Set a kettle of cold water on the fire. Place the ground coffee in the
filter, and as soon as the water begins to boil, pour just enough of it
over the coffee to wet it. Put the kettle back on the fire, and again,
at the first boiling, pour it over the coffee rather slowly, and till
you have poured enough water to furnish the quantity of coffee required.
If the water does not pass through fast enough, just stop pouring for a
few seconds, that is, long enough to put the kettle back on the fire and
start the boiling again. As soon as the water has passed through, the
coffee is made. The quantity of coffee must be according to the strength
you wish it, and the quantity wanted, or according to age and
constitution.
Four teaspoonfuls make a quart of very good coffee for breakfast. It
would be rather strong for children, but can be diluted to a proper
state with milk.
No matter what quantity of coffee is put in the filter, the liquor must
be clear; the more is used, the blacker the substance is, but it must
never be muddy. If muddy at all, be sure you have not used good coffee.
One pound of good coffee to a quart of water, should make black but
clear coffee.