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Saturday, December 31, 2016

How I kicked my $$$ coffee habit by switching coffee makers




Like a growing number of espresso lovers, few years ago I have figured out that I can have my coffee and drink it too.  I chose to become a at-home-do-it-yourself espresso, cappuccino, and latte maker.  And why not.  Today’s high tech, superbly designed, and easy-to-use European automatic espresso machine giving every home barrista the equipment they need to create espresso drinks.


I have been an espresso coffee lover for many years. To me, espresso is more tasteful than regular coffee. I love it in the morning with hot milk and plain in the evening after dinner. To prove it, here is my collection of espresso coffee makers which I have acquired over the years.



But two years ago, I was seduced by a company and accepted, one of the automatic, high tech, well-designed and easy to use espresso maker – you know the one that uses capsules.  At .55c per cup, I developed a $4.00/day habit.  I think they give away the coffee maker so they can sucker people like me and others into buying capsules for five times the price of  'regular' coffee (You know, like inkjet printers. I purchased a good printer for $150.00 but pay $45 for each ink refills).

This summer, I received several pounds of Lavazza coffee as a gift from Italy. 

Images: ©2010 - casa-giardino picasaweb

Now, I simply spoon out the coffee into the Moka, steam milk to 180 degrees (no higher or it might taste scorched) and enjoy a coffee shop latte for almost nothing.

My mother's Moka
Not only have I cut my coffee cost to one-fifth but by using my mother's coffee maker, I keep her memory alive.

8 comments:

  1. I love your espresso coffee pot, how special that it was your mother's!!! How do you steam the milk!! Is it a different utensil?????

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  2. Thank you.
    I steam milk in a stainless steel cup (16 oz.) purchased at Wallmart for $2.00.

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  3. Thanks!!!! I am going to use your technique!!!
    Annette

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  4. I was given an espresso maker like yours by an italian girl I met in Beijing. She called it a 'cafetera', but it looks just like yours. I still use it and it works like a charm..and so cheap.

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  5. James - Thank you for stopping and commenting.
    The proper name is 'cafettiera' and I am glad you agree that it makes great coffee at low cost.

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  6. Anyone know where to find stainless steel ones, because I am hesitant to use aluminum?

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  7. Anonymous - You can find them at Amazon, Kohl's, Sur La Table, etc. Get the best price. Enjoy your espresso.

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