The Fun Basics Of Latte Art

There’s a whole art to making fun steamed-milk designs on top of the espresso, but there are basic ways and techniques that one can master without having a professional barista put on a show.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Make the perfect foam

The first step is to pour cold milk into the steam pitcher, which is ideally placed in the freezer or refrigerator for around 30 minutes before use. Next, put the steam wand at the bottom of the pitcher, turn on the steam, and raise the wand gradually until it’s close to the tip of the milk. The third step is to spin the milk and then aim for the microfoam without compromising the body. Shut the steam and remove the thermometer as well as wand from the milk.

Time to pull the espresso

Run the shots as soon as the milk is foamed. The ideal espresso shot should contain a little cream in it and the typical coffee flavor. Pull the shot within 21 to 24 seconds; espresso leans toward sweeter when pulled close to 24 seconds. Pour the espresso shorts into a mug or another big-mouthed container, not letting the shot sit for over 10 seconds before adding milk.

Pour the milk and espresso art

There’s a wide range of fun patterns to make, from leaf and rosetta to hearts and flowers. You may leave the latte art as it is, or try embellishing the design with stencils, milk foam, and power, depending on the stroke of creative genius that’s there at the moment!

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Mind the details

Be cautious of the height, flow, position, and control when pouring milk into the espresso. Remember that where you drop the milk into the coffee has a huge impact on both the style and symmetry of the design.

Danny Crenshaw is a 25-year-old student at the University of Washington School of Law. He works part-time as a barista in a coffee shop in Seattle. More articles like this here.

Our Favorite Teen Movies From The ‘90s

When it came to teen movies, filmmakers in the ‘90s had their work cut out for them, especially since the ‘80s had some of the most iconic films of the genre. Producers and directors in the ‘90s had to follow the footsteps of filmmakers such as John Hughes (“The Breakfast Club”, “Sixteen Candles”, “Pretty in Pink”), Joel Schumacher (“The Lost Boys”), and Cameron Crowe (“Say Anything”). But against all odds, the ‘90s delivered, and they did so in amazingly smart and stylish fashion.

Image  Source: teenvogue.com

Here are a couple of our favorite ‘90s teen flicks everyone should enjoy.

Clueless

Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and company were all hilarious in one of the most memorable teen-centric vehicles of the early ‘90s. More of a satire on life in Beverly Hills for rich teenagers, “Clueless” dispatches all the angst of the era, replacing it with snark and ditzy one-liners.

10 Things I Hate About You

The late great Heath Ledger teams up with Joseph Gordon-Levitt to woo the Stratford sisters in this wonderful modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Much like “Clueless”, “10 Things I Hate About You” is responsible for influencing an entire generation of kids.

                   Image Source : abcnews.com

Can’t Hardly Wait

“Can’t Hardly Wait” is quite a microcosm of a film, meaning the entire film happens in a single night, in a single place. Although not as influential as the first two movies on this list, “Can’t Hardly Wait” is still very much worth a watch. And it’s way fun.

My name’s Danny Crenshaw. I’m a student at the University of Washington School of Law. I love films from the ‘90s. Check out this Twitter account for more on the ‘90s cinema.

Top Directors Series: Jonathan Demme's ‘90s Hits

The ‘90s was a decade filled with great movies from almost every genre. It was also a decade when directors made their mark in the industry. One of these directors is Jonathan Demme.

Image source: time.com

In the early ‘90s, Jonathan Demme released two very different films that won Oscars in different categories. These movies were “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Philadelphia.”

“The Silence of the Lamb” was a suspense thriller of the highest order and has constantly been on top of greatest movies lists ever since its release. The film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress – one of only two movies to do so.

The film follows Jodi Foster’s Clarice Starling as she tries to uncover the identity of the serial killer, Buffalo Bill. Aiding her in her quest is the immortal Anthony Hopkins, who plays Hannibal Lecter, in one of the most memorable acting performances in film history.

Image source: post-punk.com

“Philadelphia” is Jonathan Demme’s second Oscar-winning movie. It is a courtroom drama that featured two of the most talented actors of this generation – Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, both of whom gave tour-de-force performances. Both were nominated Hanks for Best Actor, and Washington for Best Supporting Actor. Hanks won, but Washington’s performance left many to praise him as one of the best Hollywood has to offer.

I’m Danny Crenshaw, and I’m a law student at the University of Washington. I love the films that came out in the ‘90s. Learn more about films by following me on Twitter.