My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

Cafe La Llave Fresh From the Pod

By

Every year in October I celebrate how long I’ve been in the blogosphere. Because I think milestones should be acknowledged and celebrated. It turns out that this happens to be my 13th year and I’m super proud of that. *takes bow*

Please read my blog post, “Thirteen.”

Every year in the month of October I celebrate with giveaways from my favorite brands/friends and, if you’ve been following along, this year has been no different. Except for I still have a few giveaways to go and October has been over for a couple of weeks. *Ay, Dios mio!*

Let’s just admit that I’ve been on Cubantime and call it good. (I know Shut up.)

So today, let me get right to it and share with you the fabulousness that is Cafe La Llave and how much I appreciate the beauty of getting the espumita effortlessly perfect every time.

Because my cafécito is not going to make itself… or is it? 

Here’s the super-secret-double-probation way to get your espumita perfectly perfect. As much as I love the taka-taka sound you make as you are frothing up that espumita, I’m kind of delighted to be able to have an option of making that espumita without having to taka-taka your way into oblivion. 

NOTE: I personally LOVE the whole ritual of using my little cafetera and making the café from scratch, the old school way. But people! There is nothing more glorious than popping a pod into this gorgeous device and just moments later having the café come forth into the world in such an outstandingly excellent way. 

Which brings me to today’s giveaway, sponsored by my friends over at Café La Llave.  

Café La Llave is generously partnering with My Big Fat Cuban Family to give away a brand new Breville Nespresso inissia Espresso Maker with a starter pack of coordinating Café La Llave pods. 

Here’s how to enter the giveaway for this beautiful Breville Nespresso inissia Espresso Maker that includes a starter pack of Café La Llave: Leave a comment on this post and answer one or all of the following questions. 

  1. Who usually makes the coffee at your family gatherings? (My daughter Amy is the one around here.)
  2. How much sugar do you put into your cup? (I may or may not have from 4-6, because Cuban!)

Also, let me tell you how you can have a second chance to win this beautiful Breville Nespresso inissia Espresso Maker… 

Go over to Facebook and “like” Cafe La Llave – then come back and say “I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!” (I’m going on the honor system here, but I’ll do a few spot checks to make sure you’re following directions.)

I feel like you’re going to love following them anyway, so it’s a win for both of us. 

*************************************************

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2019 

Thanks to everyone who entered! All the comments from here went into the Random Number Generator and that’s how we chose the winner. Also, I sincerely loved each and every one of your comments. I love how we share the “let’s make cafecito” tradition in all our homes. 

Congratulations to Amy Harris!  – send me a DM with your shipping address so we can ship out your beautiful new Nespresso Maker and La Llave pods ASAP

Please appreciate this unboxing video from the winner of the Nespresso maker and pods, Amy Harris. Thank you for letting us share in your delight! Buen Provecho! 

You might also like:

Mami Loves Cuban Coffee – A Giveaway Mami Likes/Loves Cafe La Llave – A Giveaway National Coffee Day Starts with Cafe La Llave – a Giveaway Cafe LaLlave in K-Cups and All My Wishes Have Come True

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ava Reyna-Balsamo says

    I make the coffee, with a little cafetera I found on clearance in TJMaxx, how awesome! Espumita=2-3 cucharaditas de azúcar.
    And I liked café la llave a long time ago!!

    • Raquel Fernandez says

      I make the coffee in the house 🏡. Depends the amount of shots I make or if a colada. Espresso cup 2 espresso spoons of sugar. Colada is 3 full teaspoons of sugar. Gracias Marta!! I’m crossing my fingers to win for mami and papi who need it the most !

    • Mercy Lorenzo says

      I like cafe La Llave, love the taste and love it when is on sale. When I drive down to Miami from West Palm if is on sale I stock up big time!

      • Mercy says

        I liked cafe la llave on Facebook. I love the taste and when I go down to Miami from west palm and is on sale I stock up big time!

  2. Margarette Cecil says

    It’s usually me making the “cafe” but my son makes it when he’s here. He drinks it with no sugar! My husband and I like a lot! Oh I would love to win the Breville!

  4. Jacqueline Paraja says

    I make the coffee for my family!! I’m the weird Cuban when we get together because I take ZERO sugar in my coffee! Just milk 🙂 I like cafe la llave on Facebook! I love you page 🖤

  5. Gabriella Martin says

    1. I make the most proper Cuban coffee in our house. I impressed the whole family by showing off my skills at my graduation party last year. But my gringo dad is not bad with a cafetera, either!
    2. 7 for Cuban coffee with cafetera, but like one or two in regular coffee.

    • Matthew Hindmarch says

      I usually make the Cuban coffee in my house and at my parents it’s my dad!
      My family being Cuban we like our coffee sweet and strong! So depending on the amount, usually 6 teaspoons. Espumita to finish it off!

