Midwestern Coffeehouses

Here's the Skinny

Coffee really knows no season, but winter is a prime time to curl your fingers around a steaming mug at your local coffeehouse, where you can hash over the latest gossip with friends. You might even be able to check your e-mail or relax on a sofa with a newspaper.

Coffee Glossary

Breve: Espresso with half and half.

Cappuccino: Espresso with equal parts steamed and frothed milk.

Espresso: Finely ground beans extracted under pressure with one to two ounces of hot water.

Froth (or foam): Milk foamed by aerating it with hot steam.

Latte: Espresso with milk warmed by steam.

Mocha: Basically, a latte with chocolate, but prepared many ways.

Macchiato: A shot or two of espresso poured into a cup filled with steamed milk and topped off with a small "macchiato" or "mark."

Skinny: Coffee drinks made with skim milk.