THERE IS SOMETHING about cardamom-spiced coffee that’s intoxicatingly irresistible – floral, sweet, bitter, whispering sensuously caffeinated secrets previously known only to the ancient folk of the Middle East. And if it takes just a few easy minutes? Even better. Here is a simple recipe, perfected over a brief period of trial and error:
1- Fill a standard 12-ounce coffee cup with water, then pour the water into whatever piece of cookware you use to boil water for hot beverages (a teakettle, say, or small saucepan).
2- While it comes to the boil, spoon into the now-empty cup a good and proper amount of your favorite instant coffee (I favor a rounded tablespoon of Cafe Bustelo Instant Espresso for its bold flavor and electric effect).
3- Add – and this is MOST important – a level 1/8 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Add also your desired amount of sugar.
4- Pour in boiling water, leaving enough room for cream if you like that sort of thing. Stir thoroughly.
5- Enjoy. With feeling.