Hi Everyone,
Boy do I have a treat for you!! But first I wanted to tell you that I do read all of your comments and even if I don’t get to reply to them, I do read them. After a few of my coffee drinks, some of you suggested I use Xanthan Gum to prevent my coffee from separating. It works like a charm! A little sprinkle and no more coffee separation. I also asked you what is your favorite kind of coffee is and a few of you said Caramel Frappuccino’s. I was requested to try to make a skinny version of the drink. Hmmm, I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it? I couldn’t find caramel extract in the stores and then one day it hit me, try Amazon! Sure enough there it was. I received my package last week, ran out and got the Xanthan Gum and the Skinny Caramel Frappe was born!
This drink tastes amazing!!! I love that it doesn’t separate and I love that it tastes just like a caramel frappuccino! I know in my recent pictures I put whip cream on top of my drinks and you ask if it is in the calorie count, normally not. But this one it is, and I also included the caramel drizzle on top. How many calories is my 2 1/4 cups of cream goodness? 65 calories!! Love it!!!!
This drink is so easy to make. I froze 1 1/2 cups of coffee, and left it on the counter for a few minutes to thaw a little. In a blender I added the coffee, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon of caramel extract, 1 packet of stevia and 1/4 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum. Topped it with 2 tablespoons of Fat Free Redi Whip, Whip Cream and about 1 teaspoon of Caramel Syrup. Easy peasy! A tasty drink to make and under a few minutes. Beats spending driving to Starbucks!
Don’t mind the pictures, it was warm out and the sun really isn’t very kind to my drink! It melts pretty quickly!! You know I like to do my Starbucks Comparison, so lets see how we do.
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light Blend (Grande): 140, Fat: 0, Sodium: 190, Carbs: 30, Sugar: 29, Protein: 3
My Skinny Caramel Frappe: 65, Sodium: 65, Carbs: 12, Sugar: 11.8, Protein: 4
Well, looky, looky!! For mine you get more drink, more than half the sugar, and carbs. Plus mine has a pinch more protein. I’ll take mine thank you very much!!
- 1 heaping teaspoon instant coffee
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup skim milk
- 1 tsp caramel extract
- 1 packet stevia or 1 tbsp. sugar (to taste)
- ¼ tsp Xanthan Gum (optional)
- toppings:
- 2 tbsp. whip cream, fat free
- 1 tsp. caramel syrup
- In a cup mix coffee and water and stir until combined. Pour into a shallow container, cover and freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
- Let the frozen coffee thaw a little if your blender doesn't chop ice well.
- In a blender add coffee, milk, caramel extract, stevia and xanthan gum. Blend until combined.
- Pour into a glass and top with whip cream and caramel syrup
I am having so much fun with these coffee drinks!! What kind should I make next? Do share!!! I find it a challenge trying to come up with a healthy or low calorie version of our favorite drinks!!!
It’s my Sunday and I have lots to do today! I have to plan, prep and pack for my trip next week! It’s going to be hard not to cook for over a week. I’m going to miss that but I’m hoping to come up with new ideas while I’m gone.
Have a wonderful week!
Toodles,
Jen
UPDATE: XANTHAN GUM is a gluten free powdered thicker that prevents food from separating. I bought it at my local grocery store in the health food section. I used Bob Mills Brand.
