Homemade Ovaltine Recipe | Malted Milk Powder

One of my little sisters (she of Mapo Dofu fame) is pregnant for the first time. She has been obsessed -and when I say obsessed, I mean O.B.s.e.s.s.e.d. (get the pregnancy joke?)- with chocolate malts. Chocolate malted shakes, particularly, but chocolate malted anything pretty much. She texted me that she was making a chocolate malt cake (this cake, as a matter of fact) this afternoon. I suggested she use homemade malt powder. She asked what I meant. I explained how I make malted milk powder for my kids and have for years. Her response?

“Why have you not blogged this?”

I had no answer.

We went on to talk bras, back pain, Julia Child, and other things, like you do… but my mind wandered back to the “Why have you never blogged this?”

So here we go. I’m blogging it now. This has been a pantry staple in our home since back in the only-have-two-kids-day when I calculated how much money I was spending on Ovaltine for my munchkins one of whom would only drink milk with a solid third-of-a-cup of Ovaltine mixed into it. I make my  mix without sugar because, well, I’m that kind of mom… But I’m also the kind of mom that lets the kids add sugar to taste so long as ‘to-taste’ does not mean equal parts sugar and milk.

 Foodie with Family Bio Video

How about serving up an old-fashioned, icy-cold tumbler full of chocolate malted milk for an after school pick-me-up?

Why leave the sugar out of the Homemade Ovaltine Recipe {Malted Milk Powder}?

There are three solid reasons for leaving the sugar out of the malted milk powder when you’re mixing it:

• Most Obvious: You can control how much sugar goes into each cup. Malt powder is already naturally sweet… Adding sugar to taste is almost going to guarantee you a cuppa malted milk that contains less sugar than a commercial mix. Shoot. You could even sweeten it to taste with stevia, xylitol, honey, or agave!
• Less Obvious: Leaving the sugar out of the mix actually helps prevent clumping somewhat.
• Also Less Obvious: You can use the malted milk powder in cooking and baking (think milkshakes, cookies, and the aforementioned cake) without adjusting the other sweetening called for in the recipes.

Why make your own Homemade Ovaltine Recipe (Malted Milk Powder)?

It’s WAY less expensive, for starters! You get a pound and a half of malt powder (which can also be used alone in baking in place of sugar to help extend the shelf-life of your bread. In other words, to keep it yummy and fresh longer…) for $10.99 from Amazon.com. You only use six tablespoons of the malt powder in the mixture, which means that you get roughly a bajillion batches of malted milk powder from one thing of malt. I’m sorry. It’s almost the school year. Please excuse me from math for just a couple more weeks?

There’s a real bonus to making your own Homemade Ovaltine (whether it’s plain or chocolate flavoured) other than just saving your pocketbook a little bit; you avoid preservatives and artificial colourings! Score and score!

Where can I get the ingredients to make Homemade Ovaltine Recipe {Malted Milk Powder}:

Well, most grocers carry instant dry milk and cocoa powder. If you’re near a really GOOD grocer, they may even carry malt powder in the baking section… If you -like me- are in the middle of a corn field or just don’t feel like going out, you can certainly order all of the ingredients through my darling Amazon.com. Here’s a list of all the items you will need!

For the Plain:
Barley Malt Powder

Instant Dry Whole Milk Powder ~OR~ Instant Nonfat Dry Milk. Of the two, we vastly prefer the whole milk powder. It has a much richer taste!

For the Chocolate:

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 

When something is going to be on my counter top with some frequency, I like it to be pretty. Any container with a tight fitting lid will do the job, but this lovely jar holds a full batch of Malted Milk Powder (whether plain or chocolate) in style.

