There are some simple techniques you can learn to become a milk master.
Temperature
The worst mistake you can make is to burn the milk. It makes a vile smell that hangs around for ages. It’s also the most common mistake made. The ideal temperature is 66-76 degrees Celsius. You can use a thermometer, but if you want to look like an expert, use a stainless steel jug and heat the milk until you feel you can no longer keep your hand on the side of the jug.
Foaming
Start with cold milk. You’ll have more time to get maximum foam before the milk gets too hot. Only fill the jug one third full, to leave room for the foam. Put the steam arm under the milk in the middle of the jug, apply maximum steam and slowly lower the jug, taking care to keep the steam arm in the milk.
Bubble Size
If you want to do coffee art, the milk needs to be smooth and shiny. Lower the jug very slowly, so no big bubbles form while you are foaming. Tap the jug on the bench to get rid of any bubbles and swirl the jug to get the texture right.
Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect - at least you will look like you know what you’re doing.
So, make a cappuccino and have a look at http://espressomachinecenter.com
Coffee Essentials
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Once you’ve chosen your espresso machine and got used to using it, you’ll want to be able to make coffee for your friends and guests. Here are some coffee essentials to cover most occasions:
Espresso or short black. 30 ml coffee in a small cup.
Long black 30 ml coffee and half a cup of hot water, in a cup. My favourite.
Latte 1/3 coffee, 2/3 milk and a little foam in a glass with a napkin around it.
Flat white 1/3 coffee, 2/3 milk and a little foam in a cup.
Cappuccino 1/3 coffee, 2/3 milk and a lot of foam in a cup, with chocolate on top.
Macchiato Espresso or short black with foam.
Piccolo Latte Espresso with milk and foam in a small glass.
Mocha 30 ml coffee with hot chocolate in a tall glass.
Vienna long black with whipped cream and chocolate on top.
Iced coffee scoop ice cream, 1/3 cold coffee, 2/3 cold milk, whipped cream and chocolate in a tall glass.
When you’re ready to get really fancy, you can make pictures in the foam on top of your coffee like leaves, flowers, tear drops and hearts. You can even get them to separate out into layers, which looks impressive if you’re serving coffee in a glass.