Cowboy Coffee

Yesterday, my Cuisinart coffee maker burned out – literally.  I heard a crackling sound coming from my kitchen.  I couldn’t imagine what it was although it sounded like it was coming from the counter.  To my shock, the coffee was starting to boil and there was smoke coming from the bottom of the machine.  Thank goodness I was home because I fear there might have been a fire if I did not unplug the coffee maker.

With my coffee machine broken I knew I was going to be a big grouch without my morning “fix”.  My sweet husband said he would make the morning run to Dunkin Donuts or Mickey D and maybe he was thinking as much about himself as he was for me.  After all, who wants to deal with a grouchy wife first thing in the morning.  I’m thinking, I like my coffee right after getting up and if truth be told, I was feeling downright bratty about it.  And, I didn’t want my husband chasing for it either.  I thought, there must be an alternative way to make coffee without a machine.  How did they do it back in the day before machines and how did cowboys on the range get their cup of “joe”?

When in a pinch, I turn to the handy, often trusty and informative internet.  I found a recipe for making coffee in a pan on top of the stove.  I was giddy with the prospect of solving a problem and getting what I most needed – morning coffee in a hurry!

One never knows when they may find themselves in a similar situation so I thought I would share it here with you.  I mean, I can’t see anyone suffering needlessly.

Cowboy Coffee Recipe

In a saucepan, bring one quart of water to a boil.

Add 3/4 cup of ground coffee

Return to a boil but only briefly.  You want to be sure all the grounds are covered with water.  Do not boil for more then 30 seconds otherwise the taste may be adversely effected.

Immediately remove from the heat and cover.

Wait till the grounds sink to the bottom of the pan (approximately 5 minutes).

The grounds will be at the bottom of the pan.  You can slowly pour the coffee directly into a cup like the cowboys do.  Or, you can use the grounds cup from the machine, put a filter in it and pour the coffee into a carafe which is how I did it.

Enjoy!

One thing I want to add, this makes a strong coffee which I like.  You may need to adjust for your taste.  This recipe works.  I was pleasantly and thankfully surprised and so was my husband.  :)