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Food

Shamrock Shake Facts & Trivia

March 15, 2013 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I do believe I’m one of the first people to ever try a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. I grew up in East Hartford Connecticut and my Dad loved mint, everything mint. As a little girl going to McDonald’s was a treat, not an every day occurrence. Until we were ten we were not allowed to drink pop or soda so my parents ordered shakes for us at McDonald’s.

I Love Shamrock Shakes
My third shake of the season…

Normally I got strawberry, but I have vague memories of drinking from my Dad’s straw a tangy green shake, and later it was a yearly trip to get a green shake. There was a pony ride in Enfield during the 1970’s and we would stop at the local Mickey D’s for french fries and a shake.

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Shake Your Shamrocks cute and sexy t-shirt for men and womenShake Your Shamrocks cute and sexy t-shirt for men and women

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Shamrock Shake Facts and Trivia

  1. Invented at an Enfield Connecticut McDonald’s  in 1966 (although the McDonald’s website claims 1970)
  2. First called the St Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake
  3. Started selling nationally in 1970 in response to a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser
  4. Calorie Content: 420, Small, 740 Medium, 820 Large (but who really cares?)
  5. Large Shamrock shake provides up to 60% of your daily calcium requirement (oh yeah!)
  6. Available only for a limited time around St. Patrick’s Day
  7. A Shamrock sundae was proposed and tried in 1980, but was a failure (wonder why?)
  8. You can post  Shamrock Shake sightings and  reviews at  Shamrock Shake Locator

If you can’t find a Shamrock Shake at your local Mickey D’s, or it’s not  St. Patricks  season, here is a recipe to make your own minty shake. But, it’s not the same memory or experience. There is just something about those McDonalds straws and sharing with your Dad when you’re six you can’t duplicate.

Shamrock Shake recipe

* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup half & half
* 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (spearmint, not peppermint)
* 8 drops green food coloring

Who remembers the old McDonald commercials from the 1970’s, they were a lot more fun back then. McDonalds was a rare treat, they weren’t on every corner, their food was fresh, hamburgers grilled, buns toasted and real chicken in their chicken McNuggets, without the over processing.

Going to Mickie D’s was a destination, and they were the king of fast food. It is still a guilty pleasure of mine and I even have a Grimace glass.

Ladies Mighty Fine McDonalds Do The Shamrock ShakeVintage 1977 McDonalds 6 inch Grimace Glass

Eat and Drink Irish on St. Patricks Day

Ok, I get it, Shamrocks Shakes are NOT irish and not traditional Irish food to eat and drink on St. Patricks Day. My husband loves Corned Beef, but I’m always on the lookout for something a little sweeter, more dessert themed and of course “green” for the Luck of the Irish flair.

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A Catered St. Patrick's Day (A Mystery With Recipes)A Catered St. Patrick’s Day (A Mystery With Recipes)St. Patrick's Day Recipes: 43 Fantastically Fun, Entertaining and Super Tasty St. Paddy's Day Foods!St. Patrick’s Day Recipes: 43 Fantastically Fun, Entertaining and Super Tasty St. Paddy’s Day Foods!IRISH TREATS - 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick's Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the IrishIRISH TREATS – 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the IrishIRISH DRINKS - 27 Cocktail Recipes for St. Patrick's Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the IrishIRISH DRINKS – 27 Cocktail Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the Irish

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More Information About McDonalds Shamrock Shakes

What’s really in McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?

With more than 60 million sold, it generates almost as much buzz as the popular McRib sandwich. The Shamrock Shake–the bright green sweet treat that signals that St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner– is another long-time McDonald’s cult …

How To Make A Shamrock Shake Faster Than You Can Drive To McDs

Planning to get your green on for St. Patrick’s Day? Don’t stop with your head-to-toe solid color ensemble. Take all that bright green fun into the kitchen too. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to play with your food, and the fact that you have …

Shamrock Shake 101: The popular St. Patrick’s Day drink wasn’t always minty …

Millennials know the Shamrock Shake only as the McDonald’s minty vanilla concoction that it’s been since 1983. Things weren’t always so creamy and dreamy. The Shamrock Shake dates back to 1970 and started out more like a thick 7Up, flavored with …

When Will The Shamrock Shake Be Available? Get Ready For Some Minty Amazingness

Long before the introduction of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, there was one seasonal drink that was eagerly awaited every year: the Shamrock Shake. Released around St. Patrick’s Day every year, this minty vanilla confection with its pastel green hue is one …

We tried McDonald’s classic Shamrock Shake next to its biggest competition …

The Shamrock Shake has amassed a cult following since its inception in 1970; the sight of the minty green shake is a sure harbinger of spring and vaguely Irish themed kitsch. But with Burger King’s release of the Oreo Irish Mint Shake, McDonald’s reign …

Shamrock Shake Dupes: How To Make McDonald’s Famous Green Milkshake At Home

The return of McDonald’s beloved Shamrock Shake usually signals that spring is just around the corner, and it is finally that time of year again! McDonald’s announced the return of the shake on Feb. 9. The Shamrock Shake is one of the fast food chain’s …

Shamrock Shake: Delectably delicious or deceivingly dangerous?

