Have you ever opened your door to find bundled up carolers, presenting their vocal gifts? Last Christmas season, while at a dinner party hosted by some friends, we were treated to this tradition. And those carolers were good! They could really sing. They left us with a platter of homemade goodies and a heart full of Christmas.
If you like to go caroling, this recipe for Vanilla Almond Steamer would make for an enjoyable way to warm up at the end of your evening.
Or if you’re trapped indoors for a weekend, due to a monster snow storm, I say give this a try. We did! Wow, what a time we’ve had here in the midwest the past couple of days!
When hot chocolate seems just too heavy, this Vanilla Almond Steamer is a wonderful way to take the chill off. The softness of the vanilla and almond are beautifully soothing, and perfect for relaxing before bed on a winter evening.
My daughters even like it. Hatti rates this drink very highly, and can often be found snuggled up with a book and a mug of this steamer when she is chilled.
This drink is very easy to make, and has a casual feel to it. But it could also easily be dressed up a bit, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon.
Vanilla Almond Steamer
Ingredients
- 8 c. 1% 0r 2% low-fat milk
- ½ c. sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. almond extract
- ground cinnamon optional
- cinnamon sticks optional
Instructions
- 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 and cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes.
- Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat and cook for 3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove and discard cinnamon sticks. Garnish with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
What about using almond milk instead? some folks have lactose issues.
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This sounds delicious
I’m thinking if you want to spice it up a bit I wonder if Amaretto would be a good substitute for the almond extract. Just add according to taste. Start off with a little then add if you want more flavor of almond. Or use vanilla flavored Vodka in place of the vanilla extract.
I’m definitely trying this, alcohol free, this weekend! Then I’ll try it with the ‘spirits’!
Amaretto would be absolutely lovely in this!
These look amazing… truly my favorite flavors!
Thanks Amanda. :)
You have a beautiful website Brenda! I can’t wait to try some of your recipes!
Thank you, Rachel. And thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeous, Brenda. It sounds deee-lishous!
Thank you so much Robyn – great to hear from you!
Oh my, sounds delish. Hope you are having a wonderful week! xo
Hi Sandy – thanks for stopping by! Hope you had a great week, too.
What a delicious comforting drink for those who may not be chocoholics. The flavor sounds wonderful. By the way, I’m holding a giveaway on my blog for Orglamix Organic makeup and you’re welcome to come by and enter. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2010/12/orglamix-organic-mineral-makeup-review.html
Hi Lisa – thanks for stopping by!
Steamers don’t get enough love. They’re such a comforting drink. My usual choice is an apple cider steamer, though I like the idea of vanilla almond with a touch of cinnamon! Will definitely try this soon.
*Heather*
Hello Heather! Truthfully, I had never had a steamer prior to this one. This was so delicious – I love finding new things!
Sounds so yummy! have you thought of trying it with Almond milk? Inspired =D
Hi Tina – thanks for visiting! I do know people who just warm up almond milk. It’s not something we keep on hand, however, so this recipe is easy to whip up any time we want.
Looks wonderful. I’m going to try it tomorrow when I get home from school. I too, think the pictures look wonderful. Sorry you guys have been getting so much snow.
Thanks, Nancy – great to hear from you again. No worries about the snow – it was actually kind of fun over the weekend, but it is a bit challenging with the streets so full of snow now.
This sounds yummy! And the pictures are gorgeous.
Thanks, Mom. Give this one a try – I think you’ll like it, too.
What a nice change up from hot chocolate!
Hello Paula!