Starbucks Style Frappuccino

A Nice Blended Iced Coffee.

Ingredients:

3/4 cups strong coffee, chilled

1 tray of coffee ice cubes (16 cubes)

1/4 cup half & half (or milk)

1/4 - 1/3 cup flavored syrup (such as Torani Brand)

whipped cream (canned spray)

caramel or chocolate topping (optional)

Method:

Brew a strong pot of coffee. (I use a 4 cup French Press and 1/2 cup coarsely ground French Roast Coffee Beans, but you can use the type of coffee and method you prefer.)

Fill 1 ice cube tray with room temperature coffee and place in freezer. Chill  remaining coffee in the refrigerator. 

Place 1/2 of the coffee ice cubes into a blender container. Add 3/4 cup of chilled coffee. Blend on high until fully blended. Add remaining frozen coffee cubes, half & half and flavored syrup. Continue to blend on high until all ice is crushed and ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Pour into a tall glass and serve with a straw. If desired, top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce. Makes 3 1/4 cups of "frappuccino" style beverage.

(Re-purposed Starbucks Cup)

Notes: I like my coffee hot, unsweetened and with half & half. After I fill my coffee cup, I add additional hot water to the French Press and allow it to steep until it is room temperature. Once it has cooled, I fill the ice cube tray and put the remaining coffee into a glass bottle or jar, placed into the refrigerator. (An empty Torani bottle works well.) Later that same day (or the next day) I have what I need to make my husband his favorite iced coffee drink. Every morning, I repeat this routine, so I always have chilled coffee in the refrigerator and freezer.

Variations: Experiment with different flavors of syrup. (The best priced syrups are at "Smart & Final" stores.) One yummy option: add English Toffee syrup and one large spoon of Nutella to the coffee mixture.