Recipe: Frozen Cappucino

On hot summer days, we like to make the occasional pitcher of cold, slushy frozen coffee.  Yummo!  It's super easy, indulgent and WAY cheaper than any coffee-shop drinks!  Add a dallop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel and you have a yummy dessert.


Ingredients:

2-4 cups strong brewed coffee
2-4 cups of milk
1 can of sweetened condensed milk (low or nonfat variety is fine)
1 tray of ice cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. To make a pitcher full (4-8 servings), make about 4 cups of strong brewed coffee, then set aside and allow to cool for up to 30 minutes (you can use the hot coffee and make a batch right away, but the hot coffee will melt the ice very quickly making the drink more liquidy and less slushy).  
2. Fill a blender with one tray of ice cubes and 2 cups of milk.  Add half of the coffee, half a can of condensed milk and the vanilla and blend well.  
3. Take a spoonful and give it a taste test.  Need more coffee flavor?  Add more coffee.  Need more sweetness?  Add more condensed milk.  Too much coffee flavor?  Add more milk.  Blend again, then pour into glasses and enjoy!

***Quicker Variation:  Instead of using brewed coffee, sometimes I'll just put a tray of ice cubes and about 4 cups of milk into the blender along with 1/2 cup or so of instant cappuccino powder (like General Foods International in the tin) and blend.  The coffee flavor is a little less pronounced, but it still makes a great quick, refreshing treat.