The Basics of a Delicious Cappuccino
Cappuccino, as the musicality of its name suggests it, is an Italian coffee. It actually means a "small cap" due to the looks of the foamed milk topping which resembles the Pope's cap.
In this post I'm going to try to explain the basic recipe of a tasty cappuccino. But before that, in the next paragraph I'm going to explain you the exact composition of a cappuccino.
Cappuccino coffee is made from two parts of espresso coffee, and a part of micro-foamed milk. The milk is steamed and minuscule bubble of air are introduced in its texture, which gives it a distinctive aspect, making the beverage look delicious. The most important factor of a well-made cappuccino is the temperature and texture of the foamed milk topping. Also, depending on the recipe, the specific of the coffee shop, or the skill of the barista, the foamed milk is nicely decorated with cocoa, cinnamon, chocolate flakes or various other spices.
Now, since cappuccino is basically a type of espresso coffee, it will require at least an espresso machine to make. However, you can brew your own cappuccino at home without any special and poshy equipment, and in the following paragraphs I'm going to explain how.
1. First of all, make a batch of strong espresso coffee. Use freshly ground coffee, from fresh coffee beans. The best way to obtain a nice espresso coffee at home is to use a Moka pot. They are usually cheap, the price for one usually doesn't go over 30 bucks.
2. Now, for the second part, you should foam the milk. Take note that the foamed milk will tast a little bit different that the normal milk, and as you know, by modifying it's consistency, it should always be on top of the espresso. To foam the milk, you can use a milk frotter. A device like this is also cheap, yet effective. It's also easy to use, you basically put it in your milk and turn it on. Works just like a mixer, but it's extremity is specially designed to foam milk. It's important though, to have you milk warmed up before the foaming process. A temperature of 140-150 degrees should do.
3. The last step is to assemble your cappuccino. Pour the espresso into your favorite cup and top with the foamed milk.
Tip: In case foaming the milk is too much of a hassle to you, you can always prepare some cream yourself, with a little vanilla and top the espresso with it. Also, take note that the foaming isn't everything about a delicious cappuccino. The espresso also matters. So, it's best to buy coffee beans yourself, grind them yourself and even roast it if possible, to give it just the taste and flavor it needs. Luckily, today you can buy coffee online.