Help an addict :-)
 

We just got back from our most excellent two week trip to Paris, Venice, and Florence, and I'm afraid a little problem has developed. One of us - not me, I swear! - has developed a total addiction to cafe crema. The funniest part is that this woman wouldn't drink coffee at ALL before she discovered the stuff. She says she did -but her idea of "coffee" was those mocha things with a cup full of whipped cream on top.

Anyway, can someone tell me how to make a cafe crema now that we're home? We've created a caffeine monster and need to feed the addiction :-)

She's already proclaimed Starbucks "worthless - their idea of coffee is a joke!"

Sara (still laughing, but more than willing to come to the aid of a friend in need)

I can't help you on how to make a good caffe crema, but your story reminded me of a similar situation with a good friend - thanks for the laugh!

My friend wouldn't touch coffee, even during the first months of our year abroad in Paris. Then when we were on spring vacation in Rome, she finally succumbed to her first taste - and quickly became the most rabid caffe drinker of all of us!

She continued to drink cafe creme upon our return to Paris, and though at first she wouldn't go near other coffee forms, a few months after our return stateside I found her brewing her own drip coffee... and many, many years later she's still a fan. :D

Isn't cafe cremma simply hot coffee with warmed up milk? Or perhaps I am not correctly remembering the translation.

And yes, Starbucks leaves much to be desired.

At least she's not alone! They must put something extra special in the coffee in Europe to convert the previously stubborn!

Cafe crema (like capuccino) seems to be very strong coffee with cream or milk added. It may be espresso. I'm not sure. It's definitely not our wimpy American coffee. It could be cafe American, I guess... more research definitely required :-)

Sara

I don't like coffee, but now I can't wait to try this! Thanks for the hint. :)

I'd say it's a safe bet that it's espresso... Do you have any Italian restaurants near where you live where the waitstaff or owner are Italian? They may be able to help...

Mmm, now I want a caffe crema! :)

Crema is the best part of the espresso, personally,

That little topping that happens when you have a good espresso machine.....yum!!

Sasayra,
If you mean the crema that is the result of a pushed or pulled espresso, the best way I know to get that at home is with a Super Automatic Espresso Machine.

They ain't cheap. But if you're a serious coffee person they are remarkable and can pay for themselves because you won't be buying as much coffee out.

We love our Capresso machine! If you're interested here's where you could get more info:

http://www.wholelattelove.com/brand....ubCategoryID=2

I don't know what I'd do in the morning to get started without my Capresso Machine! It is finicky about the beans/grind, but once you've got it down...mmmmm!

klondike, a friend of mine just got a Capresso and she is SO happy with it.
I might have to break down and get one too, after we move. My kitchen is smaller than a Capresso machine lol.

Please do tell....how good is the espresso in Florence?

I used to never drink coffee, instead I was a Pepsi addict.

Drinking coffee in Paris, however, made me a convert.

I now have a Senseo 1 or 2 cup coffee maker which I absolutely love.

Oh, and when I stopped drinking Pepsi I lost about 10 pounds in two months, and I've never gained it back. Just sayin'