Cinnamint Cappuccino

Ingredients:
 * 3 cups fat free skim or 1 percent lowfat milk
 * 2 cups regular-strength brewed coffee
 * 1 bunch of fresh mint, about 1/2 cup tightly packed
 * 4 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
 * 1 teaspoon mint syrup or 2 tablespoons creme de menthe, optional
 * 1 small package cinnamon red hots
 * 1 small bunch of fresh mint

Directions:
Wash mint. Remove about a dozen leaves and reserve for garnish. Combine 2 cups of milk, coffee, washed mint stalks and leaves, and cinnamon sticks or powdered cinnamon in a small saucepan or microwave bowl or cup. Heat over a medium flame or in microwave just until the liquid starts to steam and a few bubbles appear; don't let it boil. Set aside and let steep for at least fifteen minutes and as long as an hour.

For foamed milk, place 1 cup of hot milk in a blender container with the sugar. Cover with a vented lid. Blend until frothy, about 30 seconds. Switch the blender on and off quickly to avoid splashing overflows, and then continue blending.

Pour coffee-mint mixture through a clean strainer into a pitcher or large measuring cup; if it has cooled, reheat without letting it come to a boil. Stir in the optional mint syrup or creme de menthe.

Divide coffee among three serving cups and spread foamed milk over each one. Sprinkle four or five red-hots over foamed milk and garnish with two or three mint leaves. Serves three.