Hot Vanilla

I’ve only posted a few cookery related entries, but they do seem to be popular so I thought I would post the recipe for Hot Vanilla, which I mentioned in my Random Things Meme. I hope you will try it!

I generally make this in single serving size, and use the microwave to warm it up. If you’re making for several people you might want to warm it over medium heat on the stove. You’ll end up with that old-fashioned milk skin on the surface of the liquid. Oddly enough, that brings back some good memories for me…..

Hot Vanilla (1 serving)

1 cup milk (or fill your favourite mug)

1 tsp honey, or to your taste

1/2 tsp pure vanilla (you can use artificial, but it just feels better to use the real thing)

a dash of nutmeg

Fill a microwavable mug with milk and stir in the honey and vanilla. Warm on 100% power for 45 - 90 seconds, or whatever yields a comfortable temperature for you. It helps if you stop halfway through & give it a stir. When the drink is warm, sprinkle with nutmeg.

This drink is a wonderful substitute for hot cocoa, especially at bedtime. If you don’t like nutmeg you can use cinnamon instead, or whatever other garnish you like. I would steer clear of chocolate, myself, since this drink is sort of the “un-cocoa”.

Kids enjoy this drink. It’s a good way to get them to drink milk, if you have a child who is fussy and doesn’t like unflavoured milk. And while warm milk may not actually help you sleep, it’s certainly preferable to choose a non-caffeinated vanilla drink over the caffeinated hot chocolate at bed time!