In an effort to simplify and be more budget-conscious, I decided not to replace my very loved Gaggia espresso machine when we recently moved back to the States. Instead, I make my morning coffee the Italian way, with a very affordable stovetop espresso maker. And I’m OK with that. But a girl can still have her thick, luxurious froth, can’t she? With the Capresso Froth Pro, that’s a resounding “si!” I had been lusting after a Nespresso Aeroccino Plus ever since my friend bought one a few years back. But the Capresso won me over with its lower price (around $50-60) and ease of cleaning (it’s even dishwasher-safe.) I’ve been using it for about a month now, and I have never enjoyed such rich foam outside a coffeehouse. The unexpected bonus is that it turns a package of Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix into something out of a Swiss après-ski place. And when iced coffee season rolls around, the Capresso can do cold froth, too. Thank you, Capresso, for putting a little barista-ness back in my morning latté. — Ginny F.