What’s Cooking Wednesday

Today’s recipe is 1) again from Pinterest; and 2) not anything that has to be cooked so I’m not sure how it fits into What’s Cooking Wednesday but just humor me, OK? 

Y’all all know that I’m not working right now.  Because of that I’m doing everything I can to make the unemployment stretch and have given up a lot of things that I used to take for granted but one thing I refuse to give up is my coffee.  For my sanity and the safety of anyone I may come in contact with as well. I will admit I made the occasional visit to the drive thru java joint with the holiday red cups but never, ever on a regular basis.  I did always have several varieties of liquid coffee creamer on hand, both at home and the office.  And I’m embarrassed to say, never really gave a thought to spending $3.00+ on a bottle of coffee creamer.  Times two or three, depending on how many bottles/flavors I bought.  My how things change. I used the last of the already purchased creamer today and when I went to the Walmart tonight to get a few groceries, I remembered one of my latest pins. I could make my own coffee creamer so I got the items needed to make sure I was able to get my coffee in the morning.  

There are only three ingredients and you probably already have them on hand.  Here’s what you need to make your own French Vanilla Coffee Creamer:

• 14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 14 oz. Milk – whole, 2%, skim…your choice
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• Mason Jar – pint size works fine

Add the sweetened condensed milk to your jar

Fill the can with the 14 oz. of milk and empty it into the jar also.

Then add the vanilla.  Mexican vanilla if you have it. I think it’s the best. 

If you look closely you’ll see I used 1 tablespoon instead of 2 teaspoons.  Oopsie!

Shake, shake, shake it up until it’s blended all nice and thick and creamy.  See?

I put the lid on and put it in the icebox.  As I was closing the door, something caught my eye…

Sitting right on top of the trash was the empty container – with a pour spout I might add.  It was already rinsed out so I removed the wrapper, thoroughly washed it in hot soapy water, then dried it. 

Bazinga!  Now I wouldn’t have to bother with unscrewing the lid each morning because I could just flip the top with one hand AND could pour it into my cup in a more controlled manner.  Most of the creamer fit into the recycled container and I drank the rest put the remaining back into a smaller Mason jar.

I can’t wait to make some different flavors.  Oh I don’t know, say maybe a batch with a little peppermint extract and perhaps a dash of chocolate syrup?  So many possibilities!  At a fraction of what they cost at the grocery store PLUS – I know exactly what’s in it.  Love it!

Is it time for coffee yet?