by Amy Caro

Created on: March 18, 2010

Ah, coffee. The aromas that make everyone breathe deep with anticipation of that fresh brewed beverage. The decisions to be made: caffeinated or decaffeinated, hazelnut creamer or vanilla, saccharin or aspartame?  Taking a moment to relish the first sip as it flows down one’s throat. The relaxation and rejuvenation of a coffee break or that finish to a meal.

 I always feel so left out! As much as I try to remotely grasp the daily rituals of drinking coffee it is beyond my comprehension. I am one of the few who intensely dislike coffee! I do not like it black or with cream, sweetened or unsweetened. And I cannot get over that taste in the name of caffeine. I would rather just be tired.  There is no flavor of coffee or coffee flavor confections that would bring me to the other side.  I do not like coffee ice cream, coffee liquors, coffee flavored hard candies or anything else coffee flavored.

I do not begrudge coffee drinkers. I do keep the smallest possible jar of coffee and non dairy creamer (I dislike milk more than coffee) in my abode for those who come to visit.  However I do have boxes and boxes of tea and some canisters of hot cocoa. I can brew a great cup of tea out of loose tea leaves but ask me to brew coffee and I am at a big loss. Over the years I have been shown how to use coffee urns and makers but I can never remember what to do after being given explicit instructions.  The coffee filter goes where? How many scoops of coffee? Where does the water go, and how much? It may be an unconscious act on my part not to retain such information, but there is no way for me to tell whether the coffee I am brewing will be a delight to the taste buds or whether it will cause a knee jerk reaction. I have seen coffee dribbling down more than one chin after my coffee making endeavors.  For those who think I am going to take a sip before serving, beware!  

Coffee lovers have espoused their favorable opinions over and over to me as to why they love coffee. I usually have one thing to say. Ugh! And that is putting it mildly. No midday runs to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks for me. I am very happy to dip a tea bag into my tea cup.

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