As I was describing how I make my morning coffee to my friends, I realized how crazy it was sounding. It's several steps, a significant amount of time, and a lot of clean up for one cup of coffee.

I never considered why I do this until I hit that awkward moment of watching my friends reactions. They clearly thought this practice was insane. So after some reflection here's my rationale for the extra steps.

THE COFFEE TASTE BETTER > A common corporate clique is "the juice is not worth the squeeze," meaning the amount of effort is greater than the value of the result. But I have to say, in this case, the coffee is totally worth the grind. It's delicious!

IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TIME > I timed myself the next morning. It was less than eight minutes. Describing the process sounds longer than actually making the coffee.

THE RITUAL PUTS MY BRAIN IN MOTION > Set steps combined with a reflective state of mind can elevate a routine to a ritual, and rituals work to focus our brain and move us forward.

So, call me crazy if you like, but I plan to keep my cup of joe complicated.

MY MORNING COFFEE RITUAL

Fill a measuring cup with 1.75 cups of water and heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.
Grind the coffee beans.
Invert my Aeropress and pour in the grounds.
Fill the Aeropress with the hot water from the microwave, stir, and cover with the filter. Let sit inverted for 2 minutes.
Add a tablespoon of organic ghee clarified butter to the remaining water in the measuring cup. Put back in the microwave for another minute.
Pour hot buttered water into the blender.
Press Aeropress into the coffee cup and pour that expresso into the blender.
Blend on low until it's a consistent blend of golden, frothy goodness.
Pour in to cup. Drink. Enjoy.