Triple Thick Mocha Milkshake

Remember my healthy chocolate softserve? Well this magical mixture is an extension of that goodness. Milkshakes should aways be two things: extra large and extra thick. Yep, this one sure sets the bar high, as it also is chocolatey and healthy, two sets of mega bonus  points to the the Triple Thick Mocha Milkshake!

The ingredients are quite tweakable, although I cannot vouch for the results of variations using substitutions. You can't get much better than only 4 ingredients, now can you?

Frozen bananas

almond milk (more bonus points for homemade!)

Cocoa powder

Coffee extract, or substitute 1 tsp. Instant coffee granules

As the queen of crazy extracts, it would be rude to expect all my readers to keep up with my collection, so I will try to offer substitures as much as possible! Any way, whether you're using extract or granules, you are in for a treat!

Triple Thick Mocha Milkshake      makes: 2 small; 1 large

2 bananas cut into chunks and frozen until hard

3/4 cup milk of choice (I used almond)

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. coffee extract (or sub. 1 tsp. Instant coffee granules)

Place frozen bananas and milk and extract.into a blender. Pulse until almost completely smooth. Add cocoa powder, and blend until the bananas have no remaining chunks and the cocoa powder is completey mixed in. Enjoy immediately or stick in freezer for up to a half hour.

~~{~@ Danielle

Lightened Up Iced Coffee

Ever seen the nutrition information for Starbucks drinks? Not fun. I would not be surprised in the least if I heard the ratio of sugar to coffee is 1:1. So, I decided to attempt a lighter version.

I am a huge fan of iced coffee drinks. The hot ones are never the right temperature; either they burn my young or they are lukewarm. There are about thirty seconds of time in which they are perfect.

It must be some sort of psychological thing; if coffee is supped to be cold (such as iced), then its tasty,  but if its supposed to be hot, but it has cooled until it's cold, then it's nasty. Hmm...

I made this with my awesome cold-brew coffee because it is a bit stronger than regular brewed coffee so the ice didn't water it down as much. Use whatever coffee you have.

Either way, this stuff is of the tasty variety, and may I suggest you try it out with my cold brew recipe?

Lightened Up Iced Coffee              Serves: 1
1 cup brewed coffee
1/2-- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
1 mL stevia extract, or to taste (The strength of the sweetness depends on the brand of the extract)
ice cubes
optional: Extracts such as caramel, peppermint, or hazelnut

Mix all but ice in a glass and serve over ice.



Enjoy!
~~{~@ Danielle

Let's Chit and Chat

Hello All,
I've got an idea! Let's have a discussion. Here's just some questions and leave your opinions and replies below in the comments! My answers are in italics.

What's your favorite beverage?
Probably an iced latte.

Whats your favorite color?
Definitely minty blue with charcoal gray in a close second.

Outside or inside?
Probably outside, although I spend more time inside.

If you could time travel, what time period would you go to?
The fiftys

Favorite month?
June!

I'm excited to hear (read) your responses!
~~{~@ Danielle

Cold Brew Coffee

Did you know coffee can be made without any fancy machines, electricity or without heat?

Isn't that an interesting picture? I like the contrasting reflection, even if it is the result of a very very low quality camera...

Anyway, back to the coffee..... YES! If the power ever goes out for an extended period of time, not all hope is lost! That is, if cold coffee is acceptable. But diehards would drink it at any temperature, I'm sure.

Cold-Brew Overnight Coffee

1/2 cup ground coffee 

2- 2 1/2 water (depends on how strong the brew is desired to be)

1) Soak the ground coffee in the water overnight (~8 hours)

2) Strain grounds out of the coffee using a fine cloth. (A nut milk bag or cheese cloth may work)

3) Heat up, serve over ice, or drink straight up if desired.

~~{~@ Danielle