Each year during the St. Patrick’s Day season, McDonald’s brings back that heavenly green minty milkshake called the McCafe Shamrock Shake. These delicious milkshakes are only around for a few short weeks; meanwhile the claims of why you should not …

Filed Under: Family, Food Tagged With: fast food, Food, Holiday, mcdonald, memories, milk shake, milkshake, restaurants, Saint Patrick's Day, shamrock shake, St Patricks Day, Twitter

7th Day of Christmas: Old Fashioned Christmas Ribbon Candy

December 31, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Old Fashioned Christmas Ribbon Candy
Old Fashion Christmas Ribbon Candy

Old Fashioned Ribbon Candy reminds me of my Dad. He loved the little pieces of Christmas candy and would carefully and meticulously pick through the bowl to find his favorite.

I was reminded of my Father when I visited my in-laws for Christmas and my Mother in Law set out a tray that included old-fashioned ribbon candy. I was a kid again!


Filed Under: Christmas, Food Tagged With: candy, christmas, christmas ribbon candy, days of christmas, Epiphany, Food, Holiday, Holidays, Home, treats, Twelve Days of Christmas

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks for Christmas

December 29, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

In my house during the Christmas season, if it doesn’t move it gets dipped in Chocolate. It’s not Five Golden Rings, but Golden Pretzels, all dipped in chocolate. Chocolate covered pretzel sticks have become a favorite with my kids, they look fancy, they store well, and are easy tasty snacks.

Make Chocolate Covered pretzel rods it fun and easy to dip pretzel sticks in chocolate
Pretzels and almond bark

Let’s Make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks

How easy is this? Very easy! Just gather a few simple candy making supplies, clear off a space on your table, cover it with waxed paper and melt chocolate. Your imagination is the only thing that limits you. My favorite brand is are Snyders pretzel Rods mainly because they come in a hard plastic container and there are fewer broken pretzels.

Because I dip so much food in chocolate during the holidays I do use almond bark instead of Ghirardelli chocolate. I reserve the gourmet chocolate for chocolate covered cherries. But back to pretzels.

Snyder's of Hanover Old Fashioned Pretzel Rods, 27 OunceSnyder’s of Hanover Old Fashioned Pretzel Rods, 27 OunceGhirardelli Chocolate White Candy Making Wafers, 10 OunceGhirardelli Chocolate White Candy Making Wafers, 10 OunceWilton 1904-1017 Candy Melt Dipping Tool, Set of 3Wilton 1904-1017 Candy Melt Dipping Tool, Set of 3Wilton 415-1971 Dipped Treat Boxes, Black/WhiteWilton 415-1971 Dipped Treat Boxes, Black/White200 Clear Self Sealing Cellophane Pretzel Rod Bags - FDA approval for food packaging. (1200 Clear Self Sealing Cellophane Pretzel Rod Bags – FDA approval for food packaging. (1LI-GELISI 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot, Double Boiler Insert, Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Melted Butter Chocolate Cheese Caramel Homemade Mask =500ML (Silvery)LI-GELISI 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot, Double Boiler Insert, Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Melted Butter Chocolate Cheese Caramel Homemade Mask =500ML (Silvery)

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How to make Chocolate Covered Pretzels

chocolate covered pretzelsThe recipe for chocolate covered pretzels is  really easy and fast. You just need the following.

Stick pretzels, melting chocolate (chocolate and white), a double boiler, and waxed paper ( or parchment paper), tablespoon and fork.

  1. Melt  chocolate or almond bark in a double boiler with 1-2 inches in the bottom pot and the chocolate in the upper bowl.
    • This keeps the chocolate from getting too hot and scalding. The candy melts at a low temperature and stays smooth and creamy. The number one problem people have is getting the chocolate too hot and it gets lumpy. Many instructions will have microwave directions for melting chocolate, but it only works with small amounts as hot spots appear and the chocolate congeals into a mess.
  2. Bring the whole pot to the table and place on a trivet.
  3. Stand the pretzel on end in the pot and spoon chocolate on all sides
  4. Place on waxed paper
  5. Melt white chocolate for drizzle, 1-2 cubes in microwave, 30 seconds at a time and stir after each heating
  6. Dip fork in white chocolate and wave back and forth across the pretzels.

Creative Pretzel Rod Ideas and Toppings

Many people ask how I get the drizzle so neat and even. Easy, all I do is dip a fork in dark or white almond bark and wave it over the dried pretzel rods dipped in chocolate.  and when they are still wet I then sprinkle the toppings. Depending on the holiday depends on how my gourmet pretzel rods will look. If its Halloween, I use spiders and ghost sprinkles, and 4th of July gets red, white and blue.

