How to get the best from your Stove Top

Invented by Bialetti in Italy many years ago the stove top coffee maker or Caffetiere (which means Coffee Maker in Italian) is a compulsory inclusion in any kitchen. However I have met few people that ever get the best from this amazing little coffee maker.

Vev EspressoThe key to espresso is extraction. You need the water to flow through each grain of coffee and for that to happen you need some resistance, so the coffee needs to be ground accordingly.

For best results the coffee should be ground just before use, although this is not always possible. If using preground coffee make sure that it has been stored correctly.

Okay let's start making a brew.

1. Fill base with water to a centimetre below the valve. (We want the right amount of water going through the coffee. Too much and the resulting brew will taste bitter.

2. Fill basket with coffee a spoonful at a time banging it gently in a downward motion after each one. This action compacts the coffee to create some resistance.When full smooth over and make sure the coffee is firm. If the coffee is too tight there is not enough room for the grains to expand which may reduce water flow (too much resistance).

3. Put unit back together.

4. Place on moderate heat (Gas or Electric is fine)

5. If you have a Stainless Steel coffee maker there should be a cap on top of the spout where the coffee is dispensed. If so then leave the lid open while brewing. If not or you have an Aluminium one shut the lid.

6. Watch the brew and switch it off when it reaches one third full then let the coffee brew up with the residual heat.

This method shoud create a reasonable crema - depending on the coffee used.

Serve straight away into warm cups.

ENJOY!!