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Café con Leche

Serves 2 Beverage vegetarian, gluten-free, Beverages

Café con Leche

Café con leche holds a cherished spot in the Argentine breakfast tradition, serving as the morning companion to medialunas. This comforting beverage, a blend of strong coffee and hot milk, is typically enjoyed at home or in a café, providing a gentle start to the day. It's a moment to pause and savor the simplicity of life's small pleasures, rather than rushing through an espresso shot at the bar.

In each sip, you'll find a balance between the robust bitterness of the coffee and the creamy warmth of the milk, often sweetened to taste. The glass captures the swirling harmony of flavors, inviting you to linger over this comforting ritual. It’s a soothing way to ease into the rhythms of the day.

Ingredients

  • 120 ml (1/2 cup)strong coffee or espresso
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup)hot milk
  • sugar — optional

Method

  1. Start by preparing 120 ml (1/2 cup) of strong coffee or espresso. Use a coffee maker or espresso machine to ensure a robust flavor. The coffee should be rich and aromatic, with a deep, dark color indicating its strength.
  2. While the coffee is brewing, heat 120 ml (1/2 cup) of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. The milk is ready when it begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, but do not let it boil.
  3. Take a heat-resistant glass and pour in the freshly brewed coffee, filling it halfway. Immediately after, pour the hot milk into the same glass, filling it to the brim. The layers should mix naturally, creating a creamy, light brown color.
  4. Place sugar on the table, allowing each person to sweeten their café con leche to taste. This personal touch is essential for balancing the coffee's strength with the milk's creaminess.
  5. Serve the café con leche with medialunas or toast. The buttery, slightly sweet flavor of the medialunas complements the rich, smooth coffee perfectly, making for an authentic Argentinian breakfast experience.