      Also I like dcafe la llave a while ago in Facebook! I always pick it up in Miami when I’m visiting mi familia!

  9. Melissa says

    My madrina usually makes the coffee when we’re all together. She usually adds 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water- the old school cafeterita for 8 cups of coffee.
    This is a fantastical giveaway!!! So nice and convenient for the Cubanity that is my family! 🙂

  10. Johanna Gomez says

    My Abuela made the best cafe cubano just until about a year ago when she started loosing her sight. (Shes 91 y acabando!) She has never used nor does she know how tu use a cafetera cubana. She made her cafecito the old school way and the only way she new since Cuba. She would boil the water, add sugar until the water was sweet to her liking and then came el cafe. She would add spoonfuls of cuban coffee until the consistency was just right, and once she brought it up to a boil a couple of times, entonces lo colaba en una tetera de tela (which she pretreated before use…lol) My grandmothers cafecito might not have had la espumita, but it was the best coffee in town!

  13. Moraima Perdomo says

    I make the cafe in the house, funny enough starting using La LLave a few months ago. The espumita is of course make using the old fashioned method using 6tspn of sugar, It is the gasolina I need to start my day, can’t function otherwise.

  14. Moraima Perdomo says

    I make the cafe in the house, funny enough starting using La LLave a few months ago. The espumita is of course make using the old fashioned method using 6tspn of sugar, It is the gasolina I need to start my day, can’t function otherwise.

  15. Moraima Perdomo says

    I make the cafe in the house, funny enough starting using La LLave a few months ago. The espumita is of course make using the old fashioned method using 6 teaspoons of sugar, It is the gasolina I need to start my day, can’t function otherwise.

  16. Aimee Rodriguez says

    My mom or I make the coffee and use 2 teaspoons of sugar. I like Café la Llave Facebook page

  17. Moraima Perdomo says

    I like the Cafe La Lave on Facebook
    Just noticed that my previous comment posted 3 times. I was having problems with my phone and didn’t realize I had done multiple post. Discúlpame

  18. Luly Sanchez says

    I have 5 kids I homeschool them, I need coffee please make me the winner lol I love coffee like a gordito loves flan. Please Martica estoy muerta lol love, house full of kids in miami.

  19. Luly says

    I forgot the answers see, that’s why I need this machine lol my husband serf makes the coffee and puts like 5 or 6 spoonfuls of sugar i like my sugar with coffee and cream (leche evaporada) xoxox

  21. Elaine says

    I am the one who makes the coffee usually and I add like 4-5 spoonfuls of sugar… we like the Espumita thiiiiiiccccck!!!

  22. Waldemar says

    I make the coffee using una greca… son azúcar morena, milk frother ( using evaporated milk)… sweet and strong.

  23. Samantha Go says

    I liked the cafe la llave page !

    Who usually makes the coffee at your family gatherings?
    My mom usually makes the coffee with extra love ?
    How much sugar do you put into your cup?
    I put about 2-3 spoons !!! I like it sweet

  27. Cary Diaz says

    Coffee is a staple in our home… we drink it many times a day, like why not right?! We love cafe & La Llave is bomb cafe. Love your blog! Good bless.

  29. Karlene Diaz says

    I like and follow Cafe La llave on Facebook.

    I’m the cafecito maker of the family and of Alabama.

    When I make a 6 cup Imusa Cafetrs, I use about 7 teaspoons of sugar.

    This is a wonderful giveaway- thanks!

  32. Lili Guenther says

    I’m the one who usually makes the coffee (though sometimes my husband will do it)
    And easily there has to be 4-7 teaspoons or more (depending on how tired we are lol) of sugar…but we hardly measure. Just pour it in and mix!

  35. Sandy Sanchez says

    I love cafe so much! Cafe reminds me so much of my abuela Mima. I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!

    • Cami lopez McNulty says

      I liked cafe la lleve on facebook!
      My household is a coffee lover. It would be super dreamy to get this prize for this cold days coming up!
      Also.. I will be making pastelitos de guayaba from your recipe blog tomorrow! *super excited*
      Xoxo

  36. Julie Gou says

    I am usually the one who makes the coffee, mainly because I hate how everyone else makes it! Hahaha sorry Mom!

    I have been cutting back on my sugar so in a perfect world it is 1-2 but it should really be none (that’s not happening any time soon)

  39. Dariela says

    Omg how exciting!! I love La Llave and Nespresso! I actually don’t put any sugar on my coffee! But when I feel like some sweetness I add leche condensada!!! Thank you Marta and congrats on your 13th!!!

  41. Carmela Christoforatos says

    I usually make coffee for everyone at my house. I love it with 2-3 tsp of sugar. Awesome giveaway for coffee lovers!

