Nik's Protein Peppermint Mocha



For those who've read this blog for a while, you know I have this secret fantasy to take Starbucks DOWN!!! (Well not down...but at least have a higher protein answer to every nominous offering they have). This is why I took on the art of the Frappucino (using Click as my medium) and it's what inspired my latest protein drink obsession.

This post, though, I'd like to take a different approach to how I present it to you. I know not everyone cares WHY I make the choices I make in a recipe - some of you just care whether it tastes good. But for protein drinks especially, I think it's important to know something about balance of flavors and why certain things work and some don't. I know you guys tinker with recipes...and I WANT you to...that's the whole point of this blog. Not for you all to make all my recipes to the letter (although if you dig them as-is, go for it!) but that I present an idea and you use what YOU know to make it your own.

So without further adieu...let's get to the drink...and the rationale behind it.

Nik's Protein Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I am partial to this)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp good decaf coffee or, my preference, decaf instant espresso
2 tsp. of your favorite no-calorie sweetener
About 4 oz. cold milk
About 6 oz. boiling water
2 tbsp (about 3 pumps) of either sugar-free Peppermint syrup or, my preference, sugar-free Peppermint Paddy syrup

(Yes, yes...I know 'Bux uses some sort of mocha syrup for their drink but seeing as my particular Starbucks won't sell it to me [they usually don't at the height of a new drink flavor], I can only do what I do! Plus I like the Peppermint Paddy syrup a lot.)

Ok, so let's break this down. Yesterday I went over how to make a hot protein drink. I made my drink using this process. You can too. Or you can use whatever method you like best. So let's talk about the ingredients.

The thing I find so satisfying about the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (versus the other versions floating around...some of which I did manage a sip or two of) is that they got something that nobody else seems to get...when you pair up the sweetness of peppermint against the bitter flavors of cocoa and coffee, magical things happen!

'Bux doesn't try to mask the bitters of the coffee and chocolate, but rather celebrates it. My first few tries of making this drink at home I didn't use unsweetened cocoa and was conservative with my coffee. Big mistake. It came out too sweet! When I added in the unsweetened cocoa, calmed down with the sweetener and added the proper amount of coffee, the bitter rang through loud and clear - and it was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Keep in mind, Foodies, that most people's tongues like contrasting flavors: sweet and salty, sweet and bitter, sweet and spicy. These are all good combos that will excite your tongue! So don't be afraid to play those off of one another. It might get you some raised eyebrows when you talk about it with others...but who cares? As long as you have your food bliss, who needs to be understood?

BF Basics: How to Make a Hot Protein Drink



As it usually happens, this post came about because I thought I'd already done a tutorial post, went looking for it and found I did not. I mention how to make hot protein drinks in all of my hot protein drink posts, but there is no one post for how to mix one up, similar to the post about how to mix up triple thick protein shakes using the Triple X method.

Of course you can also find this tutorial - along with dozens of crave-worthy recipes - in The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes.

Now before we get into this method, let's disspell some myths.

True or False: Once protein powder is heated above 130 degrees it is no good for you.

(FALSE)

In this instance I defer to my favorite protein powder analogy: the egg. Protein powder and eggs act a lot alike. A raw egg is a very absorbable form of protein. That's why you always see body builders putting them in their drinks or just downing them like shooters (ew). So then you cook it and the structure of the protein changes, but it's still protein your body can use. Same deal with protein powder. So next time someone tells you that particular myth, tell them Nik told you to say the following: "Nuh uh!"

The first and most important thing you should know about making protein drinks is what NOT to do with them. Do not simply add boiling water to a scoop of protein powder. Wait...that bears saying a bit louder. DO NOT SIMPLY ADD BOILING WATER TO A SCOOP OF PROTEIN POWDER. Yes, you can have piping hot protein drinks...but that's not the way to get them.

Now this, like many other aspects of post-WLS life, is one of those things where there are as many methods to do it as there are post-ops. This is my way. It doesn't involve any special machinery and even though I live in the 1800's and use a tea kettle, the whole thing takes all of about three minutes max.

Here's how I do it:

Step One:

I put just enough water in my teapot for my protein drink, ensuring it will boil up quickly. Then I get out my favorite coffee mug and put in a scoop of protein powder and whatever dry flavor additives I'm using (Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, instant coffee, etc.). What's in my cup? Tune in tomorrow and find out! But the important thing to remember here is to stir those ingredients thoroughly!

