Fun article, happy to share.

By Dominic Milner
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/main-course-articles/okay-i039ve-made-my-espresso-now-what-do-i-do-with-the-milk-2174901.html#axzz0lyJ2u1hj

I did all of the right things to make espresso at home. I bought myself a good espresso machine. I learned which espresso beans have the best taste and how to grind them to the correct fineness. I managed to insert the gadget with the grinds, known as a portafilter, into the espresso machine, lock it into place, turn on the machine and let her rip. Great espresso!

But I wanted a cappuccino. Sue wanted a latte. Time to figure out how to steam the milk.

Sue is always dieting, so she wants nonfat milk. I found out that low fat and nonfat milk foam really easily. Whole milk takes more practice. Same thing with half and half if you want a breve.

Some espresso machines have a built in steam nozzle and some don’t. You may need to buy a separate steamer. I recommend getting an espresso machine with one built in. Saves space.

The first thing to do is to put that stainless steel pitcher and milk into the refrigerator to get cold. Always start with them cold. And then my next learning curve came with remembering to fill the pitcher about a third to a half full. Milk expands really well when it’s steamed. It takes only once for it to foam up, overflow and hit the floor to remember to start with a pitcher no more than half full.

Start by putting the nozzle on the surface of the milk and turning the steam on full. The milk is going to begin to foam, so keep lowering the pitcher so that the nozzle is just under the surface of the milk. About a half inch will do fine. You can turn down the pressure when the foam really begins to rise, or just take the pitcher away. Now the milk is just about at the boiling point.

Now here is something important. Don’t let it boil. This is another way to get the milk to overflow the pitcher. Or even worse, it will taste burnt. Ugh. Nasty.

Your steamed milk should have little bubbles all the way through it, and there should be a light foam on the top. There you are. That’s it. Now you go make whatever espresso drink you want.

For you - cappuccino lovers ( including me)

Source: http://www.prlog.org/10583186-cappuccino-espresso-machines-6-easy-steps-to-make-your-own-coffee.html

By Samantha Smart.

Cappuccino and espresso are usually dark, rich, delightful brews typically enjoyed in small amounts as dessert coffees. This fragrance captivates the gourmet coffee enthusiast.

Cappuccino and espresso are usually dark, rich, delightful brews typically enjoyed in small amounts as dessert coffees. This fragrance captivates the gourmet coffee enthusiast. With the proper equipment, along with a ability to follow directions, you will have a brew that will be the envy of the Capuchin monks for whom the rich coffee was named. Making cappuccino isn’t quite as easy as brewing typical drip coffee. Pressure is a key factor in the function of a cappuccino espresso machine. One more difference is the fact that boiled water is forced through the coffee grounds. Take time to get thoroughly familiar with your cappuccino espresso machine prior to attempting to make your initial cup of this well-known coffee. Many people who are unsatisfied with their cappuccino espresso machines haven’t carefully read and followed the directions.

Step 1. Fill the glass carafe with enough water to make the amount of espresso wanted, plus a little extra water for frothing milk. The carafe will be marked on the side so you know how many cups you’re making.

Step 2. Make the espresso. This is a lot like preparing coffee and you may simply set the machine and allow it to brew. Typically, this will involve heating up the water and forcing it through the coffee grounds. You can actually buy your espresso pre-made if you wish so that you could get to your cappuccino sooner. Cappuccino espresso machines are made to steam and froth milk, so it does not matter all that much where your espresso comes from.

Step 3.  Fill the frothing pitcher approximately 50 % full with cold skim milk. This milk will eventually end up being turned in to the delicious foam on top of the cappuccino.

Step 4.  Set the machine to froth the milk. Set the machine at the position indicated by a “cup” icon. Move the selector switch to the “O” position when the espresso reaches the steaming mark on the carafe.

Step 5.  Froth the milk. Place the steam nozzle about halfway into the frothing pitcher that contains the milk. Turn the switch to the “steam” position and leave it there for around one minute. After frothing, let the milk settle prior to turning the switch back to the “cup” position in the final step of making the espresso.

Step 6 Create your cappuccino. Fill your mug with espresso then add steamed milk and frothed milk.  Congratulations you have made your first coffee using a Cappuccino Espresso Machine.  Enjoy!!