Spiced Steeped Milk

A Mom to Mom Tip - Sledding Milk!

This week, we are tackling the age-old problem of kids + milk. While some kids love their milk others have a tough time finishing that glass of nutrition. We often find ourselves negotiating with our tiny Trump-esque titans for two more big sips. The cost-benefit analysis begins to weigh (whey? ) on us.

Try this “Mom to Mom Tip” that had our kids gulping down their milk and asking for more: Spiced Steeped Milk, great for an after school or after dinner treat. The leftover spiced milk is especially tasty in your Monday morning coffee or oatmeal.

To steep milk, simply toast spices in a dry heavy-bottomed small pot on medium heat, then pour in milk (almond, soy, cow, goat, just about any kind works!) and turn the heat down to medium low. Give it a few stirs until the milk is piping hot but not boiling. Once hot, cover with a pot lid and let stand, off the heat, for 45min to an hour. Then pour the milk through a strainer to get rid of any remaining spice pieces. We serve it very warm to the kids and the rest will keep in the fridge for a few days.

A few flavoring options:

Pie Milk – Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg for a pint of milk and enjoy!

Vanilla Milk – Two fresh vanilla beans, scraped, in a pint of milk tastes heavenly and will make your whole kitchen smell divine.

Creamsicle French Toast Milk – Zest + a quarter of an orange and a heaping spoon of your favorite Vermont maple syrup makes for a delicious orange maple milk treat!

How do you get your choosey kids to drink their milk?