Have you ever anticipated your favorite steaming cup of java only to find you have run out of coffee? If this has happened to you then you know my pain. You never know how important your morning cup of java is to you until you can’t get it. What do you do, dial 911? Well I would not suggest you do that unless you would like to be in real trouble with your local law enforcement agents and no, they will not be taking you to get some coffee.

Good thing for me though, I keep a coffee emergency kit. You know, much like the “In case of fire, break glass” box you may have seen around? Yes, don’t tell me—I already know I need an intervention.

Anyway, it contains coffee “singles” much like tea bags (and taste quite good I might add—better than some of the instants). Two companies that make them are Maxwell House and Folgers. My emergency bag also contains a can of evaporated milk. I don’t use sugar or artificial sweetener, so that’s one less thing I have to worry about.

Now what if your problem was not lack of coffee but you are unable to secure hot water? Well Wolfgang Puck thought he had the answer to that issue and put out a self heating can of coffee. But alas the product had to be recalled because it was, you guessed it, heating itself at will and was a danger to all. This product has since gone back to the drawing board but don’t worry, I am sure it will resurface again.

I personally use a pretty safe way of getting hot water by using a heating element (a metal device with a handle that you plug in, stick it in your cup and it boils water). Now if you don’t have electricity, well then you will need to consult with your nearest camping gear store.

Coffee Emergency Kit

Mug
Heating Element
Box of Maxwell House Coffee Singles (Folgers makes them as well or you can use instant coffee)
Can of Evaporated Milk
Can Opener
Spoon
Sugar or artificial sweetner packs
Bottled Water

This is a great gag gift to that serious coffee drinker in your life, you know the one that just can not possibly function without a cup.

Wolfgang Puck-Self Heating Cans
http://www.bevnet.com/news/2006/04-28-2006-wolfgang_puck_self_heating_cans.asp

Heating Element
http://www.pinecreekoutdoors.com/wahepobewahe.html?gclid=CNCj3ZyKkZACFQmgGgodrXS9_w