Latte 101

[hosinmigs]

I'm starting to branch out a bit and get in to lattes and other non-press coffees. I've found that I enjoy lattes, but when I make them at home, I don't make a true latte. I've been using a Bialetti stove top for the coffee, and then heating an equal part milk in the nuker, frothing it with a cheap handheld device, and then pouring in the coffee.

So, two questions at this point:

1. If I order out, what do I order that is equal parts milk and coffee? Lattes are 3:1 milk to coffee, correct?

2. How can I get a better froth without spending a ton of money?

Thanks!

[jende]

I'm starting to branch out a bit and get in to lattes and other non-press coffees. I've found that I enjoy lattes, but when I make them at home, I don't make a true latte. I've been using a Bialetti stove top for the coffee, and then heating an equal part milk in the nuker, frothing it with a cheap handheld device, and then pouring in the coffee.

So, two questions at this point:

1. If I order out, what do I order that is equal parts milk and coffee? Lattes are 3:1 milk to coffee, correct?

2. How can I get a better froth without spending a ton of money?

Thanks!

←

I'm not a coffee expert, but I believe a cafe au lait is equal parts coffee and milk (but keep in mind this is coffee, not espresso). I use an immersion blender to make my own frothy milk and it works pretty well.

[missmaia]

Jende is correct, that's a Cafe au Lait- coffee with milk. Delicious, but not a latte...which should be espresso with steamed, dense foam optional, milk. (ratio varies depending on your location).

There are some reliable frothers on the market, but if you already have a press, try putting your heated milk in it and 'pumping' the screen through it quickly to areate it cheaply

[missmaia]

I'm glad the french press worked for you. Huzzah!

[prasantrin]

2. How can I get a better froth without spending a ton of money?

Thanks!

←

How much is "a ton of money"? You could just get a Bialetti Mukka maker. I've only used the frother once (by accident), but it makes pretty good froth. I love mine.

[Jmahl]

Is this a latte?

Espresso, steamed milk and cream - shaved dark chocolete and hazelnut whipped cream.

Your opinion please.

[andiesenji]

Looks like a caffe latte to me, Jmahl. Looks delicious too.

Wikipedia has expanded their entry regarding this subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latte

And have also corrected a few errors that were in earlier contributions from people who apparently did not know as much as they thought they did.

I love the milky drinks in all their various combinations, no matter which title they have.

My favored drink at home is hot, foamed milk with a cup of coffee brewed from my Senseo. I do have one of the super automatic espresso machines but am too lazy to use it on a regular basis (and it IS a bit intimidating). Well, it's not the using that is the hangup, it is the cleaning after. I haul it out for parties because I do have friends that are espresso fanatics but they do all the cleanup afterward.

(I learned early on that it develops odd odors if not cleaned completely before being unused for a month or so.)

Edited February 14, 2010 by andiesenji (log)

[Jmahl]

Looks like a caffe latte to me, Jmahl. Looks delicious too.

Wikipedia has expanded their entry regarding this subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latte

And have also corrected a few errors that were in earlier contributions from people who apparently did not know as much as they thought they did.

I love the milky drinks in all their various combinations, no matter which title they have.

My favored drink at home is hot, foamed milk with a cup of coffee brewed from my Senseo. I do have one of the super automatic espresso machines but am too lazy to use it on a regular basis (and it IS a bit intimidating). Well, it's not the using that is the hangup, it is the cleaning after. I haul it out for parties because I do have friends that are espresso fanatics but they do all the cleanup afterward.

(I learned early on that it develops odd odors if not cleaned completely before being unused for a month or so.)

Dear andiesenji:

From you this is a great compiment. I have read your posts over the years and again from you, this is a great compiment.

Thank you,

Jmahl