ESPRESSO, GET YOUR BOOST FOR THE DAY

Espresso consumption in the United States has grown tremendously in the last decade or two. Espresso machines fall into three basic categories: Super Automatic, Semi Automatic and Manual. But how do you know which one's right for you? First, you need to decide how much control you want over the entire brewing process.



There are hundreds of espresso machines out there. So take your time, do some good research and read what other people have to say either good or bad about the machine

Espresso was invented in 1903 by Luigi Bezzera, the owner of a manufacturing business. Mr. Bezzera longed to find a way to brew coffee much faster. Wasting some time after work one day, he added pressure to the coffee brewing process, reducing brewing time. The machine that he later introduced was termed the "Fast Coffee Machine", which is where the word "espresso" comes from...espresso means "fast" in Italian! Not only did his machine reduce brewing time, it made a better cup of coffee. The quick brewing time allowed the best qualities of the bean to be extracted, avoiding some of the unfavorable qualities associated with over-extraction. Luigi Bezzera was not at all successful in marketing the machine, and he had no money.

Desidero Pavoni bought the rights to the espresso machine patent in 1905 and successfully introduced espresso to the Italian market. Photographs from the turn of the century depict Italian Klosks serving "CAFE ESPRESSO - LA PAVONI". This was a very common site in Italy. Desidero Pavoni changed the way Italians drink coffee.

Since 1905, there has been a constant expansion of the coffee market for espresso based drinks. Here in the United States, we are only just beginning the process that has been deliciously repeated throughout the world.

n 1927 First espresso machine was installed in the United States. It was a La Pavoni Espresso Machine installed at Regio's in New York.

In 1938 Cremonesi designed a piston pump that forced hot water through the coffee. It was installed at Achille Gaggia's coffee bar.

In 1946 Gaggia begins manufacturing the commercial piston machine. Resulting foam or cream layered coffee or cafe'.

Cappuccino Royale

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup half n half
* 1/2 cup espresso
* 2 tbs brandy
* 2 tbs white rum
* 2 tbs creme de cacao
* Sugar

Preparation:
Whisk cream until frothy. Split espresso between 2 mugs. Add 1 tbs of each liqueur into each mug. Top with whipped cream, and add sugar to taste.
Serves 2

Basic Espresso Recipes

There are a variety of different ways to serve up an espresso.

Cappuccino:
1/3 espresso (1 shot), 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk. The steamed milk mixes with the espresso and the foamed milk rests on top.

Latte:
1/3 espresso (1 shot), 2/3 steamed milk.

Macchiato:
1 shot espresso with a dollop of foamed milk on top.

Americano:
1 shot espresso in a cup of hot water

Breve:
1 shot espresso with warm light cream

Con Panna:
1 shot espresso with a dollop of whipped cream on top

Mochaccino:
Cappuccino with chocolate syrup to taste

Romano:
1 shot espresso with a twist of lemon peel