Need a morning pick me up?

     Along with the loooooong list of foods I seem to be addicted to, caffeine is near the top of that list.  For me, that means iced coffee.  For many years I have been a slave to the Starbucks empire but about a year or so ago I decided to take things into my own hands.  Well, my bank account really made that decision for me, seeing as how I was probably going there at least 3-4 times a week and getting a grande or on bad days a venti and shelling out $5-7 a pop!  Geez, I feel guilty even admitting that now!

     So I purchased a cheap Mr. Coffee espresso maker from Walmart ($25) and started making my own.  It was a rough start.  It took me a really long time to find a balance of coffee and flavor that was actually drinkable.  I tried lots of tricks, but I have found one now that is really good,  lo-cal and believe it or not, lo-carb!

Here's what you need:

   Okay, so I use 1/2 a cup of Calorie Countdown "milk".  It's a low cal and low carb "dairy beverage"  you seriously can't tell the difference.  Anyway, 1/2 a cup is all it takes.  Then I brew my coffee.  I have the glorious keurig now, so I use the large cup setting, but if you are using an espresso maker or regular coffee (which are both fine) just pour yourself about 4-6 oz of coffee and add the milk to that.  Then I use about a tablespoon of Torani flavored sugar-free syrup.  This stuff is like liquid gold!  They have lots of flavors and they are zero calories and zero carbs.  This beats the socks off of those flavored creamers any day!  My favorite is the chocolate flavor, but my ghetto Walmart does not sell that anymore so I am experimenting with other flavors.  I've tried caramel and hazelnut and both were fine.  They also have vanilla and raspberry I think......you can find even more if  you want to buy them online.  The total calorie count is 35 calories & 1.5 carbs per serving!  You are only using 1/2 cup of milk so it's almost nothing!

     Just add ice, shake and enjoy!  This has saved me hundreds of dollars over the last year.  Now I will admit that when the pumpkin spice latte is in season, I still splurge at least once a week at the Bucks, but I try to stay away otherwise.  BUT if you just can't abandon your favorites from that chain, they will sell you bottles of syrup if you go inside and ask.  They have their skinny flavors and I think they have brought back the skinny mocha.....so I may be going in for that soon.  Either way, give it try and save a few bucks for all those new clothes you're fitting into!

Happy Eating.