 

Cook’s Notes

• There is no getting around it. Our Homemade Ovaltine  Recipe {Malted Milk Powder} gets a little clumpy if it’s stored for long periods of time. If it’s used quickly (within a week or two) this isn’t an issue, but any longer than that and you may need to just stick a fork in the jar and break it up a bit.
• This Homemade Ovaltine Recipe{Malted Milk Powder} has no added sugar, but it’s very naturally sweet. Remember that you can use malt in place of sugar in baked goods. Do yourself a favour and taste your malted milk before adding any extra sweeteners! …And if you want added chocolate oomph and sweetness minus sugar, try chocolate stevia drops… It’s kind of one of my favourite things ever. (Add to iced coffee!!!)
• We use this little frother to mix our Homemade Ovaltine Recipe {Malted Milk Powder} into the milk. It dissolves everything and makes the final milk super frothy. What kid doesn’t love frothy milk?
• If you don’t have something like this or want to purchase it, I do recommend mixing your Homemade Ovaltine{malted milk powder} and milk in a blender for a similar effect.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PANDORA RINGS: HOW TO WEAR THEM AND LOOK AFTER THEM!

Rings, maybe more so than any other jewellery, are steeped in meaning, history and symbolism. Whether they are on the finger of a man or a woman, the stories they tell are of life-changing events, or simply a celebration of the everyday. Purchasing a ring for yourself or for someone you care about is the ultimate treat.

The tradition of rings goes deep into history. Depending on where you are in the world, the meaning and symbolism vary for rings worn on different fingers and for different occasions. We are probably all most familiar with the engagement and wedding band. Do you know how it came about that wedding bands are worn on the fourth digit of the left hand? In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was believed that a vein from that finger was linked directly to the heart. While modern medicine might dispute this belief, we love the romantic notion behind it!

Rings have not only been a sign of love but also power. Signet rings were worn traditionally by kings, queens and rulers, carrying the seal of royal assent. These rings were used to create a seal that passed documents into law.

We admire the beauty and simplicity of rings for their own sake too: throughout history, they have been a way to simply adorn the fingers. As far back as 2500 BC, rings have been discovered in tombs, as a way to adorn and revere the deceased.

At Swag we don’t think anyone should wait for someone else to buy them a ring. Everyone deserves to treat themselves from time to time! PANDORA understands this and has a beautiful choice of rings that make the ideal treat for you. Read on to see the different options and to find out more about how to wear and care for your rings.

TYPES OF RINGS

Whether the ring is a gift for someone else or a gift for yourself, PANDORA has a wide selection of styles and types of rings to choose from. If you prefer the everyday look, or if you want something that makes a statement, PANDORA has something for you.

HAVE FUN WITH STACKING RINGS

PANDORA boasts beautiful and on-trend collections of stacking rings, ideally worn in sets of three or four. PANDORA stacking rings are a unique way of creating your own style and are a popular trend among celebrities. A bit like PANDORA’s bracelets, these rings are a unique way of telling your story. You can create your own look, and add as few or as many as you’d like. If you were to type ‘PANDORA stacking rings’ into any search engine, you will be presented with a whole host of attractive combinations of rings, in all types of metals, with or without stones to suit any occasion.

This trend also lends itself to combinations of different metals, for example, PANDORA rose rings stack really well with silver rings for a two-tone fashion statement. The best bit about PANDORA stacking rings is there are no rules! This makes them a great choice when buying jewellery for yourself, as you can build your collection over time, giving you a greater variety of stacking combinations.

BE BOLD WITH STATEMENT RINGS

PANDORA also has a delightful selection of statement rings that can mark anything from your significant milestones and birthdays through to a night out with the girls. What statement do you want to make?

PANDORA ETERNITY RING

The definition of an eternity ring is a band or a design that is continuous all the way around, whether that be through a repeated pattern or the stones. This ring traditionally represents love and commitment, making it a thoughtful and romantic gift for a loved one, or a fun indulgence for yourself as well.

PANDORA TIARA RING

It’s easy to see why the PANDORA princess tiara rings are a popular choice! They are a beautiful choice to celebrate the wearer, for example, making for an affectionate gift from a father to daughter to cherish his little princess. They are also a perfect gift from you to you celebrating your unique beauty.

PANDORA BIRTHSTONE RINGS

PANDORA birthstone rings are a great way to honour birthdays. They are available in two different types: with a bauble band or smooth band. The birthstone rings are perfect for stacking, when paired with other silver or cubic zirconia bands, to frame and show off the birthstone.

