Espresso Makers for Less

I received a Expresso machine for Christmas and have been trying for 2 days to make a mocha and mine just do not taste right. How do I do it and what is the best type of coffee to do so? Please Help

Use espresso beans, have them ground very finely at a specialty store (like a Starbucks), ground for espresso. Steam your milk first, have it ready before you pull your shots. Make sure that you tamp your espresso hard enough in your portafilter that when your espresso shots are pouring into the shot glass, it takes about seconds to complete. Mix these shots immediately with a few tablespoons of whatever you are using for chocolate, and add your milk. Mix well. Add whip cream if you like.

For a 16 oz beverage, I use: 3 tablespoons chocolate, 2 shots espresso and then fill with milk.

I’m new to making expresso at home with a Cuisinart Expresso machine [EM100]. I’ve never owned an expresso machine before so I’d like to know if it’s normal to hear the "noise" when the machine is turned on? I’m too scared and I turn the machine off again as I don’t see any water coming out. Is it normal to hear the noise throughout the entire process?

Just turned on it should be quiet (maybe a few sounds of expansion from heating).

When you activate the machine to pull the shot, or pour water, the pump should make a motor noise (volume depends on machine). If no water comes out within 5 seconds, there’s a problem and you should turn it off.

Make sure the water reservoir is full. Running it empty will damage the machine.