Coffee. It’s the lifeblood of the morning (and sometimes evening and afternoon). The smell alone perks me up (yes, that Folgers commercial comes to mind and yes, I do get that look when I take my first sip). Coffee is a lifestyle. I remember back in my high school days, before I liked the taste of coffee, a handful of my “cool” friends were frequenting the bohemian coffee shops, not only for a great cup of joe but also for the great company.
After our honeymoon in Italy I have made it my mission to get the flavor of Italian coffee in our house. So, believe me when I tell you that Peet’s Coffee’s Italian Roast, when made a little strong, gets the job near close to done.
And now, Stacey has taken it a step further. I don’t normally enjoy an iced coffee but Stacey’s idea of making these chocolate and vanilla bean ice cubes makes it fun and tasty. You can read how to make them below. A simple idea that has turned my coffee obsession into a dessert obsession. Ultimately, you can make your own flavors and stick them in your freezer to call on when the iced coffee urge creeps in.
Ice Iced Coffee (for two)
Need:
- Coffee
- 2 cups of milk (we use almond milk)
- Vanilla Bean
- 1 Cup sugar (we use raw sugar)
- Hot chocolate Mix
- 2 cups of milk (or almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk)
- Ice cube trays
- Coffee maker (french press)
How:
Depending on your coffee intake make 4 oz to 8 oz per person. Set coffee aside. I left coffee to sit in the french press till it cooled down, also I made the coffee a tad stronger. To make vanilla ice, take the whole vanilla bean split it open scrape the inside, add the whole beans and insides, to two cups of milk, and 1 cup of sugar in medium sauce pan, on low heat, cook for about 8 minutes, whisking to break up any clumps. Strain with a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, then gently pour into ice-cube trays. Freeze for 8 hours. To make chocolate ice. Take your favorite hot chocolate mix, milk and cook at low temperature, whisking, remove from heat, allow to cool and pour into another tray. Again, freeze for 8 hours.
Your reserved coffee can now be added into a chilled glass with a few ice cubes, try adding both chocolate and vanilla for extra flavor and if you are feeling extra naughty, add fresh home-made whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.
The vanilla ice would be delish in a chai iced coffee or green tea or maybe in an adult cocktail.
Good to the last sip!
