After our recent article about espresso, it occurred to me that the espresso pot found in many vacations rentals can cause anxiety for those unfamiliar with its use. People familiar with the on button an automatic drip coffee maker might see this as more of a rubik's cube than a coffee pot. Those who already know may be able to add some more insight to the comments, but do not be alarmed: it is much easier than it appears. The first time I used one of these, I filled the top with water and ended up with little more than a mess and very foul tasting water.
First of all, we can look at the item itself. The top unscrews from the bottom, and inside the bottom is a small metal container that pulls out. Fill the bottom of the pot up with water just below the small valve on the side, and set this down and put the filter back into the pot. Next you will fill the filter with your fine ground coffee and then screw the top back on. Set the whole unit on the stove and set between medium and high heat. As the water comes to a boil, it will be forced up through the coffee and into the upper reservoir. Once the bubbling and hissing stops, it will be ready and you will have a few lovely cups of coffee. Enjoy!
