Cappuccino & Caffe Latte

Cappuccino
In Italy cappuccino is only served in the morning with breakfast. Usually it is ordered on the way to work at the corner bar (coffee house)along with a pastry. There is nothing like a cappuccino and a pastry for breakfast! My Mom used to reward us for a good report card with a cup of cappuccino and a croissant at a place called Jackie's in downtown Charleston, so still to this day I can't help but think of a cappuccino as a treat. Here are the basics for a good cup of cappuccino :

1) Ingredients: espresso, whole milk, crema (I explain what this is below), sugar, and a standard sized coffee cup
2) The ratio is 1/3 milk, 1/3 espresso, and 1/3 crema
3) Make 2 shots of espresso and sweeten to your taste
4) Warm 1 cup of milk
5) Froth the milk with a frother (or blender)
6) As you do this you will have a foamy cream on top that's the crema
7) Pour the cup 1/3 full of espresso, then milk, and lastly the crema

Caff Latte
There two versions of caffe latte, one for children and one for adults. I grew up drinking this and so have my children. My Mom loved making this for us so we could drink it with her as she drank her espresso and not feel left out. She did not want to deprive us of the pleasures of coffee. Italians love to make their children feel like they are an important part of the family and never want to bereave them of the pleasures of life! Caffe latte is usually served with bread and a spread (nutella), a pastry, or a biscotti. Oh yes, dipping is acceptable!

Children's Caffe Latte:
1) Whole milk, espresso, sugar
2) Heat a cup of milk up in a sauce pan until just about to boil, at the same time prepare the espresso
3) Pour the milk into a large coffee cup and add a few drops (2) of espresso. Add sugar to taste.

Adult's Caffe Latte:
1) the same as the children's caffe latte except that you add a whole shot (or 2)of espresso to the milk