The Neopolitan "Flip Pot"

Don't adjust your V-Hold...its supposed to look this way (upside down).
Along with my Frank-Lloyd-Wright-esque leaded glass window and my red tuffet, I scored a walk down memory land.

I see my Aunt Angelina in her kitchen finagling this contraption. This upside-down coffee (espresso)pot. Of course, they never called coffee "espresso" it was just coffee. If you wanted American coffee, well, you asked for American coffee.

I've been working on this pot. When I bought it, it was adorned with fine cobwebs and bits of who-knows-what, probably some sort of bug larvae long since forgotten. The aluminum had acquired a not-so-attractive gun-metal-gray patina.

After extensive google research on restoration of oxidized aluminum, I discovered yet another vinegar ephiphany. Apparently, "they say" if you boil the offensive aluminum item in one gallon of water with two tablespoon of white vinegar; your days of oxidation worry are over.

I must say, even though my entire house wreaked of vinegar and aluminum, the cobwebs and errant larvae were just a memory headed down the drain. The pot and its pieces DID look a bit brighter, but no where near the luster I expected. No, gentle readers, the only remedy would be the application of SOS scouring pads.

I'm up late tonight, working on the laundry. Between loads I decided that tonight would be just as good as any other time to shine that bad-boy up.
Clad with a pair of pink Playtex rubber gloves; I go at it. I give it all I've got. It's shiny! Yay! And, before you ask, I DID re-wash the whole she-bang with Dawn dish detergent as to remove any steel wool residue.

It is gorgeous! After a bit of a search, I found my long-lost can of Illy espresso beans. I grind them and calculate the correct water to finely ground espresso ratio.

The water is coming to a boil underneath. The insert holding the coffee is placed and the second half with the spout is placed on top. I waited until I saw a whiff of steam escape through the spout. Gingerly, as not to completely scald myself, I bring the pot over to the sink and FLIP! Its all good! No leakage, no spills.

The boiling water is merrily passing through the inner chamber and over the waiting grounds. I give it a good 10 minutes or so to drip through and then pour. The color is rich and the aroma delicious.

However, the secret to a good cup of coffee is throwing out the first pot. Let is sit and then toss it. Besides, its frickin' one in the morning. I'm not drinking espresso now!

TIP: Italians add sugar to the water before they make coffee. The sugar caramelizes and gives that smooth shiny texture to the brew. I'm so glad I know this. My espresso always seemed so blah compared to one you'd order "out" (and I don't mean at Starbucks!)

Good Night.