Entertaining idea: Coffee tasting

Ok, so you want to have your friends come over for a semi-formal food and drink event, but you don't know where to begin. No need to fear, you're in Mia's hands. Host a party that centers around......drum roll........

COFFEE!


Last evening I was invited to new friend's house for a coffee tasting. This guy roasts his own beans and packages them for later use. I'll be doing a spotlight post on him once I get more readers.

Anyway, get out that french press that someone gave you, and you've never used. OR, just use your trusty coffeemaker on your counter. Clean it out real good, now, because you want to be able to taste ONLY the coffee you make, not what you made this morning in your sleep.

Ground your own beans. You don't have to be fancy and roast them like my friend did. But grinding it yourself will give it a freshly roasted taste. Serve as many kinds as you want, brewing one pot after another, serving it in espresso mugs. If you don't have any, use...um..I don't know. Shot glasses? Whatever you want.

Oh, by all means, do NOT use Folgers. Most cities nowadays have coffeeshops on every street corner where you can purchase specialty coffees. If you really must, head to Starbucks. But I never said that, right?

Have each person in your party bring something that goes well wih coffee. My favorite is shortbread cookies. Last night we had chocolate cupcakes with buttercream-espresso frosting, and Italian Cream Cake. Dee-lish!