Make yourself an easy steamer

One treat my wife really likes in the evenings is a steamer — hot milk with some flavoring and a bit of whipped cream.

We have an espresso machine but we rarely use it because the start-up and tear-down time is a bit long just for one or two small drinks. That and we didn't really ever get the hang of using the steam to heat the milk.

Here's what I do instead and my wife thinks the steamer tastes just fine:

1. Pour milk into a coffee mug and leave 1/2 to 1 inch of room.
2. Microwave until you see the milk bubble on top for maybe 5-10 seconds. In my microwave this takes about 90 seconds, but, as always, cooking times may vary.
3. Take the mug out and remove the “skin” of milk on top with a spoon, if you see one.
4. Add flavoring and/or whipped cream to taste, plus any topping on the whipped cream (like cinnamon or cocoa powder)

After all's said and done this steamer costs well under a dollar even with specialized ingredients: lactose-free 2% milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup, and sugar-free Land O'Lakes whipped cream (this one is a bit pricey at over $4 a can). The steamer would be even cheaper if you were to use more common ingredients.

This is a great way to put The Latte Factor™ in its place!