Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino...with Protein

I am on a pumpkin mission...such a happy time of the year.  Just a warning that every food post within the next couple of weeks will probably be pumpkin related.  

It may not be entirely accurate to call this a frappuccino because truthfully, I've never actually purchased a frappuccino.  And I'm pretty sure a frappuccino doesn't come in right around 200 calories with 100% of your daily recommended intake of about a zillion vitamins, along with calcium and other goodies. So this is really more protein shake with a little fall goodness mixed in. 

The first ingredient is of course cold espresso.  There are quite a few posts on the web about making cold brewed coffee for iced coffee.  I tried it once but it wasn't strong enough and was missing that certain espresso flavor kick that I love.  I think it's the bite from the acidity from brewed coffee, and when I have an ulcer I'll regret it, but I for now I prefer to start with brewed espresso.   I also like espresso based drinks more than regular coffee...with an espresso base, you can add milk or almond milk and have a latte rather than an iced coffee with a bit of added cream.   A moka pot is pretty cheap option to make espresso, doesn't take up counter space and makes a nice strong espresso. 

I usually brew a pot at night and refrigerate.  Then the next morning, you can have an iced latte or throw together this quick protein shake. 

I love Spirutein protein powder.  When I first moved to Vegas I had trouble finding my favorite Spirutein flavor (Exotic Red--fruity and so yummy with frozen fruit and ice blended in) and contacted the company asking where I might find some.  Their customer service told me I could find it by calling around to all the stores in my area and asking them if they carried it. Really.  And despite this,  I still love the product--that's saying something. Vanilla is much easier to find...I've found Vanilla Spirutein at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, Sunflower and just about any natural grocer I've ever been in.  It has a higher sugar content than some other protein powders out there (8-9 grams) but I'd rather have a few extra grams of sugar than drink one of those shakes that make you hate each sip.  

For a pumpkin spice shake you just grab a blender jar (or pitcher--I use a stick blender for everything) and add 1 cup milk (or nut milk), 1-2 "shots" of espresso, 1-2 cups of ice, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 3 tbsp canned pumpkin puree, and 1/8 tsp of pumpkin pie spice.  You can add an additional sweetener if you like--I find the sweetener in the protein powder does the job. 

Blend  and enjoy.  It is so good you'll probably forget that it's good for you, and saving 1000 calories is just a bonus.   Just an FYI that the  pumpkin, protein powder and pie spice are just as delicious mixed into oat bran for a warmer breakfast. 

Pumpkins aren't just for eating though, they are for playing with as well.  I found these pics of my little punkin from just last year.  I can't believe this tiny little 2 lb dog in the pictures grew up to be my strapping and enormous 15 lb pup of today.  Tee-hee.  Sometimes you want them to be this small again until you remember how often you had to pull out the rug cleaner right?