Greek Frappé

So, today I'll be sharing a traditional Greek family recipe that I have passed along to many people. Frappé is the Greek version of iced coffee. It is super cheap, couldn't be quicker, and not to mention DELICIOUS! In Quebec, we are in the middle of a heat wave, and today the temperature is supposed to reach 44° C with the humidex, or about 111° F. What a scorcher! So this past week, I've been going for this icy option instead. Greeks are a VERY proud people (I can say that, as I'm married to one) and they are extremely proud to show off this recipe. I must say, though, that all of the ingredients are to my own personal preference. As with a hot cup of coffee, this amounts you use for this coffee should be modified to your liking. 



As for the coffee used in this recipe, let me just reassure everyone that I am SO not an instant coffee kind of girl when it comes to hot coffee, so don't through away the idea if you're not either. I am a 100 % drip coffee always with cream and sugar girl all the way. But in this case, it totally works. No blender, no freezing ice cubes, immediate results! There is a special instant coffee made for Frappé that you can check out here, but I haven't tried it out. Actually, there's even a book about it. One day I'll splurge, but everyone I know seems to use Maxwell House for this recipe. Currently I have this blend, but I must say my brother in law uses the regular strength, and I like it better. It's less bitter. But here you go:

You'll need:

• A drink shaker, or any sturdy jar with a tight-fitting lid
• 1 heaping tsp instant coffee
• 1 tsp sugar
• 5ish ice cubes
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup skim milk

I could give you pictures of me adding in each ingredient... but I think you're all better than that. Dump 'em all in! Shake, shake, shake!  I use a shaker like this one:



A word of warning - on more than one occasion, I've been super happy about the upcoming Frappé and started busting a move, letting one hand off the shaker. Needless to day, I found coffee stains all over my white and grey kitchen, actually all the way into the hall and the bathroom for about a week after. As much as I cleaned, the stains kept magically appearing!!! So two hands people, learn from my mistakes. Anyway, this is what you end up with:

I think there's something about that instant coffee that foams right up, especially if you use skim milk. You could also add some ice cream, but I leave that for a special treat, not a regular. Not so conducive to the Mediterranean Diet - although certainly not outlawed. Moderation, people.

If you're going to try just one of the recipes I've posted up to now, I sure hope it's this one. It is a huge staple in my family, and I've converted many friends as well. I hope you enjoy it, I'd love to hear if anyone tries it out at home!

Have a great day, and enjoy the summer while it lasts!