Drinks

Name: Banana Pudding Protein Shake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Almond/Cashew Protein Milk; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 cup ice; 1 banana; 2 Biscoff cookies

Banana Pudding Protein Shake

May 27, 2020 by Cody

Quick and easy (5 minutes/5 ingredients), you can enjoy this Banana Pudding Protein Shake any time of day!!

Banana pudding is one my favorite desserts! I love it!! Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it doesn’t matter. The crave has even carried over into other desserts. One of my favorite ice creams at the local ice cream shop….banana pudding. My favorite milkshake at The Cookout? Banana pudding. So, I’m sure you kind of get the picture.

Anyway, one day I was whipping up some banana pudding and found that someone (not me) had put a serious dent in the Nilla wafers. I wasn’t giving up that easy, so I decided to improvise and add some Biscoff cookies that we had in the cabinet. A “new” banana pudding recipe was formed. This shake is a spin-off of that recipe.

Fuel up after a workout, drink it as a breakfast smoothie, or even as a snack. Hope you enjoy!

Banana Pudding Protein Shake

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup Almond/Cashew Protein Milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup ice
1 banana
2 Biscoff cookies

Instructions

Put the ice and banana into the blender with the protein milk and protein powder. Blend smooth.
Crumble one cookie into the bottom of your glass. Pour half of the shake over the crumbled cookie.
Crumble the second cookie, then top with the remainder of the shake. Alternative: You can skip this step and use the second cookie as a garnish/nibbler, which is my wife's preference.

Notes

- Blender required

- The nutrition facts are calculated using Silk Almond & Cashew Protein and Ascent Vanilla Bean Whey. Feel free to sub your preference of both.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2.25gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 329mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 20gSugar: 23gProtein: 35g

THE Greens Drink

September 2, 2019 by Cody

Assisting the immune system and gut health, THE Greens Drink may help address your nutritional shortfalls and boost overall wellness.

I love virtually all food! If something doesn’t taste THAT great, I try to figure out a way to make it better. With that being said, I find it nearly impossible to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables through meals regardless of taste. It’s not an easy feat!

I have my own supplement regimen that I follow, as do many, but I also try to make sure that my nutrition intake comes from as much real food as possible. Increasing the issue, is the fact that I’m not a big breakfast eater. More often than not, I’m up and at it with only a drink (shake, smoothie, or even just coffee) to carry me to a mid-morning snack. This led to exploring the world of greens drinks/shakes/smoothies (whichever you choose) to supplement my meal intake.

Taste

So, I’m going to keep it real with you. None of these things, and I’ve tried several, are overly satisfying. If someone says that they truly enjoy drinking them and just can’t wait to drink the next, I personally, would consider questioning their sanity. But if you want to keep the adventure going and live life to the fullest, you have to fuel the machine. Know what I mean? Trying to make the healthy tasty, I finally came to these ingredients. This is THE Greens Drink for me!! All of the ingredients blend perfectly into a 16 oz mason jar.

THE Greens Drink

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup kale
2 cups spinach
2 kiwi
1 lemon squeezed
1 granny smith apple
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp garlic
CBD isolate (optional)

Instructions

Wash all fruits and vegetables. Pat dry.
In measuring the leafy greens (kale and spinach) pack it in to maximize amount (just a firm press). Remove kale stalks.
Peel the kiwi and apple. Slice/chop.
Peel the ginger root and garlic. Mince. You can purchase minced ginger and garlic, if you choose.
Add the fruit, leafy greens, ginger, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the blender/food processor.
Blend. The amount of time this takes ultimately depends on your equipment. High speed new equipment should get you there quick; but if you're using Momma's old beater blender that still works despite a few missing pieces, then you may be there for a bit. Also, you may need to give it the occasional stir (scraping sides) to ensure there are no clumpy particles at the end.
You should end up with 16 oz (+/-).
If you want bulk, just multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks you want. I'll make three or four jars for the week so I can slam one first thing in the morning and go on about my day.
Keep the pineapple! If you choose to core a fresh pineapple, keep the remains for cool drinks for the kids. Or........show up to the weekend cookout/gathering in a Hawaiian shirt sipping out of an open pineapple to let everyone know good times are near.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 289mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 20gSugar: 35gProtein: 16g

CBD

In recent years there has been a huge movement in the CBD market with a wave of supporting legislature that followed (and continues to follow). Having a number of possible benefits, I added this to my daily routine a couple of years ago. For me, it’s made a huge difference, so I encourage people to try it when facing any issues that it is alleged to help. I use a CBD isolate (THC Free) in drinks such as this.

