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How to Make the Best Cappuccino

In Italy, coffee is deeply ingrained in the culture. The variety is unlike anything you will see in the United States—espresso prepared in dozens of different ways, macchiatos, and of course, cappuccinos, just to name a few. While these names may sound familiar, the authentic Italian drinks are certainly not the same as what you would have at your local coffee shop. Wish you could try some for yourself without having to pack your bags and hop on a plane to Europe? You’re in luck today! We’re showing you how to make real, Italian-style cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. You’ll save yourself some time and money, and you can perfectly prepare it to your own tastes each and every time. Without further ado, let’s explore your go-to cappuccino preparation guide! Tools Needed 1 espresso machine Espresso Beans Milk  Recipe  Step 1: For optimal flavor, grind your own coffee beans. (This ensures freshness, as opposed to ordering them pre-ground) Step 2: Measure out an appropriate amount of ground espresso, depending on whether you want one shot of espresso or more, and fill it into the brewing head. Tamp it down with your hand tamper so that there’s room in the brewing head for water to pass through. Step 3: Lock the brewing head in place in the espresso machine, and pour the shot. Place your coffee cup underneath so that the espresso goes straight into it. Your espresso will take about 20 seconds to come out, though this may be longer if you have more than one shot. If it’s ready, it should have a reddish hue and a hazelnut body. Step 4: Fill a metal pitcher with about a cup of milk, and insert the steam wand, located on the espresso machine just below the surface. Step 5: Steam the milk for about a minute at a temperature of 140°. For more froth, you can take it up to 160°, but don’t let it exceed any more than that, as it will be too hot. Step 6: Let it sit for about 30 seconds to help separate the milk from the froth. As you become more comfortable with using the espresso machine, you can make the steamed milk as your shot is being poured, so everything is ready at approximately the same time. Step 7: Take your cup of espresso and pour steamed milk into it. As your cup starts filling up, lightly shake the pitcher to help the froth come out on top. Find the balance between milk and froth that suits your tastes. Step 8: Sprinkle it with some delicious cappuccino topping for a finishing touch. *Note that a traditional cappuccino is approximately 5-6 ounces, and it generally consists of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk froth. That’s it! You don’t have to be a coffee expert to prepare this simple recipe, so we hope that you will try it for yourself. If you’re still confused, please feel free to contact us at CoffeeAM, and we will be happy to help you. For your home brewing or coffee shop needs, from coffees and teas, to equipment and flavorings, and gourmet gift ideas, be sure to visit us today.    
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