Nespresso - Thefoodchapter experience

Thanks to Dixie, Merliza and Nespresso for this experience!

Remember the Nespresso Event at Savour? I had much fun being an amateur barista during the short session and imagine my delight when the kind folks of Nespresso and their PR Agency decided to loan me the Nespresso Lattissima+ machine for a couple of weeks! It’s totally having my coffee and drinking it (without committing to buying one, though I must admit the Dad was so thrilled with it he was just tempted to grab one off the shelf!).

No cups were smashed or coffee wasted during this testing. 

boutique

I had a hands-on session at the uber chic Nespresso boutique at Ion Orchard – if you do not already know, yes, they do have a boutique for walk in purchases and a complete listing of their stable of coffee machines.

machine

The machine for use!

layers

Lovely layers.

hazelnut

Hello, Naora!

hazelnut capsules

Their limited edition Hazelnut flavour was showcased with a dash of hazelnut syrup, a great pity they ran out of these when I was loaned the machine…! Loved the sweet flavour, easy to like and most importantly, a lady’s drink. 

drizzle

I lost count of the number of cups that were made for tasting,the jolt of caffeine certainly did wonders keeping me so awake.

froth

Testing out the milk functions.

hazelnut

Sprinkle some cocoa powder for the finishing touches.

clinic corner

How about a clinic session to finetune your needs?

cups

Pricey yet pretty cups.

branded

Branded cups.

shanghai tang corner

Chingchong made fashionable. Includes limited editions like the Shanghai Tang tie-up as well as one that is so blinged, Lady Gaga would be tres pleased.


shanghai tang

To covet.

colours

Happiness in colours.


Here’s why Nespresso machines are party/gathering must-haves, no longer is potluck a must have…it’s a coffee machine these days. As much as wine and liquor still makes it presence known at house parties, I decided to take a healthier approach with Nespresso. Only caffeine addicts need apply.

meiji milk

Only Meiji Milk used.

filling up

Pyscho the parents to have a grill out dinner – get everyone to pig out and then end off the multi-course dinner with coffee and try out the new Latissima+ Machine!

affrogato

Prettyful attempt at dessert. 

cremeria

Homemade affrogato – so easy to make! Combine my favourite icecream with the favoured espresso shot – trigger happiness there!

brownie

Brownie Factory.

ingredients

Having had a particular brownie-espresso dessert at Food For Thought previously, it was replicated without much fuss. Slice brownies, toss in some marshmellows and drizzle with a double shot.

frothy love

Frothy love!

marshmellow done!

Straight up sublime! For those who prefer their brownies not so soggy, it’d be ideal to keep the coffee as a dipping drink rather than dunking it in. 

first!q

I experienced making my first tiramisu too – surely is one of the easiest desserts to make – no baking required, just plain stirring and whisking, so much so I deemed it having “stirred a tiramisu” together. Smooth yet not overpowering coffee tones in this simple to make dessert. 

tiramisu

The longer I kept it, the coffee flavour was more evident. The guinea-pig-testers loved it, hooray! Personal first achieved with Nespresso. Here’s the recipe for those who want an easy to pull off kitchen stunt for loved ones, wow without the fuss.

Credit allrecipes.com, portions for 12.

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound mascarpone cheese
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons rum
  • 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well blended. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Boil gently for 1 minute, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Cover tightly and chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Whisk mascarpone into yolk mixture until smooth.
  3. In a small bowl, combine coffee and rum. Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise and drizzle with coffee mixture.
  4. Arrange half of soaked ladyfingers in bottom of a 7x11 inch dish. Spread half of mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then half of whipped cream over that. Repeat layers and sprinkle with cocoa. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours, until set.
 Enjoy!

Definitely smoother than the kopitiam caffeine fix, this is no papa palheta I am sure but this is as good as a  “do-it-yourself” can bring! Accomplished much, if only they have a course on latte art, that would be....closer to being a full fledged barrista!

first cup!

The daily grind.

The ease of use is one major plus point – especially with the folks who are not too savvy when it comes to gadgets. Reached a point that I would dash off to work amidst smells of coffee, we all take turns picking out our capsules and churning out the first caffeine fix for the day. A great start? I say “aye!”, if only I had freshly baked bagels to go with it.

oooh!

Almost spilling over. 

Of course, the machine was not all candycanes and marshmellows easy peasy without tantrums. A tip or two about the milk foam, use Meiji Full Cream Milk for best results – though be careful to fill up the milk compartment more than half for each serving – else be faced with a grouchy coffee machine that spews vapour (one of those misadventures!) Also, be mindful of the size of cups used and overflowing may occur. Milk avalanches? I’ve experienced them all. :P

burp2
burp1 

milk moustache
happy2 

Satisfied customers. Thank you NESPRESSO!

Comments

  1. @footprintsallover: LOL!!! :p suits your cottage theme perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't been to nespresso but I definitely want to go there.

    ReplyDelete

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