Pioneer Woman Iced Coffee - need I say more?

So, I decided to have a go at the 2 gallon cold-steeped iced coffee on The Pioneer Woman's blog. 

Here we go.

You will need:
1 lb. (16 oz..) ground coffee
(I used a 12oz. bag Seattles Best  + 4 extra oz. from Jim's Folgers Columbia to get the full 16 oz.)
2 gallons cold water
Half & half, coffee creamer plus sugar or splenda

First, search your kitchen for a lidded container that will hold 2 gallons of water plus the coffee.  I had to be really creative here - the only thing that would work was my mother's cupcake transporter. 

My boys loved this little experiment - let them pour the coffee into the bottom of your container, then add the 2 gallons of water slowly. 

Next, stir to make sure every single coffee ground makes contact with the water. 

Let your helper stir some too (after you've done the real work.)

Notice Miles eyeing the concoction - his little brain is just a' churning and he is thinking that this just might be tasty. 

As a rule, my boys never, ever believe me and have to test everything out for themselves.

Live and learn.  Now you saw the face the youngest child made right? So how come this oldest child has to taste it to be certain?



Told ya!

Now, cover it with a lid and leave it for 8 hours.  Give stern warnings of "do not touch that container or it will spill!" anytime you see anyone even looking like they are going near the kitchen. 

Next, strain your steeped coffee into a separate container.  (Do not use the method in this next photo.  It takes too long and you might poke your own eyeballs out waiting.)  

Instead of straining through a fine mesh collander lined with a paper towel or cheesecloth like she said to do, use the copper strainer that comes right in your coffee pot!  I am so clever!

 and now this process begins moving at break-neck speed and we are on our way!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funnel your yummy coffee goodness into one or two large containers (which will keep, according to Pioneer Woman, for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.)

Once refrigerated, fill half a glass with coffee and then mix in half & half or coffee creamer plus vanilla syrup - whatever makes you happy and some sugar too if it will make you smile. 

My fave - pour half a glass of coffee, about 1/4 cup of half & half and 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and a teaspoon of sugar.  This is called a Vietnamese Iced Coffee and it is the only way to go.

Fill with ice, stir & walk around sashaying like you are the smartest barista on the planet and brag to anyone who will listen!  It is that good.