by Kirsten 30 Comments
Vanilla Steamer stirs homemade vanilla bean syrup into steamy milk, imparting a whisper of comfort in every sip. A Starbucks Copycat recipe! This post is sponsored by Milk Means More and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. All thoughts are my own.
My BFF Mads recently welcomed her first baby into the world. Our daily chats and endless supply of chubby-newborn-cheek photos–keep ’em coming, Mads!–have me reflecting on parenting and my own kids–particularly each of their distinct personalities. I swear that each of the Sons sprung forth from the womb with their personalities firmly in place. As a parent, all I can to is learn to work with those traits with the hope of helping shape them into fine young men.
Parenting is likean awesome, fatiguing, joyous, delirious, ever-changing thrill ride. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something will change. I’m convinced that parenting is designed to keep us adaptable.
Those of you with children mayhave a child that knows their mind, and doesn’t feel the need to compromise themselves to conform to the likes of others.For us, that child is Son #1. From birth he’s been our Old Soul–a smart, inquisitive, pensive boy thatknows what he likes and cares little about stereotypical things thathe’s expected to gravitate toward. While other babies were drawn to toys with a musical light show, Son #1 was terrified of the sudden noise, opting instead for making his own music with quiet toys. When boys his age were into action figures and rough & tumble play, Son #1 became enthralled with horses and designed elaborate stables for them with Lincoln Logs.
At the age when kids crave chocolate milk, Son #1 preferred plain. What can I say? He’s a less-is-more-wholesome kind of kid. For the longest time, I ordered a simple glass of milk for him during our weekly trip to Starbucks for sanity story time. During winter months, the other children enjoyedhot chocolate, but Son #1 favoredplain, warmed milk. Until the day the barista offered him aVanilla Steamer.
AVanilla Steamer combines all the comfort of steamed milk with a drizzle of vanilla bean syrup for added contentment.
Son #1 was completely smitten. Since then, I keep a ready supply of homemade vanilla bean syrup in the refrigerator to make Vanilla Steamers anytime. Over the years, I’ve simplified the syrup recipe, making it a tad thicker than the original, so thevanilla flavor shines.
Simmering the milk on the stove top imparts a flavor closest to that of it’s barista-steamed cousin. A vigorous spin with a whisk through the hot milk yields a glorious foam, rivaling any coffee shop. Real vanilla bean syrup is so simple to make! It tastes infinitely better than chemical-laden alternatives of processed flavored syrups.
A vanilla steameris a wholesome sipper that brings an element of serenity to the day.
Indulge in a creamy Vanilla Steamer at home!
Nutrition
Calories
74 cal
Fat
4 g
Carbs
6 g
Protein
4 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
Kirsten Kubert
Yields 2
Vanilla Steamer – Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Real vanilla bean syrup stirred into steamy milk imparts a whisper of comfort in every sip.
5 minPrep Time
10 minCook Time
15 minTotal Time
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. (1 cup) water
- 1 ½ C. granulated sugar
- 1 whole vanilla bean
- 2 C. 2% milk
- 1 ½ Tbs. vanilla bean syrup
For the Vanilla Bean Syrup
For the Vanilla Steamer
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla bean syrup by splitting the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise. Scrape the tiny seeds (called caviar) from inside the vanilla bean. Combine the sugar with the water in a medium saucepan. Stir in the vanilla bean caviar. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and syrup reduces slightly; about 5 minutes. Float the now scraped vanilla bean pod in the syrup as it cools. Once the syrup cools to warm, pour the vanilla syrup into a glass jar through a fine mesh strainer.
- Heat the milk to a simmer in a small saucepan set over medium heat. The milk should be steaming with tiny bubbles around the edges. Remove the hot milk from the heat and stir in the warm vanilla syrup. Vigorously whisk the hot vanilla milk for 20 to 30 seconds to add froth. The higher the fat content in the milk, the more frothy the milk will appear.
