Shamrock Shakes

3 cups vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
green food coloring

Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

You could also get all fancy and add whip cream and sprinkles on top. :)

After I made this, I wondered why the recipe didn't just call for mint ice cream. Then you wouldn't have to add the peppermint extract or food coloring. ;)  I might try that next time and see how it turns out and if it tastes the same.  You could really make this for any holiday and just change out the ice cream flavors (peppermint candy cane anyone? yes please!).

PUMPKIN SHAKE

Ingredients:

1/2 of 48-56 oz carton of vanilla ice cream (butter pecan also works great)

2/3 c canned pumpkin

1 tsp cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

2 TBS brown sugar

1/4-1/2 c milk or half & half

3-5 ice cubes (optional)

heavy whipping cream or Cool Whip

caramelized walnuts or pecans

In blender, add ice cream, milk, pumpkin, sugar & spices - blend until smooth. If you want a thicker texture, you can add the ice cubes & continue to puree (optional). Once the mixture is smooth, pour in a cup, top with whip cream, walnuts/pecans and another dash of cinnamon.