DIY Iced Coffee Frappé

I have a little bit of an obsession with coffee.  I love it in all it's forms - hot, iced, frappucinno, flavored or original.  Even coffee ice cream.  (mmm... coffee ice cream...)

If it wasn't for the new development of caffeine now affecting my sleep if I drink it after about 3pm, I would drink coffee constantly.  From the moment I woke up until I go to sleep at night.  But, since I don't like being wide awake until the wee hours of the morning and I no longer drink decaf - I have to place a limit on my coffee consumption.

Unfortunately, trips to my favorite coffee dealer shop can get expensive.  Not to mention that all the sugar and calories in my preferred beverages can't be good for me.

A little do-it-yourself to the rescue!  After a few attempts, I have come up with a frappucino knock-off .  It's made with only 4 ingredients.  It's much lower in calories and sugar than the famous version.  And, in my opinion, it's delicious!!

I start by putting ice into my little blender.   I usually put in about 6 to 8 cubes.

 You could use cold brew and I probably will soon.  But right now I have some organic extra bold brew that came in a variety box of single brew cups. It's a bit strong as a hot coffee, but allowed to chill in the fridge and mixed into this drink - it's perfect!

Next in the mix is a half cut of unsweetened almond milk and some chocolate syrup.  I use 1 to 2 tablespoons, but you can add more or less depending on how sweet and/or chocolatey you like your drink.

Blend the mixture until the ice is crushed and the ingredients are well blended.

Look out creamy and frothy this is! SO good!!

Will you be trying this recipe?  Or do you have your own favorite coffee drink?  Share in the comments, or post a picture on Instagram using the hashtag #myreallyrealcoffeebreak  (and be sure to tag me @carolinabeckey !)

Friday Favorites - The Tim Tam Slam

Maybe you're like I was not so very long ago.  Maybe you're not familiar with the chocolately treat known as a Tim Tam.   Let alone ever heard of a Tim Tam Slam.  Well, let me tell you - we've been missing out!

I first became acquainted with the concept thanks to Good Mythical Morning.  And if you're not familiar these guys either - check them out!  A couple of Carolina boys who make my family laugh, and inspire some amusing, but slightly disturbing, games around our house.  But I digress... this isn't really about Rhett and Link.  It's about the wonder which is the Tim Tam!


How best to describe the Tim Tam slam?  Well... you could watch the above video. But in a nutshell... you bite off the opposite corners of the Tim Tam, use it a straw to suck up your coffee until it gets nice and mushy soft, then slam the whole thing in your mouth before it falls apart.

After seeing the video of the GMM guys learning the correct way to do a Tim Tam slam, I was intrigued by it.  And wanted a package of Tim Tams for my very own!  Sadly, I could not locate the treats at any of my local stores.  And that's where the  amazing fellow known as The Man of the House stepped in and provided me with Tim Tams as part of my Christmas presents.  (yeh, he's pretty awesome!!)

It. Was. On!! (No.  There is no video footage of me doing a slam.  Because.  There's just not.  Honestly, I didn't even think I would ever be writing about this)

Sadly, once my package of Tim Tams was gone - the fun had to end.   After searching everywhere he could think of, the Man of the House had to order them online.  And the price was well.. not cheap for a little package of cookies.  But - it's an Easter miracle! I just found them in the seasonal section at my local Target!  YES!!!

I grabbed two packages that day. And I will be heading back for more. Can we say "stock-piling"?

Have you ever had a Tim Tam?  Or done the Tim Tam Slam?  It's one of my current favorite things!

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