Low-Tech Travellin' Latte

As a cyclist (with depressed Cortisol LOL), good coffee is a MUST when traveling.  Many of us prefer espresso to drip coffee and I have a pretty sweet, low-tech method to make acceptable lattes.

What you need....

- Stove top espresso maker
- French Press (preferrable small)
- Espresso beans
- Milk (works best with cow's milk, at least skim)

First, buy / pack some quality espresso beans.  Because the stove top uses lower pressure, I find top quality beans a must.  If you're in an unfamiliar area, you can't go wrong with Startbucks beans (I know, I know, corporate America blah blah).  Make sure you're beans are pre-ground since you don't have a grinder with you.  (I rarely travel with a grinder because I feel the smaller grinders inadequate for grinding espresso).  Also, many grocery stores have sweet Euro espresso pre-ground in a "brick" such as Lavazza, which is choice!

Second, Pack the Stove top with your espresso and boil over a nice low heat (it puts less strain on the gasket and allows your stovetop maker to last longer).  While the espresso is doing its thing, heat the desired amount of milk over low heat on a seperate burner.  Stove is better than microwave as I find it's a more even heat.

Third, once the espresso is done bubbling and the milk is thoroughly heated (not boiling) pour the milk into your French press and plunge it vigorously.  This will create a nice layer of foam.  Now pour the milk into you mug.  Next stir the espresso which has collected at the top of your maker and slowly pour it too into the mug.  Give it all a gentle stir and your ready to enjoy!

For a treat add some Starbucks ice cream (only available in the USA) to the mug before adding the milk and espresso.

Be sure to drink the coffee right away as the foam will slowly disintegrate if left too long.