How I Like My Coffee

This is my coffee machine. I call it R2-D2.

Black.

I’m definitely a black coffee gal.

As a rule, I use a french press or a snazzy machine (these machines are much cheaper and more available in Europe than the US. Alas!), but I’m okay with a decent drip coffee or stove-top espresso.

But then it gets complicated because in the end, I’m a total coffee SNOB. Don’t serve me any of your over-roasted Starbucks beans or utterly tasteless Tchibo. I want the “good stuff”–the earth-friendly, farmer-friendly, expertly-roasted, costs-way-too-much coffee.

::blushes::

Yeah, I enjoy coffee. And yeah, I probably spend a lot more than the average person does on getting just the right beans. (The ones currently in my grinder are a Brazilian yellow bourbon).

BUT, I will drink that vat of Waffle House coffee–no sugar or cream, thanks.

And from time to time, I’ll drink one of those over-sweetened yet delicious pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks.

At the end of the day, I love coffee–no, I need coffee–no matter the quality.

And ultimately, it’s not so different from my reading tastes. I prefer “good” books–books with a unique story and thoughtful writing. As a rule, my standards are high and my tastes are picky (or cultured, some might say ;)). The way I see it is if I’m going to spend money, I want it money well-spent.

BUT, I can enjoy a penny dreadful as much as the next guy.

And I’ll even indulge in some purple prosey fan fiction from time to time.

At the end of the day, I love books–no, I need books–no matter the story within.

What about you? How do you drink your coffee? And what about your reading tastes?