by Jim Ross
Member since:
July 9, 2006

Cowboy Coffee? --Coffee Story, Week 3

February 24, 2008 10:04 PM EST (Updated: March 02, 2008 10:07 AM EST)
views: 139 | comments: 90
Stars dotted the hissing enameled pot.

"Cowboy coffee?"

My eyes scanned the cup with fresh grounds and an egg shell in it.

"Yep. You'll like it."

"Ohh-kaay." Margo drawled skeptically and stepped inside. She puttered in the kitchen, presumably with some goodies.

The water boiled, I lifted the lid and dumped in the grounds. They frothed over and flames below, sputtered.

Embarrassing! Fortunately, garden rags and plant-water stood nearby—hurriedly, I cleaned the mess.

Just as I sat, Margo returned with a tray of cookies and two steaming cups—steaming?

My eyebrows rose.

"Plan B," she shrugged. "French press."

Copyright 2008 Jim Ross
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Comments: 90

Donald M. Feb 24, 2008, 10:10pm EST
Margo had a pretty good back up plan. BTW I have had plenty of cowboy coffee.
Jim Ross Feb 24, 2008, 10:19pm EST
Me too, Donald; love it! I learned this lesson in what not to do, early on. ;-) Thank you for the comment.
Kate Keeley Feb 24, 2008, 10:23pm EST
French pressed cowbody coffee. Now that paints a picture!
sheila h. Feb 24, 2008, 10:25pm EST
Yippee Ki Yay,Jim!I loved this story of cowboy coffee gone awry..LOL and a woman who knows her man well enough to bring out the back up coffee..
I am like Norma..love that rustic method and it makes the best coffee ..bar none!
Jim Ross Feb 24, 2008, 10:27pm EST
Seems "Margo" had her own plans, Kate! ;-)
Jim Ross Feb 24, 2008, 10:30pm EST
Thank you for the smile, Sheila. I agree; cowboy coffee is good stuff! I like the "Bar none!" comment; sounds like a ranch without steers! ;-) Have a good'un!
Amy D. Feb 24, 2008, 10:59pm EST
I had to chuckle, poor guy. Good thing there was a plan B. I enjoyed this read.
Ruthe M. Feb 24, 2008, 11:00pm EST
LOL! Tha was some kind of coffee. I see Margo was ahead of the game. Smart gal!
Marianne M. Feb 24, 2008, 11:16pm EST
Enjoyed this story, Jim! Thank goodness for Plan B.
Sandra (secretary of Lalaland) C. Feb 24, 2008, 11:16pm EST
Good for you Margo.
Charli Mills Feb 24, 2008, 11:35pm EST
That is so funny!!! I grew up on cowboy coffee and I still do a lot of campfire cooking. But last year a friend of mine who manages a Starbucks gifted me with a french press. I use it to make tea! I like my cowboy coffee! Great short; good twist of humor.
Kay M. Feb 24, 2008, 11:49pm EST
My father-in-law always made coffee that way with the egg shells. None better.
June B. Feb 25, 2008, 12:07am EST
Nothing like good ol' cowboy java... with egg shells.
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 1:19am EST
Thank you, Reena. I appreciate the compliment.

You're right, Amy. Without "Plan B" he'd be answering questions!

I read between the lines, too, Ruthe--this guy is a well-meaning clutz! Hmm! I wonder if he's a stick-to-it kind of guy?

I agree, Marianne!

I second that, Sandra!

Thank you for the compliment, Judi. You should have seen his careful read of the recipe before trying it out! Margo did; do you suppose that's why she had an alternative ready? ;-)

Charli, is it my imagination, or does cowboy coffee mellow out after sitting a few minutes? I love the idea of tea in a french press; gonna try it out.

I agree, Kay. I'll bet he put the ingredients in before the water boiled!

Yep, June; it's full-bodied and the dregs can be crunchy. ;-)
sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Feb 25, 2008, 6:38am EST
Good read!
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 8:24am EST
Thank you, Sheila.
penni d. Feb 25, 2008, 8:44am EST
margo is a smart lady, lol...i have had plenty of 'cowboy ' coffee, and plenty of the best...it all tastes good when you NEEEEEDdddd...lol
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 9:10am EST
Amen! Thank you for that, Penni. More, more!
Mary Sue Searles Feb 25, 2008, 10:22am EST
Nice. Brings a smile. ms
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 10:47am EST
Perhaps it's the couple's innovativeness, Mary? Anyway, I'm glad you're smiling.
Coffee Lady Feb 25, 2008, 11:36am EST
Yes, Jim, sometimes it does take two to get a thing right! Cowboy coffee is great, but it surely can make a mess on the patio!

