Sunday, October 16, 2011

homemade pumpkin spice creamer

I remember the first time I read Ann's words...
Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, 
that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.
It goes against every parenting grain in my body.  You think when a kid is acting up, they *just* need discipline, not pop.  {Not that we don't deal with the wrong behavior.  Not that drawing near means buying a special treat - it is often sitting down together with a bug book or a box of legos.  Insert a whole lot of other disclaimers, because this could be way misconstrued.}
But the more I do it, the more I am convinced Ann is onto something.  Entering into their world gives you a platform for talking about heart matters.  
Don't we want to take advantage of every second we can of that, while we are still welcome?
So, after a big week and a full weekend ahead, I opted to spend the first hour with my boy on a date.  His choice.

 Of course...
Just one hour with the boy who dances to the beat of his own drum, 
who takes the path less traveled,
who over and over draws me outside to take in the beauty in all seasons.
 Just entering his world can do wonders...for the both of us.

Perhaps one of the other best discoveries of the week...
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer!!!
Has anyone else picked up a container of flavored creamer only to scan the ingredients and have no idea how to pronounce them, let alone know what they are?  This may have happened to me more than once...
So, when I saw this recipe, I couldn't wait to try it.  
Then after making it, it came to me...


Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer
(with ingredients you can pronounce :)
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup homemade pumpkin spice syrup
Mix well in a container.  Shake before pouring into coffee.
Enjoy!


{Preferably in a pink to-go mug on a walk with your middle child, 
letting him lead the way and talk about what he wants to talk about, 
smiling wide when he comes home to tell his dad "That was so much fun!!"}

7 comments:

  1. Sara, love pumpkin in the fall so I just tried making this creamer. I couldn't find cinnamon sticks at owens in my quick search (I suspect they are obvious and I just missed them) so I substituted regular cinnamon. My syrup and creamer turned out kinda slimy/snotty. Did yours? Maybe I cooked it too long? Or maybe it will be just fine in coffee- I just tried a little shot just plain since I'm about to go to bed. :) I didn't strain it since I didn't put in cinnamon sticks but maybe I should have. Anxious to try it in the morning regardless, but my DH is a bit more skeptical about such things! :)

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  2. Hey Janelle! I'm thinking it may still have needed strained. I noticed since you add pumpkin to it, that the staining took alot of that out. It still had the pumpkin flavor, but is more of a syrup. Don't give up! Or, you can stop by and pick up some of mine to see if you like it to try again :)

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  3. And/Or, you can strain some of it now and see if that helps? Really, I'm serious about picking up some here though if you want...

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  4. Thanks Sara! I mixed half of my batch with half and half and Josh won't drink it because it is slimy. But I'll try straining the other half and we'll see if that is better. I should have just followed the direction! Thanks!

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  5. Ground cinnamon tends to make things "snotty". I've noticed that in cider and tea. Straining might help. Cinna stix are usually right with the other spices at the store, just a taller container.

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  6. Anony #1 - it is! hope you can try it :)
    Anony #2 - thanks for the tips and suggestions!

    I've also heard that someone mixed what was strained with cream cheese for a spread on bagels. I think that sounds delish!

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