Clinton Maxwell
Coffee Facts: Caffeine in a basic eight-ounce cup of coffee can range from 65 to 120 milligrams. Instant coffee packs a smaller punch, with 60 to 85 milligrams, while a single shot of espresso weighs in at 30 to 50 milligrams. By way of comparison, brewed tea has an average of 40 mg of caffeine per serving and a can of cola has between 38-45mg. An ounce of dark chocolate has 20mg and an ounce of milk chocolate 6mg.
Cappuccino began in Italy where it is still a delight of the
morning routine. The Italians can tell a tourist from a native
though because only a tourist will order a cappuccino after
noon. It is considered a morning beverage in Italy, but in
other regions of the world it is served throughout the day.
The Steps to Making a Cup of Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a tricky drink to master. It is divided into 3
parts: the espresso, the steamed milk, and the frothy or foamy
milk. These layers created at the perfect proportions, textures
and temperatures are what make the ideal cup of cappuccino. It
used to take highly skilled chefs to create this concoction,
but with the advent of the cappuccino machine, most of the
guess work is taken out of it.
How Cappuccino Machines Work
Cappuccino machines are designed to brew and dispense the
espresso coffee. Many can also do the step of grinding the
coffee beans for an ultra fresh brew. When the espresso has
been dispensed into the cup, the machine then adds steamed
milk. These two steps are relatively easy, even though milk
temperature and the strength of the espresso are important
ingredients in this recipe.
The frothy milk is the most difficult part for humans or
machines to get just right. The objective is to create a light
foam, just the right temperature and with the optimal number
air bubbles. This micro-foam stays warm when added to a cup of
espresso and creates sweeter tasting foam than more dense
concentrations of milk. This helps offset the bitterness of the
espresso.
Makers of Cappuccino Makers
Bunn is one manufacture of some of the best cappuccino makers
in the world. They are used in restaurants and homes alike
because they are durable and able to maintain the ratios and
temperatures required for great cappuccino. The restaurant
models have up to 5 spouts for instant cappuccino and can cost
close to $2,000. For home use, other brands provide more
affordable options.
The Nespresso machines for home use costs about $400. This is a
versatile machine that makes espresso but has plumbing for water
to steam and a milk dispenser to create the foam for cappuccino
or latte.
There are many other brands available of home and commercial
cappuccino makers. Prices are more than a regular coffee maker
because of the specialty features. Home machines generally
dispense one or two small cups of coffee, while commercial
grade machines can handle 5 cups simultaneously.
Coffee Facts: Did you know that it takes 42 coffee beans to make an espresso? After it has been brewed, espresso coffee contains 2.5% fat compared to 0.6% fat for filter coffee.
The Right Recipe For You
Unlike other types of coffee, espresso and cappuccino are very
specific in terms of flavour, consistency and ingredients. One
cup of coffee from one particular machine may taste just fine
to one person, while the next person thinks it is weak or
bitter. With espresso and cappuccino, there is a right taste
and a wrong taste. You either like it or you don't, but don't
mess with the recipe!
About The Author: Clinton Maxwell is a contributing designer
for the news section of
http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com. Clinton is also
publishing on issues like
http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/cappuccino-machines.html
and new coffee varieties.
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