Thai Hot Coffee in Four Parts

Part One: Years ago, and I actually mean years ago, I went to Maine and bought a lot of food—canned and dried goods—from an Asian grocer.

Part Two: When my sister came to visit me in DC, even longer ago, I introduced her to Thai iced coffee, the mother eff of all coffee drinks. She was enamored.

Part One + Part Two: Because my sister liked iced coffee so much, and lived at home with my parents, I brought them raw materials from my trip.

Part Three: We are a family of savers and just as the expiration was nearing, my dad found a can of sweetened condensed milk and snuck it in my bag. Quickly I had to find a use.

Part Four: I remembered I’m a DAD GANSIE in training and I had a package of O-lieng powder—roasted coffee beans, soybeans, brown rice and caramel—in my cabinet. It’s probably stale, but since I just finished my canister of illy, this discovery was perfect timing.

But now I have most of a can left of the condensed milk. Any usage suggestions? Can I sub it in for heavy whipping cream?

(inauthentic) Thai Hot Coffee

Add 2 spoonfuls of O-lieng powder to a French press. Top with just boiled water. Let steep for 3-4 minutes. Press. In a mug, pour in a half spoonful of sweetened condensed milk, pour in coffee. Stir.