Thank you for the smiles
CoffeeLady
Cathryn flowers Ritchie Feb 25, 2008, 11:42am EST
Great little piece. loved it.
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 2:13pm EST
Heh! but he got it clean before she saw it! . . . or did he? Thank you for that, CoffeeLady.

Thank you, Cathryn. I appreciate hearing that.
Anita R. Feb 25, 2008, 2:44pm EST
I've never had cowboy coffee Jim, but I suppose I'd be willing to try it (especially if I was tired enough!)
Sheila Deeth Feb 25, 2008, 2:54pm EST
Cowboy coffee? Sounds interesting, but I'd probably go for the French press. Loved the little chapter of life though, and the hurried cleaning.
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 3:13pm EST
Cowboy coffee is actually very good, Anita. Full bodied, and when allowed a few minutes to rest, rich and smooth. I understand the trepidation, but at worst you might get a few grounds to munch. People who like Chocolate covered coffee beans have no trouble at all.

Most people agree with you, Sheila, although after getting the recipe right, It's mighty good stuff. I'm glad you liked Cowboy Coffee. It was fun to write.
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 3:37pm EST
Thank you, Margo. I'm glad you liked it.
Tara T. Feb 25, 2008, 5:09pm EST
very funny drabble, I love "plan B". Thanks a 10 for sure!
Alison Pearce Feb 25, 2008, 5:31pm EST
Very clever!
Marge H. Feb 25, 2008, 5:39pm EST
If you are not perfect, it pays to have a partner who is well prepared for the messes in life.

Cute drabble.
Lisa J Feb 25, 2008, 6:49pm EST
So funny. I would like to believe women always have this kind of wisdom. In my experience, men seem to not always appreciate it...
elizabeth e. Feb 25, 2008, 6:59pm EST
I like French Press...but like you, out in bush Alaska I've had what you call "Cowboy Coffee"! We didn't have a back-up plan!
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 7:02pm EST
I agree, Tinch. THOSE are great memories; and it tastes different than when made in the backyard!

I hope "Margo" was gentle about it, Tara! ;-) Thank you very much for the ten.

Thank you, Alison.

Hi, Marge--your slogan should be made into a sampler or bumper sticker! IT IS GREAT! Thank you for the compliment.

I don't think anybody likes to be shown up, Lisa. Perhaps that's why his eyebrows rose? Still, a little space, a kiss or two, and all should be well. We can't always be perfect. (See Marge's comment; very sage!)
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 7:24pm EST
Hi, Elizabeth. I understand what you mean; french press is very nice, and you don't have to chew or spit grounds. But there are times, especially when in the bush, or of an evening or morning with friends outdoors, I wouldn't replace the enameled pot of boiled coffee for the finest filtered arabica in the world! Which reminds me . . . some mighty fine cowboy coffee has been made with Ethiopian Harar, Kenya, Colombian Supremo, etc. (not to leave any coffee growing country out, there are many others)--all arabica beans. If you want some fun, the original ARBUCKLE'S coffee is still available. You can find it at Arbuckles. Arbuckles is roasted, immediately coated in an egg glaze to keep the roasted beans fresh; then packaged with a peppermint stick inside the container. Evidently, nineteenth century cowboys loved vying for that stick of peppermint. After that, they'd put some grounds in a piece of fabric, bash it over rocks (I guess "fine grind" was out!) and toss the grounds into the coffee pot. They didn't have a backup plan either. Thank you for that nice comment.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Feb 25, 2008, 10:20pm EST
I find your Margo very interesting Character and more plans ahead in her mind...Jim you are a great story-teller...I am no so much familiar about cow- boys stories but now I start feeling it.


Thanks Jim..
Jim Ross Feb 25, 2008, 10:50pm EST
I'm glad, Bhawana. They're an important part of the country's fabric. We pretty much burned out on stories relating to them after the back-to-back westerns of the fifties and early sixties, but that doesn't mean we're burned out on their histories. I look forward to the day when the pendulum swings them back to the theaters and bookshelves, in earnest.

To use the vernacular to 'splain it; "they's a need fer cowboys now as then! We owe 'em a buncha hats-off respect fer what they done fer th' country! T'warn't easy tamin' th' west."

