P-dub's Iced Coffee Post

I've literally cut and pasted Ree's latest post, because, well, it's about coffee, and I thought it was an appropriate post to start out your week.  In no way am I trying to take credit, this is all hers.  Just thought it was great info for all the coffee lovers out there!  And, if there are two things I love in this world, it's coffee and new recipes!  Also, if you don't already, please, please, please subscribe to her blog @ www.thepioneerwoman.com.  It's so funny, and down to earth.  You'll fall in love with her writing style and her overall personality.  Her recipes are amazing, too!

Jun13 2011

Perfect Iced Coffee

Posted by Ree in All PW Recipes, Misc, PW's Favorites

 

Iced coffee is my life. When I wake up, often around the time party animals on the west coast are just heading home, I start each day not with a cup of freshly brewed hot java, but with a tall, blessed glass of creamy iced coffee in a glass. I’ve been an iced coffee freakazoid for years and years. To say I couldn’t live without it is an understatement. It gives me the tools I need to cope.

Iced coffee is a complicated thing, and there are many different approaches. One would think that one could merely pour brewed coffee into a glass full of ice and call it a day…but I find that method extremely flawed. First, no matter how packed with ice the glass is, once the hot coffee hits, some of the ice is bound to melt. This has two disastrous results:
1. The overall strength of the coffee flavor is diluted.
2. The iced coffee isn’t as cold as it could (or should) be. The finished glass of iced coffee should be frigid, not sorta cold with half-melted ice cubes floating around.
Given the previous set of facts, one would assume that the logical solution would be to brew hot coffee, then transfer the brew to the fridge, allow it to cool, and use it to make iced coffee from there. It’s an okay solution, one I subscribed to for quite awhile…until I picked up an issue of Imbibe Magazine three summers ago. It contained a huge spread on the subject of iced coffee, and suggested the following cold-brew method for creating a sort of iced coffee concentrate. I tried it immediately, have made it this way ever since, and can tell you that there is no better (or simpler) method for having the most delicious iced coffee at your fingertips.
There are reasons this method results in a smoother, richer, more delicious concentrate than simply brewing strong coffee and refrigerating it. I would take the time to explain them to you if I knew what they were. But since I don’t, I’m just going to show you instead.
(Note: I’ve totally adapted/tweaked coffee/water amounts to suit my own tastes. Experiment to find your own perfect ratio.)
 

I start with a big ol’ container. I love these food storage containers, by the way. I got these at restaurant supply, but Sam’s Club had them last time I was there.

You can use a big bowl, a large pitcher…even a really clean bucket will work if you’re going for a huge quantity. (Or you can halve the original quantity and use a pitcher.)


Rip open a pound of ground coffee. Any kind will do; the stronger and richer the better. 

Pour in the coffee. 

Mount Bliss. Who invented coffee, anyway? They should be awarded the keys to the city.

Or, at the very least, my heart.

Pour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) cold water.

 

Give it a stir to make sure all the grounds make contact with the water…

 

Then cover the container and go live your life as the coffee steeps for at least eight hours. (And you can go much longer if you’d like.)
 

 

When the time has passed, grab a separate container and place a fine mesh strainer over the top.

Place a couple of layers of cheesecloth inside the strainer…

And slowly pour the steeped coffee through the strainer.

It’ll take awhile for all the liquid to pass through. (Doesn’t this look like one of the acid pools at Yellowstone?)

My friend Julie is there right now.
Hi, Julie!
Oh. Guess she didn’t hear me.
 

Use a spoon to gently press/force the last of the liquid through. And note: I’ve tried the straining method without the cheesecloth, and stray grounds did make it through the mesh strainer. Definitely try to use cheesecloth (or even paper towels) to filter out the finer pieces.

And there we have it. The dregs (left)…and the gold (right.)

 

You can store the liquid in the same container, or you can transfer it to a pitcher or other dispenser. Though it’s difficult to wait, I refrigerate this gorgeous concoction before consuming it. It’s meant to be cold!
Note: this amount of coffee concentrate lasts me a good three weeks to a month if kept tightly covered in the fridge.

