Good morning everyone – hope Friday is treating you well!
I’ve got some special treats to share with you to today, but first, a couple of highlights from my stay in O-Town.
At long last, after a 20+ year absence, a very important little coffee shop finally made it’s way back to Omaha a couple months ago…
The only thing missing from Omaha was a Dunkin Donuts, so I guess, now my hometown is perfect. I was very excited to purchase my first extra large coffee in an Omaha DD. And, ok, perhaps I was imagining it, but I swear the people there were way nicer than any Dunkin I’ve been to on the East Coast!
As if anything could top DD, yesterday my friend Becca mentioned that she was going to a Chris Young/Brad Paisley concert, and on a whim, I decided to see if any tickets were left. Brad Paisley has long been one of my favorite country singers. I’m a sucker for country love songs, and Paisley’s ballads are as good as it gets! He’s not too bad to look at either…
Miracle of miracles, I was able to score a very good seat, so off to the concert we went!
It was an incredible show. Every time I watch a country music concert, I’m just so impressed with the pureness of these singer’s voices. In the age of auto-tune, you can almost always count on country music to be just about the music. I was sitting very close to Brad, and I definitely screamed like a little girl at times…I’ll admit it.
Chris Young also served as a more-than-adequate opening act. Another great thing about country music concerts, is that the opening act these days is usually a huge star in their own right.
Highlights of the show included Chris Young’s “Aww Naw” and “Tomorrow,” which literally cuts right through your heart. The guy next to me, who may have been just a bit tipsy looked at me during the song and said, “This song. Ugh. Ever had a love like this? BRUTAL.” I think we’ve all had a love like that!
Brad Paisley was such a great entertainer, interacting with the crowd and playing lots of upbeat and fun songs, including “Southern Comfort Zone.” Highlights for me were definitely his love ballads “Then” and “Everything.” I could have stayed at that concert for 5 more hours. It’s impossible to walk out of a country music concert and not just feel GOOD.
On that note, before I jump into my latest creation, here’s a re-post of my Countrified Workout. 4 One Song workouts, working each part of your body to some energizing country music, including Chris Young.
Now, let’s talk Peppermint Dreams, shall we?
I’ve mentioned before that I am a huge fan of Edy’s Peppermint Wonderland Ice Cream.
I buy the half-fat version and don’t miss the fat. It’s just as rich and creamy as most full-fat ice creams, and there are delicious bits of peppermint candies in nearly every bite. I eat this ice cream about 5 nights a week. Nothing wrong with a little treat to end your night, folks. That’s Sometimes Healthy!
So anyway, I’ve been dreaming about turning my favorite ice cream into a decadent milkshake for weeks now, and yesterday, I finally put my plan into action…in my mother’s nice and clean big kitchen.
The result was straight out of my Peppermint Dreams, and I’m very excited to share it with you. Keep in mind, I like a nice, thick milkshake, so this recipe is definitely geared towards that consistency. To me, it’s not a good milkshake, unless you need to start eating it with a spoon…and since you’re eating with a spoon, you might as well top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallows and other goodies!
- 2 cups Edy's Light Peppermint Wonderland Ice Cream (for less peppermint flavor, use 1 scoop of Light Vanilla ice cream and 1 of Peppermint)
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tsp Guar or Xantham Gum (for thickening)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 16 Peppermint Candies, Crushed
- 5 Andes Peppermint Crunch Candies, Crushed
- Whipped Cream, Candy Canes, Marshmallows and Chocolate Sauce for toppings
- Remove ice cream from freezer to thaw.
- Unwrap candies and place in separate plastic bags. Crush into small bits. Set aside.
- Pour all ingredients into blender, and save a bit of the crushed Andes for toppings.
- Blend until thick and smooth.
- Serve in mug with festive garnishes including Peppermint Marshmallows and Candy Canes. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
If you’re not a peppermint freak like me, never fear. Simply use 1 cup of vanilla ice cream in place of 1 cup of the peppermint ice cream. You can also omit the peppermint extract.
I do strongly suggest you top with generous amount of whipped cream and chocolate syrup, though.
This is definitely a lower fat version of a milkshake, compared to what you’ll find at those ice cream shops. But, it’s still a milkshake, so don’t expect the calories to somehow magically disappear. Still, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself after a tough winter day, without feeling quite as guilty ;-). I picture myself enjoying many of these by the fire this winter, wrapped cozy in a warm blanket with a good trashy magazine, while I listen to the country music Christmas station!
Speaking of indulgence, lately I’ve been thinking a lot about that old expression “Eat your Feelings.” Those of us who eat when we’re sad or stressed are probably quite familiar with this phrase! That’s why I created this workout for “Working Out your Feelings.” Simply identify your emotions and dig in!
No more eating those emotions – work ’em out!
And with that, I’m off to get a little haircut.
YOUR TURN:
Favorite concert?
Country Music Fan? Whose your favorite?
Peppermint Fan??
I LOVE country music and my favorite is my boyfriend, Kenny Chesney. 🙂
Lisa recently posted…Five for Friday
I too am a KC fan. I saw him in concert a very long time ago, and he was fabulous!
I love your workout breakdown, thanks sharing. That shake looks really yummy and pretty too!
Holli recently posted…The Original Reality TV Star
Glad you like it – its a fun one!
Great ’emotions’ workout! And I LOVE Brad Paisley!! Lucky you 🙂
-Sammy
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream recently posted…WWI & Things that I ALWAYS manage to forget!
Thanks, glad you liked it!