Steaming Coconut Milk

• Coconut milk is thick and creamy, making it a perfect choice for a steamer. In lieu of fancy equipment, you can simply heat coconut milk on your stovetop in a small saucepan over high heat until it is piping hot. Use a spoon to stir the coconut milk occasionally while heating to prevent scalding. Mix in any flavorings and sweeteners that you will be using with the coconut milk at the beginning of cooking.

Steamer Flavors

• There is no need to buy sugary syrup flavorings when a well-stocked pantry will supply you with some simple steamer flavors. Use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract per cup of milk to lend a subtle, yet sumptuous flavor to your steamer. For even more complexity, combine almond and vanilla extracts together in the same steamer. Experiment with other extracts and flavors you have in your kitchen such as rose water, orange blossom water and peppermint extract to create steamers suited to your tastes.

Sweetening Your Steamer

• When you buy a steamer from a coffee shop, flavored syrups give the drink both its sweetness and flavor. When you make a steamer at home, you are able to control both the type of sweetener used and its amount, allowing you to avoid an overly sweetened drink. Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar or opt for white or powdered sugar. Start with 1 tablespoon of sweetener per cup of coconut milk and adjust the level as needed to suit your preference.

Coconut Steamer Tips

• To make your steamer even frothier, pour the piping hot coconut milk into a blender jar and process it for 30 seconds on a high speed. This added step incorporates more oxygen into the coconut milk and gives it a foamy head similar to a coffee shop steamer. Do not overfill your blender jar to avoid splashing while completing this step. Dress your coconut milk steamer up with a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut or cocoa on top for a finishing touch.