Frugal Coffee Delight

One method of flavoring your own coffee starts with whole coffee beans. Grind them together with your choice of one or more of these add-ins:

• whole cloves (a little goes a long way)


• dried blueberries


• grated orange peel, dried


• grated lemon peel, dried


• grated lime peel, dried


• cinnamon sticks


• toasted walnuts


• toasted almonds


• coconut, dried


• ground cocoa


• vanilla bean


• nutmeg


• toasted hazelnuts

This is an example of a possible recipe, combining the wonderful flavors of orange and cinnamon:

Orange Cinnamon Coffee
1/2 cup coffee beans
1 tablespoon grated orange peel, dried
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 stick of cinnamon

Put all ingredients into your food processor and process until chopped fine. Store in the refrigerator if not used immediately.

Another easy option is to simply pour your favorite liquid extracts into already ground coffee.

Mix thoroughly and store for a few days up to two weeks for best flavor infusion. A whole (small) bottle of extract can be used for one pound of coffee.

Here are some flavor ideas to get you started:

• almond


• mint


• cinnamon


• black walnut


• orange


• coconut (especially good with added coconut milk)


• butter nut


• rum


• cherry

Let's say that you want some flavored coffee right now. You've no time to grind beans or wait a week for flavors to deepen. No worries. There is a quick method for flavored coffees.

Simply toss the flavorings into the coffee pot brew basket and make your coffee as normal.

For a whole pot of coffee, I recommend three teaspoons of liquid extract or 2 teaspoons of ground spice. But coffees and tastes vary, so to be honest, you'll have to do some taste testing.

Any of the ingredients recommended above can also be tossed into the brew basket right before brewing.

Since you're brewing the coffee immediately, you can use freshly grated lemon peel or fresh mint leaves rather than using dried ones.

If you like to add your flavors via a creamy base, try this made-from-scratch flavored creamer recipe!

Homemade Fancy but Frugal Flavored Creamer

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups milk (skim, 2%, or whole milk will all work)
Flavoring of your choice

Choose one of the following flavorings:

• Vanilla-- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract


• Amaretto-- 1 teaspoon each almond extract & orange extract


• Almond Fudge-- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder & 1 teaspoon almond extract


• Pumpkin Pie-- 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


• Tropical Delight-- 2 teaspoons coconut extract, 1 teaspoon pineapple extract, substitute coconut milk for the milk


• Toffee-- 2 teaspoons butter nut flavoring

Mix everything in a well sealed container (an recycled glass jar is perfect) and shake vigorously. Will keep up to two weeks, refrigerated.

Or if you prefer a powdered creamer for convenience, try this recipe:

Amaretto Creamer

1 cup dry non-dairy coffee creamer
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Add ingredients to a food processor and grind for one minute. Store in an airtight container.