Coffee FAQs
Quality and Freshness
Brewing
Chicory
Flavored Coffee
Coffee and Dessert
What kind of guarantee does Community Coffee Company have on its products?
We stand by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Everything we do has to be as good as our
coffee. We are committed to delivering the highest quality products and superior service
to our customers. If any of our products fail to live up to your expectations, we will
happily exchange them, replace them, or refund your money.
How long does packaged coffee stay fresh unopened?
Each package is marked with a recommended brew-by date. If the coffee is brewed by this
date, it’s guaranteed fresh. After the package has been opened, it should stay fresh for
about two weeks if sealed in an airtight containter, like our Fresh-O-Lator® Canister.
What is the valve on my coffee bag?
Many of our bags contain valves (also known as nitrogen-flush containers) that allow the
wonderful aroma of coffee to be enjoyed without opening the bag itself. The valve keeps
oxygen from entering the bag and causing the coffee to lose freshness. This also keeps
the bag from opening prematurely due to excessive pressure.
What type of brewing equipment should I use to make coffee?
Any conventional coffee maker will suffice. For special occasions and coffee cuppings, we
recommend using a French Press to produce a more intense, rich cup than an automatic drip
coffee maker. We have a wide variety of equipment
available for purchase on this site. We've tested and stand behind the quality of every piece of equipment we sell.
How much coffee should I use for brewing?
The proportion of coffee to water is very important. We recommend 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces
of fresh, cold water. Adjust to suit your personal taste.
Do I need an espresso maker to make espresso or cappuccino?
To make a true espresso or cappuccino drink, it is necessary to have proper brewing equipment to brew the coffee
rapidly and thoroughly. An espresso maker allows pressurized water to make instant contact with every grain of
coffee and immediately drip to produce a fresh cup of espresso. Espresso beans can be brewed in a conventional
coffee maker. (Beans should not be ground as finely as they would for an espresso maker.) This will produce
a rich-tasting cup of coffee, but not the same type of beverage you would be served when ordering an espresso
or cappuccino in a coffeehouse.
Can beans be blended together?
Absolutely. Most coffee products are blends, and we love to experiment with our own line of blends to create
flavors that are unlike any others you’ll find.
Can I brew flavored coffee through the same brew funnel that I use to brew regular coffee?
It's best to use a separate brewing filter basket when brewing flavored coffees. The flavoring in the coffee
will have a lingering taste if regular coffee is brewed after a pot of flavored coffee. If you choose not to
use separate brewing filter baskets, be sure to wash your brewing filter basket thoroughly after brewing
flavored coffees.
What is the proper way to use a French Press coffee brewer?
Using a French Press is quite simple.
• Start with high quality coffee.
• For each 6 oz. cup of water, put two tablespoons of ground coffee into the glass carafe.
• Pour hot (not boiling) water over the coffee grounds into the carafe.
• Place the plunger on top of the carafe, and allow the coffee to steep for four minutes.
• While holding the carafe handle, slowly depress the plunger completely to the bottom of the press.
Does chicory make coffee bitter?
No. In fact, just the reverse is true. Chicory blended with coffee actually produces a smoother, less
bitter cup of coffee. Chicory offsets what many refer to as the "bitter cup of coffee." Since chicory
tends to darken coffee, this darkness has often been misconstrued as meaning the coffee will be bitter or stronger.
Does chicory contain caffeine?
No, which means that if you drink a cup of coffee & chicory, you actually reduce your caffeine intake.
Can chicory be brewed by itself?
Yes, and it can be served hot or cold. It has a rich caramel flavor and leaves a semi-sweet pleasantly smooth after taste.
Are there other ways chicory can be used?
Yes. Chicory is a creative, versatile ingredient that is often used to add flavor to drinks other
than coffee. Chicory is a common ingredient in herbal tea blends. As an extract (made by steeping
ground roast chicory in boiling water, then straining), it can be used to add a dark rich color
to soups, meats, gravies and dark breads.
How is chicory brewed?
Chicory can be brewed right in your home coffeemaker. Simply use two to three tablespoons of ground
roast chicory for each cup of water. Vary the amount to suit your taste. Sweeten with sugar (brown or white)
or honey; lighten with milk or cream.
Is there an alternative to New Orleans Blend®?
No. Our New Orleans Blend is our only coffee that has chicory added to it.
How is flavor added to the flavored coffees?
Flavored oil is sprayed on the coffee beans immediately after roasting. The process has
no nutritional impact but adds the essence of the particular flavor to the coffee.
What is the total amount of fat in the flavored coffees?
Zero.
Do your flavored coffees contain sugar?
They do not. The flavorings we use are not sugar-based.
What are some dessert recipes that include Community coffee?
Donna's "Jackson Squares"
Ingredients:
½ cup Community New Orleans Blend® Coffee and Chicory, brewed
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 cups pumpkin (1 can)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
½ cup oil
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking power
½ tsp. cloves
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or lightly oil large, oblong baking pan.
Combine all ingredients except raisins and pecans. Beat at a low speed for 2 minutes with a mixer. Stir in raisins and pecans.
Pour onto greased pan and bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for dairy-free (lactose-free) squares or spread with frosting (ingredients below) for a richer dessert.
Cut into "Jackson Squares" and serve with a cup of Community New Orleans Blend® coffee and chicory.
Frosting:
1/3 cup margarine, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp. milk
Mix all ingredients and spread over the cake.
Coffee Almond Meringue Cookies
Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tbsp. Community® Instant Coffee
¼ tsp. salt
2/3 cup thinly sliced almonds
½ tsp. almond extract
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl combine sugar, coffee and salt, then gradually fold in egg whites. Fold in almonds and almond extract. Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet at once and cool. Store in airtight container.
Makes about 3 dozen.
Brennan's Community Coffee Eggnog
MAKES 10 TO 12 SERVINGS
2-1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 cups Community New Orleans Blend® Coffee and Chicory, brewed
18 cloves
12 egg yolks
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8 tablespoons vanilla extract
6 cups heavy cream
1 cup bourbon (optional)
1/2 cup brandy (optional)
Nutmeg to garnish
Community New Orleans Blend® Coffee and Chicory Ground powder to garnish
In a medium saucepan combine 2 cups of the sugar, coffee and cloves. Cook on medium heat until reduced
to 4 cups to create coffee syrup. Remove cloves from coffee syrup mixture and refrigerate for 6 hours or until cold.
Beat egg yolks, powdered sugar and vanilla until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture begins to
thicken. Add 4 cups heavy whipping cream and whip until it is completely incorporated. Add 4 cups
of coffee syrup, 1 cup of bourbon and 1/2 cup of brandy (or eliminate the alcohol, if you wish). Refrigerate
for 2 hours.
To make whipped cream topping combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract. Whip
until it reaches the proper consistency for topping. Serve on top of eggnog and garnish with ground nutmeg and
ground Community New Orleans Blend.
What is the best way to pair coffee with dessert?
A general rule of thumb is that chocolate cakes and peanut butter confections are better paired with dark roast coffees. Tart
desserts -- such as key lime pie, fruit cobblers and mixed berries – are better served with lighter roast coffees. Creamy
desserts and sweet breads, such as cheesecake and bread pudding, work well with semi-sweet, full-bodied coffees. A Community®
coffee dessert and pairing guide is available here.