Ultimate Registry Item for Coffee Lovers

Last week I had the opportunity to test out the machine and learn about making the perfect cup of espresso. There's actually an art to it and it may take more than one cup of espresso to master it. Don't fret though, there are some simple things to do that will help. Matthew Taylor of Mercury Espresso Bar in Toronto was there to teach the class and he shared some tips I want to pass on to you.

1. Press the Grinds. After you grind your coffee into the press, make sure you really push down on the coffee (ensuring it's also even) with the tamper. This will make for a delicious cup of coffee!

2. Aerate the Steamer. Before you start frothing your milk, let the steamer heat up and spew before you start.

3. The Perfect Froth. If you're making a cappuccino (this requires a lot of froth), first you only need to fill the jug about 1/4 of the way full. The steaming rod should only be about 1 cm in the milk, which will start to create the froth. Bring the rod to the side of the cup to start a whirling action in the milk. This will heat up the milk. If the cup gets too hot to the touch, you're done -- if you let it get too hot, you'll burn your milk!

Retailing for $699, the machine is available in stores all across Canada. Visit breville.ca to find one near you.