Get Steamed for Café Lattes

Many people love drinking a scrumptious Cafe Lattes. In Italian, Latte means milk, which is an important ingredient in this beverage.

Often times, a Latte is made using a Moka machine and plain milk. In creating a Latte, you will use about one third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk. This blend is topped off with a layer of foamed milk that is about a quarter of an inch thick on the top.

Although similar in many ways to a Cappuccino, a Latte differs in that with a Latte, a spoon is used to divide the layers of foam and steamed milk. In a Cappuccino however, the milk is poured freely. Also, most Lattes have less foam than do typical Cappuccinos.

In some places, Lattes are served in a glass that is placed on a saucer that holds a napkin. Some people will use the napkin when handling the glass, as at times the glass is hot to the touch. Other places often serve Lattes in a bowl.

To make a Cafe Latte at home, you will need to first make a single shot of espresso. In an eight-ounce latte mug, which is typically clear, you will add in steamed milk. Often times for an extra special touch, a Latte can be flavored with various Italian syrups. Some of the most popular syrups used in a Latte are hazelnut or almond.

It is important when making a Latte that you get the milk just right. For a delicious Latte, your milk will need to have the right texture. Creating the proper texturized milk for a Latte is not hard; it just takes a little practice.

You will first need to fill the pitcher you are using for the milk about half of the way full. Next, put the wand in the pitcher and allow it to just touch the top of the milk and then turn your steamer on.

Continue on with this process until you see that your thermometer is registering approximately 100 degrees F. This allows air to come into the milk, which in turn forms foam. However, it is essential that the bubbles you make are small, not large.

Once the desired temperature is reached, push the wand down into the milk, this is known as rolling. Twirl your wand around, whipping slightly allowing the texture of the foam to become denser. Keep doing this until your thermometer says 180 degrees F. As the milk warms, it will expand which is why it is important to start with your pitcher being only half full. You do not want a foamy milk mess on your hands!

When everything is as it should be, turn your steamer off and then bring your pitcher away and take the wand out of the milk. Remember to clean your wand off immediately with a warm cloth so that the milk residue does not mar the boilers.

Recipe of Cafe Lattes

Although a basic recipe is typically followed when making a Latte, there are some delicious variations that yummy to try. Once you know how to make a great Latte, you can experiment and have fun with this wonderful beverage.

To create one of these wonderful Latte recipes, you will need-

4 ounces of brewed Italian roast espresso.

4 ounces of steamed milk sweetener, steamed in the way that you like best.

Ice cubes that were made from leftover coffee.

Ground cinnamon for garnishing although this is optional.

Fill a glass full of your coffee ice cubes and add hot espresso that has been sweetened and steamed milk. Stir the mixture very well and if you wish, garnish with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. This beverage should be served with a straw.