I know peppermint flavor is NOT for everyone because it can be really strong but I was in the mood for something indulgent and festive so I fired up my blender and made a batch of holiday peppermint shakes. You have total control over this as far as taste and calories go. If you want to lighten it up with frozen yogurt and almond milk go for it. If you want to use peppermint ice cream instead of peppermint extract that's good too.
Plus this treat will help you use up all the leftover peppermint candies and candy canes you may find around your house this time of year.
Where did the candy cane come from you ask? It seems that there is a legend that candy canes originated in 1670 in Cologne, Germany, when a choirmaster requested a local candy maker to make sugar sticks for attendees in his church who were otherwise opening noisy candies during the services. Though I also read that the first documented case of candy cane usage was in 1847 in Wooster, Ohio, when they were used to decorate a tree by a German-Swedish immigrant, August Imgard. Interesting.
Ingredients
- Based of your choice: vanilla ice cream, peppermint ice cream (if you can find it!), or non-fat frozen greek yogurt (2 cups)
- Milk of your choice (1/2 cups)
- Peppermint extract (1/2 tsp) - DO NOT USE MINT EXTRACT; Don't add if you are already using peppermint ice cream as your base.
- 1/4 crushed candy canes
- Optional: chocolate chips
- Optional: whipped cream and candy canes or crushed peppermint candies as garnishes
Not pictured: the base I used (frozen yogurt)
Directions
- Combine everything (base, milk, and extract*) in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into cups and garnish however you like.
- Slurp up and enjoy!
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