Vanilla Ice

Alright stop, collaborate, and listen. 

Sorry, guys.  I couldn't help it.  (Little known fact--I know every. single. lyric to "Ice Ice Baby."  Just ask my sister.)  But seriously...listen up!  I've got some fun coffee add-ins for the awesomely easy and tasty cold-brew coffee I shared yesterday.  

Like I mentioned, I'm normally just a splash-of-cream kind of girl.  I like the fancy coffeehouse drinks just as much as the next person, but my waist and my wallet would not fare so well if I downed one every morning.  Don't get me wrong--there's absolutely a time and a place for treating yourself.  Christmas shopping just wouldn't be quite the same without a peppermint mocha, you know?  And that first crisp fall day without a pumpkin spice latte?  Forget it.  But for my morning coffee, I like to keep it a bit lighter.  So I can save my calories for other things.  Like pizza.  And ice cream.

What I've got for you are some ways to make your daily coffee a bit more special and a bit tastier; easy ways to boost the flavor without sacrificing too many calories.  If you've got a saucepan, an ice cube tray, and a blender, you're all set.  To rock a mic like a vandal.  Or something.

Vanilla Ice

adapted from Oh My Veggies

Ingredients:

1 whole vanilla bean OR 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste

1 1/2 c. half and half or milk of your choice (my favorite is coconut milk)

up to 1/4 c. granulated sugar (optional)

Directions

1.  If using a vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scrape seeds from pod with the back of a paring knife.  Add to milk and stir to combine.  If not using sugar (I don't) you're all set to pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.

2.  If using sugar, combine vanilla and milk in a small sauce pan.  Add desired amount of sugar and warm on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, just until the sugar dissolves.  Let cool to room temperature, then pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

3.  To enjoy, use vanilla ice in place of regular ice.  Unlike regular ice, it won't dilute your drink, so you may want to let it sit for a few minutes to begin melting.  Stir as necessary.  For a frozen treat, place cold-brew coffee and vanilla ice in a blender and process until thoroughly blended.