Step Two:

I add just enough milk to form a thick paste that resembles pudding before it is totally set. Then I spend about a minute stirring it to remove ALL the lumps. This is important. If there are lumps in your paste, they will form rubbery floaties in your hot drink. You don't want that. So stir! When done, it looks something like this.



Edited to add: I had a few folks ask me why I do this as opposed to heating up all milk and mixing in protein. I find that making a paste gets the protein all smooth before adding your hot liquids. I do water because my cup is 12 oz. and that much milk tends to be too rich. BUT if you'd like to do all milk, I still think making the paste is a good first step. It allows you to work out all your lumps before you add hot liquid. Lumps + hot liquids = floaties. Ew!
Step Three:

By this time, my water is boiling. I couldn't photo this part (cuz the divas were asleep and unable to be my photographer) but basically it goes down like this. With one hand (for me, my left if that matters to anyone), I pour the hot water into the cup SLOWLY. With my other hand I continuously stir the mixture. Do this until your mug is full. If you've done everything right, it should look something like this.

...and isn't that lovely? And tomorrow you'll get to find out exactly WHAT it is (no, it's not cocoa, although I have a divine recipe for Salted Caramel Protein Cocoa if you'd like to try that). Now if it isn't hot enough for you, no problem! If you have a lump free drink, you can now microwave it and it will just fine...and as hot as you like it!

Ok, so let's talk troubleshooting:

"Nik, my hot drink is sludgy and thick!"

Use a bigger cup and add more water to your drink. Or use the same cup and less protein powder. Either way, that should yield a thinner drink.

"Nik, mine still had floaties! Blech!"

This could be for several reasons. You might have had a lump in your protein paste. Or you may have added the water too quickly. Or you may not have stirred enough at some stage. It sometimes takes a few tries to get it right.

"Nik, what's this frothy stuff at the top of my drink?"

Yes, there is that. Surprisingly, it isn't just from the protein. If you use Splenda, it froths up when you heat it as well. Give your drink a stir to get the sweetener incorprated. What's left you can either keep (it's a similar consistency as the froth on a latte) or skim it off. Your choice.

"Nik, I got it right! But now I'm addicted to hot protein drinks!"

Ok...and the problem is...?

For More Great Protein Drink Ideas...

Again, you'll find this hot protein drink tutorial - along with how to make your protein shakes into ice cream, popsicles, frosties and more - in The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes.  Here are a few recent reviews.

"What a great little book! The recipes are delicious and it's worth the money for the "Triple-X" blending secret alone. My protein shakes taste like milkshakes now! If you're planning on having WLS, buy this book - if you gotta have upwards of 5 protein shakes a day, at least they should taste good." Yitzchok G.

"I use recipes out of this book ALL the time. The best thing, in my opinion, however was the information about how to control the texture and thickness of the shakes. I was clueless and this made me feel like an expert! Great book!" Jen H.

See for yourself what the buzz is all about. Get your copy on hardcopy or Kindle on Amazon - or on iPad and Nook from Smashwords!

Hot Protein Drink: Clickety Split Vanilla Toffee Salted Cocoa

~~by Jen

Alas I have managed to let myself run out of Mocha Click. That almost NEVER happens, but I forgot to place another order over the weekend! Usually in times of Click crisis I would use Nik's Decaf Mochachino for my cold Click Frappe fix. But I have gotten so used to my Hot Salted Caramel Click on the way to work every morning, I had to come up with something that would fit the bill.

Boy howdy, did I! I think I may even like this one better than my usual Mocha Caramel version!! Luckily I had a canister of Vanilla Latte Click, and a new bottle of Davinci Sugar Free English Toffee just waiting to be used. I think this may be my new hot morning protein drink, y'all!

Here's how it's done:

Jen's Clickety Split Vanilla Toffee Salted Cocoa


Ingredients:
12 oz milk (I used 2%, use whatever you like)
2 scoops Vanilla Latte Click
2 teaspoons Swiss Miss Diet Cocoa Mix
Sugar-free Sweetener, to your taste (I used 3 packets of Splenda)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
3 pumps (tablespoons) Davinci Sugar Free English Toffee Syrup
Sugar Free Hazelnut Coffeemate (completely optional, but I am addicted)

Directions:
Pour the milk into the mixing cup of your Magic Bullet or Shake Blender, then add the remaining ingredients. Whiz it up until completely combined.

