As if my morning routine, which requires my habitual cup of coffee quite soon upon waking, isn’t enough, the changing of the seasons is playing a large part in my growing desire for an afternoon iced tea or iced coffee. And, yes, that would be from Starbucks. I am employed by them, afterall, so I know how palate-pleasing said iced drinks can be on a warm afternoon.

But this craving requires me to pack up (at least) my smallest guy and drive to the closest location, which by the way, isn’t that far…But still, turns out to be a good 25 minute ordeal once it’s all said and done. Is it worth it? I don’t know. I have my doubts…and my guilt…playing a role here. So, when I was perusing through the June issue of Food Network Magazine, I saw this here little gem of an idea/recipe for a coffee shake! Now, this is indulgent! I had try it. Besides, its Monday and the Coffee Shake feature is located on the calendar page for…Monday! AND, Mondays and I haven’t been on the best of terms lately…but not as bad as Tuesdays. Tuesdays and I aren’t even talking right now!

Moving on, I thought I deserved to make it this afternoon and see how satisfying it is. And, at this actual moment, I haven’t made it yet. I’m waiting for my brewed coffee to cool in the freezer, then I will give it a go. So, really, this is almost a play-by-play commentary on the success of this treat. And, I can’t remember the last time I did a post about food! So, stay tuned….

So, first, grab a can of sweetened condensed milk and use 1/4 cup of it. I don’t even feel like its that guilty of a pleasure because I used Fat Free and it tastes great!

Brew a cup of strong coffee, chill it, and use 1/2 a cup of it. I use Starbucks Three Region Blend because it is may favorite right now, and seasonal at that…won’t be around forever!

Combine the condensed milk with the coffee and 1 1/2 cups of ice in a blender and blend it until it is Frappuccino consistency (milk-shakey).

Add some whipped cream and cocoa powder on the top and Holy Coffee Beans! This is better than I thought it would be! As I was pouring it into the tall glass, I was literally thinking of what to add to make it better, like chocolate syrup or cinnamon (which I will still try…) but it doesn’t need anything! Perfect balance of coffee flavor and sweetness!

With no doubt I will be making this again! You should too! You deserve this! I learned last night on Food Network Star to not use the word delicious to describe food. Huh? So, here’s a few words that aren’t that one that I will use to describe this.

Refreshing. Balanced. Smooth. Coffee-ful. Rewarding.

Perhaps you go make it and then tell me what words you would use!