How to Make a Cappuccino
Imagine sitting in a Tuscan cafe, enjoying the sunrise in the hilltop town as it flows over the green and golden valleys. There's nothing that would make this situation more perfect than if you had a cup of cappuccino in your hand! Italians almost always drink cappuccino in the morning to start their day; they can tell if someone's a tourist if they order cappuccinos any other time of day!
You don't have to go to Italy, or a local coffee shop, to enjoy an amazing cappuccino; why not make it at home? It's very easy, and over time cappuccino lovers will save money! Plus, you can make it exactly how you'd like so it's perfect each and every time. All you need is an espresso machine (which can be found at a very reasonable price), espresso beans, and milk!
Typically, cappuccino is about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk froth. But, when you make it at home, you can change that ratio to fit your needs!
Here's how to make your very own cappuccino:
1) For optimum flavor, grind your coffee beans at home rather than ordering them pre-ground. This will make your cappuccino much more flavorful and fresh-tasting.
2) Measure out an appropriate amount of ground espresso (depending on whether you want one shot of espresso or more) and fill it into the brewing head. Tamp it down with your hand tamper so that there's room in the brewing head for water to pass through.
3) Lock the brewing head in place in the espresso machine and pour the shot. Place your coffee cup underneath so that the espresso goes straight into it. You don't want to lose any of that goodness!
4) Your espresso will take about 20 seconds to come out (longer if you have more than one shot). If it's good, it should have a hazelnut body with a reddish hue. You're so close to enjoying your cappuccino!
5) Fill a metal pitcher with about a cup of milk and insert the steam wand, located on the espresso machine, just below the surface. Steam the milk for about a minute at 140 degrees, minimum. For more froth, you can go up to 160, but anything beyond that will be too hot. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to help separate the milk from the froth. When you feel comfortable with the espresso machine, you can make the steamed milk as your shot is being poured. That way everything is ready at about the same time!
6) Take your cup of espresso and pour steamed milk into it. Shake the pitcher a bit when your cup starts filling up to help the froth come out on top. Find the balance between milk and froth that's right for you. Practice makes perfect!
7) Sprinkle some cappuccino toppings on the frothy crema to add some style points!
Hooray! You've just made a delicious cappuccino at home! Reward yourself by taking a sip! A traditional cappuccino is about 5-6 ounces, and it's a great way to start your morning. Give it a try today; you'll be glad you did! CoffeeAM will be there with you the whole way!
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An update on our Coffee Art page: We've been getting some awesome coffee art from you guys, and we'll be posting our first feature soon! But, we want more! Be sure to e-mail coffeeamart@gmail.com with your submission!
Here's how to make your very own cappuccino:
1) For optimum flavor, grind your coffee beans at home rather than ordering them pre-ground. This will make your cappuccino much more flavorful and fresh-tasting.
2) Measure out an appropriate amount of ground espresso (depending on whether you want one shot of espresso or more) and fill it into the brewing head. Tamp it down with your hand tamper so that there's room in the brewing head for water to pass through.
3) Lock the brewing head in place in the espresso machine and pour the shot. Place your coffee cup underneath so that the espresso goes straight into it. You don't want to lose any of that goodness!
4) Your espresso will take about 20 seconds to come out (longer if you have more than one shot). If it's good, it should have a hazelnut body with a reddish hue. You're so close to enjoying your cappuccino!
5) Fill a metal pitcher with about a cup of milk and insert the steam wand, located on the espresso machine, just below the surface. Steam the milk for about a minute at 140 degrees, minimum. For more froth, you can go up to 160, but anything beyond that will be too hot. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to help separate the milk from the froth. When you feel comfortable with the espresso machine, you can make the steamed milk as your shot is being poured. That way everything is ready at about the same time!
6) Take your cup of espresso and pour steamed milk into it. Shake the pitcher a bit when your cup starts filling up to help the froth come out on top. Find the balance between milk and froth that's right for you. Practice makes perfect!
7) Sprinkle some cappuccino toppings on the frothy crema to add some style points!
Hooray! You've just made a delicious cappuccino at home! Reward yourself by taking a sip! A traditional cappuccino is about 5-6 ounces, and it's a great way to start your morning. Give it a try today; you'll be glad you did! CoffeeAM will be there with you the whole way!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An update on our Coffee Art page: We've been getting some awesome coffee art from you guys, and we'll be posting our first feature soon! But, we want more! Be sure to e-mail coffeeamart@gmail.com with your submission!