One of the things I love about going out to dinner, is finishing off the night with a yummy cup of cappuccino coffee. And it appears I’m not alone. (Darn it, I thought I was unique!). Moreover, coffee houses and cafes have become increasingly popular since the early 1990’s where customers can linger and sip their aromatic brew. Witness the popularity of Starbucks the world over.
Cappuccino is one of several drinks based on espresso. Another is latte. Espresso is the product of a process involving hot water being forced through finely-ground coffee at a standard pressure. Add steamed milk into your cup in such a way as to create a layer of fine bubbles of milk on top, and you have a cappuccino. Often the top is dusted with chocolate to make it sweet and to improve its appearance.
Sounds easy, but …
Creating the perfect cappuccino requires the appropriate machine, and the process is steeped in history and tradition. (Reading about the history and development of espresso and cappuccino machines makes interesting reading, actually — something fun to do while enjoying a cup!).
The coffee maker is called upon to hold a standard measure of coffee grinds, to heat up the water to a set temperature and force it through the coffee at a standard pressure for a certain standard time. Then a steamer is needed to froth up the milk. It’s both an exacting science and an art form. Because of the temperatures and pressures involved, making a great cappuccino at home is considered difficult, which allows the cafes to charge high prices for a cup.
There are many commercial machines available, about 70% of which are still made in Italy, where the whole espresso-drinking process began in the late 17th century.
A plethora of machines made expressly for the home market is now available, with some semi-professional coffee makers priced so that the serious coffee-connoisseur can enjoy the drink at home with friends.
Fine coffee, like fine wine, is synonymous with good food and good friends.
More information on Cappuccino Coffee Makers can be found here.
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