  43. Kiki Bacaro says

    One of my kids usually makes it and I confess to one tablespoon per cup (not real cups, cafetera cups😂🤣).

  45. María Prieto says

    I make the coffee for my coworkers with Cafe La Llave of course! I put 5 teaspoons for my 6 cup cafetera. Would love to have the Breville at work. I certainly would make more coffee for my coworkers and me of course. I already follow La Llave on Facebook.

  46. Loretta Garcia says

    Hi Marta – Not sure if I qualify to participate but just in case here ya go.

    I make the cafecito in my house complete con espumita y todo. I have used Cafe La Llave forever and like you need my 4 to 6 or even 7 cucharaditas de azucar to ensure I get my cafe and sugar fix!

    I think I already like and follow Cafe La Llave but will make sure to double check. Looking forward to seeing you soon. I will be happy to make the drive to your side of town if I win!

  47. Alex Herrera says

    I usually make the coffee with my abuela, she taught me how to do it after all! Depending on who’s house we are at we use either the old school way or a machine. I usually just eyeball how much sugar I am putting in depending on how much coffee we make (I go teaspoon by teaspoon until the Cuban sugar gods say to stop)! La Llave has always been our favorite coffee to use. I love making the coffee because it brings the whole family together and we tell stories while drinking it. It’s very special to me.

    I like Cafe LaLlave on Facebook!

  48. Sarah says

    Whoever is up first makes the coffee!
    And depending on who makes it tells me how much sugar! 😂 if I have a flavored creamer I just use that! If I don’t and it’s good coffee I’ll do half a bag to a bag of sugar! If it’s bad coffee I do a couple bags!

  49. Zelde says

    I make the cafe La Llave always.

    I don’t measure-let’s say generous!!

    I love this one!!!!

    I liked Cafe LaLlave. On fb.

  50. Ana Fajardo says

    I make the café in my house with usually 3 to 4 spoonful of sugar, I can’t live without my cafecito fix. if I’m in a cortadito mood, then I add steamed evaporated milk. YUM!! Would love to have a Nespresso

  51. Marta Quinn says

    Marta big family gatherings my nephew David makes the coffee, The sugar about 6 teaspoons and as you like to say “don’t judge “

  55. Carlos Llanso says

    My sister makes the coffee —it’s a ritual I look forward to almost as much as a pastelito de guayaba! Don’t know how much sugar. Don’t wanna know! I already like your fb page (that’s how I ended here!)

    • Melinda A says

      My husband, who gets his Cuban-ness From his mother side, makes the most absolutely wonderful cup of coffee. Or should I call it joy? He has shared with me so many wonderful Cuban flavors and traditions. Who knew that fresh hot buttered Cuban bread would taste so good dipped in a Cup of Café con Leche? Or just how warm and refreshing a cup is when having a guava pastry or a serving of flan? And that it’s absolutely OK to be over the top loud while sipping a cup of coffee shared at a family gathering? So happy to be raising our son which such fabulous traditions. I only hope that one day he appreciates café Con Leche as much as I do!

  63. Jamie Rodriguez says

    Ooh! A giveaway – how fun! And this is such a beauty.
    I make the coffee in my little cafetera given to me by my mother-in-law. I couldn’t part with what is now beloved tradition in our family. However, how nice to use pods to make coffee for a whole house full of Cubanos waiting for their delicious coffee! I could be so efficient! 🙂

    How much sugar, you ask? 2 heaping teaspoons, and alway with the instructions: “Prueba” because I’m never quite confident.

    I “liked” La Llave because I do, indeed, like La Llave.

    Thank you for the opportunity, Marta!

  64. LUZ Gonzalez says

    We love Cafe La Llave and love to have that coffee maker in our house since is were we all get together at 5:30pm everyday for our cafecito expresso, family always stays together when it’s a good cafecito!! ☕️☕️

  66. LUZ Gonzalez says

    We love Cafe La Llave and love to have that coffee maker in our house since is were we all get together at 5:30pm everyday for our cafecito expresso, family always stays together when it’s a good cafecito!! ☕️☕️

  67. Beatrice says

    I usually make the coffee but i also taught my son to make it! We use a small cafetera and for the espuma a hard plastic cup we use mostly for this purpose, we measure it by eye about a centimeter high… always comes out perfect and fills the house with that lovely coffee smell!! ❤️ ☕️

  68. Maggie P says

    I usually make the coffee. When we had an espresso machine it was even more fun to make coffee for friends and family

    Sugar? Same because I’m Cuban too!!

  69. George Gonzalez says

    My Wife is usually the one who makes the Magic !!
    She pours 6 teaspoons of sugar and starts the chaca chaca dance 💃 in the kitchen. And within a couple minutes she pours what i call the Liquid Gold !!

