LA woman on a quest to eat her way through Los Angeles

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Lattes for Less---Recipes from America's Top Barista


Times are hard. Forking over $4 for your daily Skinny Vanilla Latte is not as easy as it once was. Heather Perry, a U.S. Barista Champ, has joined with the fine people at Got Milk? to help Americans satisfy their need for high quality caffeinated drinks on a budget. She has created some amazing latte recipes for people to make at home. Each recipe can be made for under a dollar. You can't beat that. Here are a few recipes to try out:

Classic Cappuccino

Hot Latte Recipe

A very Italian, traditional, and classic hot beverage for only $0.35


Ingredients:

1 oz. of espresso or strong brewed coffee

4 oz. of milk


Begin by brewing your shot of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong brewing method, such as a moka pot. Heat your milk by steaming it using your espresso machine, or by slowly heating it up on the stove over medium heat, and then whipping it using an electric hand frother until the desired amount of froth is created. Put espresso in the bottom of the cup and fill cup with heated milk.


by GOTMILK?/TOMA LECHE in collaboration with Heather Perry, 2007 and 2003 U.S. Barista Champion


Classic Mocha

Hot Latte Recipe

This recipe mixes three ingredients resulting in a chocolaty treat for $0.90


Ingredients:

1 tbsp. of your favorite chocolate syrup or powder
2 oz. espresso or choice of strong coffee
10 oz. steamed milk


Begin by brewing your 2 shots or 2 oz of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong brewing method, such as a moka pot. Take a 12 oz. cup and place your espresso at the bottom. Then add your favorite chocolate and mix well. Heat your milk by steaming it using your espresso machine, or heat the milk separately and use a hand frother until the desired amount of froth is created. Fill cup with heated milk and top with whipped cream, if desired.


by GOTMILK?/TOMA LECHE in collaboration with Heather Perry, 2007 and 2003 U.S. Barista Champion



Spiced Latte

Hot Latte Recipe

A unique beverage with a zing at $1


Ingredients:

1 star anise
3 cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean
8 oz. milk
2 oz. espresso or strong coffee


Begin by brewing your 2 shots or 2 oz of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong brewing method, such as a moka pot. Combine spices and milk and heat together by either steaming or by slowly heating it up on the stove over medium heat, and then whipping it using an electric hand frother until the desired amount of froth is created. This will not only heat the milk, but also gently infuse the flavors of the spices into the milk. Place your espresso at the bottom of the cup and top with spiced milk.


by GOTMILK?/TOMA LECHE in collaboration with Heather Perry, 2007 and 2003 U.S. Barista Champion





Breve Blast

Cold Latte Recipe

A refreshingly delicious “morning-pick-me-up” that alerts the senses for $0.60


Ingredients:

2 oz. espresso or choice of strong coffee
1 oz. vanilla syrup
4 oz. milk


Begin by brewing your 2 shots or 2 oz. of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong brewing method, such as a moka pot. Place at the bottom of a 16 oz. cup and add your syrup. Top with 8 oz. cold milk. Gulp down for a quick jumpstart.


by GOTMILK?/TOMA LECHE in collaboration with Heather Perry, 2007 and 2003 U.S. Barista Champion






Crème Brulee Latte

Sweet Latte Recipe

This decadent drink is a hit with dessert lovers at $0.97


Ingredients:

2 oz. espresso or choice of strong coffee
8 oz. steamed milk
1 oz. vanilla bean syrup
2 tbsp. caramel topping


Begin by brewing your 2 shots or 2 oz. of espresso using either an espresso machine or a strong brewing method, such as a moka pot. Take a 10 oz. cup and lace the sides of it with 1 tbsp. of caramel topping. Then place the syrup at the bottom of the cup and top with the espresso. Heat your milk by steaming it using your espresso machine, or by slowly heating it up on the stove over medium heat, and then whipping it using an electric hand frother until the desired amount of froth is created. Fill cup with heated milk and top with remaining caramel.


by GOTMILK?/TOMA LECHE in collaboration with Heather Perry, 2007 and 2003 U.S. Barista Champion