Recipe: The perfect latte

Ever wondered how to create the perfect coffee in your own home? While a coffee machine does help with making consistently good coffee, a certain amount of skill is still required to make the perfect coffee.

The secret is all about preparation and precision.

1 - Preheat your mugs by rinsing them with hot water and fill your metal pitcher with one cup of milk. Preheating your mugs prevents the mug absorbing heat from the coffee.

2 - Place a thermometer in the pitcher and heat the milk until it reaches 160 – 170°F. When heating the milk, place the steam wand just beneath the surface of the milk pointing diagonally and rotate the pitcher to create a cyclone.

3 - Grind some fresh espresso beans, put the desired amount into the portafilter and press the coffee down.

4 - Brew and pull your espresso for about 20 – 23 seconds then pour the shots into your latte glass. Do not leave the espresso to stand for more than ten seconds on its own, as it will begin to go sour and deteriorate the quality of the latte.

5 - Pour the milk into your latte glass in a circular motion and finally stir your masterpiece!

And there you have the perfect latte. Be sure to let us know how you get on with conjuring your morning coffee by following the above directions. Or, if you have your own methods for producing the perfect coffee, share it in the comments below or send us an email. Enjoy.

Miele washing machine recommended on MSE

Joannecawthra started a thread asking for advice after her machine broke down. There are plenty of recommendations being discussed, but it is Pegginout who is the real Miele fan,

“I have had 4 washers in 10 years, so decided to invest in a Miele & I can honestly say it is FANTASTIC!

It takes 2 men to move it, it is so solid.”

Solid. A fair assessment of Miele’s washing machines? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Pumpkinpatch: “I need a washing machine…”

At Money Saving Expert (MSE) Pumpkinpatch has started a thread titled ‘I need a washing machine…’ asking which brand they should invest in. They’re finding the choice available a little overwhelming,

“In desperate need of a washing machine, I don’t know where to start . Where is the best place for reviews or comparisons, I didn’t realise there was so much choice out there.”

The ever attentive members of MSE have come to the rescue though and offered their help. A number of contributors have put forward Miele as the option they’d go for. Chickaroonee refers to the brand as the Rolls Royce of washing machines, where as Lady_A goes a bit further,

“I am a proud owner of a Miele. […] I love it, 10 year guarantee, quiet, large drum…just brill.”

For the full ‘I need a washing machine’ thread hit the link.

OutdoorsMagic on washing machines

OutdoorsMagic, a forum designed to bring outdoor enthusiasts together, has been discussing washing machines. It all began when Metric Kate asked about replacing her old machine.

There are a couple of pages worth of responses and amongst them is support for a variety of brands including Miele. The first contributor to bring them up is Mr Sworld, an owner of a Miele fridge/freezer, dishwasher and vacuum,

“Splash the cash and buy a Miele, still a family owned company, German engineering and they last forever! They will give you 20 year guarantees!”

His recommendation is echoed by user david creighton, and Colm ab Ifan cites the Which? surveys as his reason for choosing Miele. Where as rob s puts in rather plain English,

“Go Miele they are the mutt’s nuts, my parents is over 10 years old, in a hard water area and going strong. At Uni one of my house mates brought along a 20 year old one and it lasted the 2 years of abuse we gave it, we own one and it’s great.”

To read the full thread click through.

Digital Spy contributors recommend Miele

Howardl started the thread Miele Washing Machines on the Digital Spy Forum stating,

“I know they are expensive. Are they worth the extra money? The one I was looking at was £1000.”

The response has been almost entirely positive with Miele users jumping into the thread and passing on how they’ve found the brand. Humdrummer is a Miele fan,

“We got ours as Miele was recommeneded as the best for rinsing clothes, which is a plus for us as we have eczema sufferers in the family. We got a mid-range one and it’s been fab. Not a days bother with it and it’s now two years old. I would get another one.”

And Superluke2 discusses his particular model, the W562

“Bought a Miele W562 3 years ago. Quiet, probably because it’s heavy. Paid £550. A great bit of kit well worth the money. Look around for warranties, we got 5 years from the Miele website.”

There’s loads of Miele conversation on the thread, including discussion on their service division. Click through to read it all or leave your own thoughts.