From Our Kitchen to Yours
Simple Is Beautiful
In Europe, cappuccino has been around for hundreds of years, during which the authentic recipe was refined and perfected. Hot cappuccino as we enjoy it today was first made in Vienna, its name meaning “hood.” In the late 1800s, Angelo Moriondo of Turin, Italy, was granted a patent for “new steam machinery for the economic and instantaneous confection of coffee beverage” and the rest, as they say, is history. Famously served in coffeehouses all over Europe, it wasn’t until the 1930s that cappuccinos became popular in the United States.
Today when you call on your favorite barista, you’ll notice their cappuccinos are made with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. Modern establishments typically use espresso machines to produce espresso shots, and a milk frothier for their foam, tools you may not have in your kitchen. If you’re wondering how to make a cappuccino without a machine, or hoping you can make cappuccino with your everyday blend, then let the chefs at SeaDream be your guide. It’s not only completely possible, it’s simpler than you think.
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee or Espresso
Prepare strong brewed fresh coffee or espresso. A “moka pot,” or stovetop espresso maker, is not only the most traditional method of making espresso, but also one of the most popular ways to brew a strong, dark shot of coffee without fancy equipment.
Step 2: Froth Your Milk
You don’t need an upscale steamer to make steamed, foamed, or frothed milk. Select ½ cup of your favorite milk—whether whole or low-fat dairy, or a plant-based option such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut.
If you have a French press, you can froth the milk by hand by pouring heated milk into the press, about a quarter full, and then pumping the plunger quickly to make frothy air bubbles.
Should you have a balloon whisk, start by heating up milk in a small saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat. As it warms, use your whisk to beat quickly, for about a minute.
If you don’t have these items at your disposal, try a mason jar and microwave by pouring cold milk into the jar, filling it about halfway. Place the lid on the jar tightly and shake for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Remove your lid, and place the open jar in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Voila! You have steamed frothy milk to pour on top of your coffee, reserving the foamiest section for the top.
Frothing milk creates a sweet, creamy texture that cold milk simply can’t replicate. There’s something special about those bubbles that top your latte and make you feel as if you are back on board or in an Old Town café.
Step 3: Garnish, Dunk, and Enjoy!
If you choose, add sugar, a sugar substitute, and your choice of toppings, such as shaved chocolate, cinnamon, or vanilla powder. If you are feeling decadent, serve with a biscotti—perfect for dunking! Enjoy any time of the day.