Mama Barista

Many of you know that I was a barista at a small cafe in the engineering building (convenient, eh?) during college.  I have been trying to find a coffee shop that makes a great caramel latte to my specifications (because being a barista makes you so stinkin' picky about your coffee!)  Buying coffee at a cafe is kinda pricey (the best place I found in Tulsa is called "Shades of Brown" and a drink is around $5.00- yikes!)  And now with my sweet Luke, it isn't very practical to hop in the car 15 minutes just to get coffee.  So, after extensive online research, I chose to purchase an espresso machine.  Those babies can cost up to $3,000 for a cafe-quality one.  Not mine!!  I found a fantastic little machine for $99.  It's the De'Longhi EC155.  I got it on sale at Macy's.  It makes the best espresso- beautiful golden crema, smooth taste (I don't drink it straight so I had Dan test it out.)  It steams milk easily for my lattes.  I haven't perfected a good foam for a cappucino yet... will try that later.  *Edit: Figured out the foam!*

Now, you have to use tasty beans with the machine so that you end up with tasty espresso!  I found a local roaster called Topeca.  They sell their beans around town at certain grocery stores.  They even have their own plantation in El Salvador where they grow the beans. It's pretty unusual these days to have a company go from "seed-to-cup" as they do.  Well, I'll be buying their coffee from now on.  It's sooo good and always freshly roasted.  Mmm...

Now you need to come to Tulsa so that I can make you a latte! (Also, you can see my adorable baby boy!)  So many reasons to visit scenic Tulsa, Oklahoma!!

Recipe for the Best Caramel Latte in Tulsa:

Two shots espresso (Topeca Brand)
1 tbs Caramel Sauce (Torani)
1/2 cup 2% milk