kids drinks

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Thu
07 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Avocado Milkshakes

Posted by Erin — No Comments

We are barely a week into the 2016! How are everyone’s workout and weight loss goals coming? Losing weight is a huge challenge, but for some gaining weight is a predicament too. I know it seems like a good problem to have. When I know someone who needs to gain a few pounds (like my middle guy after the worst stomach bug of all time), the answer is usually a few milkshakes. However, there’s only so many chocolate milkshakes one can drink, and it is sometimes more wholesome and gratifying to put in something healthy.

My sister in law, Kate, from Southern California who has a deeper love for avocados than I do for Harry Potter had just the solution for me. She told me about Avocado Milkshakes. I thanked her profusely, and did a little research. There are several ways to make them, and countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and even the U.S. have their own varieties.

I whipped up one with a little vanilla extract for my vanilla loving son, and everyone else seemed to enjoy it too. This has become a great after school treat!

Avocado Milkshake (makes 1 huge shake with three straws or three small)

1 large ripe Haas avocado, peeled and seeded

1/3 of a cup sweetened condensed milk

1 cup milk (I used whole milk for my kids)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

lots of ice

In a blender, add ingredients.

Blend until desired consistency. Pro Tip: For smoother consistency add a bit more milk. For sweeter flavor add a bit more condensed milk.

Enjoy immediately!

What is your favorite flavor milkshake? Chocolate? Vanilla? Would you consider adding avocado?

Thu
11 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Creamsicle Floats

Posted by Erin — 1 Comment

I am now on this whole float bandwagon. Ever since I mixed beer and ice cream a few weeks ago (trust me it’s awesome), I cannot get enough. I find myself perusing the soda aisle more and more, looking for different sodas to mix with ice cream. I think it is the ease of having a milkshake like treat without having to break out the blender that has me sold on them.

I think it is more that these treats remind me of my Dad.

So, get ready to see more of these awesome concoctions because I’m starting to see the possibilities are endless!

My kids are anti-root beer. It is a bummer too, because with it being caffeine free, it is a pop that I would occasionally allow on a weekend for a treat. However, they recently just tried Orange pop for the first time. And loved it.

So this is where the Creamsicle float was born.

I found a great Orange Cream Soda, but my friend Shannan over at Mom Factually is so amazing and fancy that she actually has a recipe for her very own Orange Cream Soda on her blog.

You can make these Creamsicle Floats with her soda or with orange pop and either way they are a dream for anyone. I was even thinking if you wanted a grown up version, perhaps a shot of vanilla vodka might be nice.

Creamsicle Floats (makes one)

1 bottle or 12 oz orange cream soda or orange pop chilled
3 scoops vanilla ice cream
orage slices for garnish

In a large glass scoop ice cream.

Pour soda over. Serve with orange slices, straw and spoon.

Sipping with your shoes off in the sunshine is best!

For last week’s Thirsty Thursday CLICK HERE. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
19 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Lemonade with Vanilla

Posted by Erin — No Comments

When you have a sore throat, a cold, the flu it is best to push fluids. When you have the chills, all you want is a hot beverage to warm you up. Tea always seems to be the best option, but Not everyone likes tea (especially little ones).

My little ones have been under the weather recently, and I wanted to help them, but not all three love tea like I do. However, there is an alternative.

After surfing the web, I found a few things that people do to stay hydrated and warm when they are ill. The first was to warm some water and put some citrus or herbs into the water for a little flavor. The other was hot lemonade. This seemed weird at first, but when I read through some of the recipes, I started thinking, this sounds pretty good. So, I made up my own.

Hot Lemonade with Vanilla (makes one serving but can be made in batches)

1 cup lemonade (I used Minute Maid fresh squeezed in the refrigerator section)
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of cinnamon

Heat the lemonade in a small sauce pan over low heat or in a heat safe mug in the microwave. I like things very warm, but heat until your desired temperature.

Once in a heat safe mug, stir in honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Serve immediately.

For all things beverage related, check out my previous Thirsty Thursday post or the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
11 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Frozen Floats

Posted by Erin — No Comments

So, my youngest. The baby. She is about to be 4! I know I say this all the time, but the days drag and the years are flying by. She might as well be 14, because how can this:

Turn into this in the blink of an eye?

In addition to being almost 4, this little lady knows exactly what she wants for her birthday. She wants lasagna, salad, and a soccer cake with Elsa and Ana from Disney’s Frozen on Top. So, I am doing my best to abide. I thought it also might be fun for the little princess I would make a special drink for all her guests who join us for dinner too.

Our friends introduced us to the Frozen Punch at their daughter’s birthday party, and rather than make an entire bowl of punch, I decided to downsize and whip up some Frozen Floats that I can make to order for the smaller crowd we will be hosting this weekend.

They are Coco tasted and approved and perfect for all the princesses (and princes) in your life.

Frozen Float (makes 1)

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

4 oz chilled Polar Blast Hawaiian Punch (or blue fruit punch like beverage)

4 oz Lemon Lime soda (I used Sierra Mist)

Scoop ice cream into chilled glass. Pour Hawaiian punch over ice cream. Top with soda. Serve immediately.

Now, to clarify this Soccer Elsa and Ana cake business.

