appreciation for older things,
somewhere in my 30's, I lost touch with my inner self.
Once rediscovered, I began thrifting and scouring yard sales and flea markets
for all things classic 
(read well made). 
Let's face it,
with very few exceptions,
things are just not made with the same pride and satisfaction
as in days past.
Thankfully, it's possible to appoint oneself with treasures from long ago,
that are utilitarian and built to last.

Take this percolator.
After searching for quite a while,
it was spotted at a local downtown merchant.
At $18, it was the bargain of a lifetime,
and it didn't hurt that it was in pristine condition.

Why do I love this percolator?
First of all, it makes an epic cup of coffee.
Don't ask me all of the specifics, because a barista, I am not.
All I know is that the flavor is crisp, fresh and just the strength I desire.

Other reasons to consider getting yourself one of these hot little numbers:

  ~It doesn't take up a lot of counter space like machine coffee makers.
~It is easy to clean-dishwasher safe or a quick rinse under warm water and you're ready to brew again!
~No need for electricity-even if we lose power I can have my joe.  
Simply place on a camp stove or fire pit and it's go-time!
~With no wires or electrical parts, there is nothing to wear out.
~This is a no-waste device.  With no filters to buy, there is no need to trash anything.
In fact, the used grounds make a wonderful addition to the garden or the worm bin.

I'm always working on creating less of a footprint in my day-to-day,
and this step back in time actually is the wave of the future.
It helps me keep the commitment to Mother Earth every time it's used.
  

Instead of buying one of those complicated machines
that do everything short of cleaning your house,
why not simplify with a gadget that has stood the test of time?

Here is my recipe for a marvelous cup of coffee.

~Place wire basket assembly into coffeepot.
~Measure out the number of cups of water needed
and pour directly on top of the basket
(this is supposed to keep grounds in the basket,
and out of your coffee).
~Fill the basket with measured coffee grounds
(I use 3 Tablespoons per 2 cups of water.)
~Replace lid of basket and percolator.
~Place on high heat until percolation begins.
~Turn down to a simmer and percolate 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy! 

We're Percolatin'!

Holiday shopping has been taking place.
This year, a concerted effort was made to buy locally.
There are several antique "shabby chic"-type stores in town.
The enamel cabinet that I bought a few weeks ago was found there.
That was such a fantastic surprise.
Little did I know when I was Christmas shopping,
that I'd find something I've wanted for quite some time.

 This corning ware percolator caught my eye.
I had purchased one similar to it a few years back
at the Florida Flywheeler's Flea Market.
The interior had been badly stained by something,
but I took the chance that I could get it clean enough to use.
That didn't happen,
so I've been using it to collect any leftover water from steaming veggies or the like,
and then reusing it to water plants.

What a pleasant surprise it was when I peered into this beauty!
It is in pristine condition
and the price was right at only $18.00!
It hopped right into my basket!

Christmas came a little early for me.
Since moving into our new (smaller) home,
I've downsized so many things,
including many of my kitchen staples.
Keeping only the items I truly love is now the goal.
Not only does this percolator fulfill a longtime desire,
it makes the best cup of coffee I've had in a good, long time.

Steps to Perfect Percolated Coffee
1.  Measure out the water for the amount of cups needed.
(There are corresponding marks printed inside of this model.)
2.  Rinse the metal basket in cool water.
(This is supposed to help keep grounds in the basket, and out of your coffee.)
3.  Fill basket with measured coffee grounds.
4.  Place basket assembly into coffeepot and replace lid.
5.  Place on high heat until percolation starts.
6.  Turn down to simmer and percolate 10-15 minutes,
according to the strength desired.
Enjoy!

Coffee to the Rescue!

This sago palm was placed here by the builder of our home.

I'm not a tropical or palm kinda gal,

so I would never have thought to add it to the landscaping.

Now that I've watched it go through it's transformation,

I have to say that it's pretty impressive.

The fronds put on quite a show when they unfurl.

Then this happens.

Scaly white growth on the underside of the fronds.

Not only looks unsightly,

but you just know it can't be a good thing.

What to do?

Coffee grounds save the day!

We simply apply it to the crown of the plant,

as well as around the base.

A "tea" can also be made by mixing grounds with water

and adding it around the base of the plant.

Works like a charm!

Java Jive

One of the best parts of my day is my morning cup of coffee.

Just smelling that mocha brown liquid brewing is a great way to start the day.

(Any fellow java junkies out there?)

It's a good idea to clean the inside cavity of your coffee maker every so often.  Ours gets cleaned about once a month.

See what I mean?

Yuck!

How does it get like this when it's just water going in there

and the lid is always closed?

We have a 4-cup capacity coffee pot, as I'm the only one around here addicted to the stuff.

Pour 1/2 C white vinegar into a measuring cup.

Add a coffee filter to the brew basket.

Fill the decanter the rest of the way with water up to the metal band.  Pour contents of decanter into reservoir,

just as you would to make a pot of java.  Repeat this process.

After the 2nd brew cycle, dump the vinegar/water mixture and the filter.  Repeat the process using only water once or twice more, to flush out the vinegar.

Enjoy your next cup-a-joe!