a cappuccino!

So I just came into a home espresso machine and I'm already fascinated...but my first attempt at a cappuccino was disappointing, couldn't get that awesome velvety texture out of the cream so it basically just ended up a flat latte. Maybe because I used half&half instead of milk? I tried doing what all the web tips said to do but I need some real input from the local talent

and if there are any other baristas out there, pro or amateur, feel free to share all your secrets with me

5/11/2011 11:42:45 PM

I have nothing to offer to this thread

But +1 for your intriguing thread title

5/11/2011 11:54:25 PM

do you have a thermometer? did you heat the milk all the way to the correct temp before frothing it?

i was only a barista for like 6 months but thats what I remember about capp's. that and soy ones were a pain in the asssss

5/11/2011 11:56:48 PM

It's hard to describe, but the way I was able to get the milk extra smooth and creamy was to use a stainless steel mug (for steaming the milk), tilt it, then put the nozzle slightly below the surface. It created a really nice whirlpool-lookin thing, but you have to make sure a lot of air is involved. Then it gets all bubbly and not as nice. Also, if you don't have a thermometer you can just listen to how the steaming milk sounds.

And using half and half is fine - iirc a latte with half and half instead of regular milk is called a breve', and it's delicious.

5/11/2011 11:57:14 PM

i have a meat thermometer but no, i didn't heat it...the stuff i read said use cold milk. i used cold half and half, figured it'd make a thicker head

^ yeah that's actually what i tried to do...didn't get the results though. it's a pretty small machine, is it bad to do the milk thing while it's brewing the espresso? does it need ALL the pressure it can get or no

[Edited on May 12, 2011 at 12:01 AM. Reason : sadf]

5/11/2011 11:58:18 PM

cold milk?

wtf

5/12/2011 12:00:13 AM

put the steam thing all the way down into the container and let it heat up. then like sam said, bring it towards the surface and allow a lot of air to get into it. once it's made a bunch of foam, a cap is about 1/3 hot milk, 2/3 foam

i'd just youtube it tbh

5/12/2011 12:01:34 AM

nooooooo getting a lot of air in it is actually bad for frothing - then you're more likely to have the bubbly stuff versus a nice, smooth froth



and don't feel bad paerabol - I have an at-home one, too... and I just can't get my froth to be as nice as when I would use the nice coffee shop steamer :\

5/12/2011 12:03:05 AM