How To Make a Cappuccino
- April 23, 2009
- 5,136 Views
Writer
Jonelle_Seitz
Music
The Way It Is
Voice Over Artist
Brandon Potter
Become your own favorite barista by learning to create an authentic cappuccino at home.
You Will Need
- 10 to 16 oz. Of cold milk
- A stainless-steel steaming pitcher
- A thermometer
- An espresso machine with a steamer wand
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz. of freshly ground espresso
- A tamper
- A spoon
- And a mug
- A saucpan
- A milk frother
- Sugar or other sweetener
- And cocoa or cinnamon
Clean the steam wand thoroughly before you use it, since warm milk can breed bacteria.
Step 1: Prepare the milk
Pour milk into the pitcher so it is 1/3 to 1/2 full and submerge the thermometer. Place the steam wand in the milk so the tip is just below the surface.
The difference between a cappuccino and a cafe latte is that cappuccino is espresso mixed with steamed milk and foam, while a latte is espresso mixed with just steamed milk.
Step 2: Steam the milk
Turn on the steam and watch the milk increase in volume as it heats and aerates. Turn off the steam when the thermometer reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Never touch the steam wand or tip once you’ve turned on the steam – it’s hot! Be sure to hold the pitcher by the handle.
You can also heat the milk in a saucepan, and use a milk frother with a plunger to aerate the milk.
Step 3: Fill the portafilter
Remove the filter apparatus – or portafilter – from the espresso machine. Pour the ground espresso into the portafilter.
Step 4: Tamp the espresso
Pack the grounds firmly with the tamper to keep the water from rushing through too quickly. Many portafilters have a “fill line” ¬that the grounds should reach after they have been tamped.
Step 5: Pull the shot
Replace and lock the portafilter and place the mug below the spout. Press the button to start the water. It should take 25 seconds to make 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of espresso.
A good espresso shot is dark and rich with a lighter-colored top layer called the crema.
Step 6: Finish the cappuccino
Using the spoon to hold back the foam, pour steamed milk to fill the mug 2/3 full. Fill the rest of the mug with frothy foam by spooning it into your cup. Add sugar or sweetener to taste, and top with cocoa or cinnamon if desired.
The cappuccino, along with the capuchin monkey, got its name because its color resembles the brown and white habits of the Capuchin monks.
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Comments (5)
This video was really great for me to see if my espresso skills were on track. I got a new espresso machine, http://www.thecoffeebump.com/saeco-incanto-sirius.html , and it is really top notch, so this video was just what I needed! Thanks :)
over 2 years ago by markramos
: )
over 2 years ago by grasya
mmm, i love cappuchinos!
over 2 years ago by rockandroll
Wow! That is one impressive espresso machine! Glad to know that the video helped. Have a great time making cappuccinos. Macchiatos are great too.
over 2 years ago by gsinfield
Yum! You make it look so tasty!
over 2 years ago by HeatherM
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