Depending on the Krups model you have, the process of making espresso will vary slightly, though the basic procedure will remain the same: Grind, fill, tamp and steam. Espresso is the traditional way to take coffee; in a small concentrated amount that allows the full pronounced flavor of the coffee to come through. Once you learn to brew an espresso shot, you can use it to make other drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Preparation

Grind the beans as finely as possible. For espresso, it is best to have the beans ground in-store, as few people own coffee grinders powerful enough to make an espresso grind. Espresso grind has the consistency of powder, almost like powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Espresso machines use pressure to brew the coffee shot, so in order for the steam to get through, the grounds have to be as fine as possible. Regular ground coffee will work, to a point, but the resulting drink will not be as strong. Fill the basket of the the espresso machine (this is the part with a handle that detaches from the machine.) Fill the basket to the top with grounds, and scrape it level. Use a coffee tamper to press down the grounds as tightly as possible. A tamp is a metal press that fits perfectly into the basket. If you do not have a tamp, use something else in your kitchen (be creative) such as the butt end of a small water glass. Anything that can press the grounds tightly into the basket will work.

Brewing

Fill the machine with water and turn it on. Run a test steam for about 15 seconds to clean out any coffee debris that may be in the machine. Attach the basket to the front and place a small cup or bowl below the basket to collect the espresso. Depending on your model, the machine will make the measured shot for you once you turn it on. However, if you want to time the shot yourself, allow the machine to run about 17 seconds for a sweet shot, and about 25 seconds for a bolder and more bitter shot.

Serving

Serve the espresso shot--typically 1 to 2 oz.--with plenty of sugar, or take it straight. You will know if you and the machine made a proper espresso shot if there is a thick golden layer of foam on the top. This foam is called the crema, the mark of a perfect espresso.

Source:

Talk About Coffee: How To Make Cappuccino And Latte At Home

More Information:

Krups Product Support Instruction Manuals