Saturday, October 23, 2010

Giada's Frothy Chocolate Espresso Shakes--A Chilly, Delicious Simple Saturday Sipper

OK, OK...technically the Chocolate Cravings theme at I Heart Cooking Clubs doesn't start until Monday, but since I am always craving chocolate anyway, I thought I would post mine early, as my Simple Saturday Sipper for this week.


My sister and brother-in-law are visiting and I thought that Giada's Frothy Chocolate Espresso Shakes would be a good drink/dessert to have on their first night here. I like that it uses fat-free frozen yogurt and non-fat milk for less of a guilt factor, and of course chocolate and espresso is always a winning combination.

You can find the recipe at Food Network here.


Frothy Chocolate Espresso Shakes
By Giada De Laurentiis
(Makes 4 Servings)

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup gourmet hot chocolate mix (recommended: Marie Belle)
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 cup fat free milk
1 pint reduced fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-low heat. Add the hot chocolate mix and espresso powder. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the milk.

Place the frozen yogurt and vanilla in a blender. Pour the chocolate mixture into the blender and blend until smooth and frothy.

Pour the shake into 4 (8-ounce) frosted glasses and serve immediately.


Notes/Results: Yum! Not quite as thick and creamy as a full-blown milkshake but really delicious. I made two versions, one sans espresso for my non-coffee drinking brother-in-law, and the full-octane coffee-fueled version for my sister and I. In place of espresso I used Starbucks Via Italian roast ready brew coffee--which is fast, easy and full of flavor. I used a European-style gourmet hot chocolate mix that had a nice, dark richness. One other note--I used more frozen yogurt than called for--probably about 12 ounces instead of the pint in the recipe--just to get it to the right consistency for us. My sister said it was better than a Frappuccino and I would agree. A decadent-tasting dessert drink but still a nice low-fat treat. I will make this again for sure.


I'm early for Chocolate Cravings at IHCC so the actual post won't be up until Monday, but you'll be able to see what my fellow participants picked to fulfill their chocolate cravings and dreams after that. ;-)

Happy Saturday!

20 comments:

  1. I am always craving something sweet at night and this seems like just the thing to satisfy that craving without totally going overboard! Love it.

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  2. ooh and if you use the Marie Belle Aztec (with chili) it would be a nice chocolaty drink with a kick :)

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  3. There is no such thing as being early when chocolate is involved!

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  4. This looks delicious! Low fat makes it even better! I will be making this soon!!

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  5. Deb, this looks amazing! I love it! I would like some for breakfast, please :)

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  6. Anytime is a good time for chocolate! These sippers sound great for company...or just alone...whatever ;) LOL! Want one.

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  7. Yummy indeed! Coffee and chocolate are both very high on my list. I think I would love this.

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  8. I'm chuckling over Pam's comment because she is so right. It's never too early, or late, for chocolate! These shakes sound like the perfect little pick me up! Extra caffeine for me please:)

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  9. That has got to be the BEST shake imagined! I love chocolate AND espresso combined. Wonderful.

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  10. Indeed, a great combination made in heaven. I'm with Kim, what a great pick me up for anytime.

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  11. Mmm, these look really good! Charles is an espresso junkie, I should try these. ☺

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  12. I am definitely a full-octane caffeine junkie - so I'll definitely be trying this.

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  13. Better than Frappuccino, for real? Husband loves those and if I could make something like it and even better, he'd vacuum every day, and I could pocket the difference in money spent:)
    I have all the ingredients necessary, but the chocolate mix. I am wondering if the chocolate syrup would do...
    As for being early for this week's Giada recipe, I admire you. It seems that I am always scrambling at the last moment:)

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  14. Wish i could taste you're lovely drink! Great pick!

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  15. Kurinjo-thank you!

    Joanne--it is a great taste for just a little indulgence. ;-)

    Kat--mmm, that would be good! ;-)

    Pam--so true! ;-p

    Julie--thanks! I loved the low-fat aspect too. ;-)

    Erin--the breakfast of champions!
    ;-)

    girlichef--god for company but well-worth making as an indulgent treat. ;-)

    Michelle--I hope you try it! ;-)

    Kim--I'll make yours a double! ;-)

    Pierce--thanks! ;-)

    Carla--mahalo! I'll make a double for you too. ;-)

    Natashya--you could easily do a low sugar version for Charles too.

    Megan--I bet you will love it! ;-)

    Lana--I saw some people on the review that said chocolate syrup worked fine and others said it wasn't as good but I think it's worth a try. ;-)

    Yvette--thanks! ;-)

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  16. This looks great Deb - gotta love a chocolate treat which actually turns out to be low-fat - can't unfortunately say the same about my contribution.
    Sue

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  17. Perfect for breakfast and I just happen to have all the ingredients!! Yum! ~LeslieMichele

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  18. Sue--that's OK, we can put our treats together and cancel each other out! ;-)

    LeslieMichele--the breakfast of campions! ;-)

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  19. Looks delicious! Definitely one of my favourite flavour combinations!

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