Espresso Frappe

Since I purchased my new Vitamix blender almost a month ago I've been experimenting with all types of smoothies. Before I got my Vitamix, I made this green tea and banana smoothie a lot. I wanted to try to make a smoothie that can serve as part of my breakfast, with some caffeine, and lots of protein, and I think I've got it!  It's basically my own version of a frappucino, minus all the calories.  This drink has 35 grams of protein and about 250 calories and probably will keep you full until about 11am. At that time have  another 100 calorie breakfast snack such as a vita-muffin, greek yogurt, whole grain waffle, or a piece of fruit!

I poured my frappe into my reusable to go cup that I got at Bed Bath and Beyond and took it with me on my way to work...Speaking of venti cups, have you heard that Starbucks is coming out with a bigger iced coffee cup size?? Check out this article!

For an even better drink throw some chocolate chips in the blender and now you have a mocha frappe!!

Espresso Frappe
(makes enough to fill 1 Venti cup, see photo)
1 cup Skim Plus Milk (110 calories, 11 grams of protein)
1 package or scoop of vanilla protein powder (mine has 110 calories, 24 grams of protein)
3 packets Splenda (add more if you like it sweeter)
2 teaspoons (or packets) of instant espresso powder, or 2 shots espresso
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)
2 cups ice

Blend all ingredients together in the blender until smooth.  Pour in your to go cup and get on your way!!

Slushy

Pineapple Strawberry Mint Slush (serves 2)

1/4 cup pineapple*

strawberries* (about 4-5)

a handful of fresh mint, stems removed

8 ice cubes

2 packets splenda (omit if the fruit is extra sweet)

*Frozen fruit may be substituted for fresh fruit.

Blend ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NOTES:

Add more ice for a more slushier drink. OR Omit the ice and freeze the blended concoction in mold for ice pops on a hot summer day! OR Omit the ice and freeze blended concoction in a dish and make yourself a granita for dessert by scraping the liquid when it is half frozen with a fork, leave scrapings in the dish and refreeze, scrape again when it is fully frozen and scoop the ice shavings into a cosmopolitan glass to serve.

This is me experimenting and making the granita that I mentioned in the notes section above. We'll see if it turns out!

Granita in the making...

Here is the final glass of granita... It turned out delish!