    Lets improve tradition together ☕️

  70. Beatrice says

    I usually make the coffee but i also taught my son to make it! We use a small cafetera and for the espuma a hard plastic cup we use mostly for this purpose, we measure it by eye about a centimeter high… always comes out perfect and fills the house with that lovely coffee smell!!

  72. George Gonzalez says

    My Wife is usually the one who makes the Magic !!
    She pours 6 teaspoons of sugar and starts the chaca chaca dance 💃 in the kitchen. And within a couple minutes she pours what i call the Liquid Gold !!

    Lets improve tradition together ☕️

  74. Natalie says

    Mi papá makes the best Cuban coffee. My mom and I stick to the simple k-cups until he treats us with sweet cafecito. I was just talking to mom about something like this. She would love it!

  75. Lissette Bazan says

    We only drink cafe la llave at home! Taught my Mexican husband how to make a perfect cafecito so we both make it at home! 3 spoons of sugar is our favorite! Pour it in before making the coffee and it makes the perfect espumita!

  76. Anabell says

    Nothing better to start our day with the smell of the espresso brewing! We love it, I am the one who usually makes it during gatherings (and every morning-porque sin cafe, no hay quien me hable) ; and 2 spoons of sugar per 3/4cup. Delicioso!

  77. Flor Bounhas says

    In my family I am there one who makes the coffee at family gathering. Love, love a simple cafecito se olla with a touch of cinnamon and azúcar morena. Just wanted to also say love love you blog. Congrats on your 13th years of blogging.

  81. Anabell says

    I liked Cafe La Llave!
    Nothing better to start our day with the smell of the espresso brewing! We love it, I am the one who usually makes it during gatherings (and every morning-porque sin cafe, no hay quien me hable) ; and 2 spoons of sugar per 3/4cup. Delicioso!

  84. Natalie Gonzalez says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!

    My mother in law makes the best coffee for the family gatherings…. but my hubby makes the best cafecito every morning to get us going. 🙂

    We use a teaspoon of sugar for each serving based on size of cafetera…. usually 4 teaspoons for our regular size cafetera.

  85. Elicedia Alvarez says

    My mom is the one that makes the coffee. She adds 4 cucharaditas pero bien llenas. We are Cuba and like our cafecito sweet.

  86. Sarena says

    My grandma used to make our coffee in the traditional way but she recently passed. Now I make Cafe Bustello in the Keurig lol. We recently got Nespresso at work and I’ve been in heaven drizzling some Carmel or Chocolate on it. Now my husband really wants one at home but they are expensive. Maybe for Xmas.

    Does Carmel or Chocolate have sugar? Haha. Probably 2-3 TBsp per cup.

  88. Bea Padron says

    I make the cafe at ant gathering and even on business trips i take my cafetera…sharing my culture 1 cafecito at a time! My pot makes 6 cups so i put 1 scooper of sugar. I’d love to win this so i can even have it when running late.

  89. Teresa Dellinger says

    My mom and no sugar for me. Love the taste as is. Always wanted to try a nespresso and they make the pods of my favorite cafe la llave that’s even better

  90. Laura Miller says

    I make the coffee!! I’m the only one that can make cafecito up here. It’s more like six spoons of sugar here. Love that espumita…. sends me home with every sip.

  96. Tess Losada says

    I liked you on FB a long time ago! I am the cafe maker in our house and I am generous with the sugar!

  97. Lillian Altamirano says

    My mom always makes the coffee at family gatherings. She’s the best! I usually add about two spoonfuls of sugar but it depends how strong the coffee is. The stronger the coffee the more sugar!

  99. María E Sullivan says

    The best cafecito maker is my sister Ninia, so when we are together I defer to her (lots of sugar) 😉. Because we live 5 hours apart and as a dutiful older sister, she taught me all she knows to make that frothy espumilla, so I make a pretty mean one myself. My husband always knows I’m making it with the ‘taka taka’ sound & that wonderful aroma. The sweeter the better, probably 5-6 heaping of sugar.
    Good luck to us all! 🍀

  100. Vivian says

    I liked Cafe La Llave of Facebook!
    I usually take 4-5 teaspoons of sugar when I have my cafe con leche!

  101. Antonio G Senatore says

    I’ve been making espresso for my entire family since i can reach the stove . Always a must have after dinner for us.

  102. Martha Alvarez says

    I usually make el cafecito. And I add about 3 teaspoons of sugar . Love my cafe la llave .i would so love this nespresso .

  104. Alexis Orr says

    I always make the cafecito because I’m the only Cubana in a family on Irish/Scottish relatives!

    3 heaping teaspoons of azúcar for the small cafetera… and a little more for the big one!

