Mocha Frappuccino

Anytime I go to Starbucks my drink of choice is the Frappuccino. There's just something refreshing about coffee blended with chocolate, milk and ice. I rarely make a trip to Starbucks these days because it is quiet costly for a "treat." I've experimented with making the drink at home but have never been successful. I never could get my proportions right and making it with regular coffee at home seemed to be the big challenge. I finally resorted to Google to find a home Frappuccino recipe. After trying a few, I came across one that is pretty close to the real thing.

Mocha Frappuccino
Makes One Serving
From Sweet Savory Life

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups crushed ice
• 3/4 cup strong, brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup 

Blend all ingredients in a blender for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the ice is crushed and Frappuccino looks smooth.

Variations: Plain Frappuccino - omit the chocolate syrup and add one extra tablespoon of sugar. Java Chip Frappuccino - Make as above and add 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

I've been on a bit of a health kick lately. I've been trying to get back in shape and get my nutrition in check. One of the my main problems is I don't get enough fruits and vegetables. I've tried several smoothie recipes lately. Some good and some that tasted like grass! I finally decided to start making them to my liking. I figured if I want to get healthy, I need to enjoy the ingredients I use! I started out by making one with my two favorites: strawberries and bananas, and have slowly come up with other variations. This smoothie works great for a pre-workout meal, snack or breakfast on the go. Here is my recipe for my favorite smoothie:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

5-6 frozen or fresh strawberries

3/4 cup cold milk

2 teaspoons sugar 

1 tablespoon flaxseed

5-6 ice cubes

Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. About two minutes. If the smoothie is too thick just add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time until smooth consistency. Pour into a glass, add a straw and enjoy! 

Banana-Berry Version: Make as above but add blackberries and blueberries for an added berry punch!