Thank you for a GREAT comment and a heartwarming compliment. Your pleasure is my treasure.
Vicky Duggins Feb 26, 2008, 2:32am EST
An always thinking woman. Good story.
Jim Ross Feb 26, 2008, 2:37am EST
Yep! "Margo" is all of that, Vicky. Thank you for that.
hahahahaha...oh Jim, that was great fun to read. You are a master of Drabble. Always so expressive and full of imagery.
Jim Ross Feb 26, 2008, 9:48am EST
Well, thank you for the compliment, Katherine. I'm so glad you liked it.
Autumn Farrington Feb 26, 2008, 12:53pm EST
Wonderful tone of graciousness expressed in your story, Jim. I liked the helpfulness of your cleanup and Margo's amiable backup plan. The tray of cookies added just the right amount of 'sweetness' to the story and helped to send the grand aroma of the coffee our way. Well-done!
lynn a. Feb 26, 2008, 2:20pm EST
All right. Now I am going to have to try the cowboy coffee. You and someone else has made it sound too interesting to not try. Good story too. There's always a reason to have a Plan B. Your story proves it.
Parul S. Feb 26, 2008, 3:08pm EST
Oh Jim what a wonderful story....and your Margo is superb as she can be. I never knew about the cowboy coffee though.....maybe you can write a recepi step by step guiding us to make one...:))

Thanks for your wonderful comment on my 100 worder....the story is one that I see way in the future. it like one of those dreams that you probably know will come true...my son is right now only 2 years old and for now i have a family of just three - my son, my husband and me....so you see my dream now?
Jim Ross Feb 26, 2008, 7:06pm EST
Thank you for that wonderful comment and compliment, Autumn! I'm so glad the story did that for you!

I'm glad you're going to try it, Lynn. Let me know if you liked it. Just make sure to put the grounds in before the water comes to a full boil! Or have a pot big enough that it doesn't matter. Lastly, after it's poured, let the coffee stand for a few minutes to mellow to a smooth rather than sharp taste. Mostly, have fun!

No problem, Parul. I'll post the recipe later this evening! Thank you for asking. I truly enjoyed your 100 worder. For those who haven't seen this wonderful piece go to Satisfied Craving and Fulfilled Soul. What a treat!
Tanya P. Feb 27, 2008, 11:31am EST
I love your twist with the Plan B!
Ann R. Feb 27, 2008, 11:44am EST
Sounds like Margo has had some past experience saving the day in a graceful way. So many colorful details in this little gem.
Jim Ross Feb 27, 2008, 12:17pm EST
I'm glad you liked it, Sukey. Thank you for the comment.

Thank you, Tanya. Teamwork.

Heh! Ann, I don't know about the fictional household, but my sweetheart is always having to rise to the occasion and save the hour. Thank you for the compliment.
Cecile V. Feb 27, 2008, 1:11pm EST
I've sat around many a campfire and had my share of cowboy coffee, I can just smell it now, as I read this. Unlike the guys I drink my coffee strong and black ....like a man! hahahahaha!
Jim Ross Feb 27, 2008, 1:27pm EST
Heh! I'm proud of you, Cecile. That's the only way to drink cowboy coffee. And in a high desert, predawn setting, or its counterpart after dark and things are winding down. Magnificent. Thank you for reminding me; I just smelled some sagebrush.
Apryl Just Apryl Feb 27, 2008, 2:05pm EST
LOL, wonderful! It's always good to have a plan B
Jim Ross Feb 27, 2008, 2:20pm EST
Thank you, Apryl. I'm glad the story made you smile.
Wanda H. Feb 27, 2008, 6:41pm EST
My mother always added egg shells, even to home brewed coffee. It was years before she caught up to modern coffee pots. Thanks for the short stroll down memory lane.
Jim Ross Feb 27, 2008, 9:34pm EST
It's funny, Wanda. In the nineteenth century everybody got their beans green--raw, if you will--and pan fried them, or roasted them over a flame much as you do today with popcorn; then toward the early twentieth century when industry took so much free time away, roasted beans, then roasted and ground beans became the normal purchase. Most of us didn't even know how to cook our own coffee, or what wonderful flavors were available to us for the effort. With the advent of personal sized roasters that can cook a full pot of beans in about 4 minutes, many people are returning to cooking their own coffee. That naturally gets us back to cowboy coffee at least as a recipe for one kind of brew. Personally, I'm thrilled about this reacquired knowledge. As you can tell from the story, trial and error is best done when there is a backup plan, and a level headed partner to accomplish the task. Sorry for the longwinded answer to your wonderful remembrance of your mother and the home brews; I so appreciate those "strolls down memory lane." Thank you for adding yours to enjoy--I have definitely enjoyed it--over a cup of . . . yep . . . French Press. My "Margo" made it just right.
Jim Ross Feb 28, 2008, 12:14am EST
Thank you, Reena. The tip of the hat is all the approbation I need. Thank you so much for that.
Amanda C. Feb 28, 2008, 10:19am EST
Here we call it campfire coffee, yum, yum!
Jim Ross Feb 28, 2008, 10:49am EST
I agree, Amanda, good stuff, campfire coffee! Thank you.
Mary Z. Feb 28, 2008, 4:47pm EST
Thank goodness for Plan B! Terrific drabble, Jim. Great images. Bravo!
Jim Ross Feb 28, 2008, 6:48pm EST
Thank you, Mary. I appreciate hearing that.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Feb 28, 2008, 7:21pm EST
thanks Jim for explaining for me...you are a dear person.

