Family Alive

Heavy steam rises all around the machine in the middle of the inaugural brewing

Towards the end of the inaugural brewing.

Well, it’s official. "Toonebucks" is open for business! Last night, we bought an espresso machine. Here’s the story of how it all came about. We had dinner at my parents house, and afterwards my parents took Analise to an event celebrating National Pooh Day at the Hoover Public library. While they were out, Kristine and I took Josiah over to Patton Creek to run a few errands. I got my haircut while Kristine and Josiah picked up a few things at Linens ‘N Things.

Kristine was just about ready to checkout when I made it back from the haircut place. As I helped her load things onto the checkout counter, she mentioned that she had seen a Krups espresso machine on the clearance rack for 50% off. We had an additional 20% off any single item coupon so I said we should get the espresso machine to help kick my expensive Starbucks addiction. For a grand total of $74 including tax, we got a Krups "Il Cafe Bistro" Type 867 espresso machine / coffee maker which normally retails for $170.

We didn’t have any whole bean coffee that we could grind in our new grinder Kristine got as a Christmas present from Anna and Hal so we had to wait until I was able to bike to the store today before we could make any. That didn’t stop me from trying it out last night with just water and no coffee. I put the switch on the wrong setting and water started to spew out the end of the frother attachment like a miniature fire hydrant. Fortunately, it was aimed directly at the middle of our kitchen floor and made a small pool there.

Today, I followed all 17 steps posted on the cabinet right above the espresso machine and made our first espresso drinks. I used about two tablespoons too much coffee and ground it way too fine, so I think I have the equivalent of six-shot coffee drink that I am sipping slowly this afternoon. Any professional baristas (hint, hint: Anna!) any suggestions or tips about making good espresso would be greatly appreciated!