Espresso

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Last Updated on February 9, 2021 by Lisa Johnson

Creating delicious Espresso at home may seem complicated, but it is really easy!! I am going to show you how I make my own Espresso drinks everyday at home with this step-by-step tutorial – aka the art of Espresso according to Lisa.

I make my own Espresso drinks everyday at home using a De’Longhi Espresso Machine. I have had mine for 2 years and it was less than $100! {It is currently $129}

Sorry about the blury photos, but you get the idea. Turn your Espresso Machine on and let it preheat!! You need the steam to build up, so don’t skip this step.

I also have some espresso tools to show you. I will explain what they are for as we go along….

How to make Espresso:

First, you need some good quality coffee beans. You can use any coffee beans to make Espresso. I prefer Colombian, but if you’re a die hard Starbucks fan go for Dark Espresso Roast. For true Italian Espresso use Lavazza Super Crema.

Place two scoops of coffee beans into a coffee grinder {this is for one serving}. Grind the beans on the FINE setting. You want them pulverized, and about the consistency of sugar…..

Now place two scoops {14 grams/ 1 tablespoon} of grinds into the portafilter…..

With this particular machine, you get two “baskets”. One is for a single shot and the larger one is for a double shot.

Using the Tamper side of the Tamper/Spoon if you have one, tamp down the grounds so they are compressed. {or you can use the Tamper on the side of the machine}.

Smooth the top of the grinds with your finger and place into the Espresso Machine.

Turn the portafilter so the handle is on your left, slide it up into the slot and turn to the right to lock into place. If it does not turn, you have the portafilter too full. 🙂

Place an espresso cup under the portafilter and turn the knob to the POUR position {far right}.

To make espresso drinks {like mochas and lattes} use a 3 0z Bell Pitcher…..

You know a perfect shot of Espresso by the gorgeous “crema” on top of dark, rich coffee!

In Italy, a cup of Espresso is served with little tubes or packets of raw sugar.

I prefer mine mixed with hot cacao. 😉

What is espresso?

The word Espresso means “to press out”, you are pressing the water through the coffee grinds under high pressure. These home machines do not have the same amount of pressure behind them as the professional machines do, so you need to go a little easier on your tamping. If you turn the knob and no espresso pours out, your grinds are too tight. Give it a minute and it will eventually start to pour. If it pours out too quickly, it isn’t tamped down enough…or your grinds are too course. After a couple of tries you will get the hang of it. 🙂

Recipe Notes:

• A single shot of Espresso is 1 to 2 ounces and takes 15 to 20 seconds.
• A double shot of Espresso is 2 to 3 ounces and takes 25 to 30 seconds.
• I use bottled water so I don’t have to deal with lime and calcium deposits building up in the machine.
• Fresh ground beans do make a difference, they give you the best flavor.
• Do not store coffee beans in the freezer. A dry, dark spot is perfect.
• To remove the used grinds, flip the little lever up onto the edge of the filter {it has an arrow on it} and hold it down with your finger as you pound it against the side of a garbage can.

Tools used to create this espresso recipe:

• De’Longhi Espresso Machine – I still recommend this machine because it is a great home machine, BUT they have a history of burning out boilers every two years, and they do not sell replacement parts.
• They no longer sell the HamiltonBeach grinder shown above.
• 3 ounce Bell Pitcher
• The Krups Spoon/Tamper is currently unavailable, but there is a Stainless Steel Spoon/Tamper available.

Update: These are the products that I am now using to make my daily Caffè Mocha

• When my De’Longhi machine died last year I replaced it with a Lelit commercial machine that is no longer available. This Espresso Machine is the closest model to the one that I bought.
• My new favorite beans are Black Rifle Dark Roast, but they have a lot of different roasts and a club you can join for discounts.
• Capresso Grinder – I love it, it grinds the beans down perfectly!!
• Glass Espresso Measuring Cup
• Milk Steaming Pitcher

More delicious espresso recipes:

• Caffè Mocha – recipe for a Peppermint Mocha is at the bottom of the post
• Affogato
• Espresso Martini
• Classic Tiramisu

So, how do you like your Espresso?

Enjoy!!