Adding a Little Fancy to Your Life

Ever have those days where you just wanna make everything a little bit fancier, a bit more indulgent? Maybe like Sunday breakfast in bed, or a homemade gourmet meal on a weeknight? Well, when you do, you know it's really all about the little things that matter, the fine details. So the next time you're feeling up for it, go ahead and pull those daisies from your (neighbor's) yard for a fun table centerpiece! Use butter instead of olive oil for tastier and creamier eggs! Spruce up your standard toast with a dollop of honey and cinnamon. And the most awesome thing you can do? Take your coffee up a notch and make... latte art!

Now, if you have gone to any independent coffee shop in the last few years or so, you know that latte art isn't new, but it certainly always brings a smile to my face. So imagine making your own latte art at home. I think with the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect time to get practicing, so that when you go home and see family, you can impress them with your artistically designed post-dinner caffeine jolt. It's so fancy!

Check out Krups' guide to latte art below. And trust me, practice makes perfect!

Step 1: Pour enough cold milk for one cup into the steaming pitcher. Steam milk with the wand deep in the pitcher, then directing the milk in a counterclockwise fashion until the liquid heats to 150⁰F. Krups recommends using their XL2000 Milk Frother, which makes rich, long lasting meringue-like milk at the touch of a button.

Step 2: Allow the milk to sit while you add one or two shots of freshly brewed espresso to a coffee mug – one with curved sides will work better than a squared off glass.

Step 3: Swirl the milk vigorously. If you see any bubbles, tap the pitcher on the counter several times and go back to swirling the milk for 20 to 30 seconds.

Step 4: Slowly start pouring the milk into the espresso. First in a circular pattern around the edge of the cup, slowly moving toward the center as the foam rises.

To create a leaf pattern: When your cup reaches half full, the foam will start to rise. Move your pitcher backwards as you pour while moving it from side to side using the motion of your hand to create a leaf pattern in the top of your latte. When you reach the end of the cup, pour a stream of milk right through the middle of your leaf pattern. Just be careful to use a small amount of milk so the design is not affected!

To create a heart pattern: Shake your hand as you would in making leaf. However, instead of moving backwards, keep your hand in the same general area, focusing on making a ringed circle.

Step 5: Enjoy!

See some more awesome latte art here.