The Perfect Blend from Marta's Cuban American Kitchen (How to Make Cuban Coffee)

Babalu Blog ^ | July 24, 2008 | Marta

[PJ-Comix]

I just got back from Miami and I’ve got to admit:

If there’s one thing Cubans know how to do well (besides dancing and cooking and arguing, but that’s not important right now =D), it’s how to make the Best Coffee on This Earth.

Seriously, every Cuban home I was lucky enough to have been a guest in, served the most delicious, practically perfect, just-sweet-enough-with-the-perfect-amount-of-“espumita” cup of Cuban coffee. But more than that, what I absolutely loved was that every single person who made the coffee prided themselves in their creation. And in every home there’s always the One Person who gets asked to make the coffee because they just “know” how to make it right.

So today, because I love you and I know what’s good for you, I am going to share with you the Perfect Blend of art and science, which will produce that just-sweet-enough-is-there-anything-better-than-this? -God-I-love-being-Cuban cup of Café Cubano.

And as much as I hate to admit it, in my house, I’m not The Coffee Maker. My daughter, Kikita is. Which makes us The Perfect Blend: I cook the meal. She makes the coffee.

See what I mean? Perfect. ;-)

How to Make Cuban Coffee

You will need:
Stovetop espresso maker
Cuban-style coffee (Bustelo, Pilon, La Llave – available here)
Sugar
Glass or metal pitcher
Demitasse cups

1) Fill the bottom of the espresso maker with water - just to the valve.

2) Fill the strainer with Cuban-style coffee until it’s packed in well.
3) Screw the top on tightly.

4) Place on the stove, over medium flame, slightly to one side, so you don’t accidentally burn the plastic handle.

5) Place sugar by tablespoon in the glass (or metal) pitcher – the ratio is one Tablespoon of sugar per demitasse cup. Remember we like our cafecito SWEET.

6) When the coffee just begins to brew, remove from heat and pour a little bit into the pitcher with the sugar.
7) Place coffee pot back on the heat to finish brewing.

8) Meanwhile, stir the sugar/coffee mixture quickly until the bit of coffee melts down the sugar and you get it nice and frothy. (this is your espuma!)

9) Pour the rest of the coffee into the sugar mixture and stir. Very gingerly, scoop some of the froth and drop it in each cup.
10) Then very carefully pour the finished coffee into the cups making sure you don’t damage the espuma.
11) Sit back and enjoy. Not just the coffee, but if you’re The One, receive the compliments graciously. Smile, Look down. Blush if you can manage it. And say, “it was my pleasure.” And mean it. =D

[PJ-Comix]

This is why I could never get into Starbucks. It is because here in South Florida we have much superior Cuban coffee available. BTW, I recommend you go to the Babalu blog to see the photos of how to make Cuban coffee.

[the invisib1e hand]

probably the most useful thread I've seen in a very long time.

Florida should be sawn off and kicked away, but long live Cuban coffee and cuisine.

[skeeter]

I love good coffee. Unfortunately, my Krupps maker brews only 7/11-grade drip.

[Zevonismymuse]

And in every home there’s always the One Person who gets asked to make the coffee because they just “know” how to make it right.

That is me in our family. I am super stoked to have an opportunity to do an even better job of pleasing my husband. Thanks for the secret recipe.

[PJ-Comix]

One of the important keys here is the coffee/sugar mixture.

[Zevonismymuse]

One of the important keys here is the coffee/sugar mixture.

Oh, that part was not lost on me. You were very explicit in your instruction and I am an obedient student.

I will let you know how it all works out.

[e_castillo]

I make my own but when guests arrive it’s the Wife that gets asked :(

[JDoutrider]

Coffee recipe PING!

[cutexx]

At home, I’m the one that gets asked but when you’re visiting I ask YOUR wife ;) and I get a break.......

[cutexx]

Ditto and bump ;)

[Clemenza]

When I was living in Miami, a cortado of Cuban coffee cost 70 cents, while Cafe con Leche (espresso with steamed milk) and toasted Cuban bread with butter cost a dollar at the 24-hour place (Beacon Cafeteria) near my office.

Much better than Starbucks (thanks to the Pilon coffee company, whose roasting plant was but a half mile from my apartment, and which you could smell while playing at Doral), and kept me wired for dealing with my crazy clients in the Panamanian garment industry.

[Clemenza]

Coffee fan? All you poor folks in TN seem to have is Starbucks, DD, and Green Mountain at the gas stations.

[Lurker]

I just returned from a vacation in Jamaica. All I came back with was four bottles of 12 year old Appleton Rum, and 3 pounds of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

The best rum and the best coffee I've ever had.

L

[Clemenza]

Blue Mountain is very good stuff. I bought it on sale for $14.99 a pound at Porto Rico in the West Village a few months back, but have seen it as high as $29.99 a pound elsewhere.

Best coffee deal I found recently was at a middle eastern grocery in Paterson, NJ. Mocca Java from Yemen at $3.99 a pound. Unfortunately, said store does not have mail order.

[Lurker]

Glad to know I didn't get taken at the Duty Free. It was 16 a pound there. I figure I have enough to last till my next trip to Jamaica in February.

I've fallen in love with the place.

L

[PJ-Comix]

When I was living in Miami, a cortado of Cuban coffee cost 70 cents, while Cafe con Leche (espresso with steamed milk) and toasted Cuban bread with butter cost a dollar at the 24-hour place (Beacon Cafeteria) near my office.

Which is why I RARELY drink Starbucks.

[rrrod]

I check in on with Babalu daily. Great site. I FReepers need to stop by and say hi. And after a taste of Cuban coffee most will throw rocks at Starbucks!

[PJ-Comix]

I find it IMPOSSIBLE to visit SW 8th street in Miami without getting a few cups of Cuban coffee. Usually it is sold from places with the slide windows. Sort of traditional.

[rrrod]

YEAH MAN! and dont forget the acompanying eye candy!

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thanks for the ping, the family already complains about my strong coffee, if it got any stronger, they will scream.