I thought I knew some of the basics of making a latte at home, but after taking ABC's Consumer Education and Home Barista class, I now realize I was doing it all wrong. This class has opened my eyes to ways of making consistent, delicious espresso drinks, how to buy and store coffee and how to quit wasting my time on less than perfect espresso drinks.
Annie R. | Mt. Vernon, WA

This full-day class will give you a broad understanding of specialty coffee, including its history, how it is harvested and processed, where it is grown and its similarity to fine wine in tasting notes, aromas, body, acidity, etc. We will also educate you on how to brew the best coffee at home, how to best purchase and store your coffees and how your coffee buying practices can make an impact on a global scale. Students will walk away from this class with a comprehensive knowledge of the passion, labor and processes it takes to grow and prepare outstanding coffee.

The second part of the class is dedicated to training the home barista and espresso enthusiast how to make a great espresso-based beverage. Students will learn about the history of espresso, espresso extraction, steaming and texturing milk for lattes and cappuccinos, adding flavors and chocolate to lattes and mochas, cleaning and maintenance and how to appreciate great espresso at home and at the local coffee shop. We will also discuss the importance of water quality and selecting the right espresso blend, as well as how milk impacts that perfect cappuccino. Students will learn how to set up a home espresso machine and other equipment.

8:30 a.m. to noon

• Introduction to Coffee
  
• Viewing of the Passionate Harvest
• Coffee Cupping: Tasting Coffees from Different Countries of Origin
• Coffee Brewing 101: Discovering Multiple Home Brewing Methods
• Buying Coffee: Freshness and Storage
• Environmental and Social Issues.