AFTER-DINNER COFFEE
After a rather elaborate meal, a small cup of very strong, black
coffee is often served. To prepare after-dinner coffee, as this kind is called, follow any of the methods
already explained, but make it twice as strong as coffee that is to accompany the usual meal. Sugar and
cream may be added to after-dinner coffee, but usually this coffee is drunk black and unsweetened.
VIENNA COFFEE.--An especially nice way in which to serve coffee is to combine it with
boiled milk and whipped cream. It is then known as Vienna coffee. The accompanying directions are for
just 1 cup, as this is prepared a cupful at a time.
VIENNA COFFEE
(Sufficient to Serve One)
1/4 c. boiled milk
3 Tb. whipped cream
1/2 c. hot filtered coffee, or coffee prepared by any method
Place the boiled milk in a cup, add the whipped cream, and fill the cup with the hot coffee.
ICED COFFEE.--Persons fond of coffee find iced coffee a most delicious hot-weather drink.
Iced coffee is usually served in a glass, as shown in Fig. 5, rather than in a cup, and when whipped
cream is added an attractive beverage results.
To prepare iced coffee, make coffee by any desired method, but if the boiling method is followed be
careful to strain the liquid so that it is entirely free from grounds. Cool the liquid and then pour into
glasses containing cracked ice. Serve with plain cream and sugar or with a tablespoonful or two of
whipped cream. If desired, however, the cream may be omitted and the coffee served with an equal
amount of milk, when it is known as
iced café au lait
.
40. LEFT-OVER COFFEE.--The aim of the person who prepares coffee should be to make the
exact quantity needed, no more nor no less, and this can usually be done if directions are carefully
followed. However, if any coffee remains after all are served, it should not be thrown away, as it can be
utilized in several ways. Drain the liquid from the grounds as soon as possible so that the flavor will
not be impaired.
If desired, left-over coffee may be added to fresh coffee when it is prepared for the next meal or, in
hot weather, it may be used for iced coffee. It may also be used to flavor gelatine, which, when
sweetened and served with whipped cream, makes an excellent dessert.
Again, left-over coffee is very satisfactory as a flavoring for cake icing, for custards, or for whipped
cream that is to be served with desserts. When coffee is desired for flavoring, it should be boiled in
order to evaporate some of the water. Very good cake is made by using left-over coffee for the liquid and
spices for the flavoring.
SERVING COFFEE
The serving of coffee may be done in several ways, but, with the exception of iced coffee, this
beverage should always be served as hot as possible. As can well be imagined, nothing is more insipid
than lukewarm coffee. Therefore, coffee is preferably made immediately before it is to be served. Sugar
and cream usually accompany coffee, but they may be omitted if they are not desired.
Coffee may be served with the dinner course, with the dessert, or after the dessert. When it is served
with the dinner course or the dessert, a coffee cup or a tea cup of ordinary size is used; but when it is
served after the dessert, a demi-tasse, or small cup that holds less than half the amount of the other size,
is preferable.
Usually, after-dinner coffee, or café noir, as such black coffee is called, rather than coffee
with cream and sugar, is served after the dessert course of a heavy dinner because it is supposed to be
stimulating to the digestion.
The pouring of coffee may be done at the table or in the kitchen. If it is done at the table, the person
serving should ask those to be served whether or not they desire cream and sugar, and then serve
accordingly. If it is done before the coffee is brought to the table, the cream and sugar should be passed,
so that those served may help themselves to the desired amount. Care should always be taken in the
serving of coffee not to fill the cup so full that it will run over or that it will be too full to handle
easily when the cream and sugar are added.
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