Holiday Stir-ins

Picture this...outside it's cold, snowing (or in my case, raining), the wind is blowing, then inside...cheerful holiday decorations, cozy Christmas lights, soft Christmas tunes in the background, and you...snuggled up in your favorite chair...by yourself or with your favorite person, perhaps still in your pj's, sipping a warm peppermint cream latte...or coconut, or how about caramel, make it your own! Coffee Stir-ins are so easy to make! To help you get started, I'll share with you some of my favorites for the holiday season...

Peppermint Syrup Stir-in

1c. water

1c. sugar
1 t. peppermint extract

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and stir over med-heat 

until sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat 

then stir in peppermint extract. For added holiday color,

stir in 1 drop of green food coloring. Cool and store in refrigerator. 

Coconut Syrup Stir-in

3\4 c. water

3/4 c. sugar

1\4 c. cream of coconut

2 t. coconut extract

Combine water, sugar and cream of coconut in a saucepan 

and stir over med-heat until sugar has completely dissolved 

and mixture has well blended. Remove from heat 

and stir in coconut extract. Cool and store in refrigerator.

Caramel Syrup Stir-in

3\4 c. water

3\4 c. sugar

1\4 c. caramel ice cream topping

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir over med-heat 

until sugar has dissolved completely and mixture has well blended.

Remove from heat and cool. Store in refrigerator.

Raspberry Syrup Stir-in

1 c. water

1 c. sugar

3\4 c. fresh raspberries

Stir together water and sugar in a saucepan. Add raspberries

and bring to simmer over med-heat. Allow to cook for about 10 minutes

stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pour through fine mesh

to remove seeds. Cool and store in refrigerator.

 For storing I found these oil dispensers at WalMart, I've heard they are also at Target. I have the smaller size and they work perfect for the recipe amount and for pouring. How I make my Lattes, is fill coffee cup 1\2 to 2\3 full of hot coffee then add desired amount of steamed milk (I like it a dark caramel color). Stirring in 1 1\2 - 2 T. of flavored syrup and top it with whipped cream and an additional small splash of syrup. YUMM! Try blended versions, such as Coconut\Raspberry. I will say though, the goodness of these drinks depends largely on the coffee. So experiment with different brands and flavors to find what you like. Enjoy!

Recipes slightly adapted from Annie's Eats