Sheffield Harvest Crush Apple and Grape Cider

My stepson contributed this tasty local cider to our Christmas dinner.  Sheffield Cider in Mesa (just north of Pasco) makes this blend from apples and several varieties of wine grapes.  It's amazingly fresh tasting, almost like fresh-squeezed juice.  First you taste the apple, then a delightfully crisp grape essence.

Add Alan Pangborn's Blanc de Blanc from Moonlight Cellar in Kennewick, and you have two wonderful, local ways to toast the New Year.  Resolve to make 2011 your year for eating locally!

Cold-Brewed Coffee

For a smooth, mellow, almost sweet glass of iced coffee, this is the way to go. When I know I'll be at home for the morning, I try to remember to start some cold brew the night before. Technically you can heat cold brew for a hot cup of coffee, but I prefer it iced.

There are lots of formulas out there, but this is the one I like best.

For serving, the formula calls for mixing your cold-brewed coffee with an equal amount of water. But full strength is darn tasty!

Locally-roasted beans include Buzz Joy, Highpockets, and (well, roasted in Coeur d'Alene) Doma. If you like the taste of a certain coffee bean hot, it will most likely please you cold.

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COLD BREWED COFFEE

You'll need a burr grinder or a skilled touch on a blade grinder, and your favorite coffee beans.

1/3 cup (about two 2-tablespoon coffee scoops of beans) fresh-ground coffee (grind on medium coarse)
1-1/2 cups water

Place ground coffee and water in a jar, stir, put on the lid, and leave either in the fridge or on the counter overnight, about 12 hours.

Strain the liquid through a paper coffee filter into a glass or another jar, and mix half and half with with water or ice to serve. Unless you like it stronger!