Why Haven't I Made This in Awhile?

There used to be this little cafe by my Mom's house. It might still be there, but knowing my luck, it is probably closed down--because every restaurant I have ever loved has closed. Even if it is a chain restaurant that isn't in danger of closing, if there is a menu item that I come to love, they will discontinue it! It just seems to be my luck. Anyway, this little cafe used to sell Italian sodas, hot cocoa, and steamed milk, etc. I went there repeatedly for their steamed milk. Then I discovered that I could easily make it at home. Let me tell you how.

Steamed Milk (1 serving)

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (whole, 2%, 1%, and Skim all work)
Flavoring, to taste (for example, your favorite extract, caramel ice cream topping, flavored coffee creamers, or Italian soda syrup work well)
Sugar, to taste (if you use Italian soda syrup, you probably won't need to add anymore sugar)

Directions:

Microwave:

Pour milk, flavoring, and sugar into a microwave-safe mug. Stir to mix. Microwave for 1 minute. Check temperature. If it is not warm enough, microwave for an additional 30 seconds and check again. Repeat until your steamed milk is the right temperature for you.

Stovetop:

Pour milk, flavoring, and sugar into a small saucepan. Heat milk on medium until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan and the milk starts to look frothy. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

If you want to be a little more decadent, you can even top this with whipped cream. However, it isn't necessary because it is delicious on its own!

Source: My Mom? Me? I don't remember.

Notes: The mug of steamed milk pictured here has 1 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and about 2 teaspoons of sugar. I microwaved it for a minute and a half. It was perfect! So satisfying! It can give you the warmth and comfort that you get from hot chocolate, but it can be a lot lighter (especially if you use skim milk). Good stuff!

I tend to make my steamed milk in the microwave if it is just for me, but if I am making it for a crowd, I double, triple, or quadruple it and make it using the saucepan method.

Coconut, caramel, vanilla, and almond are some of my favorites flavors of steamed milk.