Pour it into a microwave safe travel mug and microwave it on high for 35 seconds.

Remove from microwave, stir, and taste for sweetness. Add more sweetener, syrup, or salt to your taste. Add the SF Hazelnut Creamer if you're using it, and stir again.

Return to microwave for another 30 seconds or so until it has reached your desired temperature. Put the lid on, and enjoy!

3 Holiday Themed Protein Drinks that put the "Merry" in Merry Christmas!

Newbies! Is this your first Christmas post-op? It’s hard…we know. We’ve been there!

Some of you are on liquid diets of some sort. Others just don’t have the appetite to indulge in all the foods you love. And for others still, you wonder if it’s worth the effort for the measly two bites you’ll be able to take.

First…let’s pause a moment to acknowledge that yes…this sucks…badly.

BUT…all is not lost! Bariatric Foodie has your back! Here are some ideas for some great Christmas-themed protein drinks to get you through the holiday in the merriest way!

Candy Cane Protein Drink

Ingredients

8 oz. milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
3 pumps sugar free Crème de Menthe or Peppermint syrup (in the absence of either use one drop...AND I REALLY DO MEAN ONE DROP...of peppermint extract)
No-calorie sweetener to taste

For cold drinks: 3-5 cubes of ice

Optional for either: fat-free whippage, 1 or 2 crushed sugar-free peppermint candies.

Directions:

Hot drink: Combine all ingredients in a blender and nuke for about 45 seconds to warm. Top with whippage and slurp!

Cold shake: Blend all ingredients using the Triple X method. Or not, your choice!

Gingerbread Protein Drink

Ingredients

8 oz. milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix (don’t ask me why this works…just go with it)
3 pumps sugar-free Gingerbread Syrup (in the absence of this use 1/8 tsp ginger + a "splick" of nutmeg + a drop or two of maple extract - and no maple extract does not have sugar in it)

For cold drinks: 3-5 cubes of ice

Optional for either: fat-free whippage, 1-2 pumps sugar-free Brown Sugar Cinnamon syrup

Hot drink: Combine all ingredients in a blender and nuke for about 45 seconds to warm. Top with whippage and slurp!

Cold shake: Blend all ingredients using the Triple X method. Or not, your choice!

Sugar Cookie

Ingredients

8 oz. milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp sugar-free French Vanilla pudding mix

Or

1 tbsp sugar-free Vanilla pudding mix + 2 pumps sugar-free French Vanilla syrup
2 drops butter extract (about 1/8 tsp - and no, butter extract does not have fat in it)
No calorie sweetener, to taste

For cold shake: 3-5 cubes of ice. Another variation for a cold shake is to use unflavored Greek yogurt as the base instead of milk (same amount). The taste of the yogurt mimics the Cream of Tartar often used in sugar cookies.

Optional for either: Fat-free whippage and a dash of cinnamon for garnish

Hot drink: Combine all ingredients in a blender and nuke for about 45 seconds to warm. Top with whippage and slurp!

Cold shake: Blend all ingredients using the Triple X method. Or not, your choice!

Autumn's Salted Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa



We love, love, love when you play with your food!

Our friend, Autumn, sent us this note about how she played around with our salted caramel  hot cocoa recipe:

I wanted to share this with you. I figure it might be one you'd want to share on the blog. I have been using some of your recipes lately and YUUUUMO! So, thought I'd return the favor.

I was craving a Reese's peanut butter cup (Like Nik, I have an undying love for PB). I was two steps away from walking out the door to go get one and I stopped and said to myself, "Autumn, make a good choice". So, I went into the kitchen and made this super yummy protein shake instead!


It could use a little more PB flavor, but I just threw it together. Maybe some peanut flour would enhance the flavor, but I dont have any of that...yet!
 
Now you all KNOW the Nikster had to give it a try. I wanted to post this right away so it actually became my mid-morning snack! I made it with a few modifications that I list below. Here's Autumn's original recipe.
 
