I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad. 

Josephine Baker

The Barista Life Chose Me

Many moons ago, I was a barista at the siren and also at several indie coffee shops around the #BayArea. The best education, however, came from Italian businessmen who were quite particular about their coffee. Now with this little machine, I can enjoy espresso drinks anytime at home. 

I’m going to need some ice cream and a shot of something proper for this heat tho. 

Here’s What I Used (Gli ingredienti)

Get Your Favorite Fancy Glass, Fancypants McTipsy!

Grab a 10 oz ( ~300ml) dessert glass and add two scoops of French vanilla ice cream. You can use any flavor you’d like, but I find French vanilla and chocolate to be best for this application. Have your Disaronno shot ready. You don’t need a jigger, but it does help. One shot = 1.5oz. 

Can you use Kahlua or Bailey’s Irish Cream instead? Yes, why the hell not?!

How to Prep the De’Longhi EC702

Check the water tank. It needs to be at least half full. Since the De’Longhi EC702 is a bar pump espresso machine, you’ll have to heat it up first. Push the power button and wait until the light turns green. It usually takes no more than a minute to do so when you are first firing it up and will take less time once you’ve brewed your first cup.

Getting the Right Espresso Grind With the Krups F203 Fast Touch Grinder

Fill the coffee grinder lid leaving some room at the top. If you overfill it, you’ll have a hard time getting the next step done. Flip the grinder upside down onto the lid. Then flip the entire grinder right side up, press down to lock the lid. Plug the grinder into the outlet. Press on the lid for 20 seconds. Tap around the grinder to loosen up the coffee. Get an airtight container for your freshly ground coffee. This will yield approximately 12-14 brewed espresso shots.

Brewing Your Perfect Espresso Shot

While the machine is heating up, grab a heaping spoonful of espresso and put it in the double-shot portafilter tray. Tap the sides lightly to even out the coffee. Use the tamper on the machine to tamp the espresso into the portafilter. There should be some space since you will be putting into the brewing mechanism. Grab the portafilter handle and find the groove inside the brewer. Go from left to right. Place your espresso glasses underneath the portafilter. One De’Longhi espresso shot glass is 2oz. If you place two glasses next two each other, you can get two single shots. It all depends on how strong you want your affogato. I find that one shot of espresso for one or two scoops of ice cream is good. Press the brew button (that’s the second button with the coffee cup/faucet on it). As soon as you see the espresso brewing, start counting to 16-18 seconds. I usually tap my foot or set the stop timer on my phone. Hit the brew button again to stop the brewing process. The perfect shot is going to look like a beautiful brown gradient. Crema will look soft and have a honey color.

Building Your Affogato

This is the fun part. You’ve got your ice cream in your pretty little dessert glass/cup. Now add your Disaronno or liqueur of choice, and then your espresso shot. Find your favorite spot on the couch and ENJOY!

Cin Cin!

*Hey, this page contains affiliate links. There’s no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission when you decide to use them. They help me keep this party going.

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