Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Tis the season.  I warned you I'm Christmas' biggest fan, and to start the holiday extravaganza off right, I thought we needed a cup of hot chocolate.  Peppermint hot chocolate, that is.

I love me a cup of sugary, rich hot chocolate, but that's obviously not calorically feasible on a daily basis (and I like to enjoy hot chocolate on a bi-daily basis), so I buy the "no sugar added" kind.  (Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets is a good one...gets nice and foamy).  You will also need some pure peppermint extract.

A word of warning:  For a mug of hot chocolate made to your liking, you need A DROP of peppermint extract.  Like, either get a science lab pipette, or a baby medicine dropper, or something, but you need a super small amount (I pour a drop on a clean spoon, and if it's too much, I can get some back in the bottle). There is a frightfully small volume difference between a lovely peppermint-y chocolate treat and chocolate-flavored toothpaste.  No kidding.

So make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, add a scant amount of peppermint extract, and savor the tree you put up waaaayyy too early.  Or am I the only one doing that?

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Nobody does it like Starbucks, nobody.  Seriously, what is it with that place?  I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I'm pretty sure they sprinkle just a little cocaine on the top of their drinks to make everyone crave more.  Their Pumpkin Spice Latte is no exception.  Chicago-ians (is that right?  Whatever, the people who live in Chicago) love it so much, that apparently they lobbied the Starbucks company to release it here earlier than other stores around the country.  It's that good.

You can also put the hot milk mix in the blender for
a super frothy drink.

When I indulge in a coffee shop drink, I usually try to opt for "skinny" or the sugar free varieties (because seriously, 400 calories for a drink is a bit excessive...).  Sadly, they don't have a "skinny" Pumpkin Spice.  Never fear, a quick internet search, a combo of a few recipes and my own ingenuity and BAM! A great knock off, lighter than the original.  Double the recipe and make one for a friend, and enjoy on a crisp fall day.  Ahhh.

Pumpkin Spice Latte
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp pumpkin puree
2 packets of splenda (or sugar to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup strong brewed coffee
Cool Whip

In a glass measuring cup, combine all ingredients except coffee and Cool Whip.  Whisk vigorously.  Microwave for 1 minute or until very warm.  Whisk again until milk is really foamy (you can also put milk into a blender and blend it until foamy).  Pour into mug, and top with coffee.  Top that with Cool Whip, and add a dusting of pumpkin pie spice to the top.

Serves 1 delicious afternoon pick-me-up that didn't cost $4.

Peach Pineapple Smoothie: The Perfect Afternoon Snack

Ok so does anyone else need a little something around 3:30pm to get you through until dinner?  I totally do, and smoothies are one of my go-to snacks when I want something refreshing, filling and healthy. This, again, is more of a method than a recipe.  I make smoothies using all kinds of fruit, usually fruit in my fridge that's on it's way out...like strawberries that you wouldn't want to put in a bowl and eat as-is, but you don't want to toss either (not that I ever have that situation with produce...whoops).

There are two secrets to a great smoothie, in my humble opinion:  vanilla extract and oatmeal.  Please don't hang up just yet, hear me out!  The vanilla adds a really rich flavor and makes any smoothie from your kitchen taste like a $5 one from the mall.  And the oatmeal, as weird as it sounds, makes the smoothie super thick and filling.  No, it's not like a blended, cold bowl of oatmeal, I promise.  Try it one time and you'll love it!

Smoothies make great post-workout afternoon snacks, good breakfasts, nice desserts, you name it!  You could add a scoop or two of vanilla protein powder, or a banana, or some vanilla ice cream if you're really feeling crazy.  Just don't forget the vanilla and sprinkle of oatmeal :)

Peach Pineapple Smoothie
Makes enough for 2 large glasses

1 cup frozen sliced peaches
1 cup fresh chopped pineapple
1/2 cup strawberries, tops cut off and cut into chunks
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1/2 cup diet tropical juice (I like Diet V8 Splash), or light orange juice
A few ice cubes, depending on how thick you like your smoothie
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Throw everything into a blender and whir it up for at least 1 minute.  Add more liquid if it's too thick.  Pour into glasses, add a little paper umbrella if you feel the need, and enjoy!


Hope your Tuesday is a great one.  Happy snacking!

Amy