- Pour the steaming vanilla milk evenly between two mugs, using a large spoon to hold back the froth. Once the mugs are full, gently spoon the froth over top.
- Store the remaining vanilla bean syrup in a jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator for one week.
7.8.1.2
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https://comfortablydomestic.com/2015/01/vanilla-steamer/
Comfortably Domestic - 2016
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Comments
Mia saysMy daughter and I made this and it was soooooo good. Taste just like Vanilla steamer from Starbucks. Actually it was better because I heated the milk longer and made it hotter and add extra whip cream. The taste was amazing!!
Reply
This sounds wonderful....and would be over the top with a little Bailey's maybe?
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- comfortablydomestic says
Hmmm...sounds intriguing. Report back if you give it a try. ;)
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- Nutmeg Nanny says
Congratulations to your friend! This vanilla steamer sounds amazing!
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- comfortablydomestic says
Thanks, Brandy! So fun to see her embracing motherhood with such grace. I was definitely not the calm with my first baby.
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It still amazes me how different each of my kids are (and how similar in other ways). But, that's the good stuff...the wonders! :) I absolutely want to make myself - and each of my 3 - one of these steamers. I think we'd all absolutely adore them.
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- comfortablydomestic says
Isn't that the truth? For all the things that make my boys unique, I can probably list about as many similarities.
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Aww. Your son sounds like a lovely little boy. :) I didn't know vanilla steamers were a thing but it sounds amazing!
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- comfortablydomestic says
Why thank you, Erin!
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- kudoskitchen says
I've never heard of a vanilla steamer but it sure does sound good.Parenting is one of the hardest thing we're put on the earth to do. I wouldn't change it for a thing.
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- comfortablydomestic says
Amen, Sister! So much truth in your comment.
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- Cookin Canuck says
It's so true that parenting is ever-changing. I know that our boys have always kept us on our toes, ever since day one! This vanilla steamer looks like the perfect thing to help me relax in the evening.
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- comfortablydomestic says
Warm milk is such a nice way to relax at the end of a long day. I often serve it to any of us that is a little too keyed up at the end of the evening.
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- Suzanne says
Very Warm Milk contains ‘melatonin’ which is conducive to 😴
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- Kirsten says
Yes! My boys love warm milk before bed.
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Love simple recipes full of flavor!
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- comfortablydomestic says
Simplicity can be so tasty!
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- Mary Grace says
Kristen, may I ask what vanilla beans you use? I live in such a small small area, that to get fresh ones, I have to order in. So I have been holding off on making my own extracts and syrups. Any tips on that at all?This looks like something I would LOVE, every evening...
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- comfortablydomestic says
Good question, Mary Grace! Honestly, I order my vanilla beans in bulk from Vanilla Products USA on eBay. I've ordered from them for years, and I'm continually amazed at the quality and value for the dollar. When well wrapped, the beans stay soft and fresh indefinitely.http://stores.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA?_rdc=1P.S. I am in no way compensated or sponsored by Vanilla Products USA. They have no idea who the heck I am. I just love their products. :)
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- Mary Grace says
Thank you so much!
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- The Food Hunter says
Such a comforting beverage
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- comfortablydomestic says
So true. Think of it like a Calgon-like retreat, only tastier.
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- Kate@Diethood says
Parenthood... the toughest job on Earth. Rewarding, of course! I LOVE THEM! BUUUUT they are tough little beings. And for that reason, I'll need some cognac in that beautiful steamer, please. ;-)
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- comfortablydomestic says
Haha! Do what you've got to do, Kate!
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- foodwanderings says
Funny thing my friend who is an adult always orders vanilla steamer when we go out for coffee. I didn't know it was a thing and not just her being her. :)
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- comfortablydomestic says
That's awesome, Shulie. Love your friend!
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Call me crazy but I'd rather vanilla over chocolate any day of the week! This looks so warm and comforting!
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- comfortablydomestic says
Haha! Son #1 is the same way! He's helped me to see vanilla in a new light.
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