Latte à la Mode: A Morning, Made Beautiful

In the morning, always the same.

I wake slowly, I move softly. I do not like noise. There is the light—gentle through the curtain—and then, there is coffee.

Not just a drink, no. It is my morning coffee that I adore most.

You must understand… the lattes in America, they are too much for me. So bitter, so loud. Always rushing. But in Europe—ah, Europe—it was different. The coffee was smooth. It had softness. A kind of sweetness that stayed in the mouth like memory.

How to Make a Sweet European Latte at Home

On my kitchen counter, I have my machine—CitiZ&Milk. Stainless, slim, elegant. It does not speak loudly. It just… works.

The pod I place inside: Lungo Forte. Deep flavor, yes. But not sharp. It has body. Aroma. It is like the beginning of a very good story.

While it brews, I prepare the milk. Except it is not milk, really. I use Italian sweet cream—from Kroger, yes, but it has real sugar, and this, you taste. It reminds me of the cafés in Italy. Simple, but made with care.

The Foam, It Becomes Like Silk

I use my small frother. A gift. It fits in the hand like something personal.

As the cream turns to foam, I do not watch my phone. I do not think about emails. I just… wait.

The foam, it becomes like silk, no? It is soft, it is light, it is perfect.

The Assembly, Always the Same

Espresso first. Then cream. Then foam.

I pour it into my coffee cup. A little heavy, shaped well. I always keep a white cloth napkin near. It is not only for spills. It is part of the mood.

This small detail—important.

And Then, I Begin

I sit, I sip. My laptop opens, work begins. But first, always, this moment.

It is not about caffeine. It is not about productivity. It is about the beginning of the day, done with softness.

In a world that goes very fast, this latte is my way to go slow.

No bitterness. Only warmth. Only calm. A quiet luxury, just for me.