I’ve posted this everywhere else in the world so far, so I figured I may as well make an
actual post about it on my blog, for the future generations to marvel at. I’ve had some interesting reactions so far, ranging from “that’s amazing, I might try it” to “I just threw up in my mouth”. Feel free to take whatever side you’d like, I won’t be offended… much.
So the story goes like this:
I scrambled these eggs using my espresso machines steamwand.
I cracked three eggs into a milk jug, added a few splashes of milk and about 50 grams of melted butter, added some salt and pepper, and stirred it all through.
Then I went and put it under the steam wand of my Isomac Mondiale, prayed that the coffee Gods would not strike me down, and turned on the steam… Using roughly the same technique as I would for steaming milk for cappuccinos, but leaving the tip immersed lower down in the eggs, rather than at the top, for around about 30 seconds.
For about 20 seconds it all looked very strange, like a creamy yellow vortex of uncertainty. The steam wand was also making the kind of noises that tend to indicate it’s not happy, roughly akin to the noise a cat might make while you’re repeatedly stepping on it’s tail. Then suddenly the eggs began to set it all came together in one thick solid gooey mess of bouncy eggishness.
At that point i turned off the steam, using a large spatula to stir the eggs through, as there was some parts more runny than others, and stirring it they seemed to combine nicely and the residual heat of the milk jug brought it all together some more.
Then I poured it out onto some toast, and served the eggs with bacon and fresh cracked pepper.
It took me about 10 minutes to clean the steam wand back to a point where i’d want to use it for milk again… The egg cooks and cakes on to the metal in ways that milk can only dream of.
In the end though, it was a perfectly tasty rendition of scrambled eggs, with a lovely airy consistency.
Thanks to Adam from Amateur Gourmet for the inspiration: www.amateurgourmet.com/2009/11/steam-scrambled.html
I tried to take a video of the whole process but failed miserably. Think blair witch project if they were trapped in the forest with only an espresso machine, a chicken, and a really long extension cord to fend for themselves. But because I’m such a nice guy who can handle the embarrassment, here it all is in all it’s horrible grainy video glory.
Why not. I’ve seen a steam wand used to make instant gravy (shudder). It was about then I decided NOT to order a coffee at that cafe.
I’m more impressed by your ability to crack, melt, stir and steam all whilst holding the camera at shoulder height. Not sure about your song choice though ;)
Matt, you fool.
You obviously didn’t read page 93 of your Isomac manual, where it explicitly states that making scrambled eggs with the steam wand will void your warranty. Page 94 however, does mention that passing the egg mixture through the group head is perfectly fine, and recommended.
The sound of a espresso wand in eggs heard round the world and every Italian Barista falling to his knee’s begging for mercy never again!
Would I try this? yes. Would I do this with Italian friends present? not if I wanted to continue living LOL! Eggs look great!
This is really clever! I might steal this technique ;)
Have fun removing the encrusted egg from the wand! Its hard enough with milk!
I might buy an espresso machine just to make these eggs.
Nisrine
Is it so bad of me that this experiment makes me want to get an espresso machine more than the idea of making quality espresso at home?
haha , this is soo cool :)
thats a clever idea.
Pass by my blog if you feel like, its jst starting but well.
You have a very brilliant idea you got there! You are abstractly COOL! peculiar, i think =)
gotta say, this may be the most innovative thing i’ve seen in awhile. i am so going to try this (only after i’ve made my morning latte).
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What did it take you to get rid of the wet dog eggy smell in your next caffe latte?
Also saying “Hi” to Brighita.
that is such a good idea.. I’m sure the eggs will be much more fluffier.
the cleaning of the wand must sure worth the effort!
Thats cool… I tried scrambled eggs and they were fabulus… Instead of frying them into butter oil I made them into Patan pure ghee and the taste was delicious….
I have read 3 posts.
This one (hilarious, I would NEVER have thought of that…) one about my one true love – coffee – and then my current obsession Risotto.
And then you have the pi symbol.
I am in love.
Kelley: Easy there… Expressions of love are not to be taken lightly. Any chump can wax lyrical about coffee, stir a risotto, and bandy about a pi symbol like they know how to quote it to 15 places…
Lightly oiling the wand before beginning might help.
But yeah, stay inside during storms for awhile. I believe you just made yourself into a mobile lightening rod. ;o)
I’m curious to know if you were REALLY able to clean the wand after… or did your next 10 lattes tasted of scrambled eggs?
Have to say I’m tempeted to try this at home, but my husband might kill me if I mess up with his beloved coffee machine
Moko: I think the less credence this method is given the better off all our espresso machines will be :) I’m still waiting to be struck down…
Foodlover: You can bet that the steamwand was well and truly clean before it was used for steaming milk again. It is stainless steel after all… It would have to be some fairly intense and prolonged egg blasting to infuse itself into the metal.
But yeh, I would perhaps not bother trying and focus on making good coffee instead :)
These eggs went cold a long time ago. New material please!
love your work matt. now you’re making me wish I had a steam wand. wonder what else you can do with it.
and I think your mum’s a little harsh in the comment above
My first thought reading that was “only a stoner would come up with an idea like that”. Nice one!! Always interesting to see new ways of doing things.
Interesting, my curiosity behind this idea is how long does the egg Last be fore it deflates.