Post provided by Home and Garden Co.
Home espresso machines are a great alternative to more traditional coffee maker options. Espresso is the base of most of the specialty drinks that are served at popular coffee shops today. An espresso machine will enable anyone to create these drinks at home with little effort and at a cost of less than a dollar per serving. For those who regularly visit expensive coffee shops, these machines quickly pay for themselves and end up saving a great deal of money in the long run.
While ensuring that the machine is functioning properly is a big part in making the perfect drink, there are other things that anyone can do to make delicious cups of coffee even with inexpensive equipment. The first component to good espresso is the bean. To get the distinctive bitter taste, make sure that you select a very dark roast. While there is no need to grind your own beans, you should get the best quality coffee that you can afford. High quality coffee will produce a strong, nuanced flavor that elevates coffee house drinks above those that are made at home. Even those that do not consider themselves coffee experts will be surprised at the difference between specialty and grocery store blends.
Another step in replicating specialty drinks at home is through foam or flavor shots. Even if your home espresso machine does not come with a built in milk steamer, it is possible to get this effect with nothing more than a saucepan and a stovetop. Keep in mind that most coffee shops use whole milk unless otherwise requested, so using milk with a higher fat content will produce richer foam. Flavor shots, such as caramel, mocha or vanilla are now sold in bottles at most large grocery stores. Adding just a spoonful to your espresso will immediately transform your drink into something special.
Easy to use espresso machines ensure that anyone can make fancy, specialty coffee drinks at home.
