nwafoodie.jpg "Le Creuset French Press (c)nwafoodie")
If I were a woman of leisure, each morning would begin with a steaming hot French press cup of coffee. Ideally while lounging in an Adirondack chair watching the wood ducks dive for their morning meal. I wouldn’t have a care in the world, no agenda for the next two hours, and the moment would be shared with a loved one.
There is something about a French press that inspires that kind of experience. Whether your dream-coffee-moment occurs in the cafes of France, sitting in front of a campfire, or only when someone drops by for a social visit, a French press brings your coffee experience up a notch.
A French press is a vessel where you put coffee grounds (or tea leaves) in and pour hot boiling water over and let steep. The press has a mesh sieve that you plunge through the water and offers a stronger flavored cup. A traditional glass French press is available, oh just about everywhere that has a coffee pot section.
I was perfectly content with my glass French press until sometime last summer when I chanced upon something unexpected from Le Creuset. They make a French press out of stoneware enamel in four gorgeous colors. Each one is hand crafted by skilled artisans and the stoneware holds in heat longer than glass. Immediately, my husband and I wanted it.
The price is hefty at $60 so this product went on our anniversary-gift list. When November came we happily unwrapped it and started a whole new coffee phase in our life. We love it and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves coffee, loves the sensory experience of coffee, loves the social aspect of coffee, and is looking for that something special that is good quality and long lasting (it has a five year warranty).
Yes, our days still start off with the ordinary percolated cup of coffee but when I entertain… my flame red Le Creuset French press steals the show. Can your dream-coffee-moment do that?
Happy pressing!
Lyndi
Eat well, my friends. Eat well.
This french press is gorgeous! I have to admit I have a glass french press that I don't really use very often. I may have to bring it out this weekend and give it a go!
Stacey, if you already have one and aren't using it… I say DEFINITELY give it a go! Play around with it. Some people like to remove the "bloom" from a poured cup and some leave it. What's a bloom, you say? It is the thin layer that forms on the top. I like to leave mine on and swirl it around. Try it both ways and see which you prefer!
danger! I'm about to make a 3rd cup of coffee this morning in the french press…bloom? i think i drink it too fast to even see what that is 🙂
I smell an addiction brewing!
I love a cup of french press coffee! I do like the idea that it holds heat longer and of course it's beautiful.
You just summed up the perfect trifecta: 1) you already love french press coffee 2) holds heat longer and 3) it's beautiful! Sounds to me like this is perfect for you, Julianne!
What a picture! We ditched our old French press from the Houston-to-Boston move. Been meaning to get a new one. Might save a few bucks and go fancy.
Btw…I organized an event you would have loved to attend. Doing a coffee cupping with 15 foodies at a LR coffeehouse tomorrow.
Ohhhhh mannnnn… that sounds like fun!!
Do it. Go fancy schmancy. You deserve it. Pick red, grey, blue, or orange. You're going blue, I'm guessing. Right?
My only piece of LC is blue…which I love…that red one looks pretty darn sharp.
They all are pretty darn sharp!
Thank you for posting, love the LC quality and would like to add the French press to the collection. Have you checked how much the press holds? They say 27oz but is that all the way to the top or is that at the bottom of the spout? The spout seems to be very deep and it would be difficult to fill the press till the top without grounds mixing with your coffee (without tilting the press towards the handle). One of the reviewers mentioned that its actually 40oz which I find hard to believe. In any case, if you get the chance would you mind measuring how much the press can hold?
Thanks a million.
Jean-Pierre
Sure, I will absolutely measure it for you. I am not at my home right now so I will check it when I get back… please check back for the answer!
Thanks Jean-Pierre.