I have never really had a fancy coffee/espresso machine at home and when I did, we got rid of it in a matter of days because it took up too much counter space and was a hassle to maintain. So understandably, I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to test out the Dolce Gusto Genio II by Nescafé. I received a selection of coffee capsules to try ranging from Espresso to Caramel Latte Macchiato. My favourites were the cappuccino, latté, and espresso.

Cappuccino

1. Turn on your machine and fill-up the back with water if empty.
2. Select your capsule(s) (lattés, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates require 2 pods: one for the coffee/cocoa, and the other for the milk).
3. Insert your capsule of choice, select the strength/size, and go!
4. Enjoy a hot and fresh specialty beverage in your own home!

Note: Noise in the video is NOT from the machine. Someone was cooking in the background 🙂

Latté

Why it’s great

1. He’s so cute! Genio II is compact and adorable and looks great on my countertop! 

2. Price! Genio II costs $129 and the pods cost on average $8.99 for a box that includes 16 capsules – very affordable for a machine that creates quality specialty coffee beverages. Being a follower of Montreal Maven has it’s perks and you will get an additional discount on your very own Genio II machine. (Use code DolceGusto15 to get 10% off of your online purchase at www.dolce-gusto.ca). There is also a special going on right now that allows you and a friend to buy your own machines at 35% off AND receive free capsules! Don’t miss it!
3. Hot and cold drinks! The Genio II can make both hot and cold drinks. Craving an iced latté come summertime? No problem, this machine has you covered.
4. Variety! Lungo, Grande, Latté, Cappucino, Americano, Choccocino, Caramel Latté, and some Teas are available as well. Something for everyone.

Creamy Hot Chocolate (Topped with a Marshmallow of course)

How it compares to the Keurig, Nespresso, and other Espresso Machines

I have tested out both the Keurig and Nespresso, which are similarly-sized coffee machines. The Keurig makes the equivalent of a cup of drip coffee in a variety of flavours widely available at grocery stores, but cannot make specialty coffees like the Genio II. Dolce Gusto capsules are mainly available online in Canada and can also be found at Metro grocery stores!

Nespresso machines do make great specialty coffee beverages, but are significantly pricier than the Genio II (a Nespresso machine that makes cappuccinos and lattés with frothed milk sell for around $300).

As for other espresso machines, these are typically much larger and more difficult to maintain than the Genio II. The high pressure system in the Genio II allows the machine to make café-style coffees without all of the bulky machinery. The machine can be easily cleaned with the Dolce Gusto descaling kit.

If you live in a small space, enjoy a fancy cup of coffee, and want a versatile coffee machine capable of creating a variety of hot and cold café-style beverages, the Genio II and Dolce Gusto Coffee capsules are for you! Indulge in “The Art of Making Coffee”.

Caramelized Banana French Toast with a Dolce Gusto Cappuccino

Bonus Caramelized Banana French Toast Recipe
French Toast & Batter
2 Slices of thickly-cut challah bread
2 Eggs
1 Tsp of vanilla extract
2 Tbsp of milk (can be replaced with almond milk, or milk of your choice)

Mix together the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk and soak challah bread in the mixture until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Cook in pan using some butter until golden on both sides.

Caramelized Banana Syrup
1 Banana
A splash of orange juice or apple juice (I had freshly squeezed apple juice from Petch Farms in the fridge, which worked really well, but any juice with some acidity will work)
1/3 cup of Maple Syrup

Cook down all ingredients in a pan until they turn into a syrup or sauce that can be poured over the french toast slices. Pour the mixture onto the french toast and dust with powdered sugar, or cinnamon. Enjoy!