Mocha Coconut FraPROccino (My First Video Blog!)

If my tenth grade English teacher told me I needed to write a 7-minute speech to give in front of my class, my palms would start to sweat and my stomach would be twisting in knots. And if he also said there would be a camera in the room, I’d have just about died. Yet, 10+ years later, give me a topic I’m passionate about, and the time just flies! Thus, I have a bigtreat for you today…Last week, I made a protein shake that was so incredibly good, my immediate thought was to make it the topic of my first video blog. Considering that I’ve never thought more than 0.2 seconds about video blogging in the past, you better believe this is one pretty fabulous shake. And considering I’m actually quite proud of my first on-camera appearance (I didn’t a totalfool of myself; at least, I don’t think so) I’m so excited to share it with you!

Well, what did you think? Am I on my way to being the Next Food Network Star on the topic of protein shakes? (You don’t really have to answer that!) More importantly, have I convinced you that homemade FraPROccinos are the way to go? If you need a little more coaxing, check out the recipe below, as well as that nutritional comparison I promised.

Cara’s Cravings Mocha Coconut FraPROccino 

~ 2 cups ice cubes*
~ 12 oz iced coffee
1 level scoop (25gm) chocolate casein protein powder, such as Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Protein, Chocolate Supreme
2 packets of Truvia Natural Sweetener, or other zero-calorie all-natural sweetener, to taste
2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut, such as Let’s Do Organic Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
1 tablespoon natural, unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon xantham gum, such as Bob’s Red Mill Xanthan Gum
1/4 teaspoon guar gum, such as NOW Foods Guar Gum

Combine the ice cubes, iced coffee, protein powder, sweetener, coconut, and cocoa powder in a high-speed blender. Process for 1-2 minutes. Stop the blender and remove the cover. Scrape down the sides and add the xantham gum and guar gum. Replace cover and process for another minute, or until smooth. If you want your shake a bit thicker, add a few more ice cubes and process until smooth.

*I recommend using more ice cubes than I did in the video. I typically start with more, so I’m chalking this one up to first-time nerves and wanting it to come out just right! I made another shake, just to show you what it should look like up close. That and because I wanted one for breakfast the next day too!

DSC_1610

Now,  time for those stats:

fraPROnutrition

A couple comment about the nutritional analysis:

*First, I compared my Mocha Coconut FraPROccino to the Starbucks Venti Mocha Frappuccino Light, because this beverage is most comparable in size to mine, and it’s likely that someone looking for a healthier choice would ask for the light option. Sure, my version has quite a bit more fat than theirs, but think about where my coconut flavor comes from: natural, unsweetened coconut flakes. Not a sugary, artificially flavored syrup. The fat that comes from coconut is of the good kind. Remember, not all saturated fat is bad: the saturated fat in coconut oil is mainly lauric acid, which is shown to HDL (good) cholesterol.

*Just for kicks, I compared my Mocha Coconut FraPROccino to the Starbucks Tall Mocha Coconut FraPROccino: full fat version without whipped cream. Just in case you were thinking, “But how about if I splurge on the smallest version of the real thing – does this homemade protein drink still win?” YES! Check out those calorie counts. And then imagine the damage incurred when getting it with whipped cream too.

*In both cases, note that my shake contains a lot more protein and tons less sugar. I guarantee that will provide a lot more sustaining energy as you go about your day.

PS – check out more healthy treats on Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, 8/23/2011!

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26 Responses to “Mocha Coconut FraPROccino (My First Video Blog!)”

  1. 1

    nicole — August 10, 2011 @ 12:47 pm Reply

    I love it! Nice job on the video

  2. 2

    Hallie @ Daily Bites — August 10, 2011 @ 1:00 pm Reply

    Great video, Cara! You're a natural. 🙂

  3. 3

    Jacquelyn — August 10, 2011 @ 1:41 pm Reply

     I've been getting really into shakes lately so thanks for this!  What blender do you use?  The one I use sounds like my house is getting bombed!

  4. 4

    Cara — August 10, 2011 @ 1:52 pm Reply

    Glad you like it! I have a  Breville 800BLXL. It's no vitamix but it does the trick!