If you opt to add this ingredient, there a few things that I think are of importance. First, ensure the product is third party tested with a posted Certificate of Analyses. If you are subject to drug testing, make sure you purchase a THC free product and that it is confirmed (see the prior sentence). Full Spectrum products (honestly my preference), by federal law, can contain trace amounts of THC up to 0.3% which could possibly result in a positive reading. Third, look at the label to check the concentration of CBD. Products vary and can range in milligrams per serving. I look for the highest concentration for the least amount of money, or best bang for your buck.

As with a lot of things in life, I try to expand my experience beyond one product so I’ve tried plenty. When UnCanna dropped, that’s where I stayed. They’re Veteran owned, overly informative on the industry, and they cover my three important things above.

Frothed Cold Brew

August 23, 2019 by Cody

Simple and refreshing, this “stout-styled”, cold frothed, cold brew coffee is a unique change of pace!

As summer rolls around, I start to gain a thirst for cold coffee. On hot days, I need a thirst quenching pick me up, not an increased body temperature. If this isn’t in a solo cup for the road, I’m serving it up in a pint glass for cool comfort that almost makes you feel like you’re drinking a stout instead of coffee.

The Best Coffee for Cold Brew

As with most coffee recipes, the type of roast used depends on your personal preference. For the best cold brew, I typically stick with medium to dark roasts. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do the same. In choosing the perfect roast for you, things to keep in mind are acidity, flavor, and brew time. The general rule of thumb is the lighter the roast, the higher the acidity, and the longer the brew time (for cold brew).

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Brewing cold coffee couldn’t be any easier. The easiest way is to use a cold coffee maker. Toddy and Takeya are both good options with the latter being my favorite for reasons of simplicity. I recently bought a cold brew infuser from World Market that works great. If you don’t have a cold coffee maker, no worries! I spent years just putting coffee and water in a glass container to strain into my cup when I was ready to drink.

Tips for the Best Frothed Cold Brew

Choose the right roast for you. As mentioned above, I would recommend a medium to dark roast but that is not an “etched in stone” rule. By all means, choose whatever your taste buds prefer. If you do choose a light roast, however, make sure you increase the brew time to about 24 hours. For this particular drink, I highly recommend using a dark roast.

Consider flavor blends. When it comes to hot coffee, I’m typically not a fan of flavor blends. But with cold coffee, it’s a different story! Iced Hazelnut Coffee is one of my favorites. I’ve used other blends, such as a Vanilla, that also produce some pretty tasty beverages (I may just have to try that with this recipe!!)

Add milk or a non-dairy substitute. While I enjoy the occasional latte or cappuccino, I usually drink my coffee black. Again, with cold brew, my preferences are different. 2-3 ounces of milk helps create a creamy texture and provides a touch of sweetness that helps balance the drink. Almond, cashew, macadamia, or oat milk are great substitutes here.

Mind the grind. If you are grinding your own beans. Make sure not to go too fine, or you could end up with a bitter brew. A medium to coarse grind is ideal for cold brew.

Can You Froth Almond Milk?

Yes! With frothing for hot coffee beverages, there are some important things to account for like temperature, tools, chemical makeup, etc. but that is a topic for another post. Its much simpler with cold frothing. Just get some almond milk (or your choice of milk) and a milk frother. Pour the cold milk into a mixing glass, place the frother in the milk, and press the button. Froth until you have reached your preferred frothiness.

Flavor God Chocolate Donut Recipe

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I use Flavor God Seasonings quite a bit. This is a perfect recipe for Chocolate Donut Seasoning. Add a pinch of this on top of the Frothed Cold Brew for a well rounded flavor profile that’ll make you feel like your having coffee and donuts.

Other Coffee Recipes:

Iced Hazelnut Coffee

Cold Brew Coffee

Frothed Cold Brew

Ingredients

12-14 ounces of cold brew coffee
2-4 ounces of cold frothed vanilla almond mild
pinch of Flavor God Chocolate Doughnut Seasoning

Instructions

Ditch the ice for this beast!!! We don’t need any dilution weakening the punch.
Pour the coffee into your preferred cup/glass. A dark roast is ideal for this one.
In a separate cup, pour the milk and froth using a cold milk frother. For a more “stout” vibe, I use frothed vanilla almond milk to give it that creamy texture and garnish with a pinch of Flavor God Chocolate Donut seasoning to add those chocolate notes.

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Iced Hazelnut Coffee

August 20, 2019 by Cody

This iced hazelnut coffee is a cool, refreshing pick-me-up for the warmer days.

As much as I love coffee, to be honest, there are just times where a steaming cup of joe won’t cut it. Like right after an early morning run or in the middle of a hot afternoon, for a couple of examples. So, I supplement with this chilled version during those times to keep me going.

I have never been big on flavored coffee blends. Especially when it comes to hot coffee. But with cold coffee, its a different story! Hazelnut Iced Coffee is one of my absolute favorites.

How to Make Hazelnut Iced Coffee

Make Cold Brew Coffee. Pick your favorite Hazelnut Coffee blend and make your cold brew using your preferred method. For steps on how to make Cold Brew Coffee, click here.

