Like many other adults, I have very fond memories of my childhood. Birthday parties with friends, trips to the pumpkin patch every fall as a family and summer vacations hanging out at home and exploring the world around us.
For my siblings and I, we were blessed to have several of our grandparents and great-grandparents around during our lifetime. Hearing stories from my petite 100-year old great-grandmother about growing up in a time without cars was mind blowing, to say the least. Visiting my grandparents house and watching old home movies of my Dad as a teenager on, what’s that thing called, a film projector (?!?!), was simply magical!
And even though I have beautiful memories of all my grandparents, due to circumstances and location, I was able to spend most time growing up with my maternal Grandmother.
My grandmother, taught me so many things. She introduced me to the world of Cajun cooking, taught me how to drive or not to drive 🙂 and encouraged exploring our rich family heritage.
She also taught me to having a passion for reading. You see, growing up my Grandmother would come stay with us for several weeks throughout the year. As I think back and drift into those calm, peaceful memories; I can see her sitting at our white kitchen table, with a book or magazine one hand and a steamy cup of coffee in the other, as bright sunlight peeked through the window and swept over her silver hair.
That is another life lesson that I have her to thank… that no matter how crazy life gets (and believe me my grandmother knows a little bit about the roller coaster called life) to take time for yourself.
For some this means a mani/pedi, others it is a hot bubble bath, but for my Grandmother “me time” meant a big cup of strong black coffee, getting lost in a good crime novel or flipping through her favorite magazine, People, to not only read up on the most current headlines but specifically to complete that famous crossword puzzle! To this day, every time I see People magazine in the checkout line at the grocery store or breathe in some freshly brewed coffee, I am instantly reminded of these special memories of my Grandmother.
Recently, when picking up groceries at Randall’s, I was standing in the checkout line staring at the latest issue of People magazine and instantly felt the memories of my Grandmother rush over me. I decided to treat myself to the current issues of People and InStyle magazine and head home to have some time just for me.
Channeling the teachings of my Grandmother, I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and immediately flipped to the crossword puzzle. However, unlike my Grandmother, I can’t drink my coffee black and need a little creamer to cut through that infamous bitter taste. I decided to whip up some Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer. Homemade coffee creamer is really easy to make (you probably already have all the ingredients on hand) and is easily adaptable based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Since we can’t get enough PSL this year, a pumpkin spice creamer was a must! Below I have included two different recipes for Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer. The first version is rich and sweet, making it practically identical to store bought creamer and my personal favorite. The second (and healthier) version is dairy free and has no sugar added, perfect for those with dietary restrictions but certainly not as rich or sweet.
The only thing that would make this rare moment of me time better? Of course sharing it with my Grandmother!
Looking to enjoy a moment of “me time”? Whip up some homemade pumpkin spice coffee and grab this $1 off one participating magazine (PEOPLE, PEOPLE StyleWatch, Sunset, and InStyle), available through the Safeway Just4U online portal (from 10/23/14 – 11/20/14 while supplies last) and head to Randall’s to stock up on your favorite magazines!
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
by Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes Yields: about 3 cups
1 ¾ cups half and half
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ – ¾ cup pumpkin puree
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon maple extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Combine all ingredients in a large blender. Blend until liquefied and well combined. Pour creamer into a large mason jar or cup with a tight fitting lid. Label the jar with the expiration date of the half and half or milk and store in refrigerator (for about 1-2 weeks).
To serve, add desired amount to coffee. Sip and enjoy!
Homemade {Healthier} Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
by Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes Yields: about 3 cups
2 cups lite half and half, vanilla almond milk or coconut milk creamer
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
½ – ¾ cup pumpkin puree
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Combine all ingredients in a large blender. Blend until liquefied and well combined. Pour creamer into a large mason jar or cup with a tight fitting lid. Label the jar with the expiration date of the half and half or milk and store in refrigerator (for about 1-2 weeks).
To serve, add desired amount to coffee. Sip and enjoy!