HOW TO USE A MOKA EXPRESS POT

To see a video of this process,

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Step 1: Unscrew the top and bottom chambers. Remove the little basket (A) from the bottom chamber and fill the chamber with fresh, cold water. You want to fill it just up to the base of the steam valve (B).

Step 2: Grind the beans fine, but not too fine. You want the consistency of sand, not baby powder. Conversely, do not use coffee that’s been pre-ground for a drip maker as it is too coarse.

Step 3: Pack the grinds loosely into your stovetop basket (A). Use about 2 teaspoons of ground coffee per cup. If you prefer a stronger taste, add more. Note: You should not try to make less coffee than the pot holds. If you have a 3-cup espresso pot, then you must make 3 cups. For a 6-cup pot, you must make 6 cups, and so on.

Step 4: Screw the upper pot onto the lower one, making sure no coffee grounds are on the rim to prevent a tight seal. Put the pot on the stove over low to medium heat. If you make your espresso over heat that’s too high, you may over-extract and turn it bitter.

Step 5: The entire brewing cycle takes between 3 and 6 minutes, depending on the size of your pot. The water will heat up in the lower chamber, producing steam. Because steam occupies more space than water, it builds pressure and forces the hot water up through the coffee grinds in your basket. You will hear your espresso gurgling up through the pot’s “fountain” (C) and into the upper chamber. When the gurgling slows, check the upper chamber. If it’s filled with coffee, it’s done! Remove from the heat, pour into pre-warmed cups. If you like, sweeten to taste, add milk or cream, and drink with espresso joy!

Quick tip: To warm an empty cup, simply fill it with hot tap water. Let it sit for a minute, discard the water, and wipe dry.