Recipe: Devin Alexander's Starbucks' Grande Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee

April 27, 2006 — -- Americans love fast food, but unfortunately it's one of the reasons that Americans are getting fatter and fatter. To satisfy the fast food cravings of those who are trying lose weight, Los Angeles food writer, chef and caterer Devin Alexander compiled her healthy alternatives to fast food favorites in her new book, "Fast Food Fix:75+ Amazing Recipe Makeovers of Your Fast Food Restaurant Favorites."

Read the recipe below.

Starbucks Grande Mocha Frappuccino Blended Coffee

You Save: 179 calories, 15 g fat, 10 g saturated fat

Stock up on these ingredients and you'll save, save, save, save -- save calories, save fat, save time standing in line at Starbucks, and save lots of money. True, you won't be able to pick up a slice of your favorite Banana Pound Cake or Pumpkin Pound Cake, but if you turn to pages TK and TK, respectively, and spend a few minutes, you can have it awaiting you in your freezer. Granted, if you also go to Starbucks to enhance your social life, I, unfortunately, have no offering for that.

In a small microwavable bowl or cup, combine the water and coffee. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or until the water is hot enough to dissolve the coffee. Add the sugar. Stir until the coffee and sugar are dissolved. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add six ice cubes. Stir to accelerate melting the ice. When the ice is almost melted, add the half- and-half and syrup. Stir to mix. Pour into a blender. Add enough ice cubes for the liquid to reach the 16-ounce (2 cup) marker on the blender jar. Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or until just slushy. Pour into a 16-ounce (2 cup) tumbler. Top with whipped topping. Serve with a straw.

Makes 1 serving: 241 calories, 5 g protein, 46 g carbohydrates, <1 g fat, trace sat. fat, 1 g fiber