Tuesday, November 15, 2011

5 Ways to Celebrate National Espresso Day: November 23


Everyone loves a holiday, and coffee drinkers are no different. Although no one knows the exact origins of National Espresso Day – November 23 - espresso certainly deserves its own day of celebration.

Espresso dates back to 1822 when Louis Bernard crafted the prototype of the first espresso machine in France. Then in 1901, Luigi Bezzera of Italy tried to speed up the brewing process by adding steam pressure to force hot water through the coffee, resulting in a more flavorful yet stronger cup of coffee. Although Bezzera patented his machine, he was never able to market it, and in 1903 Desidero Pavoni purchased the patent and began producing the espresso machine commercially, distributing it throughout Europe.

Since then, espresso has increased in popularity, leading to a variety of espresso-based drinks. Some of the most popular espresso drinks include the Cappuccino, Mocha Cappuccino, Spicy Viennese Espresso, Espresso Macchiato and Cappuccino Ciocolocino. If you do not have your own espresso maker, then try instant espresso available at your local grocery store. Have fun with these recipes and do not be afraid to be creative.

Cappuccino
 Cappuccino

The basic Cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 frothed milk (foam) to fill a 6 ounce cup. Although the strength of your Cappuccino can vary between coffee shops, fixing one at home allows you to adjust the strength according to your taste, so feel free to vary the proportions. Garnish the finished product with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or vanilla powder.


If you have a steady hand, you may not need to use separate steaming and frothing operations. Frothing gives hot steamed milk at the bottom of the container and milk froth or foam on the top. Pouring carefully can give you the proper proportion of steam to froth.

Mocha Cappuccino

 Mocha Cappuccino

A Mocha Cappuccino uses the 1/3 espresso to 2/3 part steamed milk ratio, with a change. Dissolve cocoa or chocolate syrup to taste in the milk. Then sprinkle cocoa powder on the top. Want something more decadent? Add whipped cream before sprinkling with cocoa powder.


 
Spicy Viennese Coffee

Spicy Viennese Espresso

Begin with 3 ounces of espresso, then add 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon allspice and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.


Espresso Macchiato




Espresso macchiato

Top your espresso with a small dollop (spoonful) of frothed milk.

Cappuccino Ciocolocino


 
Cappuccino Ciocolocino

How about turning your coffee into a dessert? After preparing a traditional cappuccino, add a scoop of vanilla, coffee, or chocolate ice cream.



These easy recipes can help you make every day a National Espresso Day. Enjoy!

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