[Mood Tip: Milk is rich in an amino acid called tryptophan that is the building block for serotonin, the nerve chemical that aids sleep. However, milk is also rich in protein, which blocks the serotonin effect. Don’t despair, many people still swear that a warm cup of milk at night helps them sleep, probably because it is a soothing and warm beverage.]
Time to sit back and relax. See who can get their PJ’s and socks on first. Then rendevous for a warm, soothing mug of hot milk.
Ingredients:
2 cups nonfat milk
2 cups fat-free half & half
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon orange peel, grated
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Orange peel, optional
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, add all ingredients, except almond and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk while warming to create a foam, but do not boil. Once hot, remove from heat. Whisk in almond extract. Discard cinnamon stick. Pour into 4 mugs and sprinkle with nutmeg.Garnish with orange peel if desired. Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each.
Nutritional Analysis per cup: 155 Calories; 1 percent fat (< 0.5 gram); 0 grams saturated fat; 24 percent protein; 75 percent carbohydrate; 0 gram fiber.
