Cool Treats Don’t Have to Freeze the Budget

It’s July and it’s HOT!  What do you and your kids want most?  Well, if they are like mine they want cool treats like slushies, milkshakes, ice cream, and Blizzards from Dairy Queen.  The only problem is if I go out and buy these items they will freeze my budget.  So, how do I give my kids these cool summer treats but not freeze my budget?  Well, the thing I came up with is to make my own at home.  Not only are they cheaper, but you can also let your kids help you make them.  My kids love to make summer treats at home.  When I make Blizzards at home, I can make at least a dozen for the same cost as one at the fast food restaurant.  I have to buy 6 for my family when I go out, so for me making them at home is the best option right now.  So, if your kids are craving those expensive cool treats this summer, try some of these homemade recipes.  I hope your family loves them as much as mine does!

The Magic Milkshake (Taste like a Wendy’s Frosty)

1-1/2 to 2 cups ice water
1-1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 1-1/2 trays of ice cubes, as much as you can spare
2 tablespoons corn oil plus a 5-second squirt of non-stick spray for emulsification purpose (I used canola oil)
Place all of the ingredients into the blender, including the oil and the non-stick spray. Use less water for thicker milk shakes and more water for shakes that are easy on your blender motor. The blender should be about 3/4’s full. Place the lid on. Process for a full 2 minutes. Pour into cups and serve. Makes 4 – 12oz servings.

Recipe from Hillbillly Housewife

Slushies

2 cups ice water
1 packet fruit-flavored drink mix (use your favorite flavor)
2/3 cup sugar
4 cups or 1 full tray of ice cubes

You need a blender to prepare this recipe. Put all of the ingredients into your blender. It will be about 2/3 to 3/4’s full. Put the lid on. Process the mixture on high for a full minute. Stop the blender, use a spoon to stir it a bit. Look for unchopped ice chunks. If all the chunks are grated up, then go ahead and serve it. You may need to process it for another full minute though. Serve immediately. I usually have to spoon this out of the blender with a measuring cup because the mixture is so thick. Makes 4 – 8oz servings.
Recipe from Hillbilly Housewife

Homemade Blizzards

1 candy bar

1/4-1/2 cup milk

2 ½ cups vanilla ice cream

1 teaspoon fudge sauce

Freeze candy bar.  Break into pieces while still in the wrapper.  Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on medium for 30 seconds or until well mixed. Pour into 16 oz glass

Makes: 1 serving

And don’t forget the Ice Cream in a Bag recipe for ice cream.