Confessions of a Caffeine Addict

I never understood why my parents drink so much coffee. Then I came to Brazil. Now I completely get it; it's because coffee is DELICIOUS. In Brazil, no one uses coffee makers though, so when you make coffee, it really is you making it. So after about the 5th day of me asking my host family to make coffee for me, my host brother, Lauro, decided it would probably be a good idea to teach me. Because I'm so generous with my knowledge, I will now impart onto you all the fine details of making a good cup of Brazilian coffee.

1. Use a pot with a spout, and put about 2.5 cups of water on to boil.
   

1. 2. Wait until the water is almost boring then add two or three tbsp of sugar.

1. 3. When the sugar-water begins to boil, add two to four spoonfuls of very finely ground coffee to taste and turn off the heat. Stir.
2. 4. Take your thermos and hold your "coador" (coffee filter made from fabric) over the top. Slowly pour the coffee through the coador.
3. 5. Stick a spoon in the filter and twist to wring out all the excess coffee.

6. Add milk, or if you're feeling adventurous, chocolate powder, cinnamon, and condensed milk to make a Brazilian cappuccino.
I am now officially addicted. My host family thinks it's hilarious.
Careful though, Lauro taught me that the word coador is almost exactly the same as the word for "pain in the a**"...