Make your own Frappes!!!

Do you love all of those name brand sweet and delicious blended iced coffee drinks out there but hate spending five or more dollars on ONE drink?! I think most of us can answer yes to the previous question (even for those of us who do not enjoy the taste of coffee!) So how in the world do you make something at home that tastes just as good and costs only a fraction of what you'd pay at Starbuck's or Caribou? Easy!

Here's what I made today:

Mel's Raspberry Mocha Light Frappé!

Now I do have to say, that I have a fantastic Mr. Coffee Frappe machine that I received as a gift from my grandparents, which makes this process one step easier. (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!) It brews the coffee into the blender and BLENDS away! ...and boy oh boy does it ever blend! (Those of you who have experienced this with me recently are probably having a chuckle since we were quite startled at it's power! haha) Here's the link to this product if you happen to be interested in one:

http://mrcoffeestore.com/detail/COF+BVMC-FM1&trk_src_ss=COFFGS49WEBPAYPC%7CPPC%7CADW%7Cmr%20coffee%20frappe%20maker

However, if you do not have this fancy fandagled machine, this process is also very do-able! A little barista magic and presto; you can create anything! First decide what kitchen gadgets you have to work with...

 You may use an ESPRESSO MACHINE and a BLENDER: a shot or two of brewed espresso (depending on your taste) would be acceptable to add into a blender full of your desired ingredients (look further for recipes) making sure to add the espresso LAST and blend right away to achieve the correct consistency and avoid the shots turning bitter.

You may also choose to use a COFFEE MAKER and a BLENDER: For this, you will have to brew the coffee double strength. One recipe usually yields two small or one medium portion no matter what appliances you are using, so you don't even need half a pot. I would suggest brewing as small of an amount as your coffee pot will allow. If you have a 12 cup coffee maker, it most likely wont work to add only 1/2 cup of water to brew. If you have to brew more coffee than what you need, just remember that you should only be adding about 1/4 cup of double strength coffee to your blender for one drink recipe. 

 (If you have one of the ever popular "one-cup" coffee makers, brewing your cup at double strength would probably work out perfectly!) 

Here's the recipe for what I made today;

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Mel's Raspberry Mocha Light Frappé

For Brewed Coffee

3 tablespoons ground dark roast/espresso roast coffee

1/2 cup of water 

(alter amount of coffee and water depending on your coffee maker's size and capability)

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Contents of Blender

2 cups ice cubes

2 tablespoons sugar-free/calorie-free mocha syrup

fresh raspberries (about 6-8)

1/4 cup skim milk

In this order,

Place ICE in blender.

Add mocha syrup, 1/4 milk, and raspberries. 

Brew your double strength coffee. 

Add 1/4 cup double strength brewed coffee to blender.

Place cover on blender and frappé!

IMPORTANT; As soon as your coffee is finished brewing, place it into the blender and BLEND PROMPTLY to achieve the best consistency. Remember coffee is HOT so please be careful during transfer into blender. 

Pour into your favorite fancy glass with a straw and ENJOY!!! :)

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Here is another recipe I have made in the past;

Mel's {Treat yourself} Caramel Frappé

For Brewed Coffee

3 tablespoons ground dark roast coffee/espresso

1/2 cup water

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Contents of Blender

2 cups ice cubes

1/4 cup skim milk(or your choice) 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract(*or*1 tablespoon vanilla syrup)

2 tablespoons caramel dessert topping(*or* 1 tablespoon caramel syrup)

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Place Ice in blender.

Add milk, vanilla, and caramel.

Brew double strength coffee.

Add 1/4 cup of brewed double strength coffee to blender.

Place cover on blender and frappé! 

IMPORTANT; As soon as your coffee is finished brewing, place it into the blender and BLEND PROMPTLY to achieve the best consistency. Remember coffee is HOT so please be careful during transfer into blender. 

Pour into your favorite fancy glass and top with whipped cream. 

Drizzle caramel dessert topping on whipped cream and add straw; ENJOY!!! :)

There are so many different recipes to choose from! If you are not into the sugar-free zero calorie taste ( I found mine in the organic food section of the grocery store), there are a wide variety of syrups available at grocery stores, Gordman's, www.starbucks.com, etc. Otherwise you may choose to use ice cream toppings like caramel and chocolate sauces! Get creative and add whipped cream, candy sprinkles, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top! All are delicious, so try your hand at becoming your very own barista today! You can make them strictly a treat or make a lighter version with less calories to suit your diet. It's SO much fun :) Any questions or new recipes? Feel free to comment and share!!!  

HAPPY SUMMER!!!!