Top Three Thursday – Shakes!

Some of you have seen the funny posts of the “batidos” I get every time I go to my parents’ house whether I want one or not (that’s the funny bit). I have been craving a very specific one for about a month now. Yesterday, I finally made and consumed it in all its simple delectable glory!

I do not know how milkshakes infiltrated our family culture but my childhood was all the better and more delicious for it. If I remember correctly, my older brother used to make them. He LOVED them! Well it’s part of my life mission to convert my husband into a batido-lover and help him understand the glories he has been missing so now I have the same desire for you all. This time, not only will I list my top three favorite shakes from my childhood, but I will also include the recipe and what makes them so special! Keep in mind, most of these recipes are for 1 person 😊 We have a small blender now.

3) Strawberry Milkshake

This shake was rare in the family because no one liked strawberry ice cream but I thought it was the best thing on the planet. This was my 7 to 10 year old go-to, if I could convince my mother to buy a pint that is, which was not often. I would add a real strawberry for a flair of fresh every now and then but I was a kid and I wanted the most Nesquik-y flavored thing I could justify eating. I grew out of this one quickly but every now and then I think about this sugary ridiculousness I used to make and laugh. If you need your kids to tire themselves out, give them a cup of this and watch them run in circles, then have the heaviest nap you’ve ever seen or freeze into small ice cube tray popsicles for a cool snack!

1 cup of skim milk

1 cup of blue bell strawberry ice cream

2 tsps of strawberry Nesquik (powder if you have it, for authenticity)

2-3 fresh strawberries de-stemmed and washed

2)  Mixed berry shake

This one reminds me of my parents and the best/worst part of this shake is that it is never the same twice. CLOSE! But not the same. That’s because whoever makes it tends to just grab whatever berries are on hand and toss them into the blender. What doesn’t change is the love and enthusiasm that every cup has. Enjoy!

1 cup of skim milk

½ a banana (optional)

1 cup of mixed strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

1 tsp of honey or agave nectar

1) Banana Shake

This is such a simple but amazing one and tastes just like my childhood. THIS is the one I think of when I imagine my brother in the kitchen super excited pouring me my share of his creation. It also works best when the bananas are riper, which is great when you have them on your counter and don’t know what to do with them because you’re not actually going to make that banana bread tonight. Don’t lie. Enjoy!

1 cup of skim milk

1 peeled banana broken in half

½ tsp or 1 capful of Madagascar or Mexican vanilla extract

¼ to ½ tsp ground cinnamon (seems like a lot, but trust me, it blends)

Blend then top with a sprinkle of more cinnamon if desired.

I hope you enjoy these nostalgic and delicious shakes! Happy Friday eve!