Coffee addiction quick fix smoothie

My name is Los and I'm a coffee addict.

I think my addiction first started in 3rd grade. I was on a SUPER FANTASTIC field trip to the Hospital. We were studying the circulatory system and our teacher took us to meet one of the city's best cardiologists. My friend's class got to go to the zoo and I was stuck in dank hospital room with the rest of my class, GOOD Times. After listening to the doctor harangue on and on about how blood flows to our heart and blah de blah blah blah. We got to go downstairs and purchase some of the overpriced toys and snacks from the gift shop (yes this field trip was as lame as it sounds).In the hallway next to the gift shop was the giant bright orange Lance snack machine and a hot beverage machine. Even though my classmates were wide eyed neophytes to the coffee world, I had been sneaking sips of my Grandpa’s coffee for years. I knew French toast was really good, so I figured since French Roast rhymed with French toast it had to be just as good. So while all my friends were enjoying hot chocolate I was the only brave (foolish) soul drinking French roast. At 8 years old my palate had not matured enough to appreciate the complexities of coffee brewed from a dilapidated vending machine covered in a dusty sticky film. My caffeine high did not kick in until I was back in class. My poor teacher, not only did she have to try and catch me and peel me off the walls, she also had to try and explain to my Mother why her child had turned into Warner Bro's Roadrunner (serves her right for planning such a crappy field trip). After I came down from the caffeine rush I knew I was hooked.

As time progressed so did  my need for coffee, middle school was my gas station cappuccino phase. During high school I was all about Starbucks. These days I fancy Turkish and Cuban Coffee. Like everything my coffee habit has gotten much more expensive. Don't get me wrong you will still find me twitiching in the lines of coffee shops hoping that the barista hurries up so I can get my White Chocolate Mocha before I turn into Mr. Hyde. However when I am low on cash and time this is a great alternative to some of the overpriced frozen Espresso drinks. You will still get the much needed caffeine jolt with less money and calories. Freeze your milk the night before in either an ice cube tray or shallow bowl. This will add more flavor and richness than plain ice. Yields 2 servings

Coffee Smoothie

8oz container vanilla yogurt
1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
½ cup frozen milk
Sugar or flavored syrup TT

Add first three ingredients to blender. Cover and blend until all items incorporated. Remove lid and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. If mixture is too thick  add milk  until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder.

Notes / Tips: I use Torani Syrups to flavor my coffee drinks the caramel is my fave. If you are as hardcore as I am feel free to increase the amount of espresso powder by another teaspoon.