  105. Rosa Naranjo says

    I make the coffee at my gatherings
    I use several like 2-3 tablespoons of sugar.

    I liked the Cafe La Llave page

  107. Odette says

    Make my cafecito the old fashion way with Cafe La Llave and two to three teaspoons of sugar but my first cup is with hot milk.

  108. Amy Harris says

    1. I make the cafecito in the morning. My son usually makes it in the afternoon and then one of us makes it again before we go to bed.

    2. Depends on the size. Usually 4-6 spoons of sugar.

  109. Christine Lopez says

    Hi. My parents are cuban and I grew up eating cuban food and always make it for my kids. I often look up your recipes for foods I grew up eating but didn’t know the recipes for! Im making your pastels de guava tomorrow. Thanks for sharing you!

  110. Claudia says

    My dad always makes the morning coffee. I usually take my coffe black unless there’s is taka-taka involved.

  112. Christine Lopez says

    I always make the coffee in my house and I also drink my fair share LOL. I usually add 2 tsp of sugar to each cup. Can’t live without it!!

  113. Maria says

    I’m the one that makes the cafecito; however, I have trained my grown children and they too make cafecito in their cafeteras at their homes. I like it sweet, so typically 3 ‘heaping’ teaspoons make it just right! I start my day with cafe con leche!

  116. Gina Schneider says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!

    I make the Cuban coffee at my house old school style using my dear Mom’s cafetera. I put 2-3 tablespoons of sugar in the cup to make espumita. My Irish/German husband loves it! We enjoy a cup of cafe con leche in the morning and one after dinner☕️

  117. Yesenia Macedo says

    Omg I would love this coffee machine it looks amazing! My husband and I make the coffee. We don’t have a traditional machine, we use a keurig but have been looking at the nespresso for a while. We are a coffee pod family :). 2 tsp of sugar makes a delicious cup ☕️

  118. Esther Damas says

    My granny esperanza makes the coffee at all house holds.
    4tbs of sugar
    Is my go to , and as she turns around I add 1 more😂😂

  119. Nivia Diaz says

    I make the Cafe in my family. We like it sweet with espuma . Cafe la llave is one of our favorites . Being raised in California. We love our cafe La llave☕ 😉 🇨🇺

  120. Sandra Cordovi says

    I make the coffee for all my gatherings. I put 3 tablespoons in the cafeteria and it comes out perfect.

  122. Ileana Jimenez says

    Hi Marta! I’ve been making cafecito con espumita for so many years! 3 cucharitas de azúcar con las primeras góticas de café ☕️. I liked Cafe la Llave on Facebook hace mucho tiempo! Xoxo

  124. Anny Hooper says

    I am the one that makes the coffee in our home, my husband (not cuban) loves when I make cafesito. For the 3 cup cafetera I use 2 1/2 heaping spoons of sugar. This coffee maker would be amazing in my kitchen!! Thank you for this giveaway.

  125. Neyssa | Latina Mom Meals says

    Taka-taka, you make me laugh hehe. Love it! This post and the comments bring back so many warm memories. I miss my family. It’s insane how generations bring so many cultural changes. This is a great way for the busy new generation to still enjoy the beloved flavors of our ancestors favorite cup of joe. Sharing your post to my page. I also liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook.

  126. Anny Hooper says

    I am the one that makes the coffee in our home, my husband (not cuban) loves when I make cafesito. For the 3 cup cafetera I use 2 1/2 heaping spoons of sugar. This coffee maker would be amazing in my kitchen!! Thank you for this giveaway. 🇨🇺 ☕️

  127. Daisy Vyvial says

    I enjoy taking count of how many want cafecito after a meal and preparing those heavenly cups that bring joy to our family. I take just a pinch of sugar and let the coffee take over with a splash of hot milk. Power of suggestion. Now, I’m craving mi cafecito. Certainly like La Llave on FB ahora y siempre!

  128. Donna Biroczky says

    Hmmm, I think the hubs and I split the coffee duties! He uses a sweet creamer, but I use a touch of half-and-half and no sugar. (Don’t tell on me! I don’t like it sweet!)

  129. Maria Dalmau says

    I make the cafecito at my house and would love to make it in the Nespresso. Since I need to cut back on sugar just two spoonfuls at most. Of course I liked Cafe La Llave on FB. 🤞☕

  130. Giselle says

    I am BANNED from making the Cafe because I make it too strong. So during our Family dinners my Mother makes the cafe, con La Llave besides she’s the one with the sweet tooth.

  131. Rebeca Montalvan Toth says

    My husband es el cafetero in my house although I started him drinking café cubano 30 years ago! I’ve been drinking cafe con leche since I was 5 years old and I’m 58! Que rico! Mucha azúcar! I just pour it in!

