Looking to take your coffee game up a notch? If you've got some delicious beans from Trading Post Coffee Roasters, why not try your hand at latte art? One of the most popular designs is the classic latte art heart, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Step 1: Start with your freshly roasted Trading Post beans

To create perfect latte art, you need a great base. Grind your Trading Post Coffee beans and pack them tightly into a portafilter. Tamp it down, insert it into the espresso machine, and start the extraction process. Once your espresso shot is ready, set it aside and move on to steaming your milk.

Step 2: Steam your milk to perfection!

Pour cold milk from your favorite local dairy into a pitcher, filling it about a third of the way. Put the steam wand just below the surface, turn the pitcher at a slight angle and turn it on. As the milk heats up, move the pitcher in a circular motion to create a whirlpool effect. This will help heat the milk evenly and create a smooth, velvety texture.

When the milk reaches the desired temperature, turn off the steam wand and tap the pitcher on the counter to remove any bubbles. Swirl the milk again to create a smooth texture and pour it into your espresso shot.

Step 3: Pour your heart out

Hold your pitcher about 2-3 inches above the surface of the latte and pour the milk in a steady, even stream. Start moving the pitcher back and forth in a zig-zag motion, creating a line of white foam on top of the espresso.

Once you've got a line of foam, tilt the pitcher slightly and move it towards the center of the cup while continuing to pour. As the milk hits the center, pour it in a circular motion to create a small circle of foam.

Next, pour a thin line of milk through the center of the circle, starting at the top and ending at the bottom. This will create the two halves of the heart.

Finally, pour a small dot of milk in the center of the circle to connect the two halves. Give your pitcher a little wiggle to settle the foam, and voila! Your Trading Post Coffee Roasters latte art heart is complete.

Step 4: Share your masterpiece

Take a moment to appreciate your delicious, locally-sourced latte art creation. Snap a photo and share it on social media, tagging @TradingPostCoffeeRoasters and using the hashtag #TPlatteart. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't come out perfect; practice makes perfect, and with some time and patience, you'll be pouring latte art like a pro in no time!

Happy pouring!