Peppermint Milk Shakes

My kids and I love milkshakes. I mean, who doesn’t? Even during the holiday season, when it’s cold outside, they are so fun to make. As a Recipe Developer for thousands of Christmas projects, I have proposed some incredible holiday milkshakes. I won’t give away all of my trade secrets (and creative recipe concepts), but I thought I would introduce you to one of my, and my kid’s, favorites. I served these last night at a holiday party (which had 9 boys under the age of 11), along with my 3 children, and they (and their parents) went wild over this recipe.

Peppermint Milkshakes

Prep: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

8 cups vanilla ice cream or low-fat vanilla yogurt

2 cups skim milk

1 cup crushed peppermint candies (about 50)

Whipped topping and peppermint sticks 

Preparation

1. Combine ice cream, milk and crushed peppermints in a container of an electric blender; cover and process until smooth. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients. Serve in small glasses topped with whipped cream and peppermint sticks.

For a quick tip, use jarred crushed peppermints. I found them at Fresh Market grocery stores, but see http://www.kencraftcandy.com

Easy Christmas Gift Ideas-Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

We love hot chocolate at my house! My kids consider it a real treat when I say, “Who wants hot chocolate?” They love it in the morning, after school, and sometimes, instead of dessert, after dinner. And my non-coffee friends will stop at Starbucks for hot chocolate as fast as I will get my latte (and for those who know me, that’s a lot). So, I thought what would be a simpler and better holiday gift than the gift of hot chocolate? This recipe is a breeze and tastes great. Feel free to give a large 1-quart container or several small 4-ounce jars. Whichever you choose, I know you and your friends will love this recipe. The only thing that is missing is the milk.

 

Hot Chocolate Mix

Prep: 5 minutes

Ingredients

13/4 cups powdered sugar

11/2 cups nonfat dry milk

11/4 cups unsweetened cocoa (I used Hershey’s)

4 cups miniature marshmallows

Preparation

1. Stir together all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place in a large or small airtight jars and store at room temperature.

Gift Card Enclosure and instructions: Stir 1/2 cup  Hot Chocolate Mix into 1 cup warm milk, stirring well. Serve immediately.