  133. Jenn says

    My Abuela makes the coffee at my family gathering. She generally puts two spoon full of brown sugar. She pairs the cafe with a flan or arroz con leche.

  134. Cassandra Perez-St Antoine says

    While we can all “make” café, my Tio Manuel makes it the best!! Sometimes I’ll just look at him and tilt my head towards the cafetera and raise my eyebrows. I have tried to get it just like he does, with 6-8 spoonfuls of sugar, but I’m not there yet

  135. Olga T Diaz says

    At family gatherings my tio Manuel makes the coffe,always with Cafe La Llave . Thats the only coffee most of my family uses..and he uses real sugar, not Splenda as some other family members do. I dont usually make it, cause it comes out too strong. But i love La Llave.

  138. Esther says

    I usually make the coffee when we have company whether is family, friends, holidays or a celebration.
    I put about 2 teaspoons of sugar inside my coffee to bring out the flavor without being too “empalagoso” . 😆
    I liked Cafe La Llave Facebook page.

  139. Gina Rodriguez says

    I always make the coffee at family gatherings and usually make it super strong! I love espresso roasts. I always tell people “you can add water to brewed coffee, but can’t do anything about a light batch.”

    I use 3 spoons of flavored creamer. Otherwise, 2 creams 1 sugar. I love my coffee. With two BOYS under 5 years old, I rely on coffee! 😀

  140. Monika says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook! My tia or I usually make the cafe cubano in our cafetera. We add sugar to the cafetera by using a small size cuban taza. Thats how my abuela did it. Thats how we continue to do it. Good luck to everyone!!

  143. Lindsey says

    My sister always makes the cafe and she makes it with the perfect espumita! Lots of sugar at least 3 teaspoons sometimes more! Haha
    I liked Cafe La Llave

  144. Maria Vazquez says

    OMG La espumita! I can never get it by hand–no me sale! Practice, practice, practice 🙂 I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook and hopefully I win.

  146. Stacie Hurst says

    I usually make the coffee, and I love it with a splash of heavy cream 😋 what a fun giveaway! Just thinking about Cafe La Llave makes me want to go make some… Great idea, Marta!

  148. Dorothy Soto says

    My 97 year old abuelo was always the meticulous maker of the cafe in our family and taught us all how to make it to his standard! He doesn’t do much in the kitchen anymore, but still watches over any one making cafe in his house and it’s ALWAYS La Llave! He has a case of bricks of La Llave stored at all times to make sure there is never a shortage.
    I make Cafe La Llave every single morning and I wouldn’t have it any other way, however, when it comes to making the perfect espumita for the cafe at the family parties, I turn to my oldest sister because she is the master! It is at least one cucharadita of sugar (Abuelo likes Zulka sugar) per tacita and you have to use the first bit of coffee that drips out of the cafetera to get the espumita right!

  149. Kristin Keller says

    I don’t think we have a designated coffee person…I haven’t been doing sugar bc I’m off sugar right now. Just a splash of half and half or heavy whipping cream. I love espresso though!! Liked on FB too 😉 and If I don’t win I’ll just sneak next door for a cup of yours 🤣

  151. Michele Caridad Gonzalez-Vidal says

    Well Cubantime is the only time! (For the record)
    1) the coffeemaker in my house is Islas Canarias cause I’m not pulling out the elec cafetera and takataka for one coffee for me only so…. coladas it is (so imagine how much I need this in my life)
    2) lately being concious of my health and weight… 2 packs brown sugar in my coffee if I get a “cute espresso “ (one where it’s not a Cuban place and they don’t put the sugar for you)
    Love ya!

  154. Miggie Suarez says

    My mom or I usually make the coffee.

    Sugar, depends on who’s making it. My mom used like 5 cucharas and I usually do 4. But her espuma is way better than mine. I’m still working on it!!!

  155. Karina Leon says

    The simple joys of being Cuban, is enjoying una colada with family or friends to start your day right! I also enjoy it con una tostada or croquets. I am excited to try this new machine along with La Llave capsules. I am sure it will be my new favorite appliance! THANK YOU FOR SHARING 5IS OPPOUWITH US! Wish me Luck!

  156. Janet says

    My daughter Jennifer makes the coffee. Three sugars for the best espumita. We love La Llave. I give it away as gifts and have taken a duffle bag filled with it for family in Cuba. They love it!

  157. Diane Yanez says

    I always make the coffee. In my family we like it on the sweeter side and usually use between 5 and 6 sugars.

  160. Faustino Rodriguez says

    I am the one who ALWAYS makes the Cuban coffee at family gatherings AND at the office. Everyone says that I have the “magic touch.” I put 4-5 medium spoonfuls of sugar to make the “espumita.”
    At the office I make the coffee at about 3:00 pm and everyone waits anxiously. I use Cafe La Llave of course! I have been using Cage La Llave for many, many years. There is no other coffee better than La Llave!

