Jun 26, 2018 3 min read

Remember how I mentioned some time ago that I have to have flavored creamer in my coffee? Well, that is still true. I still love caramel the best, I still like a lot of it in my cup, and I still refuse to drink my coffee without it.

But I have recently discovered that I’m not such a wuss about my cuppa as I previously thought. As it turns out, I have been told that I like far stronger coffee than most people with whom I drink the stuff. They make it a point to tell me that they can barely tolerate it the way I make it. One of the guys at work even jokes that when I make the coffee, he has to go home and shave his beard again because my coffee makes his hair grow.

It’s not the first time I’ve been told my coffee is too strong. I personally believe that there is no such thing as coffee that’s too strong, but to each his own, I suppose.

My sister stopped over this weekend to bring me a new coffeepot. She felt that my other one brewed too slowly. She brought the pot, some grounds, filters, and even some new caramel-flavored creamer. Of course, that meant we had to try it all out.

She made the coffee and I gathered cups and snacks. When it was ready – I’m not sure it was any faster, but it was definitely hotter – we stepped out on the front porch to enjoy it. After my first few sips, I crinkled my nose.

“How much coffee grounds did you put in this?” I asked.

“More than I usually put in my coffee at home,” she answered evasively.

“How much?” I asked again.

“Five scoops,” she replied, sheepishly.

“I knew it!” I exclaimed. “That coffee was as weak as my tennis game. It needs six scoops for this much water.”

“Oh, Laura,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Nobody needs their coffee that strong.”

I truly believe that I do, though. Coffee is my only vice. I don’t smoke, and I rarely imbibe alcohol, so I believe that my coffee should be just the way I enjoy it.

I looked the coffeepot over after my sister left and discovered, with joy, a button called “strong brew.” I haven’t tried it yet, but I am excited to play around with it. Add some Colombian or some dark roast to the pot, press the strong brew and watch what happens.

The folks at work are safe, as the pot there doesn’t have such an offering, but watch out if I invite you over for coffee. If you’re not prepared, you might leave my house with quite a case of the jitters.

Laura Zoeller can be reached at zoeller5@verizon.net.