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:
- Pour milk into a coffee mug and leave 1/2 to 1 inch of room.
- 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.
- Take the mug out and remove the “skin” of milk on top with a spoon, if you see one.
- 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!
great post. thanks for sharing. bookmarked it!!! 🙂
I leaned all I need to know from Alton Brown on the Food Network. He did a whole show on coffee and espresso. Including steam milk with the espresso machine.
*leaned* = learned
Better yet: go to your local Bed Bath + Beyond, Table Talk or other kitchen supply store, and get an electric whisk. I have one called a Bonjour Primo Latte that cost me $20 at BB+B, but I understand some stores have other brands for less, and Ikea sells a stripped-down version for $3. Nuke your milk, then stick the whisk in the mug and whip up some froth for a truly excellent, foamy latte that you can't tell from a cafe version. Mmmmmmm …
Great improvision. Espresso machines are too bulky for my taste. And only to do just that.