Frothed Cream Basics

• To create a proper espresso drink, you must have frothed cream or milk to top it. Ideally, the purpose of frothing cream is to create a what is called a microfoam, or a small foam throughout all of the cream, not just on the top layer. Cream's high fat content allows for it to froth more easily than lowfat milk and it will taste even sweeter once frothed. You can create frothed cream with the help of electronic devices and manually.

Jar and Microwave Method

• Use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, your microwave and little bit of arm power to froth milk. Fill the jar no more than half way with cream and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the cream is frothy and nearly doubled in size. Remove the lid from the jar and microwave the cream for 30 seconds. Remove the cream from the microwave and use a spoon to hold back the foam as you pour the cream into your drink and top it with froth.

Whisk and Microwave Method

• A microwave-safe jar and a whisk can create frothed cream as well. Fill a jar up to its halfway point with cream. Microwave the cream uncovered for 30 seconds so that it is hot, but not simmering. Insert the whisk upright into the cream so that it touches the bottom of the jar. Place a whisk between your palms and rotate quickly for 30 seconds until the foam rises and the cream becomes frothy throughout.

Steaming Wand

• An electronic steaming wand makes creating foamed cream at home simple and quick. Use an espresso machine-attached steaming wand or a standalone electronic hand tool to easily froth cream for your drinks. With either of these, insert the wand or hand tool into the upper half of the cream, turn it on and within 10 to 30 seconds your cream will begin to rise. While the espresso machine attachment also heats the milk, when using a hand tool, you will have to heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove before use.