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How To Make the Best Espresso Coffee Italian Style

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Do You Love Espresso Coffee?

One of the many things that I love about Italy is the espresso coffee. Now it is part of my day-to-day life. There is no way I start my day without it, and another one after lunch is mandatory!

Of course, not everybody likes espresso; Two days ago I was in Paris with one french colleague, and he told me: "when I pay for coffee, I expect to receive a big coffee, not that espresso!". It is like the size of the little cup is not worth what he paid for.

So this article is for real espresso lovers... if you do not love espresso, stop reading right now, because I am showing you how to make the best espresso coffee italian style!

Choose Your Coffee Wisely!

The most important thing is to choose a good coffee; I have tried many of them, and I have found that the one I like the most (and also many of my friends) is this one: Kimbo Espresso Napoletano. If you can not find it in your supermarket, you can find it in Amazon.

Other very valid choices are: Illy, Pellini Top, Lavazza and Vergnano.

My favorite coffee

Let the Ritual begin...

be precise on the water quantity

For me is pretty much a ritual now. I have gathered different techniques from many of my italian friends, and have applied them to my coffee making process. The result? Many of them after drinking coffee at my house say: "Wow Luis! this is truly a great coffee!"

First, take your well trained italian espresso coffee maker and add some water inside. It is very important that you do not use hot water. I use water from the faucet, as cool as it comes out. Hard water is not good for espresso coffee, so do not use it. There is a valve inside, fill it up until the water level is right below that little hole.

Where Do You Keep Your Coffee?

Keep it away from the sunlight!

I usually keep my coffee in a kitchen cabinet at room temperature, but away from the sunlight. I have heard from people that keep it in the refrigerator, but I personally do not like it; you can try that though, and see if it works for you.

Let's Add Some Coffee!

I like my coffee to have a strong flavor. So, I take the funnel on my italian moka and fill it up creating a "little mountain" on it. Do not press it, just leave it that way.

Also, make sure that the coffee you are putting on the coffee maker is finely ground.

What's your favorite coffee brand?

Not here? Add it!

1

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Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee, Italian Espresso, 8.8-Ounce Bricks (Pack of 4)

Lavazza Crema E Gusto Ground Coffee is an Arabica/ more...1 point

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Starbucks Africa Kitamu Coffee, Ground, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)

Starbucks Africa Kitamu Coffee, Ground is a balanc more...1 point

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Yuban Original Ground Coffee, 33-Ounce Cans (Pack of 2)

Yuban is the only national coffee brand offering a more...1 point

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Lavazza Caffe Espresso Ground Coffee, 8-Ounce Cans (Pack of 4)

Lavazza Caffe Espresso Ground Espresso Coffee is a more...0 points

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The Author recommends: Bialetti Espresso Makers

Flames On!

Screw tight your italian coffee pot and put it on the kitchen burner. Keep the flame to a normal level, because if it's high, your coffee will come out before its time, and it will probably will have this burned taste. Our coffee needs its own time!

Also, keep the lid of the coffee maker up: it will prevent that the condensed vapor going back to our ground coffee, which may variate its flavor.

Drink it the proper way!

Excellent capability of enhancing the aroma of the coffee thanks to the bottom designed especially for this purpose. Numbered collection in hard porcelain, decorated in seven colors, embellished with a fine gold under glaze and taken from original drawings by the artist Laura Sala.

Roman Coin Espresso Cup Set

Amazon Price: $48.25 (as of 02/17/2012)

Espresso Coffee Coming Out

Looking for a professional espresso maker?

Made in Italy!

De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 02/17/2012)
List Price: $140.00

With two thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure, this convenient appliance makes espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature for both. The 15-bar pump-driven machine features a durable stainless-steel broiler, and its self-priming operation allows for brewing a favorite beverage without annoying start-up preparations. In addition, the unit's unique dual-function filter accommodates both E.S.E. pods and ground espresso. Used with ground espresso, the filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema, which, distinguished by its caramel color, is the essence of authentic espresso. And for excellent cappuccinos, the espresso maker's adjustable swivel jet frother mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth. Other highlights include a removable 35-ounce water tank for simple cleaning and filling, an "on/off" switch with an indicator light, and a removable drip tray. Designed and engineered in Italy, the 1000-watt espresso maker measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

Usually ships in 24 hours

Take it out as soon as it brews

Actually... before it does!

Do not leave the coffee on the burner. A second before it comes up completely, take it away from the burner.

If you are using a 1-cup coffee maker, just pour it to your italian coffee cup, and enjoy!

Instead, if you have a bigger espresso coffee maker and you are sharing it with more people, take a teaspoon and stir it a little bit (5 times will suffice).

There you are: you have prepared your own espresso coffee italian style!

Buon caffè!

Drink Coffee!

Do stupid things faster with more energy!

Tin Sign "Coffee - Stupid Things" , 16x12

Amazon Price: $7.79 (as of 02/17/2012)
List Price: $12.99
Used Price:

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Coffee not keeping you awake anymore?

Some Coffee Links to keep you alert :-)

Kimbo: Caffè Kimbo website
The Italian Experience - Lavazza: 1 Video Request + 1 Video Reply + 1 Lavazza Espresso = The Italian Experience

SquidAngel Blessings!

This lens was blessed by the following SquidAngels:

Photahsiamirabel on 09/23/2010.
CCGAL on 10/10/2010.
Pukeko on 10/27/2010.
MisterJeremy on 11/12/2010.
TravelingRae on 08/23/2011.

Thanks!

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Eulogra Oct 10, 2011 @ 6:56 pm | delete

Those are not good coffee brands by any standars... You need freshly roasted coffee, and then your grind it just before making it. Also, coffee is only good for about a week. And I'm not just saying that to support indie coffee shop or anything, it's really the best way to get good coffee.

Reply

Amarant Oct 13, 2011 @ 2:38 am | delete

Thanks for the info Eulogra, and I totally agree with you. However my idea was to give some information on the coffee that you can normally get on the supermarket, and that you take every day (twice a day for me!). Ciao!

Reply

Frank2009 Nov 13, 2011 @ 5:50 am | delete

You are absolutely right there. spot on...

Reply

fireblazzer Sep 3, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete

nice page

Reply

TravelingRae Aug 23, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete

Great lens, thank you! I didn't realise that I could make espresso on my gas stove without investing in a fancy machine. Another Squid Angel blessing 8/23/11
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