This is how to make cappuccino with an espresso machine and using the built in steam wand for a perfect foam, and the classic ratio of milk to espresso, just like the Italians make it.
7gramsmedium-dark roast coffee beansup to 9 grams depending on the filter basket
1.5oz.filtered, or spring water
1/4cup1/4 cup cold milkwhole, or 2% are the best, but nonfat works too
Instructions
Brew Espresso
Turn on the espresso machine to heat it up
Finely grind 7-9 grams of coffee beans to an espresso grind size.
Place the coffee grounds in the filter-basket.
Slightly knock the portafilter on the counter to pack and level them. If you have an espresso leveler, use it to perfectly level your coffee puck.
Tamp the coffee grounds with a considerable amount of pressure. When you are done tamping, there should be about 3-4 mm from the basket's edge to the coffee puck.
Lock the portafilter in the espresso machine.
Place a cappuccino cup on the designated spot on the espresso machine tray and and switch the brew button ON.
Pull your shot for about 20 to 25 seconds.
You should get about 1 fluid ounces of espresso. If you get considerably more than 1 oz. grind your coffee finer. If you get too little coffee, grind your coffee slightly coarser. Put the espresso aside.
Steam the Milk
Switch your espresso machine from espresso brewing to milk steaming and let the boiler warm up and reach the needed temperature.
Pour the milk into a stainless steel pitcher. The milk should be cold as this gives you more time to froth without scalding the milk.
When the machine is ready for steaming, submerge the steaming wand just below the milk surface and start the the steam.
Tilt the pitcher at an angle, so that the milk swirls, moving around in the frothing jug.
As the milk froths and stretches, the foamy part raises up. Lower the milk pitcher when you see milk froth forming, to stay closer to the surface. This creates more foam. When the milk reaches between 155°F and 165°F, your frothing is done.
Turn off the steam while still holding the steaming wand dipped into the milk.
Combine The Drinks into a Cappuccino
Using a spoon, hold back the foam and pour a fluid ounce of the steamed milk over the espresso.
Spoon the foam on top of the milk, making sure the volume is about 1/3 of the entire espresso drink.
Decorate with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, cinnamon or chocolate syrup, and serve hot. For cappuccino art, you can use stencils.