Starbucks Blended Creme

A couple of years ago, I received a Starbucks gift card from a friend of mine for my birthday. I was totally perplexed at this gift because I am not a coffee drinker... at all. I don't even like the way coffee smells. I know that puts me in the minority, but... it is what it is.

So, after having this gift card for awhile, I finally mentioned to another friend of mine that I had this card... what did she think I should do with it?

Without even a moment's hesitation... she walked me directly over to the Starbucks kiosk at the outdoor mall where we were shopping.

And she ordered me a Vanilla Bean Blended Creme. With caramel and whipped creme.

I have never spent a gift card faster than that one.

It was so yummy!!!

And then, during the summer they offered some sort of Orange-Creme Blended Creme. It tasted... exactly... like... an... ORANGE CREMESICLE! Not kidding.

These are a guilty pleasure. Very GUILTY, but also a pleasure.

Hot Vanilla

Turn the classic hot-chocolate treat on its head by serving up steaming mugs of this vanilla-flavored tummy warmer -- topped with dollops of chocolaty cream.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup of whipping cream
1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
Dash of cinnamon
1 cup of milk (per hot vanilla)
2 teaspoons of sugar (per hot vanilla)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (per hot vanilla)

1. Start with the topping. In a medium bowl, whip 1/2 cup of whipping cream until it's frothy. Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup and a dash of cinnamon, then continue to whip the mixture until everything is well blended and peaks form. Makes enough to top about 6 drinks.

2. For each hot vanilla, microwave 1 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of sugar in a mug for 90 seconds. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Top with a dollop of chocolate cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a dash of cinnamon.

Recipe from Family Fun magazine.

Stephen's Hot Cocoa - Giveaway

I'm so excited to announce this next giveaway!!

The amazing folks at Stephen's Hot Cocoa, sent me a canister of Peaunt Butter Cup Cocoa and I fell in love! It is my new favorite cocoa flavor. Let me say... it is everything you want a peanut butter cup hot cocoa to be. Rich, equally chocolate-y and peanut butter-y and aromatic to the point of distraction!!! Oh, I love it, love it, love it!!

In addition, Stephen's Hot Cocoa also has generously offered some coupons for a free canister of your favorite Stephen's Hot Cocoa to a Laugh Until Your Cheeks Hurt reader... and let me suggest that you consider trying the Peanut Butter Cup flavor...

So, leave a comment here, by midnight Tuesday, November 4 and you'll be entered in to a drawing for one of two prizes! Yes... this time we will have two winners!!! Package One will include two coupons for free canisters of Stephen's Hot Cocoa and Package Two will include one coupon for a free canister of Stephen's Hot Cocoa, plus a mug and two packages of the individual servings of Stephen's Hot Cocoa.

Yummy!!! I promise!