Hot Vanilla

Step 1: In a heavy saucepan, combine the ingredients and warm over low heat.

Step 2: When small bubbles appear around the sides of the pan, remove it from the heat and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Place the pan back on the stove and rewarm the mixture, whisking it briefly to redistribute the skin that forms on the milk's surface.

Step 4: Remove the vanilla bean half, scrape out the seeds with a sharp knife, and return the seeds to the milk.

Step 5: Pour the vanilla milk into two 8-ounce mugs and top with sprinklings of cinnamon.