How to Make Vietnamese Coffee

Ah, there's nothing like a roaring wet and windy day to have an excuse to stay inside and indulge in a little laziness. Paintings call, sculptures wink, books beckon, and the enormous garden demands attention...but it is storming outside. Time for some good coffee and chocolate I say.

Now I have to admit, I do have a weakness for very strong and sweet coffee with a nibble of dark chocolate on the side. I try to assuage some of the guilt by buying fair trade and organic beans. My absolute favourites at the moment are Kicking Horse Coffee ( I get it from Canada whenever I can..it is so rich and robust...delicious!) and a locally purchased bean called EqualExchange (their dark roast coffee beans smell marvelous first thing in the morning!) Add a little Green & Black's dark chocolate.....and I'm good to go.

My favourite coffee recipe has to be Vietnamese Coffee. It's wonderful to drink hot on a misty,chilly, windy day, but on a sunny day it is delectable on ice.

Pair the coffee with a square of dark chocolate....try to buy 70% or more cocoa content, it melts at body temperature.....yum!

I've posted the recipe below for your convenience. I hope you enjoy it!

As you can see, the coffee press is small with only a few pieces. This particular version only makes one cup at a time but I love it because it's:
a) portable
b) easy to make a quick cup of fresh coffee when you are in the mood for a cuppa
c) simple to use
and
d) easy to clean and store.

I find it also makes a great present. Put together a lovely basket, a bag of french roast coffee or espresso, a stainless steel coffee press and a bar of fine chocolate and you've created a gift of happiness for your java loving friends.

Original artwork available at http://www.susanneiles.com .