Autumn’s Salted Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa

Ingredients:
8 oz milk
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 envelope of 25 cal cocoa mix (like Diet Swiss Miss)
1/8 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp sugar-free butterscotch pudding
1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate syrup
2-3 tbsp sugar-free peanut butter syrup

Put milk in blender. Then add remaining ingredients. Blend well. Pour into mug. Microwave for one minute. Stir. Top with whippage. ENJOY! YUMMO!

Since Autumn expressed that the peanut flavor could be stronger, we put our heads together and came up with the following proposed modifications:

• Replace the chocolate syrup and butterscotch pudding with PB2 or peanut flour! Sugar-free peanut butter syrup works great to enhance a small amount of peanut flavor, but by itself, we find it struggles a bit.
• Instead, stir that syrup into the whipped cream to create layers of flavor!

Autumn...we're so proud of you for making a great choice and sharing this great drink! If you've been playing with your food, we'd love to hear about it. Hit us up!

Hot Protein Drink: The Hot Blondie

~by Nikki

(No men readers...not the "hot blonde." Although, I did toy with calling it that.)



S'anyway peeps...a friend of mine gave me a sample size of two of the syrups I've been wanting to try..Torani sugar-free Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Davinci sugar-free Praline. She gave me three ounces of each and I really didn't want to waste them. The way I see it, three ounces is enough to test a protein drink for you guys my requisite three times. But what to make?

I thought about it and thought about it and then it hit me. In my former obese days, I used to love a good blondie. Have you ever had one? It's a brownie for people who don't like chocolate. Don't get me wrong. If forced to choose I'm definitely on team brownie but...blondies are nice because you can accentuate them with really warm flavors and still get a yummy, chewy dessert.

BUT.

Me and dessert don't usually "get down like that." It's not a matter of virtue but of logistics. Dessert, for me, is a separate meal. I have enough trouble getting the meals in that I need to get my protein, fiber, good fats, etc. in. Adding one that doesn't have an inherent nutrition benefit is hard.

So I decided to try and replicate a good blondie in a hot protein drink. Check it out:

Nik's "Hot Blondie" Protein Drink

Ingredients

8 oz. milk + 4 more oz.
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
3 pumps sugar free Praline syrup
3 pumps sugar free Brown Sugar Cinnamon syrup
no-calorie sweetener, to taste

Optional: fat-free whipped cream mixed with sugar-free caramel syrup

Directions:

(NOTE: Everyone seems to have their own method of preparing hot protein drinks. This is one of mine. If you have a way that you like better, go for it!)

Mix protein powder and sweetener with 4 oz. of milk in a 12 oz. mug until a smooth paste forms. Add syrups.

Heat 8 oz. milk separately (I usually heat mine on the stove. It seems nostalgic. But you can nuke it if you want). When the milk is hot and frothy, slowly add it to the colder mixture, stirring as you pour.

You SHOULD wind up with a smooth, lump free drink. Top with flavored whipped cream, if desired, and a dash of cinnamon for some extra flair!

Now this drink is highly "customizable." Don't have either of the syrups I used? No problem! Sugar-free caramel works well. So does sugar-free hazelnut or sugar-free white chocolate! Play with it and come up with something that works for you!

This drink is warm and yummy and totally reminds me of my beloved dessert. If there's a flavor syrup you'd like us to find a use for, be sure to hit us up! We don't mind experimenting!

Friday Mocktail: Hot Mulled Cider

~~posted by Jen

It's been a VERY cold week here in New Jersey, last night it was uh 19 degrees. Not exactly the time for an icy beverage! That's why for this week's mocktail I made over a winter-time favorite. Every year during the holidays, I always make a big pot of mulled cider and let it simmer on the stove. It makes the house smell SO nice, and it's a delicious warm drink when friends drop by.

I've always called it mulled cider, but it's also known as Wassail or Glogg in other areas of the world. My original mulled cider traditionally has a bit of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum in it, and sometimes red wine as well, but I had to come up with a mocktail version that would fit my post-op Weight Loss Surgery lifestyle. (That means sugar free and alcohol free, for you non-op readers in the crowd.)

The good news? WLS-friendly also means kid-friendly in this case, so your children and their friends can enjoy this wintry warm-up, too!  This recipe is for an individual serving, but you could increase it based on how many people you need to serve.

You can make up a big batch in the Crock Pot, then just leave it on "Keep Warm" and don't have to worry about keeping an eye on the stove. Float some orange slices and cinnamon sticks in the pot to make it look more festive.

