Cafe au Lait

Vanilla Cafe au Lait offers a mid-morning boost as well as a reprieve from winter's chill.

• 1 1/2 cups half 'n half
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 3 cups hot, strong brewed coffee

Combine the half-and-half, milk and sugar in a small saucepan. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk mixture and add the bean to the saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean from the milk mixture and whisk for 1 minute. Fill each mug with 1/2 cup of hot coffee and 1/2 cup milk mixture. Serve immediately.