  5. 5

    Paula — August 10, 2011 @ 2:09 pm Reply

    This was really enjoyable to see "you" after being a blog reader and Nestie for a while. Considering the mocha coconut frappuccino has drawn me back into Starbucks lately, I think this is a MUCH better way to go and look forward to trying this out!  Thanks for sharing – both the recipe and your kitchen!

  6. 6

    Nicole, RD — August 10, 2011 @ 2:45 pm Reply

    This looks so good! I love the vlog 🙂 And your kitchen…sigh! I have that same workout tank and pitcher that your iced coffee was in, too funny. I can't wait to try this…and guar and xantham gums for the first time!

  7. 7

    Carol, Simply...Gluten-free — August 10, 2011 @ 3:08 pm Reply

    Oh how cute are you?  Great video.

  8. 8

    Emily — August 10, 2011 @ 3:17 pm Reply

    LOVED the vlog, friend! 🙂 I can't wait to try this out! Thanks for the tip on the protein powder as well. The one I currently have is a mix of soy/whey … I literally have no clue on powders!

  9. 9

    Cara — August 10, 2011 @ 3:32 pm Reply

    thank you so much! glad you liked it 🙂 and thanks for the awesome tweet!

  10. 10

    Maggie — August 10, 2011 @ 5:00 pm Reply

    Awesome first video Cara! I'll be coming to you for tips soon 🙂 

  11. 11

    Chanecia — August 10, 2011 @ 5:11 pm Reply

    Loved the video blog. You are a natural my dear. Thanks for sharing.

  12. 12

    Kaytorade — August 10, 2011 @ 5:20 pm Reply

    You are too cute for words!

  13. 13

    Joanne — August 10, 2011 @ 5:50 pm Reply

    Can you get any cuter?  Only in person so that I can hug you.

  14. 14

    kelly c. — August 10, 2011 @ 6:22 pm Reply

    looks delish! i will be making this soon!

  15. 15

    Maria — August 10, 2011 @ 7:04 pm Reply

    Great job on the vlog! 

  16. 16

    Janet — August 10, 2011 @ 7:11 pm Reply

    I loved your video!!! Great job! I've been thinking about quick and healthy breakfast/lunch ideas since the school year is about to start back up again, and I unfortunately regained the 20 pounds I lost last year, so this is looking like something I need to try. 🙂

  17. 17

    Lindsay Richey — August 10, 2011 @ 7:31 pm Reply

    Good to know you keep the xantham gum in the refrigerator!

  18. 18

    Ronnie — August 10, 2011 @ 7:35 pm Reply

    Great job!! Love it!

  19. 19

    Cara — August 10, 2011 @ 7:37 pm Reply

    thanks 🙂

  20. 20

    Cara — August 10, 2011 @ 7:38 pm Reply

    yeah! I also transfer from the bag it comes in to a container, because I find it easier to scoop out that way. The reason I heard to refrigerate it was to keep moisture out.

  21. 21

    Lizzy — August 10, 2011 @ 7:50 pm Reply

    Cara!!! That was soooooo precious!! You did such a good job.  I totally see a future star here!! now I really can't wait to finally meet!  I know what you sounds like now : )

  22. 22

    Catherine M — August 10, 2011 @ 8:39 pm Reply

    Love the video! I definitely want to try your recipe

  23. 23

    Joelen — August 10, 2011 @ 11:09 pm Reply

    Great job Cara! 🙂

  24. 24

    Cara — August 10, 2011 @ 11:23 pm Reply

    thanks!

  25. 25

    Elina (Healthy and Sane) — August 10, 2011 @ 11:38 pm Reply

    Loved your first video… do you normally wear make up to the gym? ;)I'm definitely making this shake! I actually love having decaff iced coffee in mid afternoon and recently started having protein shakes after I lift… so this will be perfect for a post-lunch workout shake 🙂

  26. 26

    Elina (Healthy and Sane) — August 10, 2011 @ 11:39 pm Reply

    It's a lot quiter I can tell you that! :)PS – I've seen this coconut brand at Whole Foods!

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