I have an opinion.

The only reason someone would add milk to coffee is because the coffee is not that good.

Is it the bean (where it’s grown, how it was roasted, or how old it is) that’s the problem?

That’s my opinion; dairy is used to mask an inferior bean.

Why compromise with dairy unless a quality coffee bean cannot be had?

Coffee art? Leave that to the sycophant, unless that is the crowd you need to stand with.

Top-shelf, fresh coffee requires no dairy additive.

Dairy gets in the way of experiencing the true flavor of coffee. Sure, dairy is arty, if arty is your perclivity.

This is my take on the matter.

Paddy

Perhaps if American milk came anywhere close to the Swiss variety you might have a different take on it. ;) The only way I can handle even a drop of the stuff is to add it to a dessert and even then only mildly. Give me Coke Zero!

Personally, I like milk in my coffee, but not any type of sweetener. Don't be intimidated by Paddy. The truth is, he uses sweetener. I don't. After you add milk, who needs anything else?
However, I do agree with him on this: I don't care about art in my coffee.

Well, it looks like I’ve been told on! By my bride, no less.

I “equal”ize my coffee, unless of course I have a pinch of fresh chicory handy.

Now Ellie, I didn’t know you could get a Swiss Miss down under! Well, that’s a different story, for sure. I myself am no stranger to the warm delight from a squeezed goat’s tit. But I wouldn’t adulterate it with coffee.

One of my favorite memories is of me and J-M gathering downstairs in the kitchen for a cup of Joe in the early morning and passing the time of day in pleasant conversation, waiting on the women folk to finish up with their beauty sleep.

J-M is the master bread maker in my book. Not bad with the hot sausage either.

I’m no stranger to Jimmy Dean’s hot sausage, although I’m married to a gal who won’t let any kind of sausage pass her lips. She won’t eat the meat of any four legged animal. That wasn’t so when I married up with her.

It is good to see J-M back and blogging.

I’m looking forward to hearing more about some sea adventures. And hope that you get to go along and enjoy the Captain’s berth, and accoutrements pertaining thereto.

Paddy

Well, it seems that the way we all enjoy our coffee is different which is not surprising.

I do have to say that the statement

"The only reason someone would add milk to coffee is because the coffee is not that good."

is a bit too black and white, especially coming from someone who puts sweetener in his coffee. Sorry, Paddy, but that just made me laugh.

I roast my own coffee beans and I believe I can match the quality of any good to excellent commercially available bean out there no worries at all. I definitely don't have to hide any bad taste.

Anyway, I personally find that adding frothed milk to coffee does not change the taste so much but gives it a smooth texture and adds a very gentle touch to the experience. The latte art is much more about knowing that if I can do the art the texture of the milk is perfect for the coffee. The artistic aspect is just a fun add-on.

So, just enjoy the coffee the way you like and bear with me while I continue writing about how I think coffee should be experienced.

Hey guy, I’ve been out of pocket.

I found this latte art for you; sure ‘n begora:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b329/wishnaway/irish/irishcoffee.jpg

Have you tried a pinch of chicory yet? That’s what we poor retired folks use to stretch out the second pass through the grinds.

Paddy