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
19 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Watermelon Slushies

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Summer Vacation is officially here! While we have set up a nice little routine for each day, with a few things to do so we aren’t bored, it is a loose schedule around here. We have been soaking up every single bit of summer. In fact, I don’t think there has been one day of June where my little one hasn’t had her bathing suit on, even if it has been to run in the sprinklers. As for me, I dozed off with the kids yesterday after a morning spent playing outside and it reminded me of when they were just little babies snuggled up on my chest. I wasn’t passing that moment by, so we all napped instead of chores. It’s summertime!

With watermelon so plentiful this time of year, my little guys are always asking for it when we walk to the market, and I happily oblige. With the weather getting hot, it is a refreshing treat, but blended up with plenty of ice and some lemon, it is a perfect THIRSTY THURSDAY treat on a super hot summer day.

Watermelon Slushies (makes one large slushy or three kid sized slushies)
2 cups watermelon cubed
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
1 lemon zested
2 TBS sugar
2 cups ice

In a blender, add all the ingredients, and blend until desired consistency.

This drink is best enjoyed after a day in the sunshine! For those that are so inclined, a shot of Bicardi Limon or even Absolut Citron might give this treat an adult zing.

If you like summertime slushies or blended drinks, try this recipe orange cranberry coolers. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
22 ^nd

Thirsty Thursday: Pure Vanilla Shake

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

This weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer! Can you believe it?! Even though school is still in session, we have already started doing some things you can only do in the summer time. We have been playing in the water table, staying up a little later, playing lots of catch outside, and enjoying our favorite frozen treats.

The kids are currently on a vanilla milkshake kick, and while I appreciate the ease of dumping vanilla ice cream and milk into a blender, my oldest complained that it doesn’t taste like a vanilla cupcake. I agreed, it just isn’t vanilla-y (is that a word?) enough. So this week for THIRSTY THURSDAY, I made it my mission to fix this problem!

I played around in the kitchen. I don’t know if you all remember my hot vanilla from the winter (I know we are all trying to block out winter), but I tried a few tricks from that creation, and I think I have found the perfect recipe for a PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE! (NOTE: A good grown-up version might be to add a shot of vanilla vodka! YUM!)

PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE (makes two large shakes)
2 cups vanilla ice cream
2 cups cold milk (I used 2%)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
whipped cream for garnish

In a blender, add ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream.

What is your favorite summer frozen treat?

If you love milkshakes, try this recipe for an OLD FASHIONED CHOCOLATE MALT. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
12 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Vanilla

Posted by Erin — 6 Comments

Yesterday was our first day that we were able to play in the snow, and the kids were excited, then cold, then tired, and then wanted to come inside. I’m not going to lie playing in 20 degree weather does that to me too.

Once the kids took warm baths, got into footie jambes, and made their way to bed,I decided I wanted something warm. However, I most definitely wanted something caffeine free, and while hot cocoa has very little caffeine, I didn’t want there to be any chance that my I didn’t fall right asleep the minute my head hit the pillow. This week’s Thirsty Thursday recipe is a jazzed up version of warm milk.

We are always seeing on TV and in the movies that when people cannot sleep they are drinking warm milk. Honestly, I have never tried it until now, but I think this is something that will be a regular thing. After a few sips, I realized it reminded me of Tapioca pudding, and that is one of my favorite things from childhood. Needless to say I was comforted and sleepy in no time.

Hot Vanilla
2 cups 2% milk (unsweetened almond milk for those who have dairy concerns)
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add milk and stir for about two minutes until heated. Add sugar, and stir constantly for another two minutes until dissolved.

Finally, add vanilla and cinnamon. Remove from heat and pour into two mugs.

Now, excuse me while I doze off for a little while.

For a printable version of this recipe, CLICK HERE!

Keep reading this week and next for the Home Everyday Holiday MiniSeries for more ideas on holiday decor, holiday recipes, and last minute gift ideas.

For more about DIY, gardening, cooking, baking or all other things domestic, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Thu
19 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Manny’s Salted Chocolate Milk

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Welcome to the best part of the week, Readers! THIRSTY THURSDAY!!

I love television. I don’t watch nearly as much as I used to. However, this time of year, I still get a little giddy about premiers of my favorite shows (did anyone watch New Girl the other night?). I am a sitcom-aholic (comedy is kind of my thing, yo). I also love that now I’m going to school at Second City, sometimes sitcom watching is part of my homework.

One of my favorite shows is Modern Family. My hubby and I cannot wait to get the kids in bed on Wednesday nights so we can kick back relax and watch a half hour of ridiculousness (in a good way). Since next Wednesday is the premier, I thought it was time to have a tribute to one of my favorite sitcoms, and I attempted Manny’s Salted Chocolate Milk.

We are big chocolate milk drinkers in this house. Chocolate milk to my kids is like my morning coffee. They love to have a cup with breakfast and get the day going.

Manny’s Salted Chocolate Milk
8 oz ice cold milk
1 – 2 Tbs Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
pinch of Kosher salt

In a large class stir milk, syrup, and salt vigorously until well combined.

I was not expecting that much of a difference compared to regular chocolate milk, but it really was better. Amazing what a pinch of salt can do (a swirly straw makes everything taste better too). Thanks for the tip, Manny!

What is your favorite sitcom?

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