Pour over ice. Fill your cup of ice about 2/3s of the way full with cold brew hazelnut coffee.

Top with Milk. Fill the remaining 1/3 of the cup with your choice of milk

Can You Use Almond Milk with Iced Coffee?

Absolutely! And, unlike hot coffee, you don’t have to worry about curdling. In the recipe below, I actually use Vanilla Almond Milk to add a touch of sweetness. Cashew milk, oat milk, macadamia milk and coconut milk are also good substitute options for dairy. If you do choose any of these, make sure to shake the carton before you pour because they have tendency to settle. When I’m drinking iced coffee, it is typically mixed with one of these as they seem to sit a bit lighter on the belly in comparison to regular milk.

Iced Hazelnut Coffee

This iced hazelnut coffee is a cool, refreshing pick-me-up for the warmer days.

Ingredients

8-10 ounces of cold brew hazelnut coffee
2-4 ounces of vanilla almond milk

Instructions

Simply fill your cup with ice, pour the desired amount of cold brew over ice, and top with your preferred amount of milk (for this one, I prefer vanilla almond milk). This is similar to the Jack & Coke concept. The perfect ratio depends on the person drinking it, so play around and find yours. For starters, try this one.

Cold Brew Coffee

August 20, 2019 by Cody

This thirst quenching cold brew coffee provides the same pick me up as it’s steamy ancestor and is great for those hot summer afternoons.

One of my very first coffee drinks that wasn’t from my grandfather’s Stanley thermos, was actually recommended by the very same person who has helped start my blogging adventure. We were visiting a college campus and took a break near the campus Starbucks. I was 17, and knew nothing about coffee and she was like, “you’ll probably like this”. Two Mocha Frappuccinos later, I had enough energy to read the library, take the GRE, and apply to Grad School all before lunch. P.S. I did not attend college that following year.

That is where my love for cold coffee began. As much as I love coffee, to be honest, there are just times where a steaming cup of joe won’t cut it. Like right after an early morning run or in the middle of a hot afternoon, for a couple of examples. So, I supplement with this chilled version during those times to keep me going.

The Best Coffee for Cold Brew

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

Tips for the Best Cold Brew Coffee

Choose the right roast for you. As mentioned above, I would recommend a medium to dark roast but that is not an “etched in stone” rule. By all means, choose whatever your taste buds prefer. If you do choose a light roast, however, make sure you increase the brew time to about 24 hours.

Consider flavor blends. When it comes to hot coffee, I’m typically not a fan of flavor blends. But with cold coffee, it’s a different story! Iced Hazelnut Coffee is one of my favorites. I’ve used other blends, such as a Vanilla, that also produce some pretty tasty beverages.

Add milk or a non-dairy substitute. While I enjoy the occasional latte or cappuccino, I usually drink my coffee black. Again, with cold brew, my preferences are different. 2-3 ounces of milk helps create a creamy texture and provides a touch of sweetness that helps balance the drink. Almond, cashew, macadamia, or oat milk are great substitutes here.

Mind the grind. If you are grinding your own beans. Make sure not to go too fine, or you could end up with a bitter brew. A medium to coarse grind is ideal for cold brew.

These are two of my favorite cold coffee drinks:

Iced Hazelnut Coffee

Frothed Cold Brew

Cold Brew Coffee

Ingredients

12-14 tbsp of ground coffee
1 quart of water

Instructions

If you’re using a specific cold brew device, follow those
instructions. If you’re doing your own thing, then this should produce some
tasty cold brew:
Place 12-14 tbsp of ground coffee into approximately 1 quart of water.
If the grinds aren’t in an infuser, give it a quick stir.
Place in refrigerator for 8-12 hours.
Then, you’re ready to enjoy.

I typically make this in the evening and let it sit overnight. I recommend enjoying this within 7-10 days.

Espresso Con Panna

August 20, 2019 by Cody

This Espresso Con Panna is a delicious, creamy coffee drink that is small in volume, big in flavor, and bold in strength.

Espresso Con Panna Recipe

One night in Bahrain, while waiting in the terminal for a late night pick up, I discovered Espresso Con Panna. Which is simply espresso topped with whipped cream. From first sip, I was stuck! For months, whether it be swinging by the corner café before early morning movements or waiting in the cool air terminal at random hours, this sure shot of life became my new go-to and remains in my top rankings of coffee drinks today.

The reason I am sharing this easy concept is because, as one of my go-to drinks, you wouldn’t believe some of the faces I get when trying to order one. It typically goes like this:

Me: “Espresso Con Panna, please.”

Employee: Stares at my face as if it’s changing like Pinnocchio.

Me: “Do you have whipped cream?”

Employee: “Yes” – if no, obviously my order changes. This has happened a few times, too.

