Recently my youngest daughter, Jeni, had gastric bypass surgery. I understand that patients of this surgery must have a lot of protein in a day. Something that many people take for granted, but that bypass patients can’t afford to do without – among other things. So I’ve been looking for opportunities to use a good protein powder whenever possible.
What I find curious about Jeni’s surgery is in the past month or so, her sister has made an effort to lose weight and is getting in to clothes that she hasn’t worn in years. I’ve lost 11 pounds – and holding. And now my husband is losing.
Jeni is inspirational, to say the least. She is determined, positive, and happy! Not to mention she is already down 30+ pounds and still going strong.
One of her favorite things in life is hot chocolate. I don’t mean that she likes it, I mean she LOVES it! Especially this time of year. It really gives her that warm and fuzzy feeling. So, when I saw Amy’s recipe on her blog, Amy’s Cooking Adventures, I knew exactly what I would be making for this month’s Secret Recipe Club.
Amy is not just a great blogger, she is a great mom, wife and cyber-friend. SHE says she was no “Susie Homemaker”. I don’t really know where that term came from, but they were not talking about moi, either. What she did learn from her mom was how important gathering everyone for at least one meal a day was to a family. When Amy began to have a family of her own, she buckled down and taught herself to cook so that she could carry on the same tradition and her family would actually WANT to come to the table. (*queue the laughter*)
Aren’t they a cute, cute couple?!
I have to thank Amy profusely. Had it not been for her Candy Cane Latte recipe, it would never have occurred to me to use protein powder in a latte. I haven’t told Jeni about this discovery yet. But when she sees this, I know she will also be thanking Amy. As will the rest of the family on our journey to be healthier and lose the extra pounds.
Some might say this is a hard time of year to be on a diet. I say this is the perfect time of year to become more creative, to expand your knowledge, and develop a new lifestyle that you can truly live with – in every sense of the word. Why wait?
Oh, and speaking of this “time of year”, I’m quite sure that Santa is going to fall head over heels for this latte, too. Just hopefully that isn’t before he gets to our house. And, if I know Santa, he may just make this a spiked latte with a little Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Ya, think? Mrs. Santa will probably join him.
- 8 oz skim Milk
- 3 Hershey Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped and roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp instant Coffee
- 1 Tbsp powdered Cocoa
- 2 Tbsp unflavored Protein Powder
- 1 packet of Truvia
- In a glass measuring cup that will hold at least one cup of liquid, heat milk in the microwave for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until the milk is hot and steaming, but not boiling. Stir in the chopped Candy Cane Kisses and coffee. Return to the microwave for an additional 20 seconds.
- Stir with a small whisk until the candies are dissolved. Whisk in the protein powder. Drink hot.
This is a drink that could quickly become a tradition in our house while wrapping presents, decorating the house or trimming the tree. Or for anytime you want something comforting and warming. I know you are going to love this latte, however you choose to make it. And be good. Very good.
Santa is already making his list and checking it twice.
I’ve been good ALL year long . . . Yes. Yes I have.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving
| Vitamin A 0% | • | Vitamin C 2% |
| Calcium 17% | • | Iron 3% |
If you would like to see other recipes in this months’ SRC, check them out below.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
YUM! Great SRC choice!
Thank you so much! It is way past delicious!
Yum! It really is a good latte recipe time of year. This sounds perfect for my own little slice of bliss as the kids spin around me. Thanks for sharing.
I plan on having more tonight!
Congratulations to your daughter, and great at the positive effect she’s been having on everyone around her
And this looks like a delicious drink, perfect for the cold holiday season. Great job!
Thanks so much and I’ll pass along your good wishes to Jeni!
Wonderful that your daughter is doing great! I know a family, actually they were my neighbors until a few months ago, and the Mom, Dad, and 21 yo son had this surgery, three weeks apart from each other. It is amazing the change in their lives, it’s been almost 2 years of their “group surgery”
it takes courage, but it pays off – and it’s great that you can make something she loves so much!
(I heard you were orphaned this month – proof that there’s no fairness in the universe… hope you are not too sad…)
virtual hugs going your way, from your neighbor at group D
THAT is a committed family, no doubt! But, if you are going to do it, then everyone going through the same thing together is not a bad idea. And no, I’m not sad for me. I’m just sad for the other bloggers. But you made my day stopping in from Group D. Thanks, my SRC sister!
You are more than welcome! If I was not so busy I would cook something from your blog, but at the present time it’s just impossible…
Being the non coffee girl that I am, I would still make this as hot chocolate and love the idea of adding protein powder. Must try soon! Please pass a little of your daughter’s attitude to me. Thank you.
You will love it. Jeni is going to use caramel kisses. When she said that I said, “Me, too!” You’ve already got “attitude”, girl. LOL!
Oh wow does this sound good! I cant drink coffee anymore, so I have switched to homemade cocoa. Your recipe here can easily be switched to hot chocolate by removing the coffee. One you do that, It’s close to my version, so I cant wait to try it.
Thanks for sharing this recipe from Amy’s blog, her and her husband ARE a cute couple, and your pictures are cute to! I wish I was that creative with my pics. Anyways, this is a winning recipe Suzanne, great job.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Suzanne! And good luck to your family on their weight loss journey!
Hi Suzanne
What an awesome blessing for your daughter and your whole family. I can’t wait to try this flavor filled Latte, we are going to love it, a great recipe for the SRC. Thank you for everything you do for our group B in the SRC, we really appreciate you!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Miz Helen
Oh wow, I never thought of adding the protein powder to a hot drink either. I have recently been having more protein shakes for breakfast but they are the cold, almost frozen variety. So perhaps I will have to try and dabble in the hot variety of drinks since the weather is getting colder here in the midwest. Sounds like an amazing drink. Hope you have a chance to stop by and check out my oh so chocolaty cupcakes this month!
No wonder you were so excited about this post! I LOVE it and I absolutely love your photos!