Vanilla Almond Steamers

Happy Snow Day, friends. And another happy snow day tomorrow to kids across the area as our schools have already called in the snow day. Oh Maryland… While I have already shared my lack of love for the winter, I will admit that snow is beautiful. There’s something comforting about being snowed in (though we don’t have enough snow to technically be snowed in). I love the excuse to sit by the fireplace and read or watch more tv than we would normally allow. Also, we’ve been having way too much fun playing Just Dance, though I do find myself saying often, “let’s not move our bodies like that…” What happened to 80s dancing?

So after all the snow, everyone wants hot chocolate, of course. But we also love to change things up and drink these Vanilla Almond Steamers. I actually prefer a vanilla steamer over hot chocolate. This one has a splash of almond, which takes it over the top (you can leave it out if you’re allergic and just have a vanilla steamer). And adult bonus – today after going out in the snow myself, I came in and poured some of this into my coffee. It was the best idea I’ve had so far today… so good. As another adult bonus, you could add brandy, bourbon or rum.

You can use whatever milk you prefer. I used almond milk in ours. I heated the milk, sugar and cinnamon sticks and turned it off to go outside and play. Then I finished it up with the flavorings when I came back in. It had cooled off a good bit, so I just heated it back up longer until it was warm enough to make all our snow bunnies cozy.

Also, don’t you love my sign? My dear friend, Amy, gave it to me. I keep it in our kitchen by the stove to pull it out as a quick reminder. My kids are currently discussing who got the worst injury today, so it was time to pull it out.

Stay warm, my friends! Enjoy the snow!

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Vanilla Almond Steamer

Course Drinks

Yield 8 1-cup servings

Ingredients

• 8 cups milk, any variety
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes.

2. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks.

3. Pour into cups and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

You can make this a day ahead of time, refrigerate, then reheat when ready to serve.