For minimalists, repurposing-mavens, and those of us who receive gifts we’re never going to use, there’s no greater feeling than the aha moment of figuring out how to turn one household item into two, or more items. There are classic maneuvers like using empty tin cans to organize pens, markers etc, or turning a vintage teacup into a pot for succulents, but fast forward to current day cupboards and countertops and you’ll find newer items posing as completely different incarnations. One such fun item is the handy dandy French press. Not just used for coffee anymore!
Modern Day Teapot
Contrary to popular belief and use, a French press isn’t just a manual coffee maker, it can also be used to brew loose leaf tea. Follow the exact same steps to brew a perfect pot of tea. Never used a French press before? Follow these three easy steps:
1. Add loose tea to the press.
2. Pour boiled water into the press.
3. Wait a few minutes before pressing the plunger down. The longer you wait the stronger the brew.
Lemonade/Limeade Pitcher
Love homemade lemonade, or prefer limeade? With a French press you can always have some on the go! Similar three-step method as for making tea above:
1. Cut up one lemon or lime into thin slices and add to the press.
2. Pour boiled water into the press.
3. Add sugar, honey or agave if you like it a bit sweet
4. Press plunger down.
5. Put in the fridge to cool.
Manual Cream Whipper
Yep, you read that right! If you want to impress friends or family while camping, or you’re in the unfortunate situation of having a broken stand mixer, you can make whip cream in your French press. Just add heavy cream into the press, then press plunger up and down as fast you can for a minute or two, and you will have whip cream!
Pro Tip: Make sure to thoroughly clean every part of the French press between uses, so that the flavours of the previously pressed items don’t come through in your morning java.
Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash
