Cafe Frappe's

I now this doesn't sound very masculine, but I thoroughly enjoy Frappuccino's. Especially when Starbucks makes their seasonal favorites, their pumpkin spice in the fall is one of my favorites. But like many, I simply can't afford to go to Starbucks and I can't afford the calories one of these tasty treats contains. So I had to find a way to make them at home, where I could use a little healthier ingredients. My adventure started with my coffee pot, blender, and a few recipes I found on the Internet. Then this last Christmas we received a Mr. Coffee Cafe Frappe, which included a recipe book full of different recipes to try. We have used it several times now and only have one complaint, it needs a warning beep telling you it's going to start blending because it will make you jump, otherwise were completely happy with it and it's incredibly easy to use.

This is my wife's favorite Frappe:

Classic Mocha Frappe

Coffee & water in brewer

3 tbsp ground dark roast coffee or espresso

1/2 cup water

Place ingredients in blender jar in this order

2 cups ice cubes

2 tbsp sugar (I use Splenda with an equivalent amount)

3 tbsp chocolate syrup

1/4 cup whole or other milk (I use skim)

My personal favorite:

Chocolate Caramel Swirl Frappe

3 tbsp ground dark roast coffee or espresso

1/2 cup water

Place ingredients in blender jar in this order:

2 cups ice cubes
1/3 cup butterscotch caramel dessert topping
3 tbsp chocolate syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole or other milk (again I use skim)

While these recipes are intended for the Mr. Coffee Cafe Frappe maker, you could easily use this recipe with what ever coffee pot and blender you have.

Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies are a wonderful summer time treat and a great way to sneak in some veggies with your little ones. This is another one of those foods that appeals to our naughty tastes, but it can be so good for you. If you need a quick and simple breakfast, or maybe even a healthy post workout snack, just add a scoop of whey protein and you good to go. In fact, when I make these for my little girl I like to throw in some frozen veggie purees. I like to keep my simple and follow the measurements on the back of the Market Pantry Frozen Fruit packages. But don’t be afraid to experiment; who knows what fun flavors you can come up with.

-1 cup Market Pantry frozen fruit
-1/2 cup yogurt (any yogurt will do, don’t be afraid to add a flavored one if you like)
-1/2 cup fruit juice (I will substitute this with whole milk for my little one, just to be sure she’s getting something more)

1. Combine all ingredients in blender container, cover
2. Blend until smooth, stirring if necessary.