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Hello coffeesnobs!
Ive been a lurker for some time and a member for a short time and I owe you all this thankyou.
Today I had my first home espresso and WOW!
My barista technique is in its absolute infancy. All Ive had to go on has been the very helpful hints and advice on this site. I struggled to justify buying the equipment needed, then got upgraditis and I didnt even have anything to upgrade! 
Eventually I bit the bullet and with my wifes blessing (and a nicely timed whack of backpay) bought myself a HX and a grinder. I spent yesterday afternoon dialling in the grinder and measuring shots and trying to get something consistent but wasnt happy. I went to work (night shift) and was able to peruse notes and how tos and came home confident I knew what had to be done. After Id warmed the machine up and tweaked the grind I went through my rehearsed routine, pulled the shot, stretched my milk and put it to my lips...*cue suitable angelic music*...it was the most velvety, aromatic and freshest tasting flat white Ive ever enjoyed.
I am now wired and cant get to sleep (on again tonight) because naturally I had to see if I could repeat it. The second attempt was dare I say it - better - as I think I did a better job cutting the shot a tad earlier and I was happier with the milk stretch.
So thankyou coffee snobs from the bottom of my heart. Without your inspiration I would never have bought my setup or known how to even attempt using it properly. To be honest, without you guys I wouldnt have believed little old me could ever produce a better tasting coffee than I buy at the shops. Reading your experiences I learnt otherwise, and gained the courage to have a go.
Any other newbies and lurkers out there intrigued and reading but wondering "surely I couldnt do it" - I say go for it. Its fun and you will surprise yourself with the results. Stop hesitating and just do it.
Now for more practice...and Ill only sip taste them HONEST!
Ive been a lurker for some time and a member for a short time and I owe you all this thankyou.
Today I had my first home espresso and WOW!
My barista technique is in its absolute infancy. All Ive had to go on has been the very helpful hints and advice on this site. I struggled to justify buying the equipment needed, then got upgraditis and I didnt even have anything to upgrade! Eventually I bit the bullet and with my wifes blessing (and a nicely timed whack of backpay) bought myself a HX and a grinder. I spent yesterday afternoon dialling in the grinder and measuring shots and trying to get something consistent but wasnt happy. I went to work (night shift) and was able to peruse notes and how tos and came home confident I knew what had to be done. After Id warmed the machine up and tweaked the grind I went through my rehearsed routine, pulled the shot, stretched my milk and put it to my lips...*cue suitable angelic music*...it was the most velvety, aromatic and freshest tasting flat white Ive ever enjoyed.I am now wired and cant get to sleep (on again tonight) because naturally I had to see if I could repeat it. The second attempt was dare I say it - better - as I think I did a better job cutting the shot a tad earlier and I was happier with the milk stretch.
So thankyou coffee snobs from the bottom of my heart. Without your inspiration I would never have bought my setup or known how to even attempt using it properly. To be honest, without you guys I wouldnt have believed little old me could ever produce a better tasting coffee than I buy at the shops. Reading your experiences I learnt otherwise, and gained the courage to have a go.
Any other newbies and lurkers out there intrigued and reading but wondering "surely I couldnt do it" - I say go for it. Its fun and you will surprise yourself with the results. Stop hesitating and just do it.
Now for more practice...and Ill only sip taste them HONEST!
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