Drew + I made Sunday mornings our new “thing”- intentional time spent enjoying each other’s company. We’ve never lived by family, and are not in a season where we feel like we can trust a babysitter, so we try to find alone time that works with our family dynamic. The one thing that I need to fully function, is alone time with him in the morning. That doesn’t always happen, so patience is a hot commodity in this house! We set an alarm to wake up well before the girls, and treat ourselves to a homemade macchiato bar!
I love to be in the kitchen. There’s something about the challenge and the love of creating, in general, that really speaks to my soul. Thankfully, none of these recipes take very long AT ALL. Plus, they all, more or less, use the same ingredients, and keep in the refrigerator for the better part of the month. Make them once, and we’re set for awhile!
Here’s how:
B R E W
I believe true macchiatos use a few shots of espresso, but we like to enjoy our drinks all morning. We make a big pot of dark roast coffee, and it works just fine!
F O A M
I start by making THIS RECIPE for vanilla creamer (I cannot find the original pin, but I’ll link it as soon as I do!):
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, heated over medium until bubbling.
- Stir in 1 cup sugar, constantly stirring foe two minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla, remove from heat.
- Mix in 2 cups whole milk.
I store the finished creamer in a mason jar to froth when we’re ready! We should have just bought the dang Ninja Coffee Bar. Here’s a great option for a milk frother instead!
C A R A M E L
I don’t think I can ever buy store bought caramel again. Homemade is totally where it’s at.
THIS is the recipe I used:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar stirred over medium heat until it melts. Stir every minute- it will get clumpy before it turns into a liquid. This step is the longest part of the process.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup salted butter (room temp) until melted and bubbly (1-2 mins).
- Slowly pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream (room temp) until it comes it a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir constantly for one minute. You can add salt but I didn’t! Caramel will THICKEN as it cools.
The best thing about making food from scratch, is that there is usually some wiggle room. I’ve used whole milk when I forgot to buy heavy cream, and the recipe worked out just fine- the caramel just remained on the thin side. Store in a mason jar in the fridge!
W H I P
- Chill a mixing bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Combine (cold) 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in chilled bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer until the cream gets thick, billowy, and stuff peaks form.
Store the leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge.
C O M B I N E
We like to pour foam first, add coffee to our liking, top with whipped cream, and drizzle caramel! IT”S SO GOOD, and only takes about 35 minutes for me to make everything to set us up for the month.
What are ways you date your spouse? Come on back and let me know if you try making your own coffee bar!
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