I'll just make some.
This morning I woke up to find the Coffeemate container on the counter next to the coffeepot. Jason had added it to the grocery list, but this is his way of letting me know that we are out. I don't ALWAYS check the list.
As soon as I saw it there, I began working out how to configure my day so that I could run to the store. I really didn't want to go anywhere today. We had been Iof town the whole weekend, helping my daughter and SIL move into their new house. I'm sore from a lot of trips up and down the stairs. It's raining. The list of reasons I didn't want to leave the house could go on and on. So, what's a girl to do? The answer is GOOGLE a creamer recipe!
I found several recipes and read a lot about the crap they put in commercial creamer and decided I would see what I have in the house to make this happen. Of course, basic creamer is two ingredients - milk and sweetened condensed milk. I, of course, have neither of those ingredients, but I wasn't going to let that stop me (or make me leave the house!). I found a few recipes for sweet condensed milk, and I knew I had heavy cream, powdered milk and a can of evaporated milk. I can make this happen!
It's interesting how much you can make work, if you have the proper incentive. In this case, a deep desire not to leave the house, while also really wanting to make sure my Hubs had his coffee creamer. I think this is the basis of self sufficiency. It's making what you need with what you have. This has let to the recipe I'm sharing with you below. There were a couple of benefits too! I was able to use up the heavy cream that was going to have to become butter before much longer. I was able to use up the evaporated milk that is close to expiring and I was also able to reduce the amount of sugar in the creamer, which is always good. I also saved a few bucks in the process! Creamer is expensive! Not "eggs expensive" but up there
The Original Recipe
1-14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 3/4 cups milk or half and half
Put both in the container - shake well - keep refrigerated.
Tina's Incredible Version
1 - 14 ounce can evaporated milk
1 cup sugar (the recipe for sweetened condensed milk called for 1 1/2 cups sugar which seemed excessive)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup water
Mix the evaporated milk with the sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar (the original sweet cond milk recipe says to heat over low heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar - I didn't do that)
Mix the heavy cream and water - stir gently to combine - don't go crazy here - we're not making butter.
Mix the two "milk mixtures together and use a funnel to add to the original creamer container - or a mason jar - or whatever you'd like to store it in. Keep refrigerated and enjoy!
Voila! Money saved - no going to the store - home ingredients used! Win / Win / Win!
Now I'll be totally honest here - I do this kind of thing ALL the time, so I know everyone else is doing it too! What kinds of things have you created out of a burning desire to avoid the store? Need to save money? Desire to be healthier?
Hope you have an amazing day!
Best Wishes!
