How to Make a Latte

For my 30th birthday, my husband bought me an espresso machine so I could make my very own lattes at home!  I do not make these daily, but it is very nice to have the option when you're craving one!  I wanted to give a sort of "how to" recipe for making a latte since that is the overall title and inspiration for this blog. 

You will have to convert this according to your own espresso machine, but here is the overall idea...

Espresso
3/4 to 1 cup Milk
Flavor of choice

Pour 1 to 2 ounces of desired flavoring into a 12-16 oz. cup.



Tamp the ground espresso into the portafilter firmly and lock it into the group head on the espresso machine.  Start the shots.



Pour the shots of espresso into prepared cup.
(This is a photo of the espresso brewing.  When brewing is complete, you pour the shots over your flavoring.)



Fill the metal pitcher with 1 cup milk, or 3/4 cup if using a flavor.

Place thermometer securely inside the steel pitcher.
(As you can see here, I don't normally do this.)

Steam milk between 155ºF and 165F. It will scorch above 170ºF.


The steam wand should be inserted diagonally just below the surface of the milk.
(This will help you get the thick foam you desire.)

Pour steamed milk over espresso.  Do not let your shots sit very long before pouring steamed milk over them.  The steaming process should be done accuratly, but quickly.  When pouring use a spoon to regulate the flow of the foam. Make sure no foam enters the drink until you are about 1/4 in. from the top, where you can remove your spoon. The result should be a nice brown foamy top with a small white foam center.

 

For an added touch, drizzle chocolate or caramel on top of the foam.  Or, add whip cream to the top for sweeter sipping.