subject: Perfect Coffee at Home [print this page] Perfect Coffee at Home Perfect Coffee at Home
Since the arrival in the UK of chain stores selling tasty, ready-made coffee, the nation seems to have turned its nose up at the idea of instant coffee. But you don't have to leave the house to get high-quality coffee, in fact, it's possible to become a stay-at-home barista and produce a perfect cup of coffee from your own home.
Espresso based beverages (such as macchiatos, cappuccinos or lattes) are sure to impress any guests to your house. However, if you want to do this, you'll probably need to invest in a coffee maker. They come in a surprising array of styles with equally diverse price tags, with the two most common types of coffee makers being either "pressure-driven" or "pod" machines. A pressure-driven coffee machine is most like the ones you would see used in your local coffee shop, and they are therefore usually the most expensive option. They produce good strong espresso however, by pushing boiling water through a chamber of coffee. Then all you need to do is top up your shot with hot milk, some chocolate powder and flavours of your choice to get your ideal hot drink.
The pod machines are much easier to use however, and are less hassle to clean. These machines work with ready-made capsules, which contain enough coffee for your espresso but you will always need to keep a stock pile in the house as the pods will be specific to your machine.
The next best thing to properly made espresso is fresh coffee prepared in a caftiere. And if you buy a nice looking one, it will look great on your breakfast table, where people can top up their coffee at will. You can even pop a pretty jug of warm milk on the table for that caf breakfast feel. There are plenty of sophisticated and modern, chrome and glass designs, or you can go for a colourful caftiere if you'd prefer to add some cheer to your breakfast table.
Some coffee brands are now doing instant espresso powder too. With these powders, all you need to do is add hot milk - light & frothy for a cappuccino or tall & creamy for a latte.
By using any of these particular methods, you should be able to get a perfect cup of coffee in your own home, meaning you'll be considered the perfect host by any visitors. Whether using coffee makers, a caftiere or instant espresso powder, you won't have to leave the house when you fancy some coffee.
