But First, Coffee

Americans love their coffee. Millions of people drink at least one cup of coffee per day and many get their caffeine fix with a specialty coffee drink.

Dairy milk is a great complement for any cup of coffee; it’s both a tasty addition and a way to add essential nutrients to your mug. Every type of dairy milk, whether lowfat, fat free or organic, contains nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein. In fact, milk is the top food source for three of the four nutrients of concern, or the nutrients Americans, including children, are most lacking: calcium, potassium and vitamin D.

If you enjoy a morning cup of coffee, here are a few ways to create gourmet coffee drinks at home.

How to Make a Cafe au Lait
A cafe au lait is simply a strong-brewed coffee drink mixed with steamed milk. The best way to make one is to brew a dark-roast blend in a French press and mix with equal parts steamed milk.

There are a few easy ways to froth milk at home. Use an inexpensive milk frother or try this DIY tip: shake your favorite type of milk in a jar until it froths up. Remove the lid and microwave to desired temperature. Now you’ve got warm milk for your coffee and foam to top it off.

How to Make a Latte
Lattes are two parts milk to one part espresso. Starting your day with a morning latte is a wonderful way to enjoy the buzz of coffee plus milk’s nine essential nutrients, including eight grams of high-quality protein per eight ounces.

How to Make a Cappuccino
Another Italian coffee drink, the cappuccino’s name comes from the Italian word for “hood.” A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk. A “dry” cappuccino has more foam while a “wet” cappuccino is closer to a latte in consistency.

Whether you prefer a cappuccino, latte or cafe au lait, adding milk to your coffee is a delicious, nutritious complement to your coffee beverage of choice. From espresso to strong brewed coffee – adding dairy milk only adds to the enjoyment. For more tips, tricks and recipes, visit milklife.com.

Spicy Latte

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ancho, chipotle or cayenne chile pepper
• 1 cup fat free milk

Preparation

1. In serving mug, stir together espresso, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk to make a paste.
2. In saucepan, heat remaining milk until very hot. Pour milk into mug and stir to blend with paste. Serve immediately.

Sponsored by MilkPEP