If it's for a party, set your mug tree loaded with holiday mugs right by the Crock Pot and everyone can serve themselves. I think this is a tasty way to warm up, and you can enjoy it with or without protein added.

Here's how it's done:

Jen's Hot Mulled Cider Mocktail


Ingredients:

6 ounces water
3 ounces Diet Cran-Apple Juice
1 single serve packet Sugar Free Apple Cider mix  (I also found it at Wal-mart)
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon butter flavor extract
1/2 teaspoon Rum extract
1 tbsp Davinci Sugar Free Caramel Syrup
Optional: 1 scoop Any Whey Unflavored Protein Powder
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
1 orange wedge or slice (for garnish)

Directions:
Heat the water and diet cran-apple juice in a microwave safe mug until warm. Remove from microwave and whisk in the cider mix, seasoning, Davinci syrup, and extracts. If you're adding protein powder, whisk it in now until it's completely incorporated. Return mug to microwave and heat for another 30 to 45 seconds or until desired temperature. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange wedge/slice. Serve warm.

I garnished mine with an orange wedge skewered on a party toothpick (makes it easier for your guests to remove it)

Hot Protein Drink: Nik's Hot "Nutella"

~~posted by Nik

Nutella is one of those things I have resolved I can never, ever eat. I read the label. Doing so made me dump.

I already have a cold Nutella shake worked out, but with temperatures kissing the freezing mark here in Maryland, I don’t want no cold shake! So I decided to convert the cold shake to a warm drink, and made the mistake of referring to it in the Sugar Free Syrup post the other day before I posted the recipe.

Don't be mad at us! We like to give y'all something to look forward to sometimes!

The below recipe also incorporates my recent experiments with whipped cream flavoring. Oh…peeps. If you don’t do this already, try it out. Next time you make my Protein Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, mix a bit of Davinci sugar-free Irish Cream syrup in your whipped cream. Or if you do my Hot Cinnabon, try mixing some Davinci sugar-free Butterscotch syrup in the whipped cream. It brings it to a whole different level. The trick is to use a syrup that is different from, but complimentary to, the flavor of your hot drink.

So back to the business of the day. Jen is really excited about this recipe because she is a professed hazelnut FREAK. You may have heard her mention her love for sugar free hazelnut Coffee-mate creamer a few times (or a million).

Nik’s Hot Nutella Protein Drink

Ingredients:

10 oz. milk (whatever kind you use)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used this)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3 pumps (tablespoons) DaVinci sugar-free hazelnut syrup
No-calorie sweetener, to taste

Optional: A little half-and-half (gives it a hint of richness…but it does cost you a few calories), 2-4 tbsp fat free whipped cream mixed with a bit of Davinci sugar-free caramel syrup.

Directions:

In your blender, combine all ingredients and whiz just until they are all incorporated. If you have a microwaveable blender cup, place that in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir then heat an additional 45 seconds.

If you don’t have a microwaveable blender cup, transfer to a microwave safe mug and follow the above instructions. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Hot Protein Drink: Nik's "Samoa" Hot Chocolate

~~posted by Jen

Our Poucher Pal Kris H.was chatting with me on Facebook the other night while enjoying Nik's Thin Mint Hot Protein drink, and mentioned she'd love to have a "Samoa" version. I told her then that Nik is the Queen of Protein Drinks, as y'all know, and I'd be willing to bet she had one or could come up with one pretty quick. 

Sure enough, we were having our weekly phone "staff meeting" tonight and she gave me the recipe for it to share with all of you. I just made myself one, and I can attest to the deliciousness of it! Without further ado, I give you Nik's "Samoa" Protein Hot Chocolate!

Here's how it's done:

Nik's "Samoa" Protein Hot Chocolate 

Ingredients:
8 oz milk
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (I used Body Fortress)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 pumps (tablespoons) Davinci Coconut SF Syrup
2 pumps (tablespoons) Davinci Caramel SF Syrup
No-calorie sweetener to taste (I use Splenda)

Directions:
Pour milk into your blender cup first, then add protein powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and syrups. Whiz it together in the blender, remove blade, and microwave for 35 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir, and check taste/temperature. Adjust sweetness to your taste, then pour mixture into a microwave safe mug, and microwave mixture for another 35 to 45 seconds or until desired temperature. 


