Latte or cappucino?

[macherie]

I'm 39 and never drunk coffee (long story)

GP has said I need to increase my calcium intake, and as it's so freezingly cold here I thought a nice, warm, milky coffee might be just the thing

Pathetically, I'm quite excited about the idea, although a bit wary that I might become an addict.

So I'm wondering which would you recommend, latte or cappucino?

[SlasherGoober]

Both.
Cappuccinno is stronger. Both equally addictive.

[bellavita]

Latte.

[kerryk]

latte everytime!

[MmeTussaudsChmberOfChocHobnobs]

If you are not used to coffee then start with a latte, not so strong and more milk so more calcium.

You can also get decaff espresso if you don't want to drink too much coffee but like the taste.

[macherie]

Oooh, I'm getting excited now, so maybe start with a decaf latte - is there such a thing?

[cuttingmeownthroatdibblaaaargh]

I like latte, esp with vanilla syrup. Decaf just as nice ime

[BlueCowWonders]

why not hot choc? Lovely and frothy with whipped cream etc Maybe work your way up through decaf to the 'hard stuff'...

[AMumInScotland]

You can certainly get decaff latte's - I sometimes go for one instead of the caffeine if I've already had some that day

[Habbibu]

I am charmed by your excitement - we should relish the little joys and novelties. I'd go for latte - properly made cappucino is a stronger, shorter drink, with less milk. I have decaf latte a lot (bought a bloody coffee machine as dh and I like coffee verr much...)

[macherie]

Habbibu, you are so right, it's the small pleasures that make all the difference

So where should I go for my decaf latte, there's a Starbucks around the corner, or is there somewhere better?

[Habbibu]

Really don't like Starbucks coffee, tbh. The staff in our local one are lovely, but the coffee tastes a bit boiled and weak to me. Independent coffee shops often the best bet.

[macherie]

Bluecow, a hot chocolate would be gorgeous, but if I had one a day, I'd need a new wardrobe! Maybe for my Sunday treat!

[MmeTussaudsChmberOfChocHobnobs]

If you would like to experiment at home, get yourself one of [http://www.bialetti.it/uk/catalogue/scheda.asp?id_cat=24 these]]. Very easy to use and makes great espresso.

Starbucks is ok, but there are some really good small cappuccino bars around that are better, more atmospheric, and with much better coffee.

[fairylights]

latte latte latte every time! i was only thinking the other day that i should change my MN name to "ladylatte"..
caldron is right though - they are not made well in the UK but i would say that the caffe nero near me does a pretty fine one.
happy drinking

[MmeTussaudsChmberOfChocHobnobs]

oops try again

[halfaquark]

I like a bit of frothiness.

[unknownrebelbang]

Neither - I can't stand coffee in any form.

I'd go for milky hot chocolate, even better creamy hot chocolate.

[AMumInScotland]

You can also ask for a "skinny latte" to get them to make it with skimmed milk, if you want the calcium but are worried about too many calories.

[macherie]

Mme, thanks for that, they are such cute little coffee pots, I'll have to give one a try. dh is laughing at me, I have a knack of turning every event into a shopping opportunity!

[macherie]

AMum, that sounds exactly what I'm after.

Unfortunately, counting calories got me into this situation, I had issues with food in my teens, and so my calcium levels are pretty low. But old habbits die hard, so I'm more likely to drink it if I'm not worried about putting on weight.

So then that's a skinny decaf latte

Honestly, I'm so looking forward to it!

[notamumyetbutoneday]

Costa Coffee latte is nicest in my opinion, its very 'mild' tasting (sure thats not the correct terminology at all!)so it would be a good introduction for a coffee virgin

[notamumyetbutoneday]

on another note could you use smoothies to increase your calcium intake (fruit and yoghurt)? perhaps not til the weather warms up a bit though...

[oopsacoconut]

I usually have a hot milk with flavoured syrup in - my fave is gingerbread at the moment. Coffee makes me wizzzzzzy.

[elmoandella]

i find costa coffee too strong and bitter.

prefer a starbucks here. specially there xmas blends.

i like caramel machiatto when i'm having a fat day.

otherwise i have skinny latte.

cappuccino can be made very very strong in some places. and if you dont like it strong this will be undrinkable.

to make a lovely latte in the house. put a spoonful or nescafe (decaf if you prefeer) and fill with milk that you've allowed to come to almost the boil. just when milk starts to froth put it in coffee. you can put in microwave but it doesn't taste the same and you dont get any froth.