Small Appliances

Espresso maker When Italians make coffee at home, the majority use a stovetop coffee maker called a Moka (see Basic Techniques for how to use one). Although the Moka does not produce a classic espresso, it does make very respectable coffee, which can be used to make any of the desserts requiring coffee in this book. If you yearn for that perfect caffè with its rich flavor and seductive layer of crema, I recommend splurging on a superautomatic espresso machine, which will do everything from grinding the beans to calibrating the precise amount of coffee and water required.