| Ever wondered what the secrets are to making | | | | world of espresso coffee tasting for you. Being able |
| Espresso as good as the coffee house baristas do? | | | | to buy beans of any type and bring them home and |
| Well stay with me a while and I will give away some | | | | finely grind them yourself is essentially a defining |
| of their trade secrets so you too can master the art | | | | experience. |
| of making a great cup of espresso. | | | | Another important point is that the quality of the |
| The most important ingredient in making a good tasting | | | | espresso machine you buy will of course affect the |
| espresso is to use pure fresh filtered or rain water. | | | | quality of the espresso coffee it produces. Here I |
| Regardless of what quality coffee grounds you use it | | | | should remind you to look for a machine that is easy |
| won't override the associated taste of poor water. For | | | | to clean and maintain as well as one that generates |
| most of us chlorine and other chemicals in our tap | | | | heat by boiler or thermoblock and is capable of |
| water will put us at a real disadvantage. It might | | | | producing pump pressure of 9 bar or better. A |
| surprise some to know water can get stale so make | | | | thermoblock heats water as it passes through the |
| sure it hasn't been sitting around in plastic containers or | | | | machine on the way to the pump. For a really |
| in the fridge for too long before you use it. | | | | professional and satisfying brew it is best to avoid the |
| To make a new brew of espresso remember to use | | | | cheaper units that rely on steam to create pressure. |
| very hot water with an optimum temperature of | | | | Now that we know all that we are ready to make a |
| around 203F (95C) or nearly boiling water. If you don't | | | | top cup of espresso. For the best results pre-warm |
| want to get too technical using a thermometer, just | | | | the equipment by running clean water through the |
| switch the jug off as the water is starting to boil and | | | | machine is a good idea. Then when you turn the |
| then count to ten. That has always worked for me. | | | | machine on, let the water heat, before running a cup |
| Of course the next most important ingredient is the | | | | through with no coffee to warm the surfaces and |
| coffee. These days there is an abundance of choice | | | | flush the system. |
| and sometimes it's hard to know where to start. I like | | | | Next you can add the freshly ground espresso roast |
| to be a little adventurous and try coffees from | | | | and then tamp it down slightly with the back of a |
| different countries all over the world. Each one has its | | | | spoon, just like you would in a tobacco pipe till you feel |
| own unique flavour. Some I like and some I don't go | | | | some springiness - but the coffee shouldn't scatter |
| back for a second go. | | | | about. |
| One of my favorites is Arabica coffee which comes | | | | Then put the hopper in the machine and place a |
| from the high country in Brazil or Bogota. Some people | | | | warmed espresso cup at the outlet. Now comes the |
| like to roast the green beans themselves while others | | | | good part, start the machine and in about five seconds |
| are content to buy them freshly roasted. Either way it | | | | you will have a steady stream of beautiful espresso |
| is important to make sure the beans are fresh and | | | | coffee. For a double shot it will take about 20 seconds |
| have a good aromatic smell to them. | | | | to complete. |
| Also Robusta is one you might like to try. This variety | | | | Making cappuccino is easy this way as all you have to |
| has more caffeine but is a little less full bodied flavour | | | | do is warm half a cup of milk in the microwave for |
| than Arabica. Generally it should be used for those | | | | about 90 seconds, froth it with the wand and add it to |
| quick pick-me-up cups but it's not at all suitable for an | | | | the espresso. If you are like me and love the froth use |
| espresso that is to be savoured. | | | | full cream milk rather than reduced fat milk as it froths |
| Once you start exploring different types of coffee, | | | | better. To make it just like a bought one, sprinkle some |
| blending is something you might like to try your hand at. | | | | cinnamon over the top. However if you really want to |
| A blend of 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta is a great | | | | create a sensation you could shave some chocolate |
| favorite of mine because it takes away the heavy | | | | or sprinkle cocoa on the top. For the sweet tooth you |
| chocolate taste of the Arabica and gives a mellower | | | | will probably need a teaspoon of sugar. |
| and more creamy texture to the brew. Women more | | | | In a nutshell the secret to making a good cup of |
| often enjoy this blend as it is milder in flavor and is not | | | | espresso at home that tastes just like one from your |
| such an assault on the taste buds. In Australia you can | | | | favourite coffee shop is to start with good quality |
| find this blend already ground in the MAP brand (red | | | | coffee, keep your equipment nice and clean, use fresh |
| packet). | | | | water, don't burn the roast and make sure you grind it |
| From personal experience let me tell you adding a | | | | properly. |
| grinder to your kitchen appliances will open up a whole | | | | Enjoy. |