Now, when you’re ready to make yourself an iced coffee, you can do two things. Start by filling a glass with ice.

Reach into the fridge and dispense enough of the coffee liquid to fill the glass half full (or maybe a little more). 

Splash in skim, 2%, or whole milk…or, if you’re a naughty, naughty bad girl like me: half-and-half.

Make that naughty, naughty, naughty, bad, bad girl.

Add enough sugar to achieve the level of sweetness you like, or you can drizzle in vanilla or hazelnut syrup if you have those kinds of things lying around.

 

Stir it all up…

Stick in a straw…

 

And go fer it. Look at that miracle. The ice is all there. The flavor’s all there.
I’m all there.

VARIATION: VIETNAMESE ICED COFFEE

And now for something entirely different. Same…but different.
This is a variation on classic Vietnamese Iced Coffee (also recommended by Imbibe), which actually does begin with a hot brew…but I’m using the cold stuff.

Fill the glass with ice and coffee concentrate as we did before, then crack open a can of sweetened condensed milk.

A glorious substance. One you should get to know better if you don’t already.

 

Drizzle in at least 2 tablespoons for a big glass (I wound up adding three.)

 

Come…to…MAMA. 

 

On top of this, add a small splash of milk or half-and-half.
(I recommend the latter, of course.)
 

 

Glorious.

 

Stir, take a small sip, and add a little more sweetened condensed milk if needed.
I’ve tried all combinations of milk, half-and-half, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavored syrups, and sweetened condensed milk, and I will tell you that there is no more winning combo than the half-and-half/sweetened condensed milk mixture. It is out-of-this-world creamy and wonderful, and is worth at least a spot in your weekend rotation if you’re not willing to go there daily.
Either way, try this cold-brewed method of iced coffee sometime soon. The flavor, convenience (and cost savings) can not be underestimated.
Love,
Pioneer Woman

Fabulessly Frugal... Extreme Buying vs. Extreme Saving

Note: This was taken directly from one of the coupon blogs I follow, Fabulessly Frugal.  I thought it was great information and wanted to share!

Extreme Buying vs. Extreme Saving

Reader Question: You repeatedly remind readers not to clear shelves but you also talk extensively about building a large stockpile and shopping from our pantry. How can I create a large stockpile without buying mass quantities when the price is a stock up price?

Excellent question! To understand the answer you must first understand the difference between extreme buying and extreme saving.  Saving money on an extreme level doesn’t necessarily mean you have to purchase on an extreme level. If you only buy 1 box of brownies and 1 box of pasta and get both items free, you have saved money on an extreme level! And you have not have purchased anywhere near what one would consider an extreme amount.

So how will that 1 box of pasta and 1 box of brownies fill your pantry? It won’t! But let’s say you buy 2 or 3 of each item during one shopping trip and 2 or 3 of each item the next shopping trip. I bake brownies once a month. I now have a 6 month supply in my pantry after 2 shopping trips!

Suddenly your measly shopping trip full of extreme savings but not extreme buying is making more sense and seeming more doable!  A few small shopping trips like the one mentioned above and you will slowly see your pantry shelves filled. Not overnight. Building a stockpile takes time and patience.

It is hard to see the shopping trips on Extreme Couponing and not want to go duplicate them to fill your pantry to the brim in one trip to the store. But like we’ve said and like the actual couponers on the show will attest to, that’s not reality. Most of the stockpiles you see featured on Extreme Couponing took a lot of time to build. Years even.

I’ve been couponing for years and my pantry looks nothing like the ones shown. But I also have no need for a pantry like that. I have 2 small children and a husband to feed. For those who have many more mouths to feed, the way I shop might not be realistic. For instance, if you bake 2 pans of brownies a week you would need to place an order to have enough brownie mix in your pantry to last you a year. For my family, that is not necessary.

My stockpile is small, but sufficient for us. I know what we will use and I know what I like having on hand. I also know that if I miss a sale, we’ll most likely see another in a few months. I shop small and consistently. And that is enough for me. I am an extreme saver, which makes me an extreme couponer. But I am not an extreme buyer.  And my pantry is still full! You know what they say: slow and steady wins the race!!