  161. Lourdes Santos says

    I make the Cuban coffee at my house & I’ve taught my daughter to make it as well. I remember having Cuban coffee in Cuba as a little girl. It’s a sweet tradition. In my house.

    I usually add 2 tablespoons to the cafetera. A little more if it needs it to have that perfect flavor.

    Thank you 😊

  164. Reyna says

    Since moving from Miami not many Cuban places here. I love my llave. I use 4 teaspoons for my hubby and I. I liked FB Ls Llave and I would enjoy the new way to entertain with the coffee

  165. Reyna says

    Since moving from Miami not many Cuban places here. I love my llave. I use 4 teaspoons for my hubby and I. I liked FB Ls Llave and I would enjoy the new way to entertain with the coffee

  166. Beatriz Garcia says

    My hubby makes the coffee, and I like it with just a hint of sugar.

    And I like Cafe La llave.

  167. Laura F. says

    Hi Martica, The one that usually makes el cafecito
    at gatherings is my son Mauricio. I taught him and now he makes it better than me! We have coffee pot of all sizes but an automatic brewer would be awesome especially when you have family sit down dinners of 17 people!

    Thank you! ☕️

    Laura

  168. Allison Almond says

    I make the coffee. But earlier this year I went sugar free, and coffee just hasn’t been the same without milk/cream/flavored milk and sugar. So I splurge about twice a month and add it in.

  172. Jessika Torres says

    At my home, myself or my husband make the coffee. At my sisters , she makes the coffee.
    I put 2 spoons of sugar in my coffee.

  175. Christina says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!

    P.S. Thanks for creating a way for people to connect through our shared Cuban experiences!

  176. Jessica says

    Both my husband and I will make it but my espumita game is on point! 🥰 Not going to lie though, my husband will make it more often. We have an old school cafetera right now that leaks and is falling apart. No one likes watery Cuban coffee. It’s time for a new one! As for the sugar, depends on making it. I like more in it than he does!

    When we were living in South Carolina I introduced Cuban coffee to my nurse coworkers and doctors in the ICU I worked in. Let’s just say that productivity on that floor has skyrocketed! 😂

  183. Melinda Jacobs says

    I make the coffee in the house but my husband is famous for making Cuban coffee outdoors with his little propane burner and cafetera. Beach, tailgate, camping – the Cuban coffee travels with us. Always with a lot of sugar.

  186. Isa says

    Martica I make the cafesito in my house most of the time when we have a family gathering. I’m not so good at doing the espumita using the “taka taka” technique jijijiji but I do use a hand blender sometimes and the cafesito comes out delish, ahh and I use 4 cucharaditas de azucar y ya listo para saborear! Deceame suerte! 😍🇨🇺

  188. Ashley C. says

    I’m the only coffee connoisseur in my home, so I make my morning cups the good ol’drip way! I like my cup strong smd sweet, so 3 maybe 4 sugars.

  189. Gladys says

    At our house our daughter Daniela is the official coffee maker. She’s a lover of all things coffee! I know she has had an eye on this machine.
    The sugar depends on who shes making it for…in my case the sweeter the better!

  191. Lee Almario says

    No one drinks coffee in my family except me. I would love to win this and try making coffee with condensed milk. I like my coffee to taste like dessert!

  192. veronica cruz hernandez says

    i make the coffee ,… in my cup personally how much sugar i put in it really depends on my taste buds sumtimes its more sumtimes its less

  194. Marilyn Corral says

    Hi Marta,
    I’m the lucky one who makes the coffee
    In my family. My mother taught me how to make it the old fashioned way and yes espumita was a must. When I got married I was gifted a Krups espresso machine with a frothier, which was life changing. I have reverted to making it the old fashioned way with a cafetera and espumita. I also love Cafe La llave it’s actually the only one I use. I enjoy making my cafe sweet at least 5 to 6 spoonfuls of sugar and sometimes I will add a bit of evaporated milk and make it into a cortdito, which is just delish!

