[Liz]

Thanks.

That makes it clearer....you use an espresso machine.

Got a recommendation for a good maker brand?

Also the brand and bean grind you’d recommend.

[antidisestablishment]

I use a older Krup's machine. It's decent and wasn't too expensive, but it's no longer made. Many connoisseurs would say a good machine will cost $100s. DeLongi makes makes a great starter machine:

As to coffee, for starters, most any blend will do. It depends on you tastes. I like Italian roast and some espresso blends. My preferred coffee is from a local shop here in Tampa, but you can use whatever blend you like. For a real Italian espresso try Lavazza.

The main thing is to grind the beans fresh--espresso concentrates the flavor and even "fresh" ground coffee tastes stale quickly.