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Have you ever craved that perfect cup of cappuccino, but are relaxed and comfy at home and don’t feel like leaving? The logical solution is to make it yourself. But for many, the prospect of creating a satisfying cup of cappuccino that equals the experience of dealing with a professional barista at your favorite coffee house can be quite intimidating. Following these simple tips take the mystery out of the process, while inspiring you with the confidence to take the plunge and start brewing like a pro.

Phase 1: Deciding on the Express Train to Espresso

The route to cappuccino is paved with Espresso. There are several routes you can go in making the Espresso: Using a moka pot or an aeropress (Espresso machine). For this particular guide, we will concentrate on the aeropress, as it’s the preferred method of making espresso that is topped with rich crema. Just follow these steps:

1. Place the filtered cap into the chamber.
2. Make sure the glass you are serving the cappuccino is under the chamber.
3. Add 1 scoop of finely-ground coffee into the chamber and shake to ensure the espresso can be extracted evenly.
4. Pour boiling water into chamber up to the one mark, exercising caution.
5. Stir espresso for approximately 10 seconds.
6. Insert aeropress plunger into the chamber, pressing down until you make contact with the grounds, extracting the espresso.

Phase 2: It’s All About the Milk

For the best foam result, use whole milk, as it steams more efficiently.

1. First, pour the milk into a chilled pitcher, making sure to use more than the actual quantity of what you want to drink.
2. 2. Also place a thermometer in the pitcher to track the heated temperature of the milk.
3. Insert the aeropress’s steam wand into the milk, carefully tilting the pitcher until the milk heats and swirls.
4. Be sure to frequently tilt the steam wand close to the surface for a few seconds at a time, to produce oxygen and create foam.
5. Once the temperature reaches approximately 150 degrees F, turn off steam and remove pitcher.
6. If your machine doesn’t have a steam wand, heat in a microwave and use frother/whisk for foam effect.

Phase 3: The Finishing Touch

1. Get rid of any large bubbles in the steamed milk by tapping it gently on the counter.
2. Pour the espresso in a warm serving cup.
3. Add the steamed milk into the espresso by using one hand to pour it into the tilted serving cup held by the other, gradually moving the cup to make sure the foam stays on the surface.
4. Serve and drink immediately.

By following these easy tips, you’ll become your own personal barista in no time!