2% Milk Recipe

Measure 4 cups of chilled 2% reduced-fat milk and pour it into a clean pitcher or the container you will use to serve or store it.

If serving cold, place the pitcher in the refrigerator until chilled (about 1–2 hours) or add chilled milk directly to glasses with ice as desired.

If serving warm, pour the 4 cups of milk into a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and to avoid scalding.

If heating, monitor the temperature with a thermometer and remove from heat once milk reaches 140–150°F (60–65°C) for warm drinking; do not boil.

Lightly Sweetened

If you want lightly sweetened milk, stir in up to 1 tsp honey or sugar into the warm or cold milk until dissolved. Taste and adjust to preference.

Vanilla

For vanilla-scented milk, stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract into the measured milk and mix well.

Cinnamon

When serving, sprinkle a light dusting (about 1/8 tsp) of ground cinnamon on top of each glass, or whisk cinnamon into warm milk for an even flavor.

If diluting or adjusting temperature quickly, add up to 1/4 cup cold or hot water as needed and stir to combine.

Serve the milk in chilled or warmed glasses according to preference.

Store unused milk covered in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and consume within 3–5 days of opening (or by the date on the carton if earlier).

If you warmed the milk and have leftovers, cool quickly and refrigerate promptly; do not refreeze.