A link to Fabulessly Frugal's blog can be found HERE.  I especially like their articles.  Keep in mind, though, that they are not located in Oklahoma, so some of the store deals that they post, for example, might not apply.

Blogger Spotlight... Jennifer O'Reilly

I would like to introduce Jennifer O'Reilly.  She is such a kind, sweet, talented, and super fun mommy!  I love reading her blog, and I know you will too.  She has a beautiful family and she does a great job of capturing her family memories.  My personal favorite posts are when she shares things about her design projects.  Give this girl some spray paint and a salvaged household item and magic happens!  Check out her blog HERE - I know you'll love it!  Here is a post where she uses her magical talents with spray paint - so darn cute!!  Click HERE!

 

Question #1:  How do you take your coffee? 

3 tsp of sugar and creme brulee creamer

 

Question #2:  How long have you been blogging? 

Almost 3 years

 

Question #3:  When you first began blogging, what did you hope to accomplish with your blog?  How, if any, have your blog goals shifted as you've become more experienced? 

I started my blog with my in-laws in mind. They live in Georgia, and I wanted to keep them as close to us and the kids as possible. It's not easy having family living far away so I try to keep them updated with our lives through our blog. I also love that our kids lives are chronicled and I hope to make our blog into a book one day for the kids. 

 

Question #4:  Red wine, white wine, or depends on the occasion, meal, etc.? 

Definitely depends on what I'm doing, what I'm eating, and who I'm with. I love both!

 

Question #5:  Ultimate vacation spot?  Is this somewhere you've been, or hope to visit someday?

Since we honeymooned in Sante Fe, I hold a very special place in my heart for turquoise jewelry, art galleries, cowboy boots and pinion wood. They're so many places I could have fun in. Greece in high up on my list of places to see.

 

Question #6:  Cheez-its or Cheese Nips? 

Parmesan Cheese-its

 

Question #7:  Describe the perfect date night with your hubby. 

I miss riding on the back of my hubby's Harley. Since we've had kids, we don't ride anymore. I would love to take a ride around Lake Hefner and have dinner on the patio of somewhere casual. I miss those days!

 

Question #8:  If you could invite one celebrity, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why?  

Lady Ga Ga. Just to see what she would wear. 

 

Question #9:  What is your favorite charitable organization? JLOC

 

Question #10:  Name three things that you are passionate about in life. 

God, Family, Friends

 

Question #11:  If you could spend the day by yourself, with no phone, email, carpool, errands, etc., how would you spend your day? 

Spa day that includes mani, pedi, facial & massage. Lunch on a patio with a glass of Sauv Blanc and a shrimp caesar salad. Browse some antique shops/boutiques for a fabulous find or fun piece of jewelry. Maybe hit up a book store and catch up on my favorite decor/celebrity gossip magazines.

 

Question #12:  What advice would you give to someone that has just begun blogging? 

Don't get frustrated and google the questions you need answers to. It's a work in progress.

 

Question #13:  What is one of your favorite family traditions? 

Dressing in Red, White & Blue, loading the girls up in their wagon, and heading to the 4th of July parade in Edmond.

 

Question #14:  Name three baby items that you thought you had to have pre-kids, but now that you've had kids, realize you didn't really need.  Name three baby must-haves. 

1. Bedding~Our baby nurse told us in our parenting class that all we needed was a sheet and I thought that was the saddest thing I'd ever heard. But, I have to say after a few months I took the bumper out (Fear of SIDS and 5 month old Audrey was pulling herself up and trying to stand on it) and we never used the big blanket that came with the bedding. I removed the dust ruffle after we moved the crib lower to the ground. It was so important to have pretty bedding at the time, but after a 2nd baby I thinks it's a waste of money and time. 

   

Must haves-Boppy, pack-in-play, video monitor, (and diapers diapers diapers!)

 

Question #15:  What is your favorite drink from Sonic? 

Lame, but it's what I always get. A route 44 water. So thirst quenching!

