When the temps drop, you can almost always find me with a mug in my hands. I love coffee (a morning staple) but also nearly every other hot beverage out there. Steamy Spiced Vanilla Milk ranks high on that list. It is warm, creamy, and flavored with the perfect blend of maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
What We Really Need
We all want to feel cared for, especially at this time of year. Every single one of us wants to be loved just because we are present and alive in the world. But this season can easily become so busy that we overlook each other in the process of gathering, planning, and purchasing. In our efforts, we miss the best way to make those we love truly feel special.
What speaks most to another person’s heart is something far more personal than decor or money spent. Meet their desire to be seen, heard, and loved by giving them the gift of your presence.
Maybe today you have 10 minutes or so to connect with your kids, your spouse, a friend? Grab your milk, your spices, and your blender. Then greet them with a smile and this warm treat at your kitchen table.
It Couldn’t Be Easier
This really couldn’t be easier – simply warm some almond milk, add some spices and maple syrup, then blend until frothy. Kids love it. Adults love it. You will love it! If you prefer another milk, simply substitute your favorite kind.
The spices in this Steamy Spiced Vanilla Milk are perfect for the holiday season. The familiar scents and taste of cinnamon and nutmeg evoke fond memories of holiday baking. Maple syrup provides a little sweetness, with vanilla as the perfect complement. The surprise that sets this drink apart, though, is the cardamom. It blends with the other flavors so perfectly and raises the flavor profile in an unexpectedly lovely way.Â
Ingredients and Tools
Be sure to use fresh spices, as they will always taste the best. Use the highest quality spices that you can afford. I like to purchase mine online from Burlap & Barrel, which provides spices that are responsibly sourced, ultra-fresh, and reasonably priced (for a good quality spice).
An immersion blender will be your best friend when making this recipe because you can use it to froth the milk right in the pot. This model is a great option. Or try a mini frother, like this one, which works great in a mug and is fun to use.
Give the Gift of Comfort
Need an easy and fun gift idea? Grab a small basket or bin (like this one) and add a mug, a mini frother, this recipe, a packet of the spices already mixed together, and some homemade cookies. What a fun and simple way to give someone the gift of comfort! A little basket like that would make a great hostess gift, too.
Steamy Spiced Vanilla Milk goes great with cookies, of course. 🙂 Serve it alongside our Soft Cinnamon Almond Cookies, which share a similar flavor profile. Or our Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookies for a bite of chocolate. Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies are always a hit, too. So you should probably try them all!
Enjoy!
Steamy Spiced Vanilla Milk *Vegan*
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (2 cups) unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a pot, whisk milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the milk starts to steam.
- Once it begins to steam, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Blend with an immersion blender until frothy. Or transfer to a stand blender and blend on low speed until frothy.
- Enjoy with your favorite cookie!
