I have started making cappuccinos for myself in the morning. Having mastered the milk frothing process, I am a convert to the gentler coffee experience. Obviously I will be obeying Italian coffee drinking’s fundamental rule – no cappucinos after 10.30 am.

Will I buy myself one of those little frothing jugs? Too soon to say, although the Pyrex measuring jug is too big.

Espresso is the full on arabica hit and, if you want to go the whole hog,why not have some canole, a glass of cold water and maybe a shot of grappa?

This bean-to-cup machine is a bit bulky, but they make a slimmer version. I have had this one for about two years and get withdrawal symptoms if we run out of coffee beans. We have the backup coffee aparatus, moka pot and cafitiere, but that doesn’t give me the strength of taste that I crave.

Inspector Montalbano might still use a little moka pot, but has he tried the bean-to-cup experience?