Saint Patrick's Day

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.

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

Shamrock Shake Facts and Trivia

Invented at an Enfield Connecticut McDonald’s in 1966 (although the McDonald’s website claims 1970)
First called the St Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake
Started selling nationally in 1970 in response to a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser
Calorie Content: 420, Small, 740 Medium, 820 Large (but who really cares?)
Large Shamrock shake provides up to 60% of your daily calcium requirement (oh yeah!)
Available only for a limited time around St. Patrick’s Day
A Shamrock sundae was proposed and tried in 1980, but was a failure (wonder why?)
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 Shake Vintage 1977 McDonalds 6 inch Grimace Glass

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.

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!IRISH TREATS – 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the Irish IRISH DRINKS – 27 Cocktail Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the Irish

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 …

How to Cook Corned Beef

March 19, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Even though I grew up in a heavily Irish area of Connecticut I never ate corned beef. So when my husband asked me to cook it, I was a little lost, he is part Irish and Corned Beef was a family tradition on St. Patricks Day. When I said I didn’t know how to cook it, and wasn’t planning on adding it to the menu a pout appeared and he mentioned driving home to his Mom’s. That wasn’t going to happen.

So, I started asking around for recipes and my co-worker Kelly told me about this awesome recipe on, where else, Allrecipes. Have to admit, even for someone with no Irish heritage I did pretty well. On second thought, since I’m adopted, I don’t know what mix I am and the freckles that appear in the summer might have some “Touch of the Irish” , but I’d like to think I’m just a good cook.

I bought the already packaged and brined corned beef, I guess I cheated a little. I did learn a little trivia about corned beef. It’s not named because the beef are fed corn, but because the brisket was cured with corns of salt.

Omaha Steaks 1 (30 oz.) Rustic Corned Beef Underwood Corned Beef Spread, 4.25 Ounce (Pack of 12)Homemade Pastrami and To-Die-For Corned Beef Corned Beef Hot Sandwiches: 101 Delicious, Nutritious, Low Budget, Mouth Watering Cookbook

For more of my favorite recipes check out my Pinterest Food page

Corned Beef Recipe

Ingredients

2 (3 pound) corned beef briskets with spice packets
2 (12 fluid ounce) bottles beer
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup peppercorns
1 bulb garlic cloves, separated and peeled (didn’t have, used freeze dried garlic)

Directions

Place the corned beef briskets into a large pot (I used a crock pot). Sprinkle in one of the spice packets, and discard the other one or save for other uses. Pour in the beer, and fill the pot with enough water to cover the briskets by 1 inch. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns and garlic cloves. Cover, and bring to a boil.
Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 4 to 5 hours, checking hourly, and adding more water if necessary to keep the meat covered. (which I didn’t do, still turned out great)
Carefully remove the meat from the pot, as it will be extremely tender. Set on a cutting board, and allow it to rest until it firms up a bit, about 10 minutes. Slice or shred to serve. I discard the cooking liquid, but it can be used to cook cabbage and other vegetables if desired.

Cabbage, Potatoes & Onions

1/4 of a cabbage, cut into 1-2″ chunks
1 onion cut into 1″ pieces
4 potatoes, cubed
Olive oil
Butter
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions

Cube all ingredients and place in shallow baking dish
Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter
Liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper
Bake for 45 minutes

Favorite Irish Foods

There is more to Irish food than Corn Beef and many people who have moved from Ireland, or have Irish history remember distinctly Irish brands such as Barry’s Irish Tea or Irish Stew. If you’re craving a taste of Ireland, or just wanting to throw an Irish Themed party then check out the pantry items at Amazon and have them delivered right to your door.

McCann’s Quick Cooking Irish Oatmeal, 36-Ounce Canister Really Great Food Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Mix 25 Oz Boyle’s Irish Scream Irish Biscuit Pack – Orignal Kimberley Biscuits, Chocolate Kimberleys, Jam Mallows and Irish Shortbread Biscuits Thompson’s Punjana Irish Breakfast 80 teabags (8.82oz) x 1 pack Tayto Irish Cheese & Onion Crisps – 6 Pack ( 6 x 25g bags)Follain Irish Rhubarb & Ginger Jam 370g Barry’s Tea Irish Breakfast, 80-Tea Bag Boxes (Pack of 6)Princes Irish Stew (400g)Garvey’s Organic Traditional Irish Soda Bread Mix, 16-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 5)

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Isn’t it nice to have dinner mostly ready when you get home from a long day of furiously refreshing Wonkette at the office? A slow cooker makes that easy while minimizing the risk of burning your house down. Let’s make a corned beef in the crockpot and …

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe for an Easy St. Patrick’s Day Meal

corned beef cabbage Attention leprechauns: St. Patrick’s Day is just 12 days away. Do you have your corned beef recipe ready? How do you like yours? We happen to like ours easy, nice and easy. That’s what slow cookers are for. So go ahead and have fun …

Brian Scott’s Favorite Corned Beef Recipe

I have always cooked my corned beef by boiling it with cabbage and potatoes and have always loved it that way, but this year I wanted to do something a little different. I remember my mother cooked her corned beef and then glazed it with a mustard glaze.

