12 July, 2014
Easy Homemade Cappuccino
Posted in : Beverages on by : Cook Plate Fork Tags: Cappuccino, Coffee, Coffee cup, Espresso, Foam, Italy, Medium (TV series), Moka pot
— This article is an update from a prior article posted April. 23, 2014. The following article is more in depth with added images—
There’s nothing quite like a freshly made cappuccino to go with breakfast. However, buying one from a commercial coffee shop is not the same as creating an authentic cup at home. You can make authentic Italian-style cappuccino at home in three easy steps.
Coffee has come such a long way since the days of instant granules, and the cappuccino you enjoyed on your last vacation to Italy is much more achievable at home. You can purchase a fancy cappuccino machine for several hundred dollars if you’d like, however, it isn’t necessary. You can make a great-tasting cappuccino with a few inexpensive items. Let’s take a look.
Step 1:
A stove top espresso maker is essential if you want Italian-style coffee. They make about 4 to 6 ounces of espresso. The cost starts at around $19.95 and up. They are usually made from hard aluminum or stainless steel and are suitable for use on any stovetop, gas or electric.
To use a stove top espresso maker, unscrew the top and bottom. Fill the bottom with water to just below the valve. Add freshly ground espresso beans to the filter. Replace the top and place the percolator over medium heat. As the water comes to a boil the steam pressure forces the water through the filter and into the top. Remove from the heat when the gurgling noise stops and the top is full. Don’t let the coffee boil or it may taste burnt.
Step 2:
First boil some water in a kettle. Next, heat the milk while the coffee is brewing. You can do this in a couple of different ways. The fastest way, of course, is in a microwave on Medium 45-60 seconds for every 1/4 cup. However, for best results, you’ll want to warm it in a small saucepan over medium heat until the milk is nearly boiling. If you have a thermometer, remove the pan from the heat when the needle reaches 149 degrees.
Pre-heat each cup with hot water from the kettle. Next, pour freshly brewed coffee into each coffee cup, and top with hot milk (reserving one-quarter (1/4) cup of hot milk per cup). The reserved milk is for making froth.
Step 3:
You’ll need a milk foamer or frother, which is available at most housewares stores. A milk foamer can be a hand-held manual or battery-operated whipper. There are also foamers made of glass with a plunger, and electric frothers that can froth 1-cup of milk at a time.
To make froth with a battery-operated frother, pour the reserved hot milk into a warmed cup. Place the frother in the cup and turn on the frother for 15-20 seconds or until milk is thick and frothy. Spoon froth over the cappuccinos and dust with chocolate and serve.
CLICK Image Too Enlarege
Tips:
To clean your stove top espresso make, unscrew all parts from each other. Next empty out used coffee grounds. Rinse all parts with hot water and use a non-abrasive scourer to remove any coffee residue.
You can also brew some really strong coffee to use instead of espresso, if you don’t have a stove top espresso maker or machine. Also if you do not have a frother, warm your milk and then pour into a small jar. Shake the jar for about one minute. Pour the milk into your waiting mug of hot coffee. Spoon out the foam and top with cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, etc. You’re good to go!!
Link here to Enjoy Some Coffee Art using Frothed Milk.
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