| Teddy Roosevelt said that the first cup of coffee is | | | | probably seen the familiar stainless steel design in a |
| always the best and he was right. Millions of dedicated | | | | specialty coffee shop or a magazine - the original is by |
| java drinkers rely on that morning cup of coffee to get | | | | an Italian company called Bialetti. |
| them through the day. Others though, perhaps the | | | | The stove top espresso pot comes in three main |
| more sophisticated of us, prefer to savor a small cup | | | | pieces: - the bottom reservoir for water, a |
| of flavor filled espresso. | | | | compartment to hold the ground espresso beans and |
| You can pick up an espresso on your way to work, | | | | a top water reservoir. The bottom reservoir is heated |
| but sipping it though the morning meeting may take | | | | on the stove, pushing water up thought the coffee |
| some of the enjoyment out of the ritual. No, the best | | | | grounds and filtering into the top water reservoir. Be |
| way to enjoy the morning espresso is to take a little | | | | careful pouring the top-heavy pot, but the results are |
| time and brew it yourself at home. Though espresso | | | | well worth it. |
| seems complicated, it doesn't' have to be and making it | | | | The Home Espresso Machine |
| at home is well within the reach of most people. You | | | | To make things faster (if not better) kitchen appliance |
| do however need the right equipment. | | | | manufacturers devised the automated home espresso |
| The French Press | | | | machine. This makes brewing a cup of espresso fast |
| The French press coffee maker allows you watch the | | | | and simple. Some purists may claim the results aren't |
| espresso take on its rich flavor through the glass | | | | the same as the French press or stove top pot |
| carafe. Bodum is the most popular maker of this type | | | | method, but you can't beat the convenience. |
| of pot. To enjoy this method, scoop your desired | | | | Machines have variety of options, form ones that will |
| amount of espresso grounds into the empty glass pot | | | | simply brew the espresso, to ones that will grind, brew |
| and fill with hot water. Press the filter in just enough | | | | and whisk away the old beans. An espresso machine |
| and let the coffee grounds steep for awhile. Then | | | | is different form a regular machine in that an espresso |
| finish pressing the filter to the bottom, straining the | | | | machine will heat the water so hot that it becomes a |
| coffee from the grounds. Pour the coffee into your | | | | vapor, and force it through the ground beans, creating |
| cup - some of the grounds will come along, so in this | | | | the trademark espresso taste. Many of these |
| case, don't feel compelled to drink every last drop. You | | | | machines also come with a steamer attachment to |
| will need to take apart the French press to properly | | | | froth milk so you can create delicious cappuccinos as |
| clean it - which can become a bit of a chore. | | | | well as espressos. |
| Stove top pot | | | | Whichever method you choose for your espresso |
| The simple espresso store top pot graces just about | | | | maker, you can be sure enjoying a daily cup of |
| every Italian kitchen - home of espresso. You've | | | | espresso is as simple as heating some water. |