How to Make Espresso With a Cuisinart
Espresso shots are an integral part of many popular coffee drinks, and learning how to make espresso at home can save time and money. While making high-quality shots can take time, practice, and trial-and-error, getting started at making an espresso as part of your morning routine is relatively straightforward and can be done by any espresso machine owner. Cuisinart machines are considered consistent and good for beginners, or for coffee drinkers who don't consider making espresso a serious hobby. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fresh whole espresso beans
- A coffee grinder
- A Cuisinart espresso machine
Instructions
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"If your espresso machine uses pre-measured pods, simply insert a pod into the portafilter and let the machine do the rest," writes Overstock's espresso guide. However, if your machine requires you to measure and pack the grounds yourself, there are some more steps to consider when choosing beans and grind.
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Be sure you are using espresso and not coffee beans when making your drink. Dark-roasted beans produce a richer espresso than lighter ones. Even once you've chosen a dark roast, however, the are several types of darks to consider, and each has a different flavor. You may need to experiment with different varieties to find one you really enjoy; there's no real "right" or "wrong."
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You can grind the beans at home using a manual or automatic "burr" grinder, although very good ones can be expensive. If you don't want to grind the beans yourself, be sure to specify that you want a fine espresso grind to whomever you are buying your beans from. The beans you use to make your espresso should be as freshly ground as possible to produce the best taste.
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You also need to consider pressure when packing the beans. The correct pressure should be used not only when packing the shot, but also when pulling the shot. When packing the shot by hand, no more than 30 pounds of pressure should be used to tamp down the grounds. While pulling the shot, your espresso machine will automatically apply the correct amount of pressure and water to the grounds. Have a pre-warmed cup ready to catch the espresso.
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There are several common drinks you can make if you don't wish to drink the shot straight. An Americano is half water-half espresso, while a Cappuccino is half steamed milk and half espresso. A Latte, on the other hand, is three ounces of steamed milk for every shot of espresso. There are many other combinations possible, so experiment with different recipes!
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
