Pumpkin Spice Creamer

It's that time of year again! Also, a favorite of mine.  Fall is right around the corner! The leaves will start turning soon, bonfires will be planned, and pumpkin spice everything will pop up. So, here I am, looking up recipes everywhere on the internet, in which I found a few.  But there was one in particular I really liked. Taste almost just like Starbucks, and probably cheaper too in the long run. Plus, the smell radiates throughout the house. It's simple to make, but a bit time consuming. Well worth it!

First you'll have to make the syrup, which really takes the most time.
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  20 mins

Ingredients:
1½ cups water
1½ cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground cloves
1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1. Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whisk in the remaining spices and the pumpkin puree. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks (or strain through a fine mesh strainer).
4. Store in the refrigerator.

On a side note:  To make a pumpkin spice latte: combine 2 ounces of hot coffee or 1 shot of hot espresso with 6 ounces of steamed low-fat milk. Stir in 2 tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup. Taste and adjust amounts accordingly. Top as desired with freshly whipped cream or a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.


Second step to making the actual creamer.

Ingredients:
1c prepared Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup, chilled
2c half-and-half cream
1/2t vanilla

Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Use as you would regular coffee creamer. Store in a jar or sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake before each use (as the pumpkin will settle to the bottom).

I also put what I made into mason jars.  Easy to store and easy to buy by the bulk.

Here are the links I found the recipes from:
Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup
Pumpkin Spice Creamer