JEWELLERY CARE

Once you have found the perfect ring for you, you will want to care for this beautiful piece of jewellery. Although most jewellery will tarnish over time, caring for your PANDORA ring will stop this happening faster. Coming into contact with perfume, salty air, sulphur, skin creams, hairspray and chlorine will cause oxidisation.

• When Not To Wear Your PANDORA Ring
  We recommend that you avoid wearing your PANDORA ring or rings whilst bathing, in bed or during sporting activities. It is best not to expose the ring to UV light, swimming pools and also not when using harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia.
• How To Store Your PANDORA Ring
  When you aren’t wearing your beautiful ring, you should store it away from natural sunlight and heat. Avoid leaving it in the bathroom as this is one of the worst places to store jewellery because of the water exposure and risk of accidentally falling down a drain.
• Cleaning Your PANDORA Ring
  You should use a polishing cloth on your ring regularly. You can also clean your ring using lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush, but don’t submerge the ring in the water when cleaning.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RING SIZE FOR YOU

Once you have chosen the type of ring, or rings, you want, it’s important to get the sizing right. You are making an investment and you want to make sure it’s a comfortable, lasting fit, that is perfect on your finger.

Here are some top tips to consider when sizing your ring:

• The width of the band – with slim bands, you might find it will slip on easier over the knuckle and you can go down a size. With a wider band, you may need to go up a size to allow for comfort.
• Size when stacking – the more rings that you start to add to one finger, the tighter it becomes, so that’s something to bear in mind if you know that you are looking to stack a particular ring. There is no harm in having that little bit of room to start with.
• The temperature of your hands at the time – when you’re trying rings on and your hands are a little bit warmer than usual, you may find that they’ve expanded. That works the other way too; if they’re older, they may shrink a little bit. So the best thing to do is try them in your own time at home. At Swag, we offer a fantastic exchange policy, so you easily send the ring back to us if you have any doubts about the size.
• PANDORA Ring Sizes – PANDORA uses European sizing, which ranges from size 48 to 60. If you happen to know a loved one’s sizing by lettering and want to buy a gift, call our friendly customer care team and they will help convert that sizing. If you are buying a ring as a gift, try and find a ring the person already owns and download the sizing guide from PANDORA as a way of determining the size.

MY 6 FAVORITE HOSTELS IN BOSTON

With its historic colonial buildings, die-hard sports fans, and lively nightlife, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the US (and I’m not just saying that because it’s where I grew up!).

Boston has been a commercial hub since the 17th century and holds an important place in American history. After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, it became a pivotal bastion of support for the US War of Independence. Even today, the city is brimming with history and has lots to offer. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to understand the roots of modern America.

Since it isn’t the most affordable destination, budget-conscious travelers and backpackers are probably going to want to save money however they can. That means finding budget-friendly accommodation.

Like most US cities, Boston doesn’t have many hostels. But the ones it does have are modern, clean, safe, and social for the most part.

To help you save money during your visit, here are the best hostels in Boston:

1. HI Boston

HI Boston is the best hostel in town. It offers both same-sex and mixed dorms, and each bed comes equipped with a shelf, outlets, and a locker. The private rooms are modern and have more of a hotel feel to them; they also come with TVs and a bathtub (which is largely unheard of in a hostel).

The hostel also has a free continental breakfast, a kitchen to cook your own meals in, and a common room complete with TV, pool table, and a piano. They also organize free city tours and host dinners, among other activities. It’s a very social hostel.

HI Boston is located close to the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Chinatown. More attractions, like the campuses of Harvard and MIT, are a only few T (subway) stops away.

Beds from $25 USD, private rooms from $101 USD a night.

2. Boston Fenway Inn

The Boston Fenway Inn is the cheapest hostel in town. But you get what you pay for, so expect basic accommodations. The rooms here can get cold in the winter, and the windows let in a lot of sound from nearby restaurants and bars. Bathrooms aren’t plentiful, and sometimes there are lines. And if you’re not one of the first to shower, you may miss out on hot water.

