10.31.2007

The Arrival of the Bialletti

The Bialletti L'Originale! The cry went up throughout the foreign student's dorm. The ultimate in espresso making machines. In the words of the Napoli natives, "the Mercedes of coffee makers." We rushed to the roof and prepared the cigarettes, sugar, and real coffee from Seattle. After the first brew, Atisha displayed the unique Italian espresso he learned to make in Napoli.

First, mound the coffee far beyond the spilling point. Then, when the coffee is brewing and the first bits come up into the top of the pot, pour these "first fruits" into a cup full of sugar. Return the Bialletti to the burner and mix the sugar until there is a wonderfully sweet brown paste. This goes into the cups and the brewed coffee goes on top. Bello!