[Charles Martel]

You get a special dispensation for cappucino and latte. It's perfectly acceptable to add sugary syrup in such a case. But to ruin a perfectly good cup of black coffee with sugar and cream is a crime.

Better include all chicory blends in that dispensation, too - most are easily as powerful as cappucino and latte. At Commander's Palace restaurant in New Orleans, the coffee laughs at those little "peel-n-pour" capsules of Half & Half - add all you care to, the coffee refuses to change color.

A pure, medium roast coffee (or flavored blend) is best black.

[ladtx]

I don't generally drink coffee in the afternoon but all this talk has got me to thinking about brewing another pot of Luzianne.

[Skooz]

Ok. I extend the dispensation to Turkish coffee, as well. It is great, but undrinkable without a little sugar. Probably the strongest coffee on the planet.

[Skooz]

Turkish coffee is rich in flavour and traditions. It became known as the "milk of chess players and thinkers".

Method:

Heat water in saucepan; add coffee and sugar when warm. Bring to boil. Pour half of the coffee into demitasse cups. Return remaining coffee to stove, and allow returning to boil. Spoon off foam and gently place into each cup (don't stir).

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 cups cold water .
• 4 teaspoons dark roast coffee .
• 4 teaspoons sugar .