How to Make Cappuccino Designs
To add to the pleasure of making your own cappuccino, you might try doing as creative baristas do by adding an artistic touch to this foamy espresso beverage. Basic designs such as hearts or flowers, or more complicated patterns including leaves and other shapes, can be made using a few tools. Though it takes a little practice, creating a cappuccino with this extra flourish can be accomplished using the steps and tips below. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Espresso maker
- Espresso
- Milk
- Thermometer
- Wide-mouthed cup
- Spoon or straw
- Stencils
Instructions
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1
Pour milk into the espresso maker's steam pitcher, enough for one cup of cappuccino. Place the steam wand in the bottom of this pitcher and turn on the steam, gradually pulling up the wand almost to the top of the milk.
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2
As the milk begins to rise, lower the pitcher, keeping the steam wand about half an inch down from the top of the milk.
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3
Let the milk heat to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and move the steam wand to the side of the pitcher, submerging it in the milk. Position the pitcher to begin turning it counter-clockwise, making sure to hold onto the pitcher's heat-safe handle. Continue whirling the milk in this direction until the milk has heated to about 150 degrees.
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4
Turn off the steam mechanism and take out the wand and thermometer from the heated milk. Clean off the wand with a damp cloth.
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Whirl the milk rapidly, and gently but firmly pound the pitcher in a downward motion if you notice lots of large bubbles in the milk.
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Pour a shot or two of espresso into a cup, then begin pouring the milk into the espresso. To create a heart design, first pour milk into the bottom of the cup, filling to about an inch from the bottom. When the cup is half full, shake your wrist to move the pitcher back and forth, with a slight backwards motion. A heart design should begin to form.
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Gradually pour the milk through the center of the heart to create a multi-layered, ringed design.
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Using milk foam, powder and stencils, add to your design by creating additional details, such as words. To write something, dip a toothpick or pin into powdered or melted milk chocolate and use this as ink to create a message across the foam.
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Tips & Warnings
Try making a flower design in your cappuccino, using the same steps as above but with more of a gradual backwards movement as you shake the pitcher. For the best taste, a good rule of thumb is to use fresh milk for each cup of cappuccino made.
Be careful not to burn yourself while working with the steaming milk and espresso. Do not allow the milk to heat to temperatures over 160 degrees Fahrenheit as this can create a bitter, sour tasting beverage.
