I am a smarty pants
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!
Posted by: molly | September 11, 2009 10:16 AM
yes, you are quite a smarty panty. brilliant, i'd say. :)
Posted by: rach | September 11, 2009 10:37 AM
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.
Posted by: hannah | September 11, 2009 10:47 AM
if i drank coffee. or half and half. i'd do that right this minute. you have me considering it...
Posted by: emily | September 11, 2009 10:58 AM
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?
Posted by: Mama Urchin | September 11, 2009 11:20 AM
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.
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | September 11, 2009 12:45 PM
Smarty Pants? No way!! Complete and utter GENIUS! I'm on it right now. You're spectacular!
Posted by: Jill | September 11, 2009 2:49 PM
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!
Posted by: Liz | September 12, 2009 8:44 AM
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.
Posted by: Stefani | September 12, 2009 11:54 AM
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.
Posted by: erin | September 13, 2009 4:42 PM
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 :)
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | September 14, 2009 6:56 AM
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.
Posted by: Leslie | September 14, 2009 7:14 AM
"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!
Posted by: callie | September 14, 2009 10:41 AM
I cannot believe I never thought of doing that. You ARE a smarty pants! :)
Posted by: Tracy | September 15, 2009 8:56 AM
Oh yeah ....thanks - making for tomorrow. LOVE that cream bottle - must have - where is it from?
Posted by: coffeechris | September 16, 2009 12:49 PM
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.
Posted by: sonrie | September 17, 2009 10:16 AM
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?
Posted by: Risa | September 17, 2009 1:39 PM
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!
Posted by: angie | September 19, 2009 11:29 PM
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 !
Posted by: chris | September 21, 2009 7:14 PM
That seems so easy, I'm going to have to try it, thanks!
Posted by: Lisa | September 24, 2009 9:20 AM
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.
Posted by: Its_Lily | September 24, 2009 1:26 PM
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.
Posted by: homejewel | September 24, 2009 6:39 PM
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.
Posted by: renee | September 26, 2009 6:09 PM
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!
Posted by: Denise | November 16, 2011 11:55 AM