Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes by Adam Ried

As the sweltering summer heat descends on our area, the kids and I begin to crave cool, creamy treats. We pass by quaint Mom and Pop diners with the kids begging me to stop and purchase them a milkshake to beat the heat. I don’t mind stopping occasionally for a homemade milkshake in one of their specialty flavors but my wallet can’t afford the splurge often. I offer-sometimes- to make milkshakes at home, which is the economical decision, but I’ve been limited by the flavor choices. Plain Jane Vanilla and Chocolate are good, but I wanted something more adventurous.

When I received Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes: 100 Thick and Creamy Milkshakes You Can Make At Home by Adam Ried , I knew our days of boring milkshakes were over. Dividing into eight sections, the book begins with a brief history of the milkshake and explains what ingredients and equipment is needed to create a milkshake that will have people begging for more. Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes begins with Your Father’s Oldsmobile – basis shakes -and proceeds to advance from the unusual , like the Mocha Cardamom shake, to adult concoctions, like the Vanilla, Rum, and Salted Cashew shake or the Bananas Foster shake.

My family decided to participate in the Virtual Milkshake twitter Party tonight. We were invited to choose a favorite shake from the book and prepare it for the party. I handed my son the book and asked him to decide what he would like to whip up for the party. Would it be the Mexican Chocolate Shake with Chipotle and almond? The Chocolate Pretzel Concrete? My mouth watered at the thought of his choice. After carefully searching through the pages, he returned and announced his choice- The Ballistic Vanilla Shake. I’m including the recipe for anyone who wants to try this one at home.

Ingredients:
½ cup cold whole or lowfat milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
8 (medium) scoops of French Vanilla Ice Cream

I mixed the ingredients together in my food processor until blended and came up with this dreamy shake. I was amazed at how good it tasted using only three ingredients. My son topped his with whipped cream and Reeses Pieces.  I do suggest serving the shake immediately because it begins to melt quickly.

The next time we create this shake I will add “Mix-in’s” to create variations.  M &M’s or Reeses Peanut Butter Pieces would make it into a one of the candy shakes available now, but any extra ingredients like fruit or syrups would be good.  Once I discovered how quick and easy these are to make, we’ll be making our treats at home in the future.   Top this shake with whipped cream and a cherry for a milkshake that will impress your guests.

30 Comments

  1. Chocolate
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  2. I like vanilla
    Damian Jarreau

  3. Cookies and cream is my fave milkshake.

  4. chocolate is my favorite

  5. I like banana milkshakes.
    shawnac68@hotmail.com

  6. Chocolate : )

  7. sounds interesting, like reading about the amish – regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

  8. My favorite is Cookies and Cream milkshakes!

  9. Chocolate malt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    iluvwdw@hotmail.com

  10. Mix some vanilla ice cream with a little choc syrup and throw in a few strawberies and half a banana – banana split shake 🙂

  11. I like chocolate mint milkshake – Paul Tran ….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com

  12. Chocolate is my favorite.

    katladyu18 at prodigy dot net

  13. I love coffee milk shakes!

  14. My favorite is Banana!

    Thanks,

    selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

  15. my favorite milkshake is vanilla

  16. My favorite is Raspberry.

  17. I like vanilla
    twinkle at optonline dot net

  18. My favorite is chocolate!

  19. Chocolate.
    stopping by to say “Hi”

  20. Chocolate Milkshakes rkmarsh at aol dot com

  21. Vanilla milkshakes!