Coffee Fix for Busy Parents on the Go

Coffee, coffee, coffee. I tell my husband, “Coffee is life.” Obviously it isn’t, but it’s fun to exaggerate how much I love coffee, especially since he doesn’t drink the stuff. Growing up, one of my fondest memories of me and my Uncle Mark involves coffee. He was a lifelong bachelor, so he spent a lot of his free time at my grandparent’s (his parent’s) house, hanging out with his nieces and nephews. He was the first one to ever teach me how to drink coffee correctly, with lots of cream and sugar. Since I was a kid, I didn’t drink very much of it or very often, but I can still remember those moments with him, sitting at the kitchen table, pretending I was such a grown-up. As I progressed in my years, I continued to love coffee, though it was an every-now-and-then kind of treat for me. It wasn’t until my husband and I moved to Italy that I really began to appreciate a good cappuccino. 

There are many ways to get your caffeine fix in the morning. The two main forms I’ve used are a french press and a drip coffee pot. I also enjoy visiting the local coffee shops, especially when it involves meeting up with a friend for a kid’s playdate or just some adult time. If you’re ever in the Phoenix, AZ area, check out Spencer’s Place. The coffee is wonderful, the staff is incredibly nice and accommodating, and the company serves others by employing those with disabilities. Their mission reads, “Spencer’s Place is a project created in partnership with Employed and Overjoyed Foundation to introduce equal employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” The coffee shop itself is named after the founder’s son, Spencer, who was born with Down Syndrome. It’s places like Spencer’s Place that make a cup of coffee a little bit more rewarding than just that extra shot of adrenaline. 

As for fixing coffee at home, I’ve researched the best ways to achieve that excellent cup of joe. There are varying opinions, of course, and I don’t truly believe there is a perfect way to go about it (other than sitting outside during market day in Sacile, Italy sipping a cappuccino and inhaling a chocolate brioche). I’m going to narrow the list down to three: french press, moka pot, and drip coffee.

1. French press. This is a very European way of making coffee; in fact, it was my time in Italy that exposed me to the French press. This is a simple, delightful way of getting your cup of coffee in the morning. It’s also a more potent way that really expresses the taste of the coffee you prefer. The downfall is that it only makes a cup at a time, so if you’re someone who likes/needs multiple cups of coffee, this might not be the best route for you.
2. Moka pot. A Moka pot is even more of an authentic Italian coffee experience. Again, it was my time in Italy that caused me to purchase a Moka pot, though to be honest I have only used it once, being the creature of habit and ease that I am. A Moka pot brews a cup of coffee closer to espresso. It’s also a bit more of an involved process than the French press or drip coffee. 
3. Drip coffee. This one had to be included because let’s face it, we’re all running on fumes at some point in our lives, especially as parents. The ease of setting everything up the night before, pouring the water into the reservoir, measuring out the grounds into the coffee filter, and just letting it sit overnight…that’s simple and takes no brain power. Then when your child wakes up in the morning and you blearily stumble your way to their bedroom, you take a slight detour and push the “On” button on the coffee pot. After your kid is settled with a fresh diaper and milk/food of their own, your coffee is ready to pour and sip…or gulp…since we all know you’re going to reheat that same cup of coffee ten times.

I’ve included these three because they are the ones I’m most familiar with. However, there is also the Keurig (or something similar that allows you to throw in a pod and voila, your coffee is brewed), the Aeropress, and the Pourover. The Aeropress works like the French press though takes much, much less time, which makes me wary. After all, how much can you rush a cup of brewing coffee? But many reviews have included the Aeropress as one of their top choices. The Pourover seems like a more extensive process, adding grounds then water, then stirring, then more water, and so on. A bit too much work, in my opinion. But perhaps it’s worth it.

The three ways I prefer making coffee are not the most eloquent, extravagant, or perhaps even the best way to taste coffee. But it works for my lifestyle, and every time I smell that scent in the morning, helping my senses to awake, I appreciate the taste even more. I love fixing coffee at home, but I also love the experience of finding that neat little coffee shop that brews an exceptional cup of coffee and provides you with some comfort away from home. Do you prefer to fix coffee at home or stop by your favorite coffee shop for your caffeine fix? If you fix it at home, what method do you prefer? Share your love of coffee with us with pictures, opinions, and experiences. Connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting!