espresso-quest update

[magicicada]

several weeks ago, before i got strep, i was debating the merits of various stovetop espresso makers. the consensus seemed to be with the bialetti, however it arrived during the peak of my strep infection - not the best time for hot acidic drinks. i am better now and up to experimenting, but i have not yet quite found the magic secret. the first night, my mistake was that i was turning the burner up to high because i naturally equated boiling water with coffee making. i have since discovered that i am actually supposed to be using a med setting and allowing the magic properties of the coffee maker to make the boiling happen. i tried that today and lo! the water did boil although it was on med. it was amazing all in itself - but it was not great espresso. my next question is one that might seem a tad naive, but when they say add 'the coffee,' how much coffee are we talking about? one teaspoon per cup? per espresso cup? fill the area? use the force? i've been enjoying the experiments, but i think the final product is still on the weak side. my latest guess was 2 teaspoons for a 6 "espresso cup" maker. any kitchen baristas want to show me the way to caffeine heaven?

Comments

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

If you're using a stovetop, just fill the coffee basket to the top without tamping it down. And approach a boil slowly; too much steam pressure will make it taste bad.

[nunnehi.livejournal.com]

Arrr, lass, it be well time to put down those landlubber concoctions and find yerself some proper seaworthy drink! I be thinkin' a mug o' grog would be goin' down better than any bastard beany brew.

* * * * *

Ahem. Sorry, Talk-Like-a-Pirate rules dictate all communication must include some pirate merit. I honestly have nothing against espresso... but then again, nor do I have any suggestions on how to cajole a better cup of the stuff out of your machine. :-)

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

Arr, matey! ye be a ruddy mind-reader this mornin'. I be searching for my mug of grog to fortify 'gainst the french!

===

srsly though dude, how in the seven seas am i going to talk like a pirate in french class? i'm supposed to be recruiting for the Paris-Montbard trip and although there is a serious possibility of grog at 'le mon bar,' i think the professor is going to be a mite confused.

[knobody.livejournal.com]

some readin' for ya's, matey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:French_pirates

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

incroyable! je suis ravie de lire des activités des pirates français!

[tealfroglette.livejournal.com]

i think alton brown tamped the coffee into the little container into a compressed pod, which is in direct violation of what sylvar has stated, so that must be for the big honkin machine only.

perhaps email larry.

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

aye, the tamping be only for the big guns.

[tealfroglette.livejournal.com]

Mayhap yer better be findin' a bit o' darker bean fo' that thar mug.

Roastin' in the caribbean sun may be a requirment fer a satisfyin' brew.

[stonegargoyle.livejournal.com]

Arrrr...

I was taught that you fill and tap the top to get a light pack, but that was for Caffe Cubano...


Matey!