Café au Lait – Coffee with milk
Café au Lait is a classic French coffee drink that typically consists of equal parts of freshly brewed strong coffee and warm milk. The drink is known for its smooth texture and delicately balanced flavor between the bitterness of the coffee and the creaminess of the milk. This cozy beverage is often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up in cafés and homes around the world. Preparing a Café au Lait is simple: it requires heating milk to a slight simmer and then mixing it with strong, hot coffee. It's typically served in a large, wide cup, which allows for the perfect sipping experience. It can be enjoyed plain or sweetened with sugar according to the drinker's preference. Description by ChatGPT.
Warm greetings to all coffee aficionados! This recipe is inspired by Ryan from flyingsaucers caffeine and art in Santa Monica. Here, we unravel the secrets to creating the quintessential Café au Lait—a classic coffee drink that offers a blissful balance between rich, robust coffee and creamy, frothy milk. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet morning or seeking a midday pick-me-up, this beverage will transport you to the quaint coffee shops of Paris with every sip.
Ingredients:
- 7 oz brewed coffee (hot)
- 6 oz whole milk (very cold)
- Optional: sugar or sweetener to taste
Equipment:
- 12 oz glass
- Espresso machine with a steaming wand or milk frother
- Culinary thermometer
- Kitchen ladle
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Instructions:
1. Begin by brewing 7 ounces of your favorite coffee. It should be hot and ready to use when the milk is frothed.
2. Take your 6 ounces of very cold whole milk and prepare to steam it. The cold temperature will ensure proper frothing.
3. Use the steam wand of your espresso machine to froth the milk. Position the tip of the steam wand just below the milk's surface, not completely submerged, to create a consistent whirlpool as you steam.
4. While steaming, attentively listen for a gentle hissing sound, which indicates the milk is aerating correctly. You should avoid loud splattering noises.
5. Monitor the milk’s temperature using the culinary thermometer. Aim to heat the milk until it reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Be cautious not to exceed 170 degrees, as this can scorch the milk, altering its natural sweetness and taste.
6. Once the milk reaches 160 degrees, remove it from the heat. The temperature will continue to rise slightly, reaching the desired range.
7. Pour the hot brewed coffee into your 12-ounce glass, filling it about 60% full.
8. With a kitchen ladle, gently add the steamed milk to the coffee, leaving enough room for foam. You should have a ratio of approximately 35% steamed milk to the coffee.
9. Finally, top your Café au Lait with a small dollop of the remaining milk foam, creating a lovely contrast against the coffee-steamed milk mixture. Aim for a harmonious light brown color, true to the classic Café au Lait.
10. If desired, sweeten your beverage to taste, and enjoy the perfect sip of creamy, coffee bliss.
Cooking Tips:
- If you don't have an espresso machine with a steam wand, an electric milk frother can also achieve good results for frothing your milk.
- For a non-dairy alternative, try using almond or soy milk, though keep in mind that they may froth differently compared to whole milk.
This recipe is attributed to the author mahalodotcom, and you can learn more and find similar content on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mahalodotcom
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