Things You\’ll Need
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Saucepan
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Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg (optional)
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Honey (optional)
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Vanilla extract
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Mugs
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Flavored coffee syrup
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Frothing wand (optional)
Milk steamers provide a caffeine-free alternative to a warm, soothing cup of coffee. Whether you use it to replace a morning cup of coffee, or as a relaxing bedtime hot drink, steamers require only a few minutes and a few simple ingredients to prepare. Steamers are traditionally prepared by steaming milk in an espresso machine and mixing the milk with flavored syrups. A basic saucepan and your stove can replace the fancy machine and create steamed milk that's just as warm and flavorful as your favorite coffee shop concoction.
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Step 1
Pour the milk into a saucepan, using 1 cup for each serving. Whole milk, lowfat milk, and milk alternatives, such as almond milk, all work equally well.
Step 2
Season the milk, if desired. Add about 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg per cup of milk. For a sweeter drink, stir in up to ¼ teaspoon of honey and vanilla extract per cup of milk.
Step 3
Heat the milk over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so a skin doesn't form. Heat slowly until the milk is heated through and steaming.
Step 4
Pour 1 tablespoon of flavored coffee syrup in the bottom of each coffee mug, such as vanilla, caramel or Irish cream flavored syrup. Pour the milk over the syrup, filling the cup.
Step 5
Stir the milk and syrup together to blend. For a frothier drink, insert a frothing wand or a small immersion blender into the cup and blend for a few seconds, or just until a froth forms.
Tip
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to the top to garnish the steamer.
Steam the milk in your espresso machine instead of on the stovetop.
