8 Great Ways To Use An Espresso Machine For More Than Just Espresso
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I am not a coffee connoisseur. Don’t get me wrong, I love coffee, finding new coffee shops excites me (both here and in the States!) and I find I must limit the quantity of coffee I consume throughout the day. Frequently, I am the person who asks the local baristas to make me their favorite drink which 9/10 times is their own delicious creation not listed on the menu. But when at home, I normally have been the French press or Mr. Coffee kind of girl that gets teased for how pale her coffee is after all the milk is added. Regardless though, when it comes to coffee, I am very easy to please, like to try new things and find that even the simplest brew can be a total treat. Now, fast forward 6 months living in Europe and not only do I still love coffee, but I have begun to more deeply desire understanding the art of it. Perhaps it is the after dinner espresso culture, the plethora of interaction with espresso machines or the fact that it feels so much colder here in Munich than it does in South Carolina, but whatever it is, I have thoroughly been enjoying coffee recently. After Charlie surprised me last week with an espresso machine for an early Christmas present, I have begun exploring new methods of making coffee (and tea!), learning coffee art and using coffee in recipes. I am by no means a pro, but now that cozy season is upon us, I thought it might be fun to explore common coffee brewing styles, my first week thoughts on the DeLonghi espresso machine and eight great ways to use an espresso machine for more than just espresso. So, if you are looking for something to put on your wish list this Christmas or perhaps want to branch out with the espresso machine you already have, here are a few fun twists to use a fresh brew.
Which Coffee Style Is Right For You?
Before we get into different ways to use an espresso machine beyond only espresso, let’s look at a few of the most common coffee brewing styles. While there are SO many styles of coffee and I am not a total coffee aficionado, I do enjoy coffee both at home and in coffee shops and have found from my experience that these next four options are some of the most popular methods for brewing a cup of joe. I personally have tried three out of the four of these methods and each allows for a different level of involvement and experience for both the coffee brewing process and outcome.
Pour Over
The first type of coffee brewing is the process called a pour over. This brewing method involves slowly pouring hot water in concentric circles over coffee grounds held in a filter and allowing it to brew into a carafe, mug or cup. You can use a paper filter or cone to allow the hot water to work its way through the coffee grounds and create a beautiful coffee.
Drip Coffee
Much like a pour over, drip coffee is made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds held in a filter, allowing them to slowly brew. So what then is the difference? The primary difference between this method and the one above is that pour overs involve manually pouring the hot water over the grounds, while drip coffee is made using a machine. Whether you are using a Keurig, Mr. Coffee or another kind of coffee maker, the process of making a cup or pot of coffee by machine is called drip coffee.
French Press
Next, we have French pressed coffee. Unlike the first two brewing styles, French pressed coffee is named after the brewing device needed to make it, a French press! Also called a cafetiere, coffee plunger, press pot or coffee press, French presses are normally glass with a metal plunger used to separate the grounds from the water. To make coffee, you simply place your desired amount of coarse ground coffee into the base of the French press, before adding in just enough hot water to cover the grounds. Let this mixture sit for 30 seconds to allow the coffee grounds to “bloom” before adding in the remaining amount of water. Steep for 4 minutes then press down the plunger to strain the grounds to the bottom before pouring.
Like the pour over, French press coffee is a manual process that is an affordable way to make a cup or more of coffee (depending on your device size). These devices are quite versatile though and with the right recipe / techniques, can be used for frothing milk, making teas, rinsing grains, making whipped cream, juicing berries, making cold brew, infusing oils etc.
Espresso Machine
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have the espresso machine. While the first three methods mentioned here make a full cup of coffee, espresso machines make espresso shots by forcing hot water through coffee grounds to produce thick, concentrated coffee. This espresso, or coffee concentrate, can be served alone or then combined with hot water, hot milk, syrups etc. to make lattes, cappuccinos, americanos etc. Some espresso machines provide a fully automatic process where you load whole coffee beans, press a button and have whatever coffee you like, while other machines provide a more involved process where beans are ground separately, loaded, brewed and mixed with steamed milk, water etc. in a manual method.
My First Week With A DeLonghi Dedica Espresso Machine
As I mentioned before, up until a week ago, I had only ever enjoyed a classic drip coffee or French press in my home. Honestly, these two were the only styles I really ever had thought about having at home, as espresso machines felt like a treat to experience at local coffee shops. After moving abroad however, I began having more interaction with espresso machines. In fact, it is not uncommon for espresso machines to not only be in coffee shops, but also in hotel lobbies (and breakfast bars), restaurants, grocery stores and people’s homes. In hotels, grocery stores and even my Volkshochschuhe location, many of these are forms of automatic machines where guests are welcome to help themselves to a cup of coffee for a Euro or two. Likewise, because of this, espresso (which is seen as a digestive) and espresso derivatives, are often offered after many meals and are something to linger and enjoy. While I am sure this phenomenon exists in some areas of the States, I personally had not experienced it outside of a coffee shop until we moved to Europe. This experience, and the fact that shopping for coarse ground coffee (not just whole beans needed for an espresso machine) for my French press was proving more challenging than I anticipated, I soon began a growing interest in having an espresso machine of my own. Thus, enter Charlie and his fabulous early Christmas surprise.
