I'm not a huge Starbucks fan, since their coffee seems overpriced and over-roasted to me, but I used to go once in a blue moon to indulge in a caramel frappuccino. So when I saw this in the grocer's freezer aisle on sale, I grabbed it.
That was about a year ago. Let's just say that this flavor, vanilla and coffee ice creams swirled with a caramel ribbon, is now my FAVORITE ice cream, perhaps ever.
I go into convulsions of 'mmm-ing' and closed-eye reverie. I never eat it in front of anyone, even my husband, since it might make him a little jealous. The ice cream is a perfect match of flavors -- the coffee flavor is not too strong, the caramel is not too thick, the vanilla is smooth and complements the stronger flavors perfectly. I used to love Ben and Jerry's, but now that most of their flavors have enormous chunks of things in them, candy, nut or otherwise, I find that I crave the smooth textured ice creams in their stead.
When I'm running low on my favorite ice cream, I add Hagen Daaz vanilla to the mix to extend the life expectancy of the Caramel Macchiato pint. By the way, I appreciate the fact that it's a whole pint, yes 16 ounces, instead of a paltry 14 ounces that Hagen Daaz and other brands have shrunk too.
I also appreciate the fact that it doesn't make me wired -- I don't think there's much caffeine in a single serving. The coffee flavor is balanced, but not crazy strong like espresso.
5-Stars, my fave. I just hope you don't go to the same grocery store I do or we'll run into some inventory trouble. Happy eating!
Found you via BabyCenter. :) I LOVE this ice cream!
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