A Barista in Your Home: Quick and Easy Espresso Drink How-To's

Italian espresso drinks have been made popular by coffee shops like Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Dunn Brothers. I love an occasional espresso drink from to sip on while reading a book, at the end of a meal or to just unwind. It's aroma and strong distinct taste makes my day. Paying from $3-4 to enjoy an espresso drink a day can add up! It's not difficult to make these drinks. In fact, you can make espresso drinks in no time flat from your own home! For those not familiar with espresso, I will give a brief history of espresso. For those ready to become home making baristas, grab that apron, put on that barista hat (any hat will do) and let's make espresso! Included are a couple of espresso how-to recipes to try.

History of Espresso

The word Espresso is pronounced Es-press-o, not X-press-o. Italian in origin, the translation of espresso means,"a cup of coffee brewed expressly for you".

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a single shot of finely ground coffee packed tightly into a filter holder. Hot water is forced through the packed grounds under pressure. What you get is a rich espresso coffee.

No need to go out and buy an espresso machine. Espresso can easily be made on the stove using a Moka Pot (see my article, "Espresso Stove Top Steam Infusion Method"). Many of the coffee shops use a dark roast like espresso roast or French roast to make espresso. I am a dark roast fan, but also like to enjoy some flavored coffee as well. I like to use the following: French Roast (Caribou Coffee or Dunn Brothers), Italian Roast (Starbucks), Espresso Roast (Gevalia or Starbucks), Dark Roast (Gevalia), Creme Brule (Gevalia), Blueberry Creme (Gevalia). All of these give a rich aroma of espresso and fill up the room. Buying whole bean coffee is the best for it is the freshest. When buying whole bean coffee, you will need a grinder. There are some not so expensive grinders out there (check out target.com). To make espresso the traditional Italian style, use the darkest of the espresso coffee beans. Not a big fan of dark roasts? Any coffee bean can be used to make espresso. Go ahead and make the espresso drink to suit your tastes. If you are not an avid coffee or espresso drinker, don't have a grinder or don't want to invest in a coffee grinder, there is another option. Asking the coffee shop that you are buying the coffee from to grind it for you. Most don't charge anything for it.

Espresso Con Panna

Con Panna translates to, "espresso with whip". Also known as Cafe Vienne, this drink is served as a single or double shot of espresso topped off with whipped cream.

You will need:

Moka Pot
Espresso coffee beans
Grinder
Whipped Cream ( I use Reddi Whip)
Chocolate Powder ( to dust off the whipped cream)

Making Espresso Con Panna

1. Grind the espresso beans until they are very fine (20-30 seconds).

2. Fill the bottom portion of the moka pot with water (fill up to the pressure release opening only).

3. Fill the funnel portion with ground coffee.

4. Put the pot back together, place on top of the stove.

5. You will know the espresso is ready when steam comes up and the top portion of the moka pot is filled with espresso.

6. Remove the moka pot from the stove, pour the espresso into a small cup.

7. Add whipped cream and dust off with chocolate powder ( I like to fill the cup to the top!). Enjoy your Espresso Con Panna!

How to Make a Caramel Macchiatto

1. Steam milk (see my article, "Espresso Stove-Top Infusion Method", how-to froth milk)

2. Steps 2-6 are the same from above.

3. Pour 1ounce (equivalent to 2 pumps) of caramel flavored syrup into a glass.

4. Pour the steam milk over the flavoring (this will leave you with some froth).

5. Pour the espresso over the froth.

6. Drizzle the top of the froth with caramel syrup. Enjoy your Caramel Macchiatto!