The Delonghi Dedica Espresso Machine
Now, a week into owning an espresso machine, I can say it is so much fun! Wanting to give me a bit more control over the process, Charlie surprised me with the DeLonghi Dedica Barista Pack which combined both their manual Dedica EC680M Espresso Machine and their Automatic Grinder. As an Italian brand known for their espresso machines, Delonghi products range in both types of machines (manual to fully automatic) and prices (from under $300 to $2000+). Not wanting a machine that would take up all of my limited counter space or that would break the bank (as I am not a professional!), the Delonghi Dedica Espresso Machine is a perfect at home option as it is reasonably priced and is only 6″ wide.
As the barista pack also came with the grinder, I have been very pleased that I can grind beans very finely (for espresso), normally (for my coffee maker – when I return home) or coarsely (for my French press). Similarly, this pack came with a good coffee tamp, a knock box, milk frothing cup etc, which I have really enjoyed. I certainly have a long way to go on my latte art techniques, but exploring new drinks has been so much fun and the machine has been very user friendly! After watching a few videos, I also discovered that there are a variety of small “upgrades” you can make to further personalize your experience and create an even more professional result. While I did learn that you do have to use two hands to take off the portafilter to prevent the machine from tipping due to its slender width, I otherwise have been very happy, so if you are looking for an easy and fun entry into the espresso machine world, I highly recommend this one!
Ways To Use An Espresso Machine For More Than Just Espresso
Now that we have covered the primary styles of coffee and my experience over the past week, let’s get into all the things you can make with an espresso machine beyond a single (or double!) shot of espresso.
01. Cappuccinos, Lattes, & More
While an espresso machine does make espresso, it also can be used to make so much more including steamed and frothed milk. Espresso is the basis of so many good drinks, especially when combined with steamed or frothed milk in a variety of quantities. Mix it up with additional syrups, milk types, whipped cream or a dash of cocoa or cinnamon for an at home creation worthy of a coffee shop.
02. A Twist With Tea: London Fog & Dirty Chai
Not only can you experiment with cappuccinos, lattes, americanos and flat whites, but you also can use your espresso machine to make unique tea drinks! From a Dirty Chai latte (chai latte with a shot of espresso) or London Fog (steamed milk with Earl Gray tea, vanilla and honey), branch out with a twist of tea.
03. Experiment With Tiramisu
Don’t think you can only make drinks with your espresso machine! Next time you’re craving a little coffee sweetness, make Tiramisu. This easy dessert can be made with either a traditional or no bake method, but regardless of the method, the dessert is sure to let your espresso flavor shine.
04. Make Chocolate Cake Extra Rich
If you are a lover of chocolate and do not want to only highlight coffee flavors, making chocolate cake is a perfect way to use espresso. Adding a little espresso to a chocolate cake will only deepen the chocolate intensity, providing a delicious rich base without strong coffee flavor.
05. Bring On The Chocolate: Espresso Brownies
Much like chocolate cake, there are so many ways to deepen the chocolate intensity of brownies! Depending on the quantity added, adding espresso to brownies can provide a lovely rich chocolate effect or can give a touch of coffee flavor to this favorite dessert.
06. Start Your Morning With Espresso Overnight Oats
For a healthier alternative to chocolate cake or brownies, try starting your morning with espresso overnight oats. Oats are shown to have so many benefits for weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of heart disease, so this can be a healthy and delicious way to use yesterday’s brew.
07. Try An Affogato
Wishing for a cool coffee recipe? Try this classic Italian coffee style dessert. Simply add a scoop of ice cream or gelato to a glass and drown with a shot of hot espresso for a creamy and delicious modern float.
08. Blend With Cookies
Lastly, don’t forget you can blend espresso with cookies. Whether making coffee cookies, oat goodies, biscotti or chocolate thumbprint cookies, adding a touch of espresso can elevate this afternoon treat.
Final Thoughts
From cookies and cakes to oats and affogatos, there are so many ways to use an espresso machine beyond a delicious shot. This new experience with my manual espresso machine has been such a great learning opportunity with the best results! I still have much to learn and to enjoy, but I am curious to know, do you have a favorite coffee making style? And do you like to find unique recipes to incorporate your brews into? If so, let me know in the comment section below and save this post for inspiration later!
Happy brewing!
Chloe
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These items are a part of the Barista Pack that I have enjoyed with the DeLonghi Espresso Machine!
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Wow!!! Chloe, love this article and all the pics!
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