If you're like me, and love waking up to your morning
coffee, then read on. I've put together some tips you that you may find useful,
and allow you to make coffee that tastes as good as it smells.
He first thing is to choose the type of maker. I have tried a drip filter machine, home espresso
machine, plunger and a stove top maker.
If you have a big budget, then you may be able to afford a fully
automatic home espresso machine that does everything except vacuum the house,
but for me personally, I have got great results using a home espresso machine under
$100, or a stove top maker, so will only discuss these two options.
If you do choose a home espresso machine, as a minimum, I
would suggest going for one that is pump operated, and operates at 15 bar of
pressure. Don't waste money on a cheap
machine that is steam operated, as this will make your coffee making experience
time consuming and frustrating. The machine you choose will probably come with
a milk frother attached, although I would suggest doing the milk another way,
and will elaborate on this later.
The biggest two factors I have found in
making good coffee is the grind and the tamping. Choose a grind that says
suitable for home espresso machine on the packaging. A good rule of thumb is to
go for a fine grind. Once you've got the grind right, the next thing to
experiment with is the tamping force.
If
you have a fine grind, then the force needed is not very much at all, and what
is really important, is to apply the force evenly using the tamper. You will
know when you have the combination right when there is a nice crèma film on top
of your espresso. This means the natural oils and sweetness are being released
from the coffee.
This brings me to my preferred option for great coffee at
home. The $20 stove top machine. They make great coffee and I would say it's a
good as what I can make with a machine. Another benefit is that they're easy to
clean and maintain, they don't need descaling, and there's no electrical or moving
parts that can break.
I would recommend a fine grind, and it will usually say
on the packaging if the grid is suitable for a stove top machine. With the
right grind, I have found I don't even need to tamp it, just fill the basket
and then tap it a few times on the bench to get the coffee to settle evenly in
the basket. Again, when you get it right you will see a thin film of crema on
top.
This now brings me to frothing the milk. I have found the
quickest, easiest way to get consistent, creamy milk froth is to buy a milk
frother. You should be able to get one for less than $20. Put the desired
amount of milk in, I usually only do enough for one cup at a time. Place it in
the microwave on high for about one and a half minutes, then froth it gently. You
don't want to be too vigorous to start with, as you will get too many air
bubbles, and it won't be as thick and creamy. Now, add the frothed milk to your
coffee and enjoy.
You will notice I haven't discussed the many different
coffee types and flavours, or grinding your own. These are whole other topics
and best left for another time. Best of
luck with your coffee making.
For more coffee ideas, visit www.xilly.net
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