Shakespeare's Chocolate Assorted Pretzel Rods - 20 countShakespeare’s Chocolate Assorted Pretzel Rods – 20 countShari's Berries - Hand Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods - 12 Count - Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari’s Berries – Hand Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods – 12 Count – Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari's Berries - 24 Hand-Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods - 24 Count - Gourmet Baked Good GiftsShari’s Berries – 24 Hand-Dipped Caramel Pretzel Rods – 24 Count – Gourmet Baked Good GiftsWilton 6 Color Christmas Sprinkle MixWilton 6 Color Christmas Sprinkle MixOasis Supply 8-Ounce Patriotic Stars Sprinkle Quins, LargeOasis Supply 8-Ounce Patriotic Stars Sprinkle Quins, LargeWilton 710-2055 Halloween Test Tube Sprinkle Set, AssortedWilton 710-2055 Halloween Test Tube Sprinkle Set, Assorted

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What other pretzel rod ideas do you have? I think it would be a great fundraiser for church or school.

 

Filed Under: Christmas, Food Tagged With: chocolate covered pretzels, christmas, Food, Holiday, Holidays, pretzels, snacks

It’s Sugar Coma on Day 4 of Christmas

December 28, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Cookies, cookies and more cookies. Starting around Thanksgiving I start stocking up for my cookie marathon for Christmas. It’s a tradition to bake at least six different kinds and mix it up with chocolate covered pretzels and chex mix.

For 25 years I’ve made cookies to share and give as gifts. It’s what my kids know and have come to depend on during the holidays. This was especially evident in the excitement I heard as my youngest Marine Corp opened his care package the week before Christmas.

I took a full container  to work (Hamilton Color Lab) everyday the week before Christmas to and shared them with my co-workers and customers. Every night I came home with an empty container.  I swear some customers came in just for the cookies. Which made my day!

Peanutbutter Kiss cookies

This is the easiest recipe you will find, and I should really make them year round, but then they wouldn’t be so special around the holidays.

Ingredients (I believe this is even gluten free)

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • Hershey kisses

Directions

  1. Combine the peanut butter and  sugar. Add egg and mix well.
  2. Mixture will will thicken as it sits but can be refrigerated to ease handling
  3. Roll into 1″ balls
  4. Bake at 350F for 8 minutes (this results in a really nice soft cookie)
  5. Remove from oven and press a Hershey Kiss into the middle
  6. Let set on cookie pan and remove to rack to cool
  7. The chocolate will soften from the heat of the cookie but will return to it’s normal consistency within a few hours so give them some time before packaging or bagging.

Some of my favorites over the years include (it’s my goal to include recipes for all of these)

  • Cake Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Double Chocolate Chip
  • Molasses spice cookies
  • Oatmeal chocolate chip
  • Candy Cane
  • Lemon Sugar Cake Cookie
  • Chocolate Peppermint
  • Butter Spritz Cookies

Homemade Christmas Cookies

Related articles
  • 5 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes (faithfulprovisions.com)
  • 11th Day of Christmas: Homemade Peanut Cookie Candy Bars (thiscountrygirlcooks.com)
  • Favorite Finds 12.22.12 // Cookie Coma (lifesabowl.com)
  • Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies (collegiateculinaire.wordpress.com)
  • Loaded Chewy Chocolate Cookies (backforsecondsblog.com)
  • Christmas Cookies #3…Bar Cookies (foodiefriendsfridaydailydish.com)

Filed Under: Christmas, Food Tagged With: baking, christmas, cookie, cookies, Food, hiliday, Holidays, peanut butter, recipe, tradition, treats

RumChata Eggnog Sundae

December 9, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I just created a new favorite dessert with my favorite drink, introducing the RumChata Eggnog Sundae. It is the perfect Holiday drink and your Christmas party guests will be in heaven over this cup of creamy deliciousness.

RumChata Eggnog Sundae
RumChata Eggnog Sundae

I’ve been on a RumChata kick for the past six months of so, first making RumChata Cupcakes, then french toast and mixing it with rootbeer and plain eggnog.

However, I just outdid myself. This RumChata Eggnog Dessert is divine. The recipe came to me while I was at the grocery aisle picking up ice cream. I thought, hmmm I need to find some Egg Nogg ice cream, I wonder who makes it? Edy’s Limited Edition came to the rescue.

That got me thinking of the RumChata and how well it went with the egg nog at Thanksgiving (picture yet to come) and I put a few ingredients together in my head and headed for the pop aisle for Sprite or Sierra Mist.

Rumchata Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

  • One scoop Edy’s Eggnogg ice cream
  • 1 part RumChata
  • 1 part Eggnogg (I like Southern Comfort)
  • 1 part Sierra Mist (pour on slowly to create the foam)
  • Sprinkle of Nutmeg

After you fix a glass, sit down in front of your Christmas tree, gaze at the twinkling lights, relax, and enjoy the moment. What a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day.

Cooking with Booze Recipes

The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited SweetsBooze Cakes: Confections Spiked with Spirits, Wine, andIntoxicated Cupcakes: 41 Tipsy Treats5 O’ Clock Somewhere Cupcakes

  • RumChata Cupcakes, Oh Yeah! (ndjmom.wordpress.com)
  • Recipe: Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies (seattletimes.com)

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: alcohol, christmas, dessert, egg nogg, Eggnog, eggnogg, Food, holiday drink, ice cream, recipe, RumChata, Sierra Mist

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