Breakfast is included but is quite basic (toast and coffee) unless you wake up early and grab pastries before they’re gone. It also doesn’t have a full kitchen, and the common room is set up with tables and chairs, so it’s not super comfy.

However, the hostel is located in a prime spot near the affluent Back Bay neighborhood, a picturesque and historic neighborhood with designer boutiques, indie shops, and some of the best spots in town to eat and drink. The hostel is close to Fenway Park, the stunning Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine arts, and the Mapparium.

Beds from $19 USD, private rooms from $54 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Boston Fenway Inn!

3. FOUND Hotel Boston Common

FOUND Hotel Boston Common is one of the oldest hotels in the city. Renovated in 2018, it has much more of a hotel feel to it. There isn’t a common room or kitchen, so it’s not easy to meet other travelers here, and the rooms here are small (some of the private rooms have hardly enough space for the bed).

But it’s a short walk to Boston Common and the Public Garden and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby. It’s also just over one block from the subway, so it’s easy to get to other attractions in town.

If you want a place that’s quiet, tidy, comfortable, and not particularly social, then book your stay here.

Beds from $36 USD, private rooms from $82 USD a night.

4. Boston Homestel

Located in an old house a few miles outside of the city center (but close to the JFK Library), Boston Homestel offers simple rooms and dorms. The rooms here are clean and bright but don’t have much to them. The beds aren’t the most comfortable, but the quiet location makes it easier to fall asleep than in other hostels in the heart of the city.

The hostel has a common room and a small kitchen, but not much more. It’s a quiet hostel, so don’t come to Boston Homestel expecting a party.

Beds from $37 USD, private rooms from $87 USD a night.

5. Backpackers Hostel & Pub

Backpackers Hostel & Pub is a social hostel located in Everett, just outside the city. It’s not fancy by any means, but it has a lively atmosphere and free breakfast (which is a big plus for budget-savvy travelers). The dorms are large and not particularly fancy or comfortable (most are 8-10 beds), but the drinks are cheap, and it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown by car (25 minutes by public transportation).

The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they also offer a free shuttle pickup service from the nearest T (subway) station (which is a 30-min walk away). They have a kitchen too, so you can easily cook your own meals here to save even more money. It’s a busy, social hostel.

Beds from $40 USD a night (private rooms not available).

6. Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Available from June through September, this is easily the coolest place to stay in town: a functional sailing vessel, the Liberty Clipper. It’s a wooden three-mast ship with cozy cabins for rent. While the rooms are small, the experience is unlike anything else Boston has to offer.

Towels and linens are included, and the hot water is plentiful. There is no Wi-Fi, however, and you need to leave the ship during the day. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, this is hard to beat. It’s also a great choice for couples.

10 Best Places to Visit in France!

For more than two decades, France has reigned as the world’s most popular tourist destination, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annually. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to France’s sophisticated culture, exquisite cuisine, fine wines, romantic chateaux, and picturesque countryside.
Many people immediately picture Paris when they think of France. Whilst the country’s capital is a beautiful city filled with neoclassical architecture and some of the country’s most recognizable monuments (think the Eiffel Tower), there’s a lot more to see around the country than just one city.
10. Marseille

One of Europe’s oldest cities and France’s second-largest city, Marseille is a major Mediterranean seaport located off the southeast coast of France. Boasting an idyllic climate, Roman ruins, medieval architecture and distinguished cultural venues, Marseille is also a working city with several universities and industries. At the core of Marseille is its old port. Dominated by two historic forts, this bustling harbor is lined with waterfront cafes, shops, and bars. One of Marseille’s best natural attractions, the Calanques are a series of small inlets with astonishing blue water and majestic limestone cliffs.

9. Lyon

Located in east-central France, Lyon is the capital of the Rhone department in the Rhone-Alpes region. Boasting a long history, Lyon today is the third-largest city in France, known for its historic architecture, gastronomy, and vibrant cultural scene. Lyon is comprised of various districts, each offering its own share of interesting treasures. For example, Presqu’île is the heart of the city with its restaurants and bars, while Croix-Rousse is known for its hundreds of hidden passageways. Fourvière boasts Roman ruins and Gothic churches, and Brotteaux is the wealthy district containing the beautiful Tete d’Or park.

