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23 March 2010 ,

Nescafe or straight up "cowboy coffee"?

Photo courtesy of Flickr and katiew Photo courtesy of Flickr and katiew
This morning, as I depressingly scooped the instant coffee into my cup (I'm in South America, which seems to be the home of Nescafe), I wondered if I had enough tools here at the beach cabana (no kitchen) to brew my own. I mean, haven't you heard of cowboy coffee? Cowboy coffee is just that - the way that cowboys used to brew coffee with a tin can and an open fire. With a little research, I learned that over the years, folks have gotten a little gourmet on the cowboy coffee. However, the basic recipe goes a little something like this...

Get a large tin can and poke two holes on either side of the top. String some wire through to make a handle. Put some roughly ground coffee in the can (might I recommend some fair-trade, shade-grown organic?). Add some water. Use a stick to hold the can over the fire (or your gas stove at home). Be careful not to set the stick, or your hand, on fire. When the grounds start to bubble, this is where it gets funky. It seems you're supposed to throw in a large piece of eggshell or a clean wooden stick to keep the grounds from bubbling up.

To serve, you can either let the grounds fully settle to the bottom, or better yet, swing the pot of scalding fluid 'round and 'round to settle them. Don't ask me who would actually do this, but my man in the "Travel Alberta" cowboy coffee instructional video below seems to think it's a good idea.

In scanning numerous cowboy coffee recipes online, I've found it's also popular to toss in a cinnamon stick, a bit of sugar, and an orange peel for that little somethin' extra. My addition to all of this? Just don't forget the bacon.



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Written by: Melanie Redman

Melanie Redman

Melanie Redman is a Social Mission Collaborator with more than 10 years of direct experience in strategic, leadership and advisory roles across the social mission sector in the U.S. and Canada. She calls many places home - most recently Toronto, Buenos Aires and Seattle - but was sprouted from the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri. Learn more about her work at www.melanieredman.com or on LinkedIn.

 

Responses to “Nescafe or straight up "cowboy coffee"?”

4
Mac Daddy Says: March 4, 2010 2:26 PM

I've also had cowboy coffee, and in some of the most remote parts of the world, which made it something to treasure - if not for its aroma, the experience of enjoying while living in the wilderness is always memorable!

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hannerl Says: March 24, 2010 2:35 AM

i've had it many times -- except i call it "i'm lazy and don't have a coffeemaker handy". apparently, it's popular in central europe. great vid, and blog!

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Maggie O'Connor Says: March 24, 2010 1:06 PM

Sounds fantastic! I think the egg shell thing is similar to wine making with fish bones? I'm currently road-tripping the south east coast of the US with CanadaDriveaway.com and my traveling buddy has brought fancy grind, just in case we have an opportunity to B-I-Y (security blanket styles). So far, one CouchSurf host had a stovetop espresso maker, we found good coffee in about half of our destinations, and otherwise are victim-consumers at CorporateBucks... Best cafe slogan so far: "Caffeine Addiction or Sleep Deprivation" in Tampa FL.

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Melanie Redman replied to comment from hannerl Says: March 25, 2010 1:51 PM

Thanks! I'm once again getting desperate here in Bogota, as the coffee on the table this morning? Nescafe again! NO MAS!

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