How To Use An Espresso Pot

There's nothing like a good cup of espresso. But it does have to be made right.

Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 10 minutes

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Here's How:

1. Open your espresso pot and fill the lower section with water to the level of the safety valve
2. If you have any fresh leftover espresso, add a few drops to the water.
3. Fill the filter funnel with coffee. Do not tamp it down.
4. Put the filter in the pot, and screw on the upper section.
5. Using a mocha pot (the kind you don't flip)? Set it on the stove, over a brisk flame.
6. As soon as coffee begins to emerge, turn down the flame and let the rest slowly percolate through.
7. The coffee is done when the upper section is full and just steam emerges from the spout
8. Using a Neapolitan pot (the kind you flip)?
9. Heat, with the section containing the water down, until the water comes to a boil.
10. Remove the pot from the burner, flip it, and let the water percolate through.
11. Serve with cream, sugar, milk, lemon peel or brandy, as you prefer.
    

Tips:

1. You must use coffee that's roasted and ground for making espresso. Standard American/North European drip coffee (even "espresso blends") won't work.
2. Though espresso coffee tastes stronger than drip coffee it has about the same amount of caffeine.
   

Related Features:

• Thoughts on Espresso with or without lemon peel.