homemade coffee creamer

While my parents were visiting last month, my mom took it upon herself to read the labels of all my favorite prepackaged, processed foods and point out all the awful chemicals that I have been ingesting.  Thanks, mom!  Seriously though, I have been trying to cut down on the prepackaged stuff around here.  We've been eating more "whole" foods, and trying to stay away from preservatives and chemicals.  But I just couldn't give up my creamer, ok?  Especially that Cinnabon creamer.  And if you look at the label on store bought creamer, it reads like the fine print on toxic waste.  If toxic waste had fine print.

So, ok mom.  I will try and find a recipe that is non-toxic.  I found one here that used a basic recipe, and then you can add in whatever flavorings you enjoy.  So I made mine cinnamon vanilla flavored.  And it is so much better than the store bought variety!

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cup milk, half and half, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or cream
2 t. vanilla extract
1 to 2 T cinnamon

First pour all the ingredients into a large bowl or jar.  I used a jar so that I could put the lid on and shake it well instead of stirring.

Shake (or stir) well.  If you have the time, it's good to let the mixture sit in the fridge for about an hour to let the cinnamon permeate the creamer.  Pour into another bowl through a mesh strainer.  I lined mine with cheesecloth to get the extra grit of the cinnamon out.

Even with the cheesecloth there will be cinnamon still in there, which is good.  Because it's supposed to be cinnamon flavored.  But it won't be gritty at all.  We all want a creamy creamer, right?  I just have this thing about not drinking crunchy coffee.

Pour it back into the container of your choice, and store it in the fridge.  I've been making  it every Sunday and it lasts about a week.  Sometimes less because I like to use it in iced coffee, too.  It will technically be good for as long as the milk you use in it is good.  Check your expiration dates.

I think it would be so good with coconut milk, I might try that next!  Or I might try my hand at salted caramel flavor... I really love a splash of creamer in my coffee, can you tell?