Coffee Confusion

I love coffee. I grew up drinking cafe con leche nearly every morning. For those who don't know what that is, it is steamed milk with espresso. It's also called Cuban Coffee. My dad is of Cuban decent so it's always been a morning staple.

Anyway, last year when I swore off regular coffee thinking it was going to kill me, my mornings were less enjoyable. As you all know, I am a huge fan of moderation is all things and honestly I could not take the hum drum of my mornings with out my steamy, sugary, cup of joe.

Since I do not have time, nor patience, in the mornings to steam milk and pack an espresso machine, I broke down and bought a mini GE four cup coffee maker for 20 bucks at Wal Mart. I was so excited about my new buy. It had a program button AND a reusable filter. Not only was it "green" but I now could wake up to the sound of the coffee maker clicking on. Really though, the first morning I heard the automatic drip, I felt like I was in a Folger's commercial.

Still, I am dissatisfied. I just can't get my coffee to taste right. I started off drinking de-caf so I wouldn't be bouncing off walls by 9 AM but it seriously has NO FLAVOR. I switched trying numerous brands, disposable filters, more coffee less water, different creamers. Blah, blah, blah... too watery, too strong, too bitter...

Will I ever get it right?!?!