Caramel Mocha

There is a famous burger chain with golden arches that sells a caramel mocha coffee.  It is delicious and I have enjoyed it hot and cold.  My preference is the iced one, but today's recipe is for the hot one.  This is my interpretation of the carmel mocha, inspired by the oh so famous one. This version is also a little lighter.





recipe

8 oz freshly brewed coffee
1 tsp caramel syrup
1 tsp chocolate syrup (I used sugar free)
2 tsp vanilla creamer (fat free)
whip cream for garnish

Brew a fresh cup of coffee. Stir in creamer, caramel syrup, and chocolate syrup.  Add whip cream for garnish. 

Wholesome Wednesday (Berries and Cream Smoothie)

So simple, so sweet, and a delicious treat!!!!  Here's a recipe for a great tasting smoothie that can be used as a meal replacement or a delicious dessert.  It has the consistency of a milkshake, but filled with all the good stuff.

recipe

6 oz skim milk
1/4 c. low fat plain yogurt
1 c. frozen mixed berries
1 scoop low sugar vanilla protein powder

Blend until smooth and enjoy immediately!!!!

Wholesome Wednesday (Chocolate Banana Shake)

Okay, I literally have about 15 minutes before I need to take Brandon to library class. I just walked Adam to school and realized I haven't had breakfast.  So I opted for something quick and filling. This shake took about 30 seconds to assemble and blend. 

recipe

6 oz skim milk
2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder (low sugar, whey protein powder)
1 small banana
1/4 cup plain yogurt

So to make this super easy, I put all the ingredients into a tall travel cup and used my immersion blender. I mixed it for about 20 seconds until combined. (if you don't have an immersion blender use a regular blender or drink mixer)

The yogurt and banana give it a smooth and thick texture.  It's satisfying and tastes great.  Gotta go to library...happy Wednesday!!!

My Favorite Cocktail

People who know me, can attest to the fact I really don't drink.  I never wanted to when I was younger and as I got older it still didn't interest me.  I would have an occasional glass of champagne on New Year's and that was about it. 

Then I started dating Jay and it was all down hill, just kidding.  We went away to New York City and in our adventures we went to a comedy club in Greenwich Village.  It was spur of the moment and had a fabulous evening, but the catch was there was a two drink minimum cover charge. I looked at Jay who knew I wasn't a drinker and had no idea what to order. Jay ordered a beer and told the waitress I would have an orange stoli and 7-Up.  Oh baby, I was in love, and I'm not talking about Jay.  So after my two drink cover, I was pretty tipsy and we had an adventurous subway ride back to our hotel at 2 AM.  Jay spent most of the ride trying to keep my comments about the girl in the pink leopard spandex pants quiet. After that evening, Jay vowed if I was drinking he could not, because I get a little too tipsy too quickly.

Now that I gave the back story about my favorite cocktail, I will give the recipe for it too. I still enjoy this drink every now and then. It's light and refreshing and does bring back fond memories.

recipe

1 shot of orange vodka
1/2 can of 7-Up
serve over ice

So simple and so tasty!

Wholesome Wednesday (sneaky veggie drink)

After a long day of fair going and consuming food that was tasty but not so friendly to the waistline, I feel like I need to get back to basics of good nutrition. So for this weeks Wholesome Wednesday I decided to post my recipe for a sneaky veggie drink. I call it sneaky because it has a good amount of veggies that is disguised by the fruit in the drink.  Now just keep in mind it will not taste like a sugary smoothie. It has an earthy taste to it from the spinach, but a slightly sweet taste from the berries. Brandon loves to sneak sips from my glass, and I have no problem letting him, as it is filled with vitamins.  All you need is a good blender that can crush ice. I usually store this in the fridge for a couple of days, and drink about 16 oz for breakfast, to start my day out right!

recipe

1 bag of baby spinach

2 peeled uncooked beets

1 cup red grapes

1 cup of blueberries (i've used other berries too)

1 pear, cored

3 cups of water

blend all ingredients until smooth, and refrigerate for a couple of hours. it is best served very chilled.

Iced Coffee Delight!

Yesterday was a very stressful day of ups and downs for my little one.  Brandon has some tummy issues that we deal with daily, but the heat & humidity made him feel absolutely awful.  I spent most of the day cuddling and rocking him.  By 7 o'clock in the evening he perked up a bit (right in time for bed) and I was able to treat myself to a much deserved iced beverage. Now mind you the kids were still awake so it was a mock-tail, but could easily been turned into a cocktail.

I decided to make a vanilla iced coffee, reminiscent of the Dunkin Vanilla Iced Latte.  The ingredients are simple and takes about 2 minutes to make. I made mine using my much loved Keurig, but a regular coffee pot or even instant coffee will do.  Here's how to do it:

8 oz freshly brewed coffee
vanilla coffee creamer (i used italian sweet cream flavor by coffee mate)
whipped cream
chocolate syrup

start by brewing 8 oz of coffee over ice (i used a french vanilla iced coffee k-cup)

if not using a Keurig, at this point pour over ice. then add about 3 tbsp creamer

add whipped cream & drizzle with chocolate syrup

sit back, relax & enjoy

You could always add a shot of Kahlua or Baileys to make it a cocktail!