Trust me when I tell you, one sip of this baby and you'll be asking for "Samoa!" 

Dessert Week Offering # 6: Denise's Protein Caramel Macchiato

~by Nikki

A few days ago, my gorgeous friend Denise (waitinggame on OH) sent me this recipe for her Protein Caramel Macchiato. Here's the funny thing...she thinks that I invented it! Bless her heart...

I WISH I could take credit for this but I cannot. It was actually Jen's creation (which I did not know until just recently when Jen pointed it out to me!) but I believe Denise has managed to sneak a bit of extra protein in there.

At any rate, I decided to give this drink a whirl the other day. I'd just finished a particularly strenuous strength training session (note to the gym rats out there: if you lapse in strenght training, I wouldn't advise trying to jump back in where you were before. It can be painful. Just sayin') and my muscles needed the protein and the carbs from the milk for recovery! This made a nice bedtime snack and I could totally see this becoming my new faux-Starbucks fix!

Denise's Decaf Protein Caramel Macchiato

Ingredients:

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Denise uses this)
8 oz milk
2 oz hot water
1 serving instant coffee (or instant decaffeinated espresso)
3 pumps DaVinci sugar-free Caramel syrup
Drizzle of sugar free caramel (I used Smuckers)
Optional: no-calorie sweetener to taste

Denise's Instructions:

Heat the milk in the microwave until nice and hot. While it is warming, mix your protein powder with your SF DaVinci in a large (12oz +) mug and make a creamy paste. Add a bit of cold water if you need more liquid to thin the paste. Once the milk is hot, put a whisk into the milk and spin it like crazy between your hands create foam (or use a frother or immersion blender). Pour the hot milk over the protein paste holding back the foam with a spoon. Add hot water and the instant coffee and stir it well until everything is blended. Pour the foam on top and top with a drizzle of the Smuckers caramel syrup. Enjoy!

This is a warm, comforting drink...and it saves me a trip and the expense of going to 'Bux. Thanks Denise for sending us your version!

Do you have a Thanksgiving dessert plan yet? If not, check out all the offerings of BF Dessert Week here and get to mixin'! We have some ideas for last minute yummies tomorrow should you need them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen's Clicktastic Salted Caramel Cocoa

~~posted by Jen


 += 


A couple weeks back, Nik shared her Salted Caramel Protein Hot Chocolate and I was hooked, as was most everyone else who tried it, given the comments we received. Since the weather has gotten cooler, I am turning more to protein hot drinks or protein coffee to get my morning started rather than my usual cold Click Frapp.

Of course, as luck would have it, right in the midst of what I am affectionately calling "remodel hell" here at Casa de Jen, I ran out of chocolate protein powder last Wednesday. I was freezing and wanted my hot salted caramel cocoa NOW, dagnabbit!

Well y'all know that it is a rare day for me to not have Click in the house, so I had to make it work! Definitely a play with your food opportunity, so I went for it! And....I actually like it better this way. This has become my new hot drink du jour for the past week. Go figure!

Since I had a long busy day running errands and seeing doctors today, I was in a kinda cranky mood when I got home and needed a little protein boost. I don't usually do caffeine this late at night, but I have a cake in the oven to share with y'all tomorrow, so I am staying up later anyway. Here's how I did it:

Jen's "Clicktastic" Salted Caramel Cocoa


Ingredients:
2 scoops Click Mocha
1/2 pack Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa Mix (the 25 calorie one)
3 pumps (tbsp) Davinci or Torani SF Caramel Syrup
3 packets Splenda
pinch of salt (I use 1/2 tsp, start with a 1/4 tsp and adjust to your taste)
8 oz milk of your choice (I use 2%)
2 tbsp Sugar Free Coffeemate Hazelnut Creamer, because I am addicted (optional)


Directions:
Pour milk into your blender cup first, then add Click, cocoa mix, splenda, salt, and syrup. Whiz it together in the blender, remove blade, and microwave for 35 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir, and check taste/temperature. Adjust salt or sweetness to your taste, then pour mixture into a microwave safe mug. Stir in the creamer (if you're using it) and microwave mixture for another 35 to 45 seconds. 


You CAN top it off with a dollop of whippage if your little heart desires. Enjoy!