revisited and enjoyed

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more
Jim Ross Feb 28, 2008, 8:12pm EST
Well, thank you, Bhawana. I enjoyed your "My Ms NESCAFE !!!" too. For those who haven't seen this beautiful work yet, the link is My Ms NESCAFE !!!.
Cheryl W. Feb 29, 2008, 2:06pm EST
Love this, Jim. It made me smile....:)
Beth H. Feb 29, 2008, 3:35pm EST
Humorous and oh so real. And she didn't even have to say, "I told you so." Great drabble.
Jim Ross Feb 29, 2008, 7:45pm EST
Thank you, Cheryl. That makes me smile!

You're right, Beth. Methinks, understated "wins" tend to wield more power.
Lyn Owen Feb 29, 2008, 8:47pm EST
I love plan B
Jim Ross Feb 29, 2008, 10:55pm EST
Me too, Lyn. The evening under the stars wouldn't have been the same without it! Thank you for reminding me..
Gretchen Lee Bourquin Mar 1, 2008, 11:43am EST
There's something cozy about french press coffee. Good story, Jim
Jim Ross Mar 1, 2008, 1:57pm EST
Thank you, gretchen. I agree.
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Mar 2, 2008, 9:28am EST
Love it! Wonderful story!
Marianne M. Mar 2, 2008, 9:58am EST
Congratulations on receiving the REENA'S CHOICE award, Jim! Well done!
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 10:01am EST
Thank you, Melinda.
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 10:02am EST
Thank you, Marianne.
Ruthe M. Mar 2, 2008, 10:43am EST
Congratulations!
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 11:13am EST
Thank you, Ruthe.
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 11:50am EST
Thank you so much, Judi!
Kay M. Mar 2, 2008, 11:56am EST
Congrats Jim! I just had a cup of instant. Wish it would have been Cowboy coffee!
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 1:35pm EST
I know what you mean, Kay. You just talked me into roasting some Ethiopian Harar. ;-) Thank you for your gracious words.
Marge H. Mar 2, 2008, 1:53pm EST
Congratulations Jim!
Mary Beth Magee Mar 2, 2008, 3:11pm EST
Great story, Jim! Congratulations - you earned it!
Jim Ross Mar 2, 2008, 3:15pm EST
Thank you, Marge.

Thank you, Reena. I'm honored.

Thank you Mary Beth.
Tara T. Mar 3, 2008, 1:44am EST
Congrats! I really enjoyed this down home tale!
Jim Ross Mar 3, 2008, 9:29am EST
Great, Tara. Have a super day!
Coffee Lady Mar 3, 2008, 4:11pm EST
Jim, congrats on your Reena's Choice Award! I agree with her, I think this is a swell drabble... just the sound of Cowboy Coffee is perfect for this crisp/clear/chilling day today. I'll have just a dollop of whipped cream on top of mine, thank you. Yummmm

Your Reading Fan
CoffeeLady
Jim Ross Mar 3, 2008, 4:15pm EST
Thank you, CoffeeLady. That's a mighty sissified cowboy coffee you describe there--but then, why not! I'll bet if the boys had the whipped cream they'd have used it, too! Have a good one.
sheila h. Mar 4, 2008, 6:44pm EST
This was a great short,Jim! Congratulations!
Jim Ross Mar 4, 2008, 8:52pm EST
Thank you, Sheila! I appreciate hearing that.
rainne chandler Mar 29, 2009, 6:19pm EDT
i would love to have a french press coffee maker i had a friend and she made the most wonderful coffee in hers she is gone now she passed away with cancer i miss her

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