Fun With Kitchen Toys

A while back my mom picked up one of these:

a BonJour Mini Frother from a kitchen store for about ten bucks. This has been maybe the most fun ten bucks one can spend on a kitchen appliance.

My mom mixes together half'n'half and skim milk with a little sugar then froths it and pours it over coffee, instant fake lates. This works in tea, too, if you prefer your tea British style. For some reason the skim froths better, the half'n'half gives it some body, and the sugar sweetness as well as support.

I've played around with it a few times but with less success. Until last night. Looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth, I was poking around the kitchen to no avail when it struck me: a rich, delicious dessert-y beverage, not so much a milkshake or a smoothie, more of a frappachino. I grabbed a few ingrediants and got to work.

Here's how I did it:

Hardware:

• tall glass or large mug
• mini frother (a blender or imersion stick blender will work, too, if you don't have a frother)
• measuring cup
• spoon

Software:

• cocoa powder
• instant coffee or espresso power (optional)
• vanilla extract
• milk (dairy or non, mine was half real half almond and delicious!)
• half'n'half (optional)
• cinnamon and/or other spices (optional)
• sugar (optional)

What to do:

• Following the microwave hot cocoa instructions on the cocoa power pack put 3/4 the recommended amount of cocoa in the bottom of your glass (the remaining 1/4 is made up by the coffee or espresso powder if you so desire, otherwise use the full dosage).
• Add in 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract (if you're using a vanilla milk sub you may want to use 1/4 tsp or none at all).
• add in any spices you may desire.
• Add a tsp or two of sugar depending on your tastes and whether or not your cocoa powder is pre-sweetened.
• Pour in the appropriate measure of milk per your cocoa pack's instructions (probably 8oz.)
• Put the spurs to it!
• Froth or blend in pulses until there is no cocoa powder floating on top and you've built up some good foam.
• If you want to make this a little richer you may add half'n'half now or when you add the milk. If adding now give the mix another pulse or two to ensure even distrobution.

Drink as is or drop in a few ice cubes.

Optional additions: Di Saronno, Frangelico, Bailey's, whiskey, vodka, creme de menthe, creme de cacao, etc.