Café Cubano

I was preparing a lesson for one of my Latin American Studies classes where the students will be exploring various aspects of Cuban history.  While reviewing my notes, I started thinking about Cuban culture: dominoes, cigars, bongos, rumba and coffee.  You know it had to go back to the coffee!  Anyway, have you ever had a Café Cubano?   Get your Moka Pot out for this one, as that's one of the easiest ways to make this sweetened coffee drink.

A Café Cubano is essentially a sweetened espresso shot.  Set aside a teaspoon to two teaspoons of sugar in a small jar or glass.  Using a darker roast coffee e.g. Italian, load up your Moka Pot and put it to work its magic.  Once the spout of your Moka Pot starts releasing the espresso, use a spoon to siphon out two teaspoonfuls.  Beat the sugar and coffee together.  Beat it hard and don't rush the process.  This step creates the espuma (a creamy foam made of coffee, sugar and air), which is the hallmark of Café Cubano.  Once you've dissolved all the sugar and have created a nice creamy espuma, mix in the remaining espresso from the Moka Pot.  Pour into an espresso cup and drink immediately.

The Espuma (photo courtesy Saveur Magazine)
 

 You can see how to make your own sweet, Cuban espresso in this video from Saveur Magazine.

  Saludos.

Silly Sunday Coffee

Hi Coffee Lovers,

Remember to follow your dreams... coffee can help with that!

Happy Sunday!