It”s cold out. The wind is biting, we have to bundle up to go outside, if it wasn”t for the fact that there”s no snow flying yet I would say winter has arrived.

I still try to get outside with the kids every day. A three year old boy needs to stretch his legs and dig in the dirt!

Whenever we come in I always crave a nice hot drink to warm me from the inside out. But, I can”t have a crazy calorific drink every day so I”ve been enjoying these options instead. And, we enjoy them so much that if Max isn”t done playing but I”m tired of sitting in the cold all I have to do is ask him if he wants some warm milk and he practically runs to the door. (I promise I”m not always so conniving. But sometimes it”s just so cold out!)

These all start with the same base, a cup of milk heated in the microwave and topped off with a sprinkling of cinnamon. (I make mine with rice milk. You could use soy or another milk substitute as well.) It”s amazing how different a few key ingredients can affect the outcome of one cup of milk.

All three of these can be made by heating milk in the microwave for dead simple results. But, if you want to make a larger batch (or don”t have a microwave) feel free to cook them on the stovetop. Top any of these with a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra special (calorific) touch.

You probably have most of these ingredients on hand most of the time, which means you can make them whenever you need to thaw out. When your family comes in from the cold you can set up a station where everyone can make their own how they like.

The cold weather might be biting but I never mind when I know I have things like this to cozy up with my kids and have a few giggles over warm milk. :)

Nutella Hot Cocoa

Stirring in a scoop of nutella transforms hot milk into a hot cup of chocolatey goodness. You get all the flavour with none of the work and no packages that contain way to much sugar. I”ve grown tired of the prepackaged hot chocolate, but this allows you to have a quick fix any time.

Nutella Hot Cocoa

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon nutella
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Place milk in a mug and microwave until desired temperature (2-3 minutes). Stir in nutella, until melted. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Sleepy-Time Milk

If you like rice pudding you will love this. Perfect for a warm drink before bed, especially for the kiddos. Although, I drink this any and all times of day. This is a great warm drink that I”m happy to give my son when we come in from the cold. It”s completely guilt free, plus it helps him get his daily dose milk (not that he needs any help doing that).

Sleepy-Time Milk

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon honey
• splash of vanilla
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Place milk in a mug and microwave until desired temperature (2-3 minutes). Stir in honey and vanilla. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Spiced Vanilla Latte

 This is a simplified version of a latte. It won”t be the frothy stuff you get at the store but it does have the same great flavour with minimal effort. Get a pick me up part way through the day or stir in some caffeine-free instant coffee and enjoy it with dessert in the evening.

Spiced Vanilla Latte

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Place milk in a mug and microwave until desired temperature (2-3 minutes). Stir in instant coffee and vanilla until coffee is dissolved. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

What quick fix hot drinks you like to whip up when you”re chilled to the bone?

Nutella Hot Cocoa adapted from Miss in the kitchen. Sleepy-Time Milk Adapted from Allrecipes.