Café du matin...

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I don't know about you but I can't function without a cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
Strong & black with a wonderful aroma; it sets me up for the day.

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The French love their coffee.
In the cafés, it's made by an espresso machine.

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Many cafés have a zinc-lined drawer under the counter into which the old coffee grounds are tipped before a fresh cup is made. I love the gentle thud sound made when the used grounds are knocked out, together with the chinking of cups and the lovely aroma of the coffee, this sums up French cafés for me.

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At home, they may use a machine, stove-top pot, cafétiere (French coffee press) or even instant,

(my French friends would be horrified I'd mentioned the last one as it is classed as the lowest of the low!).

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Moka pots, as stove-top espresso makers are often called, are such an iconic design.

Not only do they look good but make a decent cup of coffee too.

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First made by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 to provide both an affordable espresso maker & a beautiful object to make it in. The inventor came up with the idea while watching his wife boiling up water to wash the laundry.

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The design is simple, the bottom chamber holds water which is brought to the boil, steam is then forced through the coffee grounds in the middle chamber & the coffee is brewed in the top.

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 We have our own little beauty in the Petit PIca shop. An unusual design with a 70's style orange & white flower print. It would look great in any kitchen.

 

Our café du matin at the market this morning...

...un grand café and une café crème...

...with a wickedly delicious croissant aux amandes...

...sitting in the Autumn sun...

...bliss...