St. Patrick’s Day: Modernized Corned Beef recipe

To help you get ready for St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated Irish chef and TV personality Kevin Dundon features modern Irish country house cooking in his “Modern Irish Food” cookbook, which accompanies a 10-part series airing on PBS. Filmed at Dunbrody …

Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

St Patricks day is one of my favorite pauses in a regular schedule for one reason. Corned Beef. Of course a good corned beef sandwich can be had at any time of the year but being the only one around the house that really likes corned beef, I seldom …

#9/52: Shamrock Shake, It’s That Time of Year

March 1, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Shamrock Shakes are Back!

It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.

Shamrock Shake from McDonalds — Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s

Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.

IRISH TREATS – 30 Dessert Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day or Whenever You Want to Celebrate Like the Irish Cooking with Irish Cream: The 50 Most Delicious Irish Cream Recipes (Recipe Top 50’s Book 54)

Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.

There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.

So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

Looking for the taste of a Shamrock Shake the rest of the year, you can get your minty craving in a Keurig or just explore different mint recipes for that fres minty taste.

Junior Mints Hot Cocoa Single Serve – 12ct Top 50 Most Delicious Mint Recipes (Recipe Top 50’s Book 55)

McCafé Shamrock Shake :: McDonalds.com

Smooth and creamy mint flavored shake topped with whipped cream and a cherry. But only for a limited time.

Shamrock Shake – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Shamrock Shake is a seasonal green-dyed mint flavored milkshake dessert sold at McDonald’s to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Top Secret Recipes | McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

Get the best McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe on the ORIGINAL copycat recipe website! Todd Wilbur shows you how to easily duplicate the taste of famous …

Shamrock Shakes Recipe – Allrecipes.com

Joe’s Shamrock Shake Recipe – A homemade version of the perennial green … shake machine was “down”, and I really needed my annual Shamrock Shake fix, …

Day 102/365: Leprechaun Chase

March 17, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

To put everyone in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit I thought this week called for a little green and a few leprechauns. Last weekend a thousand people took part in the Leprechaun Chase 10K run held at Mahoney State Park in near Ashland, Nebraska. The race started and ended at the Strategic Air and Space museum, located next to the state park, and it was quite the site to see. They were not little green men, but fun just the same. I wonder if they found a pot of gold at the end of the race?

I did not run, nor did I walk, I was a volunteer and helped my daughters Spirit Squad (cheerleading) from Elmwood-Murdock high school with their first official fundraiser. The premise of this race is the women get a 5 1/2 minute head start, then the men (leprechauns) chase them. If a women wins they get free drinks, green beer, and if the men catch the women and win, the men get green beer.

Never have I seen so much green in one location. Obviously there was a costume contest and it was difficult to chose between the kilted red bearded Irishmen, or the mass of green above. So, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day I give you the bearded leprechaun below as a bonus.

365_102c_031211b_LC10Kdotcom — Lucky Leprechaun

If you have participated in a Leprechaun Chase race I’d love to see your costume or hear about your experience.

Day 98/365: McDonalds Shamrock Shake

March 13, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

This year my Connecticut friends on Facebook have been talking about the Shamrock Shake, I bet few knew it was invented in 1966, in a Connecticut McDonalds. I didn’t. But it didn’t get it’s nationwide acclaim until 1975. I love milkshakes and the thicker the better, give me a different flavor and I’m right there. (Eggnog shakes at McDonalds are also one of my favorites)

The Shamrock Shake bring back memories of childhood, when there wasn’t a McDonalds in every town and going to eat at the Golden Arches was a treat. Once a year, for a very short time, the traditional chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shake flavors would give way to minty green wonders that made your teeth hurt and give you a brain freeze if you drank it too fast.

There is quite the cult following on social media circles this year the humble shake has over 35 Fan Pages (I stopped counting) on Facebook and even it’s own website, Find the Shake, as people track it’s appearance at various franchises. It appears that not every McDonalds carries this much loved shake and in 2010 there was the Great Shamrock Shake Crisis, as well as the great shake hunt.

The appearance has been enhanced over the years, and I’m sure to some traditionalists that is pure sacrilege. But, I really like the added Redi-Whip and the cherry on top.

What people will do to go back to their childhood. Since we’re going down memory lane, enjoy a video from the early 1980’s

Shamrock Shakes Rise Again
Shamrock Shake Lip Gloss (Amazon)
Shamrock Shakes Are Back! (whatsupcowden.wordpress.com)
Homemade Shamrock Shake (toughwords.wordpress.com)

Saint Patrick's Day

Shamrock Shake Facts and Trivia

Shamrock Shake recipe

Eat and Drink Irish on St. Patricks Day

Corned Beef Recipe

Favorite Irish Foods

More Corned Beef Recipes

Shamrock Shakes are Back!

McDonalds Shamrock Shake Information

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