Is it okay that I'm not feeling it this week? It's been a hard few days. As I mentioned last week, a close family friend, Keith, passed away last week and I guess I'm still in a little bit of shock. And I can't even begin to imagine what his wife is going through. They were married for 40 years and of those 20 years, they have been cherished friends, even family to us.
It just makes me hug my husband a little tighter and a little longer. It makes me want to keep in better touch with my siblings who live all over the country and even in another country. It really shouldn't take someone's passing to shake you a little bit to make you appreciate those around you more. But it has. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts on the site here and on facebook. We will gather this weekend to say good bye to Keith and I'm so glad that all of my siblings, even the ones that live far away, will be there.
My Mom reminded us all that it was almost exactly 20 years ago when Keith and Carolyn came into our lives and helped our family through one of the darkest moments we've ever had. We literally had no where to go and we even feared for our safety. You see, my biological father was a violent man and my parents were going through a divorce. Keith and Carolyn gave us a place to stay and didn't ask for anything in return. They taught me the true meaning of friendship and even the meaning of family. I don't think they have ever realized how much they gave us. And I can never truly repay them. They say you are shaped by the people who come into your lives and I only wish I can pay a fraction of what Keith and Carolyn gave us – forward.
About this recipe… This is one of those recipe non-recipes right? Like cheating? But my logic is when you're fumbling around in the morning to make your coffee at home, you want it quick and you want it good. It's really easy to make the caramel. Open up a jar of your favorite store bought caramel and measure out 1 tablespoon and add a pinch or of salt. Stir it and then zap it in the microwave at 10 seconds or less. Drizzle over the whipped cream on your coffee and you're good to go! And I have to tell you, I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin but I love the pumpkin spice flavor in it.
Pumpkin Spice Latte with Salted Caramel Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Pumpkin Spice Coffee K-Cup
- Creamer/Milk/Half & Half
- Sugar
- Whipped Cream
- 1 Tablespoon caramel sauce
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Brew your pumpkin spice K-Cup in your Keurig brewer (according to manufacturer's instructions). Add as much creamer and sugar as you like.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Add caramel sauce to a small microwave safe bowl and add a pinch or two of salt and stir. Microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Drizzle over whipped cream and serve immediately.
Use the code ESCAPE8172 on GreenMountainCoffee.com for 15% off all Café Escapes® products through 12/4/2012 @ 11:59 pm EST. And don't forget to enter in this giveaway for a chance to win your own Keurig.
Disclosure: I’m a paid K-Cup Ambassador. I only share and work with brands I love – and always share with you my own opinions.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Life can be a b*$#@ sometimes, actually a lot of the time, but we have to think about the moment and what amazing things are around us. Hang in there 🙂
Julie Deily says
Gerry, so well said. Very very well said. I cried a little when I read your comment a couple of weeks ago. We need to constantly stop and look at the amazing things around us, they are there. Thank you.
Carla's Confections says
Some of my favorite recipes are non-recipes. They are so easy and that makes them the best 🙂 I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend. I can only imagine how hard that is. It definitely does put things in perspective. Keeping you and you family and friends in our prayers 🙂
Julie Deily says
Carla, thank you so much.
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a special person in your life. What a true blessing to have known him. {Thinking of you and your family, and Carolyn.}
Julie Deily says
Brenda, thank you so much. It was truly a blessing and I’m so thankful.
Kathy - Panini Happy says
Keith and Carolyn sound like such wonderful people, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending lots of hugs! xoxo
Julie Deily says
They truly are, thank you so much for the hugs, Kathy!
SoberJulie says
First off WOW this looks delicious and simple, thanks for sharing! But really I am truly sorry about your loss, thank you for sharing his story with me.
Julie Deily says
Julie, thank you so much.
Robin @ Mom Foodie says
I am sorry for your loss. I’m sure he knew how much you appreciated the kindness of he and his wife. There are bonds thicker than blood.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Robin, and so true. Not all bonds are that are true and thick are via blood.
addie | culicurious says
This looks delicious, Julie! Thanks for the tips 🙂
You’re a very special person and I hope your pain subsides in time. You’ll always have your memories, which is truly a treasure.
All my best!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Addie. Hope you are well!
Shaina says
Julie, I know I already told you this, but it sounds as if your family has been wonderful in return to Keith and Carolyn. Keith sounds like an amazing man, who will obviously be missed. xo
Salted caramel makes my world spin, so I would hole up with this every morning if you let me. Gorgeous.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Shaina, you’re a sweetie!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Can you believe I still haven’t tried to make my own Pumpkin Spice Lattes at home yet? Starbucks will be running out of syrup soon, so I guess now is a good time to give it a try!
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
I’m so sorry, Julie. Hugs to you!
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Robyn. xoxo