ajvernon@wateng.UUCP (Andrew J. Vernon) (01/08/86)
I've recently acquired (i.e. Christmas) an espresso/cappucino
coffee maker. It is one of the stove top models with the spout
for steaming milk. Making the espresso coffee is easy enough;
however, steaming the milk to make cappucino is another story.
Ideally (?) the milk should be steamed so that half of it becomes
foamy and is spooned over the espresso. I've had some success with
achieving this but I'm not consistent. Does anybody have tips for
making cappucino? Here's what I've already found out...
1) The milk should be cold and 2% works best
2) The milk should be heated first (with the steam) and the spout
should not touch the bottom of the jug. If the milk boils, give
up and start again with fresh milk.
3) To get the foam, steam the top surface of the milk.
The above is not always succesful, any extra hints? Thanks.
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Andrew Vernon
Computer Communications Networks Group
University Of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.
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...!{allegra | decvax | clyde | ihnp4 }!watmath!wateng!ajvernonspp@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (Stephen P Pope) (01/10/86)
Some of the stove-top combined espresso makers / steamers
just won't steam milk properly. They have the added
problem that the espresso grounds sometimes impart an
off flavor to the steamed milk.
The major points in milk steaming: (1) Use enough pressure.
Wait until there is a lot of pressure in the steamer, and
let the milk have it full force. Keep the burner on under
the steamer till you're done. If there's not enough pressure
it will make a high-pitched screeching sound. If you've
got it right, you get a lower pitched whooshing sound.
When you hear that sound you know you're steaming milk!
(2) Get the nozzle in there at such an angle that the
entire volume of milk is swirling in one direction. You
should be able to steam nearly all the milk into foam
that stays foamy. Don't heat the milk first and then steam
just the top -- that's the method of last resort and is
unsatisfying. One of the problems with some cappuchino machines
is you just can't get the nozzle in the pitcher at a good
angle, and there's nothing that can be done about it.
I use a separate steamer, made by Pulcinella, about $40,
works fine. It's a few years old now, and the pressure
relief valve has gotten to the point where it releases
steam too soon. Still works okay, but it's time to replace
it.
And while I'm at it:
** Steamed Milk and Brandy **
Place in a coffee cup:
1.0 to 1.5 oz. brandy or rum
scant one teaspoon sugar
a few drops vanilla extract
Stir, then fill cup with steamed milk. Serve immediately.