Blogger Spotlight... Stacy Nance

Allow me to introduce the amazingly talented, Stacy Nance, of Stacy Nance Interiors!  Stacy and I went to high school together, but have recently become reacquainted through mutual friends, similar interests, and our blogs.  Please check out her design blog HERE.  She offers great ideas and inspiration for your own home 'to do' list.  I know I have plenty of things on my list.  Actually, I have several design, home decor, household, and wish lists.  Mainly, though, I have my everyday to do list and then my 'someday' list.  Surely I'm not the only one!

Here are Stacy's responses to my random questions.  Enjoy!

Question #1:  How do you take your coffee?

No coffee for me; sometimes tea or DDP for a caffeine fix

Question #2:  How long have you been blogging? 

It will be a year in June.  Wow!  How time flies!

Question #3:  When you first began blogging, what did you hope to accomplish with your blog?  How, if any, have your blog goals shifted as you've become more experienced?

Blogs and social networks i.e. Facebook and Twitter have quickly become the way we communicate with our friends and neighbors.  This is how the world shares information. I studied this in my master's degree (library and information studies).  So when I started my business, I consulted with friends.  We all agreed that a blog was necessary to the success of the business.  The blog showcases my design aesthetic.  People feel like they know me through the blog, and that's exactly what I want.  Facebook has really been a launching pad for the blog and business.  How would anyone but my immediate friends know what I was doing if it weren't for these tools?  Through these avenues people can see what I'm doing and decide: "I want Stacy to come do that at my house!"  

My goal is three posts a week on the blog.  I didn't want to spend money on the blog in the beginning.  Now I think it's time to invest more money into the business.  I want to revamp my blog design this summer as well as launch a website with my design projects.  I also want to do some "giveaways".  Friends and acquaintances comment on my FB page or to me personally all the time, but I would like to see more discussion on the actual blog.  I can see on my stats that hundreds of people check it out, so I just need to get them commenting!

Insert Regan's comment:  What an awesome and smart answer!!  Where would any of us be without social media these days?

Question #4:  Red wine, white wine, or depends on the occasion, meal, etc.?

My favorite is a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand.  Yummy!

Question #5:  Ultimate vacation spot?  Is this somewhere you've been, or hope to visit someday? 

My two favorite vacation spots are Northern California and France.  I love the Sonoma region near Napa, and Provence and Paris are just magical.

Question #6:  Cheez-its or Cheese Nips?

Cheetos!

Question #7:  Describe the perfect date night with your hubby.

Well I love a good date weekend to Dallas.  Occasionally, my husband will take me to Dallas for a weekend of shopping.  We stay at a nice hotel and eat at all our favorite restaurants.

Question #8:  If you could invite one celebrity, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why?

This one is tough for me...  Laura Bush and I have a lot in common, and I've always wanted to meet her.  She is Theta and a librarian like me.  I would love to talk to her about literacy and education.

Question #9:  What is your favorite charitable organization?

Our friend Hayden has CF, so we love supporting her whenever possible.  We also have a place in our hearts for Young Life.

Question #10:  Name three things that you are passionate about in life.

That has changed in the last several years.  When I was teaching I was very passionate about education. Now, I'm passionate about being a good mother, friend and wife.  

Question #11:  If you could spend the day by yourself, with no phone, email, carpool, errands, etc., how would you spend your day?

Start with a massage. Then a pedicure.  Then I would probably make my way to my favorite design and antique stores.

Question #12:  What advice would you give to someone that has just begun blogging?

Start small but set goals.  I think it all depends on the content of the blog.  If it's for a business, always consider your business plan.

Question #13:  What is one of your favorite family traditions?

My Granny makes lunch for her kids, grand kids and great grand kids every Sunday.  She's the best cook I know, and I hope I can be as giving and kind as she is someday.

Question #14:  Name three baby items that you thought you had to have pre-kids, but now that you've had kids, realize you didn't really need.  Name three baby must-haves.

I don't think I thought much about baby items before I had my son.  I thought I was going to breastfeed for six months. HA!  I used my expensive breast pump for two weeks before calling it quits--one of the most disappointing and difficult times in my life.

