Sugarcrafter » drinks

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Tracy — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Note: This post was originally published on September 1st, 2009. I have since revised the recipe and instructions for a much easier-to-make syrup that is even better than the original version. I hope you enjoy the syrup, and I hope you enjoy saving money on pumpkin spice lattes!

As far as I’m concerned, as soon as September 1st hits, it’s fall. I absolutely love fall. The leaves changing, the cool, crisp air, jeans & hoodies, and of course, the wonderful flavors of fall, including pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks. However, while I love the coffee, I do NOT love shelling out almost $5 per latte. So, I set out to make my own pumpkin spice syrup. I tried it in a latte I made using my espresso machine at home, and I really couldn’t tell the difference between mine and the “real” ones from Starbucks. It was like tasting pure autumn comfort – try it and see!

...Read the rest of Pumpkin Spice Latte on Sugarcrafter.net

Jamba Juice Strawberries Wild Smoothie, My Way

Tracy — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:13:51 +0000

When hubby and I travel, we often find ourselves in the vicinity of a Jamba Juice. Of course, we always have to go, since we both love their smoothies and wish that Jamba Juice would get their act together and open up a shop near us! Alas, they have yet to grant our request, so when I was craving my favorite smoothie the other day, I decided that I’d just have to whip up my own at home. Using the description on their website, which said that the Strawberries Wild smoothie is a “creamy blend of apple-strawberry juice, strawberries, bananas, nonfat frozen yogurt & ice,” I created this recipe. It’s easy, refreshing, and healthy; no extra sugar is required. Try it today!

...Read the rest of Jamba Juice Strawberries Wild Smoothie, My Way on Sugarcrafter.net

Eggnog

Tracy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:56:28 +0000

Eggnog might seem a little strange for this month’s Flavor of the Month – a tribute to John Hughes – so let me explain. Every year around Christmas, we have certain traditions. With my family, it’s always been to watch It’s a Wonderful Life and to get up early on Christmas morning and open presents, after which my mom would always make an amazing breakfast. Now that hubby and I are married, we share the traditions of both our families, as well as some of our own. One of our traditions started during our college years is to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, so I decided that my tribute just had to have something to do with this movie. What I love most about the movie is the dry humor that Chevy Chase delivers without flinching, and one of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Clark and Eddie are drinking eggnog out of moose mugs. Clark says, “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?” It has me rolling on the floor every time.

Unfortunately I don’t have moose mugs in which to proudly display my eggnog, so a regular coffee cup will have to do. The eggnog really wasn’t all that hard to make though, so I’m glad I now have this in my arsenal for the fast approaching holiday season!

4 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 pint milk
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the sugar until the mixture becomes crumbly.

In a medium saucepan, scald (bring to almost boiling, but not quite) the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

Pour a bit of the hot mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly as you pour in order to temper the eggs. Then, pour the egg mixture into the saucepan, and cook on medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream.

Let cool, and then move to the refrigerator to chill. Or you can drink it warm, if you’d like – I enjoy it both ways! Serves about 4.