8. Strasbourg

Situated right on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region. The city serves as the seat of the European Parliament and numerous other important European institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. The city’s historic center, Grande Île, is what makes Strasbourg one of the best places to visit in France. Here among a blend of both French and German architecture, visitors can find many museums, shops, cafes and striking attractions such as the stunning Gothic cathedral, which features intricate carvings and a 300-year old working, astrological clock.

7. Loire Valley

A popular tourist destination, the Loire Valley is a region in the center of France, regarded for its spectacular scenery, splendid chateaux, picturesque vineyards, and historic villages. The Loire Valley stretches 280 km (175 miles) along the Loire River, twisting and turning through some of France’s most beautiful villages and charming chateaux. Some of the most famous chateaux include Chambord, Amboise, Rivau, Chinon, and Chenonceau. The valley is home to many wineries that offer tours and wine tastings.

6. Bordeaux

flickr/raphael.chekroun

Built upon the River Garonne just half an hour inland of the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux is a major port city stuffed with fine architecture, historic sites, exceptional shopping, and a world-class arts and culture scene. Bordeaux’s city center features more than 350 historic structures and landmarks that include medieval churches and charming old bridges such as the Ponte de Pierre. The city also features several beautiful plazas of which the Place de la Bourse is the most stunning with its mirror-like effect. A visit to Bordeaux would not be complete without a drive through the surrounding wine country where tourists can admire picturesque villages, vineyards, and chateaux.

5. Luberon

dreamstime/© Jacques Vanni

If you want to mingle with the hoi polloi of French society in the south of France, the Luberon is the place to do it. It’s a haven for French society, as well as American and British visitors who come during the summer months to experience charming villages. This region in central Provence took off as a tourist destination after Peter Mayle published his books about life in Provence. With its lush forests, fields of lavender, farmers' markets and colorfully painted houses, you’ll soon see why the Luberon is such a tourist magnet. A great souvenir is a pottery from the village of Oppede le Vieux that still maintains its Middle Ages ambiance.

4. Mont Saint-Michel

Rising up from the midst of vast mudflats and some of Europe’s most powerful tidal waves is the rocky island of Mont Saint-Michel, located off France’s northwestern coast in Normandy. The tidal island is one of the most popular places to visit in France for its construction of medieval structures built as if stacked upon one another and crowned with the star attraction, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The awe-inspiring abbey was built by devoted monks in 708 AD after the Bishop of Avranches was allegedly visited by the Archangel Michael.

3. Dordogne

dreamstime/© Peter Adams

Unless you have weeks or months to spend in the scenic Dordogne region of southwestern France, you’re going to pick and choose the things you want to see. There is just so much to see and do here, beginning with picture-postcard villages and chateaus, including the well-preserved Chateau de Beynac, a hilltop castle. The scenery is pretty awesome, too, with the Dordogne River running through it. The Dordogne also has some of the best prehistoric cave art in France. The walls of Lascaux feature mainly animals. Unfortunately, they’re closed to the public now, but a replica is a must-see.

2. French Riviera

flickr/Artur Staszewski

Located on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the French Riviera (Cote d’ Azur) is the playground for the rich, famous and hordes of international tourists. Although the Riviera is famous for the glamour of St. Tropez, Monaco or the Cannes Film Festival, there are many other less well-known destinations, such as the perched villages of Eze and Saint-Paul de Vence, and the perfumeries of Grasse to name a few. The region enjoys a wonderfully mild to warm climate all year round, despite being one of the more northerly coasts on the whole Mediterranean.

1. Paris

Attracting more than 45 million visitors annually, Paris is the world’s most popular tourist destination. Dubbed various nicknames like the City of Lights, City of Love and Capital of Fashion, Paris is the capital city of France, known for its romantic ambiance and command in industries like business, entertainment, gastronomy, fashion and art, and culture. In addition to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris is also home to some of the world’s finest museums that include the Louvre Museum and Musee d’Orsay.