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I am a smarty pants

flavored

Let's get one thing clear. It's seriously lucky that we're naturally thin people (I'll duck while you throw things), because we do not diet. But what we do try hard to do is eat real, whole, homemade foods- local if possible- whenever we can. I like butter, sugar, milk, cheese, honey, whole wheat. I do not like partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose anything, artificial sweeteners, enriched flours. This is nothing new, right?

One of our last holdouts is was our very favorite creamer to which we are completely addicted: Coffee-mate Vanilla Caramel. It is full of gross things I can hardly pronounce.

Yesterday, feeling all clever, I had the grand plan to flavor some half and half, and dog-gone-it, it worked! It's yummy. Here's what I did:

I caramelized about 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolved and it was bubbly and thick. I pulled it off the burner, let it cool for about 30 seconds and then slowly whisked in a pint of my favorite half and half. Then I poured it right back into the bottle.

Tasty? Absolutely. Cheaper? No. Low fat? No way. Healthier? It has to be.

Now I'm busy dreaming up some new flavors to try...

Comments

First of all, that picture is beautiful. i love the colors.

Second, yes, I'd like to chuck a few things at you.

Third. You ARE a smarty pants. I am going to try this asap!

yes, you are quite a smarty panty. brilliant, i'd say. :)

the last time i had coffee-mate i said to myself, i am drinking plastic. and that was the last time. this is such a good idea that i will most certainly borrow.

if i drank coffee. or half and half. i'd do that right this minute. you have me considering it...

I'm with you on the real food stuff, but you knew that. Let me know if you come up with a recipe for diet coke.

And I seriously love that bottle. Like so much that if you don't have to return it to get your bottle deposit back would you please send it to me?

What a great idea! I'll have to pass this on to my sister, who refuses to give her coffee mate up!! I eat like you do, and don't believe in processed food etc, I have tried to get my sister going in this direction, so I think I will pass on your half and half recipe to excite her into something more healthy and tasty.

Smarty Pants? No way!! Complete and utter GENIUS! I'm on it right now. You're spectacular!

Oh my. I love flavored creamer but hate to buy it so I usually just use 1/2 and 1/2. I am so going to make this!

YOU are such a smart cookie!
I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I think like that... plus getting to use that sweet little bottle... I could be moved in that direction.

smarty pants is right. if i didn't drink my coffee black, i would be on this quick. there's nothing better than a little caramel. mmmm.

mmmmmm! Sounds so yummy! And I'm a naturally thin person too. I eat enough for two grown men. It's ridiculous, lovely, and at times really annoying :)

Yum! I just made a jar of caramel sauce last week (to go with my apple cake) and I've been craving caramel ever since. This would be an awesome way to have some every day.

"Ooh. Ahh. Dance in smarty pants"...Between the lions? Yes? Or maybe too much PBS kids for me? But great idea on the creamer. Shatto is fantastic. Have you been to their family day dairy farm tour? Awesome.
Have a great day!

I cannot believe I never thought of doing that. You ARE a smarty pants! :)

Oh yeah ....thanks - making for tomorrow. LOVE that cream bottle - must have - where is it from?

I love Shatto milk! My fiancee and I were recently in St. Joe and bought some at the Hy-Vee...I had chocolate and he had banana (both delicious and rich!). I'm sure even skim is delicious. I wish there were a local creamery option in St. Louis.

Okay, I have to admit that the Vanilla Caramel is my favorite also, but I like the powder. I'm going to try your and I will let you know....

I need to find something to store it in. I like your half and half container. What brand is it?

Google brought me here because I was looking up mayflies. But I can't help but comment on this one. My parents live about 10 minutes away from the Shatto dairy. I always splurge on their milk when I go visit!

This is great...I'm addicted to the same goo and I know it's garbage for my body. Way to go figuring this out. Say no to all the chemicals !

That seems so easy, I'm going to have to try it, thanks!

Oh, you are the cleverest Miss Smary Pants I've had the pleasure of meeting....so to speak. I'm here via Beauty That Moves. She's made me hungry.

I just made it. It's great. I made a whole quart - didn't add the water because I used a little extra vanilla. It's super easy. It is definitely cheaper in our area to make it vs buy it. Thank you!

Now you've got me thinking about other flavors - chocolate, hazelnut, etc.

I'm gonna try it. But it would cost less for me because 1 gallon of half and half cost the same as 32 Oz bottle of flavored creamer. I'll get 4x as much creamer for about the same price.

I love Shatto milk. I can't drink other brands of cow milk, I'm a little bit lactose intolerant but Shatto milk doesn't make me sick plus it's got a sweet taste to it where others taste sour!

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