Latte? Yes, Please!

There is barely a day that goes by that I don't have a cup of coffee, or two, or....well, I just like coffee.  Most of the time my coffee just comes from my little Mr.  Coffee machine, and it's great, but when I want something a little more special, and don't feel like spending 4 bucks on it at a coffee shop I have a solution!

I just got a new toy.  It's a stick blender.  It's great!  It makes sauces, soups, and things like applesauce SO much easier to do!  What I don't have is a milk frother, but I'm not willing to spend the money on one ($100 for steamed milk, no thanks!).  So, I heated up some milk, stuck in the stick blender, hoped for the best, and this is what happened!  Well, with a few steps in between, but it was super easy!

Here is how to make a great latte at home.  The steps for the espresso I learned watching Alton Brown, so I cannot take credit for that part.  The pinch of salt is needed, even though that sounds weird.  It helps keep the coffee from being bitter.  If your coffee is still bitter, make sure you haven't ground your coffee too fine, it should be a normal grind, and make sure you didn't steep too long.  If you don't have a french press and want one, I know there are a lot of expensive ones out there, but I got mine for under $20 and it works just fine.  With different proportions, I often prefer it for brewing coffee instead of using my coffee maker.


Grind up 2 heaping coffee scoops of coffee beans, or a generous 1/4 cup.  Or use pre-ground.


Add to a french press with a pinch of salt and pour over 10oz of boiling water and steep for exactly 3 minutes.


While coffee is steeping, heat about 2 cups of milk and microwave until hot.  Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, depending on how sweet you like your coffee.


Put in stick blender, turn on, and make sure it is not completely submerged, so it can work some air into the milk and sugar.  It may take a couple times to get the feel of it. (Don't fill the milk to the top and then put the blender in... unless you really like cleaning your counters, and wearing milk as an accessory.)  I use a large Pyrex measuring glass, but anything that holds at least 3-4 cups will do.


Pour in desired proportions of milk and coffee (I suggest 1/4 coffee, 3/4 milk), stir, then scoop the foam from the top of the milk into your mug!

makes 2 lattes


The morning I made it, my husband and I were really excited and liked them.  So much so that he asked for one later that afternoon.  I made it for him, and then he asked for a third!!

For a couple variations, consider adding a small amount of vanilla extract to your milk, or mixing in a little chocolate syrup or sprinkle with cinnamon.    

135 calories per latte (may not be an everyday indulgence, but certainly lighter than Starbucks!)