Make Espresso

Espresso

(Short Black)

In its pure form, espresso is more popular in Europe than America, particularly in Italy. Though catching in America, derivatives and misconceptions are spreading like cream in coffee. For instance, many hold the misconception that espresso is a dark, bitter to burnt-flavored roast of coffee.

In fact, espresso is not a roast at all; it is a method of preparing coffee. Espresso coffee is often blended from several roasts and varietals to form a bold - not bitter flavor. The finely ground coffee is tightly packed or tamped into a “portafilter”; high-pressure water is then forced through the grounds and extracted in small, concentrated amounts. Intensity is the key here. Why do you think they call it a “shot?”

LETS MAKE ESPRESSO!

What you’ll need:

• Aeropress
• Freshly roasted coffee beans
• Automatic Grinder
• Scale for coffee measuring (or a tablespoon)
• Electric Gooseneck Kettle or Stovetop Kettle

1. Heat up the water. Heat some water to 185 degrees F (85 C), removing for 30 seconds after for roughly the ideal temperature. You’ll want to heat up more water than what’s called for in the recipe since you’ll end up measuring out 4 fl oz (or 1⁄2 cup/120 ml) of the heated water in a later step. Note: the perfect water temperature for brewing coffee is 205 degrees F (96 C), or almost boiling. However, with an Aeropress, you can play with any temperature between 185 – 205 degrees F (85 – 96 C).
2. Grind your coffee beans. While the water’s heating, grind your beans to a fine consistency, until you have 2 tablespoons or 30 grams. An Automatic Burr Grinder is the most precise way to get fine, espresso ground coffee, but you can always have your beans ground at the coffee shop or store in advance (it just won’t be as fresh).
3. Set up the Aeropress. Put a filter in the drain cap and rinse with hot water. Then put the drain cap on the AeroPress and place it directly onto a coffee mug or tumbler. Make sure it’s a sturdy container, because you’ll be putting pressure on it.
4. Fill the Aeropress with the coffee grounds. Fill the Aeropress with your coffee and tamp down the grounds to make sure the grounds are nice and compact (you can use any cylinder shaped item to tamp down – whatever will fit in the Aeropress).
5. Stir and steep. Measure out 4 fl oz (or 1⁄2 cup/120 ml) of the heated water, pour the water into the Aeropress and give it a quick stir.
6. Plunge. Wait 30 seconds after stirring, then plunge with just the weight of your hand. You’ll feel a lot of resistance but keep pushing steadily! Once the plunger is fully depressed, remove the press.
7. Serve your espresso. Transfer your drink to a fancy espresso cup and enjoy! For clean up, simply remove the drain cap and depress the plunger over your trash or compost to pop out the grounds. Rinse everything with hot water.