  195. Wenia Diaz says

    Hi!!!!! Thank you for your blog. In family gatherings my father-in-law makes the coffee, sometimes in more than one batch, because you know, cuban big family, 🙂. Well, in my cup of espresso I put one teaspoon of brown sugar and… one teaspoon of condensed milk, delicious. I liked Cafe la Llave in facebook. 👏👏

  196. Lisa says

    My husband, Raul l, is the resident coffee maker at our functions. I used to add a lot of sugar, but now I find myself adding one packet of sugar in the raw…and I feel like I’m losing my Cubanity when I do that😳😕

  197. Carey P says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!”
    I serve the CAFECITO at family gatherings because a mom’s job is never done.
    I have Cafe la Llave with my sugar because us Cubans like it sweet! 😉

  198. Maggie says

    Love your blog and I love the way you love your family!
    28 years ago when I met my wonderful Cuban husband, Juan ( but of course), used to make the coffee! His cafecito always came out with the best espumita!! Well after observing and practicing at our family and friend gatherings, I can proudly say that this student has learned to make one yummy cafecito with a little help from la LLAVE!!! Come on is there anything better!! Anyway, happy upcoming holiday and stay wonderful!!!
    Maggie

  200. Sara R. says

    Hi there! 🙋‍♀️
    #1 I’m generally the one who makes the coffee because I need to make sure its how I like it 😏😆! Strong !
    #2 I use 2 teaspoons for turbinado sugar in my coffee. I feel like it enhances the flavor as well vs. just making it sweet. Thanks so much for this delicious and cool.giveaway 😍😍

  202. Mercy says

    I make it at home but my gringo hubby is trained as my backup ! I also bought an electric one for my office…I very popular at cafecito time 😂
    I make it very sweet and lots of espumita of course 😊
    I liked Cafe la llave on Fb too !

  203. Jacqueline Montejano says

    I am the one that usually makes coffee for my family and friends. I love about 4 teaspoons of sugar in my coffee. I know I know no bueno…
    Wish me luck!! I would love the Nesperro
    Thanks Martha and Cafe Le Llave

  206. Lizette says

    I make the Cuban coffee every morning. My American husband was hooked from day one! I use a Bialetti stovetop 6 cup and use 4 well rounded teaspoons of sugar for la espuma. I love cafe La Llave and liked them on FB. 💜 Thank you!

  207. Lory Palau says

    I make cafe La Llave EVERY morning for my mom and I, before I go to work and my middle son has now taken on the duty of making it at family gatherings 🥰. We usually have it with 3-4 cucharitas de azucar (if not more). Love your blog, been following you since the beginning 🤗💖

  208. Bella Cartaya says

    I liked cafe la llave on Facebook!!
    My abuelita always makes the cafe at our family gatherings, no matter what time of night.
    I put 4-5 tsp of sugar in my cafecito…oops 😬 but then again, can we drink it any other way?

  209. Carie says

    I liked Cafe La Llave on FB!!!
    I make all the Cuban coffee in my house (I only use Cafe La Llave!). And when we have friends over I pull out my 12-cup Grecca and rock out an amazing cup of coffee while playing a mean game of domino, and they always ask for seconds!!

  210. Monica says

    I normally make the coffee, getting better at la espumita but my 2 year old daughter loves it anyway. ☕️

  212. Cecilia Gonzalez says

    I so miss the Cuban coffee in Miami since we moved. We live in Winston-Salem, NC and the only Cuban restaurant closed recently. Our nearest one is 40 minutes away. Thank God for the new Publix selling Cuban coffee.
    1. I usually am the one who makes it. Now my 82 year old Cuban father is moving here so we’ll share the responsibility
    2. I usually use 2 teaspoons for guests. Amargo to no dulce. I have to use equal because I’m diabetic. 3 packets

  213. A. Foley says

    I live in NC now and always make the café in my house. Mi Americanita (la pobre) can never replicate it so I am forced to be the cafecito supplier! I use 3-4 tbsp’s of sugar for my espumita and usually enjoy with hot leche evaporado. I also liked Café la Llave on Facebook!

  214. Kayla Norris says

    I usually make the coffee. Looking for a new machine this Black Friday ! And usually 2 tablespoons sugar

  216. Teri Sauter says

    I liked Cafe´ la Llave on Facebook.
    It all depends on whose house we are at and 4-6 sugars. Would love one of these machines.

  217. Noelle says

    I make the ‘cafe’ in our house the old fashion way. 4 sugars for me please …..ok maybe 6 but don’t tell anyone. I would love a little break and have others make some coffee with this extraordinary Cafe’ la Llave.

    • Noelle says

      “I liked Cafe La Llave on Facebook!” Do I get extra credit for making your ‘Cuban ArrozCon Pollo’ recipe tonight? My first time making it for my family…..oh the pressure!

  218. Natalie says

    My son is the cafecito maker around my house. He always puts 3-4 spoonfuls of sugar in it. He was taught by his Abuela, who sends him Cafe La Llave care packages because we can’t get it here in Alabama! I would love to win the espresso maker and pods so he can take them to his college dorm. Gracias, Marta, y felicidades! I also liked Cafe La Llave on FB ❤️

  219. Susan Suarez says

    My aunt makes the coffee in our family. So funny, this past weekend I hosted dessert at my house and she brought her own cafetera 😩😩😭😭😭😭😭. Thats commitment.