I don't know about you, but if I don't make my own coffee I spend too much on it in a coffee shop. What's too much? Well when you get the yummy specialty stuff, that can easily cost about 4 bucks (and some change) a pop and even if I just get coffee 4 times in a week that means I'm spending about $15.00-$20.00 a week. In a month that's $60.00 to $80.00! Um...when I put that into perspective, that is ridiculous even though it is convenient and fast for a busy one like myself. Still riduculous though.
So here is what I did:
-I got myself an espresso machine. Actually my hubby got it for me as a surprise, but the point is that before I could even get going on all the yummy drinks I could make with it I experienced so many complications. The thing was just faulty and too expensive to be faulty so I returned it. I researched and researched espresso machines and the only ones that seemed to get great reviews were at prices I was not willing to pay.
So here is what I did that worked!
-I purchased a Bialetti Moka Pot for under 30 bucks. The reviews on this thing were all fabulous for the most part and the price was right. I have no regrets.
-I went to Starbucks and purchased some espresso roast. I had them grind the beans for me because I don't have my own grinder and it needed to be grounded fine for making espresso. That was all of $13.00.
-I got an Aero Latte milk frother for under 20 bucks. Another purchase I would soon not regret.
-I bought some vanilla flavor syrup from Starbucks for 11 bucks. You could get this at Cost Plus World Market too for only $7.00. It's just a different brand. If you want to get all fancy then get a pump from Cost Plus too or you can order it on Amazon (there's an amazon link right here on my blog) . It's 2 bucks either way and fits the starbucks brand or the Cost Plus brand.
-Finally, I got some caramel topping and whipped cream. Fontana is a good brand that you can order on-line. Otherwise, caramel ice cream topping right from your local grocery store works just fine.
So those are all of the unusual items that I didn't already have in my kitchen. Here is how I made my homemade caramel machiato:
-Follow instructions for making stovetop espresso in the Moka pot. Super easy.
-While the espresso is going, get some milk (about 1 and 1/2 cups) and put it in a tall coffee mug with 2-3 pumps of syrup (your choice-to your taste). If you don't have a pump just know there is 10 ml in each pump so you want 20-30 ml. Just use a medicine dropper or cup to measure ml if you don't have anything else.
Now if you wanted to be all fancy you could get a frothing pitcher and thermometer so you could heat the milk up (inside pitcher) in a little pot on the stove. FYI- Starbucks likes to heat their milk up to 150 degrees. It is too hot if it gets over 170.
-Lets say you are going the "milk in tall coffee cup with syrup" route. When the espresso is almost done you want to heat the milk/syrup in the microwave then froth it with the milk frother while it's in the cup. It will give you a nice frothy milk with foam on top.
-Next put a single or double shot (whatever suits your fancy) in the coffee cup right through the middle of that nice froth, top with whipped cream and caramel topping. Viola! You are done! Enjoy!
I just want to make clear to readers that I am not being paid by any of the makers of any products I mentioned. I just wanted to share my experience with saving money this way.
There are ways to substitute certain ingredients and make it have less calories. There is also a decaf option for the beans. Hope you enjoyed this post!
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