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Enjoy Flavored Coffee Beans

We must admit that the aroma of a fresh brewed coffee from flavored coffee beans can start a cascade in our senses that can only be satisfied by a flavored coffee drink. How does that flavor become infused in the coffee beans? What should you know to enjoy these flavored coffees?

flavored-coffee

First, flavored coffee beans are becoming more and more popular. Where we once had to go to a specialty coffee shop to get our fix of flavored coffees, we now can ubiquitously find flavored beans at almost any grocery store. Where there used to ben only 2 or 3 flavor choices, we now can find dozens of flavors as whole beans, ground coffee, K-cups, and more.

SF Bay Coffee Hazelnut Crème Whole Bean

SF-Bay-Coffee-Hazelnut-Creme-Whole-Bean

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How do the beans get flavored?

Generally, while the beans are being roasted, flavored oils are added to coat and infuse the beans. If you examine the beans closely, you will see that they are typically shiny because of that coating. While that shows you where the flavor comes from, there is a danger that the oily beans will clog up that great grinder you have in your super automatic espresso machine. Additionally, a true espresso grind is too fine for flavored beans, often resulting in a sticky paste unless you always set your grinder to a very coarse grind.

Grinding Flavored Beans

So how do we get a good grind for flavored beans and not gum up the works?

Basically, you may find that an expensive blade grinder works best with flavored beans. The other choice is to grind unflavored beans and then add the flavoring after brewing is complete. While we don’t recommend blade grinders for fine espresso, they work remarkably well to grind flavored beans without clogging.

Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder

Hamilton-Beach-Electric-Coffee-Grinder

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What would a Barista do?

If you watch a barista make a flavored coffee drink, you will notice that they first grind unflavored coffee and then add flavored syrup at the end of the process so as to not clog the grinder. That way you get a better result and don’t create a problem at clean-up time.

We suggest you start with a great medium roast bean, grind that bean without flavoring, brew your drink, and then add flavoring in the form of syrups widely available.

Torani Variety Pack

Torani-Variety-Pack

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Why I should use a scale to make espresso shots?

A scale can be an essential tool in your search for the perfect espresso recipe and, most importantly, to know exactly how to reproduce that perfect cup of coffee over and over.

As budding baristas, we think of making great espresso as an art rather than a science. But the truth is it is both art and science.

Finding that perfect recipe for a great coffee drink takes creativity. But once you found that perfect shot of espresso or more elaborate drink, as a barista you want to be able to reproduce it exactly in the future.

Why is weighing important?

The short answer is that weighing ingredients is important to being able to reliably reproduce your favorite espresso shots and drinks.

Unlike pour-over coffees or drip coffees, the good news is that once you have your espresso machine programmed (for machines with that capability), you can simply get an identical drink by recalling the programming.

The key factors determining the taste of your shot are the coffee and roast you use, the grind of the coffee, how much coffee is tamped into the portafilter, and the water used—temperature and quantity.

A scale is the only precise way to measure and reproduce the variables associated the coffee beans — quantity and grind. You will use your scale to program (or to adjust the programming) to your taste.

It is critical that you get the programming the way you want it for your future success as a barista.

Using a Drip-tray scale

You can use a small kitchen scale, so long as it has sufficient accuracy, to weigh the coffee you’ve tamped into your portafilter, but scales made for this purpose fit in place of the drip tray and can easily be set for Tare weight.

Here’s an inexpensive and good quality scale we’ve found that does what you need. This scale also includes a very useful timer.

View Product on Amazon.com

How do I use a scale to make espresso?

You will need to acquire an accurate scale for this process. As mentioned, some kitchen scales will work, but they are generally not super accurate, often don’t like getting wet, and are not conveniently sized for espresso machines.

First, zero (or “tare”) your scale with an empty portafilter. Set your grinder for espresso, pack the portafilter, and weigh the combination to know your net coffee weight. Once you’ve gone through this exercise, you can use the timer on your grinder (assuming you have a timer) to get the perfect amount of ground coffee every time.

Programming the perfect shot

Use the tamped portafilter to manually pull a shot. The “best” water to espresso volume may depend on the roast, but 2:1 water to espresso is a good starting point. Use the scale to accurately stop your pour at the correct volume. Use this to dial in your programming, and you will have the perfect shot program on your machine to recall as often as you want.

