I like to find a coffee shop on Saturday mornings, usually Starbucks, and order a hot mocha with whipped cream. That usually will run me a whopping $5-10 depending on where I end up. But it’s SOOOOO good!

Last week I decided to invest in an espresso machine for my own kitchen. After looking through the choices, and the reviews (AND the prices!) I purchased a Casabrews 3700 Essential. Good enough for a beginner but no so many gadgets that I get hopeless confused. Plus on my limited budget, I could afford it.

Beginner barista

This was my first time using an espresso machine. I was quite excited! Once I got my machine and set it up, I ground some Starbucks Espresso Roast in my electric grinder. Not fine enough but that’s what I had so it will have to do until I can get another grinder. (I purchased an inexpensive handheld adjustable burr grinder a few days later.) I grabbed the first mug I could find. Too wide for good crema but I just needed a couple shots of espresso and this would be fine.

I had purchased a very useful book of coffee recipes as well. It’s Daniel Lancaster’s The Coffee Recipe Book: 50 Coffee and Espresso Drinks to Make at Home. In it not only was there an easy recipe for my mocha, but a useful quick recipe for chocolate syrup. (Though granted, I could have Googled either recipe if I had so desired.)

Can you make mochas at home?

Absolutely! It wasn’t that difficult. Now, that said, making a good mocha takes practice. I don’t envy all the professional baristas who can make any espresso or coffee drink expertly and professionally. Not to mention all the different recipes they do for all the many customers every day. By comparison, my little home brewed mocha is a pitiful comparison.

But it is mine, and it tastes quite good. And it’s considerably cheaper than Starbucks if you don’t count the initial investment of the espresso machine itself. I’m proud of my newbie coffee accomplishment. I’m no James Hoffman, but it’s good enough for today.

Are any of you professional baristas? How about at-home coffee lovers? I’d love to hear from any of you about your own coffee adventures. Take a moment to leave a comment.

Until next time!