How to Make a Cappuccino

The cappuccino is an elusive mix that is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam. Many people think a cappuccino can only be made with an espresso machine. But with a few kitchen tools and a little ingenuity, you can make your own indulgent cappuccino--minus the Starbucks $4 price tag.

If you don't have an espresso machine, read below to see how you can make your own cappuccino at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric handheld mixer with beater blades or a whisk attachment
• Small pot
• Stove
• Drip coffee maker
• Coffee filter
• Ground espresso for drip coffee machines
• Spoon
• Coffee mugs
• Sugar and cinnamon (optional)

How to Make a Cappuccino without an Espresso Machine

1. Pour 3/4 to 1 cup milk per serving into the small pot. Turn the stove's burner on a low setting to heat the milk gently. You may need to adjust the amount of milk for your individual coffee mugs, as portion size will vary accordingly.

2. Brew espresso in your drip coffee maker according to the directions on the espresso box. Follow these steps to a tee to put in the right ratio of espresso to water.

3. Plug in the hand mixer. Turn up the heat on the stove to medium heat and turn the electric hand mixer to a medium setting. Move the mixer throughout the pot. Increase the mixer's speed once you become comfortable. The more bubbles you see, the better. The milk will bubble and rise as it heats.

4. Monitor the pot carefully. You do not want the milk to boil, but you do want it to be hot, not warm. Keep foaming the milk until the pot reaches an appropriate temperature. Then turn the burner off and set the milk aside.

5. Divide brewed espresso between all serving cups. Take a spoon and spoon foam on top of the espresso. Finally, pour the hot milk into each cup to fill it to the brim. Sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top and serve. If desired, add sugar to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• A cooking thermometer can tell you when the milk is at the right temperature. Insert it into the pot periodically as you steam. When it reads 160 degrees F, the milk is ready.
• If you don't have a thermometer, do the best you can by touch and smell in the beginning.
• To make stiff foam, turn the mixer speed higher and keep the beater or whisk attachments close to the surface. Continue to periodically move the mixer around the pot, but focus on the top fourth of the pot.
• The pot, espresso and steamed milk all get very hot during the cooking process. Be careful, and make sure others that enter the kitchen while you're steaming are also careful.

[mbrassfield]

on 2/5/2008 I agree. In a pinch, it can. In a perfect world, you have an espresso machine. This article is meant for those who do not have an espresso machine and would like to make a cappuccino without one.

[Pooya]

on 2/5/2008 I think one of the most important part is step 2 where espresso should be brewed. Espresso machine force hot water to ground espresso under pressure. Can the simple brewing simulate that?