Monday, September 12, 2011

Starbucks at Home

We are quickly becoming a nation where Starbucks could almost be our national symbol. There is practically one on every corner, and millions of Americans visit each day, sometimes multiple times, to indulge in their favorite beverage. I won't lie, their coffee isn't really something I enjoy. I find it to be too strong, no matter how much cream I add. And I will also admit, while we do frequent Starbucks once in a while, we really like to support our local coffee shop more often than the national phenomenon. About 2 minutes from our house is a great locally owned shop, The New Ground Coffee Company; and if you are ever in my neck of the woods, you HAVE to try them out. They have a great selection of coffees, blended drinks, and more ice tea flavors that Baskin Robins has ice cream! But one treat I have not been able to find anywhere else, and start to crave this time of the year, is the Caramel Apple Spice. If you've never had one, think caramel apple meets mulled cider with a little whipped cream thrown in for fun. It is hands down my favorite Starbucks drink of all time, and  I could drink 3 per day if I had extra money to blow! (And let's face it, a lot of $$$ b/c their prices are not cheap) So imagine my thrill when I stumbled upon this copy cat version on A Year of Slow Cooking last year! I don't remember when I found it, but I do remember downloading it to my computer for future use. Well, about April I switched computers w/ my husband (I still miss my Mac) and didn't remember to retain my recipe files before I did. GASP! I know! So this never got a second thought until the chill was back in the air and I was driving to Starbucks to get my first Caramel Apple Spice of the season and though "Wait, I can make these at home". I found the recipe on the site once again, thank goodness, and now I can have this treat at home any time I want, for much less cash. Plus, Alex loves to warm up w/ it after a rainy day at school! Each of us deserves to indulge and splurge on a special treat every now and then; but when the wallet is a little thin, or I just don't feel like leaving the house, I'm so happy to treat myself in my own kitchen!

Caramel Apple Spice from A Year of Slow Cooking


4 c. apple cider
1/2 TBS cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 TBS caramel syrup (ice cream topping)
Whipped Cream (optional)

Place cider, cinnamon, cloves and syrup in crock pot. Stir well. Cook on low 4 hours. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat in microwave.

*NOTE* When I get these at Starbucks, the caramel flavor isn't over powering. More of just a hint of sweet in the background. Plus I didn't want to go too sweet for Alex. So, if you want a more pronounced caramel flavor I would add 4-5 TBS.




Shared on Jam Hands Sept. 12, 2011
Shared on Sweetology Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Home Savvy A to Z Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Celebrating Family Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Chef in Training Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on This Chick Cooks Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Gooseberry Patch Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Hugs & Cookies Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Something Swanky Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on It's A Keeper Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Around My Family Table Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Recipes For My Boys Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Simply Sweet Home Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Jane Deere Sept. 16, 2011
Shared on One Artsy Mama Sept. 16, 2011
Shared on Six Sisters' Stuff Sept. 17, 2011
Shared on Sweet as Sugar Cookies Sept. 17, 2011
Shared on Everyday Sisters Sept. 18, 2011
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Sept. 19, 2011
Shared on Country Cooks Across America Oct. 1, 2011
Shared on Bacon Time Oct. 26, 2011




*Featured on Everyday Sisters*

Photobucket
Pin It

15 comments:

  1. Glad you can make it at home, I'm a SB feind but only because I don't have a local coffee house which I would gladly support...
    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  2. $6 for a cup of coffee... not me

    But Cider with Caramel sauce... what an idea! In my neighborhood (a cul de Sac), my neighbors and I have a tradition... one house, lights out at the other and we sit in a driveway and hand out double candy and make a night of it... this would be PERFECT this year!

    Saving this One

    Dave

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's still too hot here to think of fall things like this, but as soon as it cools down, I'm making this!

    Michelle
    http://www.michellesdinnerbell.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. OH MY GOODNESS! I CANNOT wait to try this! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

    Popping in from Gooseberry Patch. Nice to meet you!

    Much Love & Blessings,
    ESTHER
    www.oursimplecountrylife.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love apple cider and carmel so thank you, yum! Love the WW points too when you do that! :*)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so glad to see this linked up at Tea Party Tuesday...what a great fall flavor combo!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I cant wait until I try this...sounds delicious!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I came across your blog on Around My Family Table and I love your post!


    I would love it if you would drop by Jane Deere and link up to Fusion Fridays with your favorite or most recent recipes, handmade crafts, diy projects, tips & tricks, and how to's! { open through Wednesday! }

    http://janedeereblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. This looks yummy! I have to agree with you about Starbucks coffee being way too strong. I miss those little independent coffee shops we used to have before there was a Starbucks on every corner. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yum! We are in the country and the nearest Starbucks is over 100 miles away. This looks delicious! Hope you are having a great week end and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yummy! I am always looking for new "Starbucks at Home" options and this sounds scrumptious! Thanks so much for sharing at Savvy HomeMade Monday, EMM!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can't wait to try this. I did the Pumpkin Spice Latte on my own Sunday, and it was divine. I love this as an afternoon Starbucks treat. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a yummy treat! This will be great when it gets a little cooler here next month!

    Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites. I'm featuring you this week. Come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just posted a recipe for homemade caramel sauce. I have to try this recipe! Yum!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you...