So, you all know the Pioneer Woman, right? Actually I just stumbled upon her blog recently. If you haven't visited her blog I really encourage you to do so as she has some amazing recipes and other great stories on her site. If I am not wrong I believe she published a cookbook.
The reason I ask is because I found the BEST, and I do mean the best, ice coffee recipe on her site. Check out her recipe here. I loved her recipe but that is just too much coffee, even for me, so I've tweaked it for my own taste.
I absolutely adore coffee and most likely consume more than I should. I always start with a hot cup in the morning, no matter what the temperature is outside. And, I always enjoy hot coffee after dinner as well. But, in between it's all ice coffee, baby! While I am generally a Starbucks girl, I have found that Dunkin Donuts makes a pretty good ice coffee. I swear, they knew my order the second I pulled up and started to order in the drive through. While I am digging my own ice coffee, I do miss my friends at DD, ha!
Anyhoo, here's my tweaked recipe of the PW Perfect Ice Coffee Recipe. This really couldn't be any easier, btw!
Ice Coffee
Yields approximately 1 Gallon
Ingredients:
~16 oz of a rich, flavorful coffee (I of course used Starbucks, which you can find in your grocery store)
~8 Cups of water
Utensils:
~Large pot or container
~Mesh Strainer
~Cheese cloth
Directions:
In your large pot combine the coffee and water, stirring to cover all of the grounds. Cover and let set about 8 hours though I usually like to do it over night.
Once your coffee is ready, strain your coffee into a new container. Make sure you put cheese cloth or a napkin (which I use with great success!) in the strainer before you begin to ensure no grounds seep through the strainer. This may take a few minutes but it is well worth the wait. Now be sure to chill this lovely beverage since it is, well, ice coffee!
To serve:
Once your coffee is prepared and chilled you are ready to create your very own ice coffee masterpiece.
Here's what I do for my perfect cup - I fill my cup with about 2/3 full of coffee and 1/3 with cream (I use fat free) and add 2 tsp of sugar. Many times I will also add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk (also a PW recommendation) and I am in heaven! Don't forget to mix well and add your coffee ice cubes! A paper straw adds a nice touch too.
Just think of all you can do with this coffee base.
-drink it straight up black
-add flavored creamers
-add flavored syrups
-add chocolate or caramel ice cream toppings
-keep it low calorie/low fat by adding artificial sweetener and skim milk
-if decadence is what you're looking for I would suggest adding whole cream
-add whipped topping and drizzle chocolate or caramel on top and don't forget the sprinkles!
Don't forget to make sure you have a "to go" cup as you will not want to part with this as you head out the door!
I would love to hear how you take your ice coffee. Now go, make, and consume!
Hugs,
Jacalyn
