There’s nothing like that frothy espresso that you get at the “Bar” in Italy.  If you have ever had a proper espresso, you know exactly what I mean.  It makes it special, tastier, worth paying for… doesn’t it?  The espresso maker at home can whip up a decent caffe’ but it lacks the frothy aspect.  I know they sell all sort of gagets that shake, pump and whatever else is necessary to bring the froth to your home brew, so you may have already solved the froth issue. (I actually got one as a gift from my uncle but broke it soon after.)  If not, here’s a simple way to give your espresso a nice froth that My Zia Mina in Calabria showed me a long time ago.

• Place a few teaspoons of regular sugar in a cup or small bowl.
• Make your espresso as you normally would with your home espresso maker.
• As the first drops of espresso come up, pour a small amount into your cup with the sugar.  It’s important to get the first coffee that comes out as it’s the strongest.  Then put your caffettiera (coffee maker) back on the flame to continue making your espresso.

• Mix your espresso and sugar (give it a good fast mix/whip) and the mixture should look as it does in the picture below.  If it’s too dark, add some sugar.  if it’s too grainy add another drop of espresso.

• Place a small amount into your espresso cup and then add your espresso. Give it a stir and… WALAH!!  a nice frothy caffe’.  My aunt calls it caffe’ all nonna… I call it caffe’ alla zia

PS – Don’t forget to leave a comment on the previous post “Tweak it until it Works” to be entered to win a $25 gift card from Barnes&Noble or Amazon.

I did some more walking today and ventured into the Venetian’s new hotel and casino that recently opened. The new hotel and casino is called “Palazzo” and is a continuation of the Venetian with more Italian shops and themes. As I walked past the new shops I bumped into “Espressamente” which is an Italian “bar” or better known here in the US as a cafe’. Espressamente is apparently owned by illy, the Italian coffee brand. I had to go in! I was just blogging about how difficult it is to find a good espresso…. illy has to know how to make a good espresso, right? Espressamente had gelato, caffe’ and much more. Everything looked great! So, I ordered an espresso and a chocolate briosce.

The results are in: Caffe’ = B, Briosce = C- ….. damn! it looked sooo good. I’ll have to try their gelato next and keep you posted. Buon weekend a tutti! Joe