Tuesday's Tip

i have been waiting to post this tip for several months now but thought it would go best with the onset of spring.

clearly, coffee is one of my passions.  and nothing says spring like exchanging a few hot coffee drinks for cold ones.  everyone has their favorites, but i really like a good iced coffee.  nothing gives you a kick in the pants like iced coffee... and i think because it's usually stronger (since it's been around for a bit) and you can drink it so much faster.  an all around good combination.

for these reasons, i always have iced coffee on hand at home.  there's nothing to it... no extra cost or effort.  you just need to be a bit proactive!  here's the trick...   you know how every morning (or whenever you make coffee), there is usually a bit left over in the pot that you end up dumping out when you rinse out your pot?  instead of pouring that little bit down the drain, pour it in a pitcher that you can keep in the refrigerator.  every time you make a pot of coffee, add your leftovers to that pitcher.  i'm always amazed at how quickly i can fill a pitcher without having to make any extra coffee.  now, there are times when i will make an extra large pot of coffee (or a separate pot!) for the sole purpose of making iced coffee.  but this system works well because it's making good use of what you already have - eliminating waste and furthering your resources.  always a good thing!

now, when it comes to serving your iced coffee, here a few more tips.  first, be sure to stir the pitcher every now and again (and empty it every so often to start over) because, like tea, coffee does end up with some residual "sediment."  par for the course, yes, but not something you want to find in your glass.  also, if you prefer sweetened or flavored iced coffee, simply add flavored creamer to a glass of ice and then add your iced coffee.  stir briskly and then, if you can, drink with a straw!  ok, so you don't have to use the straw, but i always enjoy cold coffee beverages better with a straw AND your teeth will benefit (and be whiter) without the extra exposure to the coffee.

bottoms up!