Me: “can you just put some on top of a double espresso for me?”

Employee: “Oh!! Yea I can do that!”

Me: “Thank you!!”

This has happened way more often than not. I’ve honestly been kind of shocked that it’s so unknown in some of the places I’ve been. Vice versa, there has been a time or two where I tried to head this off and just asked for a double shot with whipped cream. The response was, “so espresso con panna?” 🙃

Side note: I once got made fun of by a guy for ordering such a tiny little cup. He was ragging on me like, “Pshhht, I can’t believe you’re drinking such a tiny little cup of coffee.” FYI, your average Grande latte has a double shot in it; with the rest being steamed milk and possibly flavoring. This was the exact case for his snickerdoodle latte! 🤨

What is Espresso Con Panna?

Espresso Con Panna literally means “espresso with cream”. So, in a nutshell, it’s your desired amount of espresso topped with whipped cream. The amount of espresso used is totally up to you and can range from single to quadruple shots………yes, I’ve ordered a quadruple espresso before……..although single to double is the standard. Double is my preference for this drink, though.

Ingredients needed for Espresso Con Panna

You only need two simple ingredients to make this easy Espresso Con Panna. As with most simple recipes, quality really matters so be sure to use fresh, flavorful ingredients for the best results. To make this espresso drink you will need:

Espresso: freshly ground coffee beans make the best espresso. Typically, you want to go with a dark or espresso roast. Black Rifle Coffee Company’s AK-47 Espresso Blend is my favorite blend for this recipe.
Whipped Cream: you can use freshly whipped heavy cream, or store-bought cream if you prefer.

How to make Espresso Con Panna:

In terms of espresso drinks, this is the simplest to make. All you have to do is:

Brew the espresso.
Pour the espresso into your favorite cup.
Top with whipped cream

That’s it! But, the deliciousness is in the details.

Tips for the Best Homemade Espresso

If you have ground coffee, that will technically “work”. However, it will likely be too coarse and make a weaker shot. If you want the best, freshly ground espresso beans are the way to go.

Grinding the beans is a very important step. As mentioned above, too coarse of a grind can lead to a weaker, watered-down shot. A grind too fine, though, could result in a bitter shot. So, you want to dial to somewhere in the middle for your perfect grind.

Once you’ve ground your beans, add them to the portafilter basket, and tamp. Tamping is another important step. You want to apply 25-30 pounds of pressure. A calibrated tamper is super helpful, here. The key is consistency. So, if you brew (or cook) with soul rather than science, just apply the same amount of pressure each time. Remember to give the tamper a slight twist as you pull off. Check out this video for some quick tips!

Brew the espresso following your machine’s settings.

Flavored coffee is a great way to switch things up!! Community Coffee has a new Irish Coffee Blend that works great with this recipe!! With cream (con panna) and a little sugar, it’s a perfect mini version of Irish Coffee….minus the whiskey.

Con Panna: Tips for the Best Homemade Whipped Cream

What you need to make your own whipped cream:

Heavy Whipping Cream or alternative
2 tbsp sweetener
½-1 tsp vanilla extract (not artificial!)
Hand mixer or stand mixer

Make sure everything is cold! I typically chill the mixing bowl and blending attachments prior to starting the process. Add all ingredients to the chilled bowl and blend until peaks form.

If you are dairy free, use coconut milk or coconut whipping cream in place of the heavy whipping cream. My wife actually prefers coconut milk in her lattes. You can also sub your favorite syrup for the vanilla if you have a special flavor that you enjoy.

Other Coffee Drinks:

Cold Brew Coffee

Keto Coffee Frappuccino

Keto Hot Cocoa with Espresso Whipped Cream (keto + low carb)

Iced Hazelnut Coffee

Recipes with Espresso:

The Funky Java Burger

Espresso Con Panna

Ingredients

Espresso (double shot)
Whipped Cream

Instructions

Now, I’m no barista and there is a plethora of information on brewing espresso out there. You can start here. Also, the steps you take to make this caffeine packed hotshot are going to vary depending on your machine and I only have experience on Delonghi machines. In terms of espresso, the only other brewing experience I have is with the Aeropress and that thing is one of the best accessories that I own for backpacking/backcountry trips!!! So, this is more of a generalized concept of how to go about it with some attached links that are very helpful and
informative.

Grind your beans. Typically, you want to go with a dark or espresso roast but, you do you. Grind matters! Too fine and you will see an increase in bitterness (over extraction), but too coarse and it’ll be watered down (under extraction).

Fill the portafilter basket with your desired amount of ground coffee.

Tamp. Ensure you have an even and consistent tamp.

Brew the espresso.
How you do this depends on your machine (assuming you are using an espresso machine; if not, click here), but I simply push a button or turn a knob.

Top your freshly brewed espresso with whipped cream.