My baby must haves: Aiden+Anais swaddle blankets (love), bouncy chair, Fisher Price Lamb Swing, and Boon High Chair

Question #15:  What is your favorite drink from Sonic?
Diet Strawberry Lemonade

Blogger Spotlight... Julie LeClercq

My friend, Julie LeClercq, is one of the sweetest, smartest ladies I know.  And, she is a fellow mom of mutliples.  She and her husband, Manny, have darling 2-year old triplets!!  Please check out her blog, http://leclercqfamily.blogspot.com/.

Question #1:  How do you take your coffee? 

With flavored creamer, but if that's not available, sugar and milk

Question #2:  How long have you been blogging? 

Since the day we announced we were pregnant with triplets

Question #3:  When you first began blogging, what did you hope to accomplish with your blog?  How, if any, have your blog goals shifted as you've become more experienced? 

At first the blog was intended to keep family and friends informed about our pregnancy.  Now, the blog is a mixture of keeping friends and family informed of what's going on with our family, sort of baby book/memory book type thing for my kids, and also a goal of helping others- whether it be through our infertility story, higher order multiples, etc.

Question #4:  Red wine, white wine, or depends on the occasion, meal, etc.? 

All wine, often.   But, I stick to red with meat and white with seafood and fish.  I also like red in the winter and white in the summer.

Question #5:  Ultimate vacation spot?  Is this somewhere you've been, or hope to visit someday? 

Italy.  I've been and it's my favorite country.  There are plenty of places I hope to visit one day though.

Question #6:  Cheez-its or Cheese Nips? 

Hmm, don't do a lot of either.  Cheez-its.

Question #7:  Describe the perfect date night with your hubby. 

Dinner at a fancy restaurant (Ludivine, The Ranch, Coach House) discussing the details of each of our dishes, maybe a drink or two at a wine bar, and then staying the night in a hotel with no monitor in our ear and the opportunity to sleep in the next morning.

Question #8:  If you could invite one celebrity, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? 

Oprah- She's fascinating and has done so much for so many.  

Question #9:  What is your favorite charitable organization? 

March of Dimes- I start my new job with them next week!

Question #10:  Name three things that you are passionate about in life. 

My family, children in general, and food.

Question #11:  If you could spend the day by yourself, with no phone, email, carpool, errands, etc., how would you spend your day? 

A massage and pedicure, a nap, and reading a book with a nice glass of wine.  

Question #12:  What advice would you give to someone that has just begun blogging? 

Blog often or people lose interest.  I don't blog often enough!

Question #13:  What is one of your favorite family traditions? 

Having gumbo on Christmas Eve- a little unique and ties our family to our Louisiana heritage.

Question #14:  Name three baby items that you thought you had to have pre-kids, but now that you've had kids, realize you didn't really need.  Name three baby must-haves.

Must haves: boppy, monitor, lovey

Not necessary:   car seat positioner/accessories (just use blankets), bottle warmer (just use warm water in a cup), wipes warmer

Question #15:  What is your favorite drink from Sonic?
Classic cherry limeaid

Blogger Spotlight... Alyssa Siler

I thought it might be fun to highlight some of my fellow bloggers.  They each have different reasons for entering the blog world, and their posts are often funny, witty, thought provoking, inspiring and informative.  I hope that you might be able to find something interesting for yourself in my favorite blogs!

Let me introduce my friend, Alyssa Siler.  Her blog, http://notesfromthecastle.blogspot.com/, is a joy.  Check it out!

Question #1:  How do you take your coffee?
Bleh. I don't take it at all.  My husband, on the other hand, needs about three cups in the morning just to be human.

Question #2:  How long have you been blogging? 
For a couple of years.  I took last year off from my personal blog to keep up the Mrs. Oklahoma blog after I won that title.  I just passed on the crown in January and started back with my blog recently.

Question #3:  When you first began blogging, what did you hope to accomplish with your blog?  How, if any, have your blog goals shifted as you've become more experienced?
I originally thought it would be a family scrapbook of sorts.  I figured it would be the perfect place to document things going on with Hayden, funny things she said, pictures, etc.  I still do talk about my family but I have found that it has become a great outlet for me to....well, to be me!  I have always dreamed of writing a beauty column and I have kind of started to do that with certain posts focusing on products I love.  I'll also share craft and decorating tutorials that I have found.  Some days are just completely random thoughts.  I hope that it has become a blog with personality that people enjoy keeping up with.

