Indulge your love for lattes

Friday, November 2, 2012
Nine-Nutrient Boost

Starting off the day with a latte isn't just a way to get a quick morning pick-me-up -- it's a way to get a quick boost of nutrients. A latte can deliver a full serving of milk's nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and potas­sium. It also has eight grams of high-quality protein in eight ounces -- even more than an egg.

Being your own barista lets you customize your morning latte -- and save money. Here are some tips and latte recipes to help you get the day off to a great start.

Tips for Steaming Milk

*Always start with cold milk.
*If using a steam wand, experiment with the depth of the wand and how close it is to the edge of the milk container. Where you place the wand affects the milk's texture.
*It takes practice to get an even texture, so be patient and enjoy your experiments.

If you don't have a steam wand or milk frother, you can steam milk on the stove top.

*Put cold milk in a sauce pan -- making sure there's room for the foam.
*Put the stove burner on low heat. (If you're using an electric stove, heat the element before putting the pan on it.)
*Whisk the milk. Whisk faster as the milk heats.
*Don't let the milk boil.
*Once you have enough foam, remove the pan from heat.

Create a Custom Latte

You can find flavored syrups at many grocery stores. Use a shot glass measuring cup marked with ounces to help you get just the right amount of syrup.

You can also find great flavors in your spice cabinet. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, and even pumpkin pie spice in your latte.

For a really decadent finish that won't add fat, top your latte with a little nonfat whipped topping and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

You can find more tips and recipes for lattes and other coffee drinks at www.MilkMustache.com.

Nine-Nutrient Boost

Makes 1 serving, 8 ounces of milk per serving

1 ounce sugar-free hazelnut syrup
1 cup fat free milk
2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong
brewed coffee

Steam milk and syrup together. Pour heated, flavored milk into a mug and add brewed espresso or coffee. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over beverage.

Nutrition: 80 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat;

5 mg cholesterol; 8 g protein; 12 g carbohy­drates; 0 g fiber; 130 mg sodium; 300 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

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