Perk up your cup

Coffee Smoothie

Consider this the caffeinated version of the typical morning smoothie. In a blender combine plain yogurt, a packet or 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, a packet of instant cocoa, ice and a little sugar or sweetener. Blend until icy smooth and add a little more or a little less of the above ingredients to taste. And there you have it!

Coffee Yogurt

You can buy individual servings of yogurt that already comes in coffee flavor. But for an extra boost mix a whole packet of instant coffee (instant coffee sticks with a flavor like vanilla or hazelnut work especially well) in a ⅓ cup of hot water. Use a little of the mixture to boost your yogurt’s flavor.

Coffee Hot Chocolate

For coffee lovers and chocolate lovers, this is the best of both worlds. Plus, it could not be easier to make. Consider it a cheaters’ version of an expensive coffee-shop mocha. In a small pan heat up cream and two table spoons of instant hot chocolate mix. Today you can also get Mexican hot chocolate in instant packages. Whisk in a cup of ready-made brewed coffee and there you have it!

Iced Dulce de Leche Latte

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons hot water

2 teaspoons NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Pure Instant Coffee

Granules

1 and 1/4 cups milk

1/4 cup NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Dulce de Leche, warmed

Preparation:

COMBINE hot water and coffee granules in pitcher; stir

until coffee is dissolved. Add milk and dulce de leche;

stir until dulce de leche is dissolved. Serve over ice.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Servings: 2

Clásico Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 box (18.25 ounces) yellow or chocolate cake mix

8 teaspoons NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Pure Instant Coffee Granules, dissolved in 1

tablespoon hot water

Coffee Frosting (recipe follows)

Preparation:

PREHEAT oven to 350 F. Grease or paper-line 24 muffin cups.

PREPARE cake mix batter according to package directions; stir in coffee mixture.

Spoon into prepared muffin cups.

BAKE for 17 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cupcakes comes out

clean. Cool completely. Frost evenly with Coffee Frosting and decorate with chocolate

sprinkles, if desired.

Coffee Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 tablespoon NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Pure Instant Coffee Granules, dissolved in 1

tablespoon hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

COMBINE powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, coffee mixture and vanilla extract

in large mixer bowl; beat until creamy

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooling time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 17 minutes

Servings: 24 cupcakes