Slow Cooker Spiced Coffee

     As we head into the chilly season, here's a recipe you can whip us for guests at upcoming parties or family holiday gatherings.  You may find that those who aren't necessarily fans can change their tune when they get a whiff of this chocolaty coffee drink!

Slow Cooker Spiced Coffee

8 cups brewed coffee
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C chocolate syrup
1/2 tsp. anise extract
4 cinnamon sticks (3 in.)
1 1 /2 tsp. whole cloves
*Additional cinnamon sticks, optional


In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine coffee, sugar, chocolate syrup and extract.  Place cinnamon sticks and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth.  Gather corners of cloth to enclose spices; tie securely with string.  Add to slow cooker.  Cook, covered, on low 2-3 hours. 

Discard spice bag.  Ladle coffee into mugs.  If desired, serve with a cinnamon stick.

Makes 8 servings

DIY Coffee Drinks

Stay cool (and caffeinated) with these coffee drinks YOU can make from home!

Mocha Frap

1 1/2 C strong brewed coffee, chilled
1 1/4 C 2% milk
1/2 C jarred fudge sauce
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 C ice cubes
4 Tbsp. whipped cream
4 tsp. chocolate sprinkles, if desired

In a blender, combine the coffee, milk, fudge sauce, sugar and ice. 
Pour into 2 tall glasses.  Top with whipped cream and the sprinkles (in my case, I favor more fudge sauce drizzled over the top in lieu of the sprinkles)


Cookies 'n Cream Frap

4 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 C strong brewed coffee, chilled
5 oreos, coarsely chopped, divided (I won't tell if you use twice as many..lol)
1 C 2% milk
1 C ice cubes
4 Tbsp. whipped cream

In a blender, combine the ice cream, coffee, half of the chopped Oreos, milk and ice.  Blend until smooth. 
Pour into 2 tall glasses.  Top with whipped cream and the rest of the Oreos.


Iced Cappuccino

2 C 2% milk
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tsp. instant espresso powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 ice cubes
*Ground cinnamon for sprinkling, if desired

In a blender, combine the milk, syrup, espresso powder, sugar and ice.  Blend until smooth.
Pour into 2 tall glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.