Here we are – almost into mid May and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. For those of you in denial, or still staring at the last remnants of snow in your yard, it is THIS WEEKEND! In our house, logistically, Mother’s Day is a bit of a challenge every year. How do we see and celebrate all the moms in our family and do the day and them, justice? My mom, my husband’s mom, our sister’s and brother’s wives, and of course – the most important mom, ME (!) Continue reading “Mother’s Day Lemon Shortbread Tarts”→
Finally it is Spring! Nothing like the sweet smell of rain in the air – mixed with the pungent smell of aged dog poo and dust. Hmmm – that made a dark turn fast… lol.
Actually… where we are, spring is one of those seasons that may just come for a day or two – sandwiched between an unexpected snowfall and bizarre “drinks on the patio” warmth. The one thing spring does bring is the hope of warmer weather, longer days, and the introduction of the long awaited fresh, local produce in the grocery store. If you are like me, by this time of year you are itching to put those heavy wintery dishes aside for a few months and welcome in the fresh light meals that seem to accompany the warmer weather.
Did you catch Danni and my Facebook Live the other day? If you missed it, we were reminiscing about the past. Fun clothes (Fancy Ass jeans and parachute pants), fun facts (our kids will never know what it is like to go to the video store on a Friday night to pick out a movie) and most importantly, fun foods!! Does anyone recall thinking Tang was actually “orange juice?” I know I did…Or that how about the Shamrock Shake (read further for our copycat clean Shamrock Shake recipe).
The reason for our trip down memory lane? Well, we were wracking our brains trying to think of a fun post for St. Patrick’s Day. Not being a beer drinker, the first thing that comes to mind for me is the infamous MacDonald’s Shamrock Shake!
oh ya, I’m excited…
Oh wow, did I love that pepperminty, delightful green treat that only came around once a year for a short time. Of course, in the “good old days” when I didn’t give a moment’s thought to what I put in my body, nor to how many calories said drink had, I took advantage any time my parents were willing to stop by the drive thru. YUM.
Pretty Sad that I had to find “Vintage” pictures of the shake
This is the shake I remember. In those days, no whipped cream and no cherry!!
These days sadly, (or perhaps thankfully!) I see the list of 35 lovely ingredients including 2 dyes that are banned in parts of Europe, and I decide to pass. BUT, that doesn’t mean I don’t get the odd hankering for this treat from my youth…
Shamrock Shake
Enter DANNI TO THE RESCUE – and our friends from Botanica who have a fabulous green veggie powder that they have generously provided for a giveaway this month. Green Powder? Shamrock Shake? Danni was on it, and she concocted a yummy “copycat Shamrock shake” that I (and those pesky teens who love a good milkshake) can’t get enough of.
First, let me tell you a little about the Perfect Greens powder and why we love it. According to the new Canada Food Guide (which just came out at the end of January) the “new plate” should be 1/2 fruits and veggies. This continues to be a struggle for me in terms of getting enough into the family without offering the same boring things they have agreed to eat, over and over. This powder is just a lovely mix of chlorella, spirulina, barley and wheat grasses plus some leafy greens to help top you up and get some more goodness into your diet. And did I mention it is organic?
Now back to the shake. You should make this. Now. It’s yummy, it’s healthy, and because your kids might even say “hmmm, this is good.” This alone is a pretty great reason to make it! It is the perfect copycat clean Shamrock shake.