Question #4:  Red wine, white wine, or depends on the occasion, meal, etc.?
 Let me put it this way:  If it isn't so fruity and frou-frou that you can't taste the alcohol, I don't want any part of it.  I'm just not really a drinker. Try as I might to like wine and champagne, I just don't.  My husband thinks it totally unromantic. Lol   Now give me a frozen strawberry whatever or any after-dinner drink with "Oreo" in the title and we're talking!

Question #5:  Ultimate vacation spot?  Is this somewhere you've been, or hope to visit someday?
BER-MU-DA.  We went there eight years ago for our honeymoon and I've been dreaming of going back ever since.

Question #6:  Cheez-its or Cheese Nips?
There's cheese involved in both so neither can be that bad.  I'll say Cheez-its.

Question #7:  Describe the perfect date night with your hubby.
If we are being fancy (a rarity), dinner at Signature Grill.  If it's low-key, then dinner at a more casual place and a romantic comedy movie at AMC.  He's really good about seeing rom-coms with me while I completely refuse to see any man-ish movies.  It works out great!

Question #8:  If you could invite one celebrity, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why?
Read question #9 first so this answer makes more sense.  She's only considered a celebrity in the cystic fibrosis community but, Beth Sufian.  She is a lawyer who, while battling CF herself, fights tirelessly for the rights of others with the disease.  Her work is all done pro bono and she has helped so many fight their insurance companies to get access to meds and equipment that are vital to their health. I met her briefly at a CFF conference in D.C. but I find her inspiring and fascinating and I'd love to talk with her in depth.

Question #9:  What is your favorite charitable organization?
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Our daughter Hayden, who will be five in July, was diagnosed with CF at birth.  It is an ugly disease with a current life-expectancy of 37.5.  It causes the lungs, and other areas of the body, to fill up with a thick, sticky mucus.  This causes lung infections and inflammation and a loss of lung function.  The medical research has come leaps and bounds in recent years and it is projected that, by the year 2020, the science books will need to be re-written where CF is concerned.  The science isn't possible without donations, however.  Ryan and I are so proud to be a part of the only foundation putting 90 cents of every dollar donated straight to medical research.  They WILL discover the drug that will save Hayden's life.  I am so confident of that.  For more info on Hayden and CF you can watch this video I put together by following this link:  http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=c89fe0db215424f80618fe&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Question #10:  Name three things that you are passionate about in life.
Being a part of making CF stand for "cure found", leading worship at my church, and spending way more time and money than necessary at Hobby Lobby.

Question #11:  If you could spend the day by yourself, with no phone, email, carpool, errands, etc., how would you spend your day?
Do I have to??? Please don't take my laptop and IPhone away!

Question #12:  What advice would you give to someone that has just begun blogging?
Don't put too much pressure on yourself to become a blog-writing machine.  I did that in the beginning and became so caught up in creating a new post everyday that I was ignoring other things I needed to be doing.  What?? My family wants dinner again tonight???? That sort of thing.

Question #13:  What is one of your favorite family traditions?
My father passed away last year, so our tradition of an annual father/daughter pumpkin carving we had when I was growing up is near and dear to my heart.  He actually carved a pumpkin with Hayden the last year before he became ill and I will always treasure those pictures.  I want to start that tradition with Ryan and Hayden this year.

Question #14:  Name three baby items that you thought you had to have pre-kids, but now that you've had kids, realize you didn't really need.  Name three baby must-haves. 
Things I didn't actually need: a wipie warmer, the Diaper Genie, and a separate cradle outside the bedroom.  Things we would not have made it without: the swing, the swaddlers, and our car to drive around at night to put her to sleep!

Question #15:  What is your favorite drink from Sonic?
LemonBerry Sprite!! It's a mixture of strawberry lemonade and Sprite.  It's so refreshing and caffeine-free which is good for me right now while I'm preggo!