Vicky Conlan wrote:
Other than the milk, I don't think any of the above items would have
a problem sitting about on your desk! cinnamon sticks, in my experience,
have the same shelf life as powder. Not sure about vanilla beans, but
you seem to be able to buy them in the same kind of container as the
other spice powders, so I would expect it to last ok.

I think the reason Steve wants to use powders instead of whole spices
is that he's making his hot chocolate by pouring hot water in, rather
than by simmering. I'm not sure you can really extract much flavour
from a cinnamon stick just by sitting it in hot water. I could be
wrong though! I also wonder whether using a cinnamon stick as a
"stirrer" in addition to the powdered cinnamon might add something to
the drink, if only aroma. And you could dry the stick out and reuse
it over and over, probably, if there aren't going to be any dairy
products in the drink.

Kake