Apple Cider Milkshakes

Original Recipe HERE

 

Why didn't I think of this on my own?  It's brilliantly simple.  The dairy helps tone down the tartness of the cider, but the cider kicks the boring old vanilla ice cream into "yes, this is worth blowing a good portion of my daily caloric allotment on."  My kids love these, and I'm going to have to freeze some cider so we don't have to wait until next September to have these.

 

If you want your milkshake rather thin but don't want such a strong cider taste, I'm sure some milk could be added for consistency purposes.

 

Ingredients

vanilla ice cream

apple cider

ground cinnamon [optional]

 

Directions

(1) Add ice cream and cider to blender in whatever ration you prefer.

(2) Blend.  Adjust consistency by adding more ice cream or more cider.  Repeat until desired thickness is reached.

(3) Add cinnamon to taste.  Blend.

 

Kid Participation: Ask for one every day after getting home from school.

 

 

Homemade Latte

I love Starbucks lattes but can't justify the price - especially since it was just raised again.  I've reached my breaking point.  I've also given up on them - and mochas - because an unacceptable amount of room is now being left at the top of the cup (I even heard another customer talk to a barista about that, and he confirmed it, so it's a bona fide conspiracy).  And I'm tired of being handed a cup of regular coffee and immediately popping the top off and asking them to fill it some more.  Yes, I have a lot of rage towards Starbucks (which has been channeled into several complaint emails), but I keep going back...it's an abusive relationship.  "I just can't quit you."

Tangent over.  Anywho, I experimented at home with what I had on hand.  The result is just as good as what I get in the store.  I've only made them cold, but I'd think that it'd work well if heated.  The only challenge I have is that the drink "settles" pretty quickly, and I have to keep stirring (not a problem since I'm usually drinking it with a straw).  I have to play around with preparation time, like whether making it the night before gives more time for the ingredients to fully dissolve in the milk.

Unfortunately, I haven't escaped Starbucks' hold completely, since I use the VIA packets.  However, you get 12 for under $7.00, so it's still a good deal and gives you something very close to that particular Starbucks-y taste.  Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see a recipe guide included in the VIA package with how to make ?eight? different drinks.  So if I can scale back my addiction to just VIA packets and two minutes of effort at home, I'm OK with that.  No need for any 12-step programs.

Ingredients

1 to 1 1/2 cups milk [I use a combination of skim and 2%]

1 Starbucks VIA packet

1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder [optional; use if making a mocha]

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon sugar

cinnamon [optional]

Directions

(1) Add all ingredients to a small food processor or blender (I use a Magic Bullet).  Blend until combined.

(2) Taste and add ingredients as needed.

Notes: I don't like how much sugar goes into this, but it's too bitter otherwise.  I will experiment with other sweeteners (like the unopened agave in my pantry).  Also, adding a drop or two of an extract (mint, almond, coconut) could be just as good as paying $0.40 for a flavor shot.

Kid Participation: None...no caffeine for them!