The scale is the tool that allows you to weigh the ingredients precisely for that programming.

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Espresso Drink Recipes

While it is always a great experience to walk into your favorite coffee house and order your great exotic drink, it can be even more fun to make those espresso drinks yourself for the enjoyment of you and your friends (and save a lot of money!). Here we present a few recipes for exotic espresso drinks that you can make at home with your espresso machine.

Would you like to learn to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte? Perhaps a Caramel Macchiato would hit the spot–or maybe a Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato? How about an iced coconut milk mocha macchiato?

The key to making all of these drinks is the ability to make superior espresso coffee. You will also appreciate the ability to steam your drinks, to froth your milk, and add crema to your beverage. You will find it well worth your time and money to invest in an espresso machine (if you don’t already have one).

It’s easier than you think to create or reproduce outstanding specialty drink recipes when you start with the right equipment.

Caramel Macchiato Recipe

Better than Starbucks for a fraction of the price! You can purchase your caramel syrup or make your own; it’s pretty easy.

Ingredients: 
  • 14 reduced fat or whole milk
  • 2 tbsp. vanilla syrup
  • 2 espresso
  • Caramel sauce, to drizzle
Directions
  1. Prepare the espresso using your espresso machine and reserve, as it goes in last to “mark” the drink.
  2. Steam or otherwise warm your milk, and then froth the milk with milk frother. If you don’t have milk frother, just use a whisk aggressively to whisk the milk until foam forms.
  3. Add milk and vanilla to your cup.
  4. Then add the espresso.
  5. Finally, drizzle with Caramel Syrup and enjoy!

You can buy caramel syrup at many upscale stores, or, one of our favorites is Ghirardelli Caramel Syrup (View on Amazon).

Lastly, you make your own caramel syrup!

  1. Heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and comes to a boil. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns golden amber in color.
  2. Remove from heat and add 1 cup water. Return to heat and continue stirring until mixture becomes liquid. Let cool completely before using.
Interestingly, this is same recipe as for Hummingbird food except that you do not brown (caramelize) the sugar, so if you feel like hovering after this great drink, you will know why!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Available any time of year!

Pumpkin spice lattes have become one of the iconic signals that the holidays are near. But, of course, you can enjoy this delicious drink year-round with your espresso machine!

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, or any unsweetened nondairy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 shots espresso (or 1 cup freshly brewed coffee)
  • Extra milk (optional)
Directions
  1. Whisk together pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, milk, syrup, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix constantly until the mixture starts to steam.
  2. Remove from heat and pour mixture into a blender. Cover, hold the lid on tightly (yes, “Tightly”-you don’t want the hot mixture spewing out), and blend until frothy (typically about 15 seconds).
  3. Make the espresso or coffee. You can make extra milk foam to top your latte by pouring a few tablespoons of milk into a glass jar or other shaker with a lid while coffee is brewing. Tightly seal the lid and shake for 30-60 seconds. Remove lid and place jar in microwave for 30 seconds.
  4. Divide coffee and milk mixture between two mugs. Top with extra milk foam (if using) and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Note: you may buy pumpkin pie spice at almost any market or make it yourself.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients:
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • teaspoons ground ginger
  • teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
  • Mix and store tightly sealed.
  • Voila! You have your own, homemade pumpkin spice latte!

Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato Recipe

Want to make a great iced espresso drink? Try a homemade iced cinnamon almond milk macchiato!

Ingredients
  • caramel drizzle
  • ice
  • Almond milk (4 oz or more, as desired)
  • Shot of espresso
  • Dash of Cinnamon
  • Caramel syrup drizzled on top
Instructions
  • Drizzle caramel in a traditional cup, covering bottom and decorative drizzle around the sides.
  • Add ice.
  • Add Almond Milk
  • Add dash of cinnamon and espresso.
  • Top with Caramel syrup drizzle.

Here’s our favorite Ghirardelli Caramel Syrup (View on Amazon) and a recipe to make you own, if you prefer.

We’re sure you will find this Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato delicious and refreshing when you want a cold espresso drink.

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