Rachel's CafeAll things coffee…

Making coffee-please explain!?

OK, so I just got into the habit of having a coffee now and then–I like a strong cup with a tiny dash of milk. I’ll have espresso or capuccino maybe if I’m in a restaurant. But, my parents left me a coffee maker as I was going to university. It’s a bialetti espresso maker, the kind you heat on a stove-in my case, an electric cooker. Could someone please explain this process to me-I’ve used cafetieres but I feel out of my depth here. I also don’t know what kind of bean suits this process. Any thoughts would be really appreciated as I’m dying for a cup! Cheers.

I use a Vev Vigano moka pot. They all work pretty much the same way, but the Bialetti Brika is the only one on the market that can make espresso with crema. I’m not a fan of the aluminum ones as they affect the flavor too much & I avoid aluminum with anything that’s acidic (jury is still out on links between Alzheimer’s & aluminum).

Don’t fill over the pressure valve in the base. Don’t use fine (espresso) ground coffee as it will fall through the filter basket holes & possibly clog the system. Don’t compact the grounds (see links), they will expand when wet and become naturally compacted. If it’s new, run one brew cycle to clean the system before making the first batch you’ll drink (this is vital with the aluminum to coat it & reduce future flavor effects).

I preheat the water in an electric kettle and pour it into the base before grinding the coffee so it doesn’t heat for too long, but the links suggest heating the water in the base before inserting & filling the filter basket. That way you don’t need a second device.

My Vev Vigano is tied with my french press as my favorite ways to make delicious coffee (I have seven different brewing methods).

Coffee brewing with a Bialetti Brikka

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Makers The world’s best selling coffee pot, the Bialetti Moka Express was invented in 1933 and remains virtually unchanged to this day. Simple to own and simple to operate, the Moka Express is a masterpiece of industrial design. Free CaffeSolo Moka Coffee with each purchase….

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker $29.99 Invented in Italy in 1933, the Bialetti Moka Express is an internationally popular coffee maker with over 200 million sold. The aluminum unit is easy to use: simply put water and coffee grounds in the lower chamber, set the device on the stove and in just a few minutes, delicious crema-topped espresso will bubble up into the pot. The coffee tastes authentically Italian, and it comes at a fraction …

Aerolatte Milk Frother, Satin $18.99 This cute handheld milk frother is fun and easy to use; British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson recommends it over steam-driven frothers. Plus, in addition to its most popular use–creating delicate foam for homemade cappuccinos, lattes, or hot chocolates– the Aerolatte milk frother can be used for other, equally yummy treats. An enclosed recipe sheet offers ideas for fruit “shakes” and coffee frap…

Bialetti Stainless Steel Replacement gasket Filter for 4 cup Espresso Makers. Bialetti replacement gasket/filter for 1 cup stovetop espresso coffee makers. Includes one filter and 3 replacement gaskets….

Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee, Italian Espresso, 8.8-Ounce Brick ( Multi-Pack) …