Thursday, September 11, 2014

Smooth, Rich & Frothy

September 12 is...

Chocolate Milkshake Day

Just looking at the image makes you want one...right? Sure it does! That smooth, rich, frothy, sweet delight is an invitation to be had. Dating as far back as 1885, Chocolate Milkshake Day celebrates a concoction loved from toddler to teen to adult to senior citizen. It knows no age limit!

A Bit of Milkshake History...

Did you know milkshakes were originally served in bars? Once served as an alcoholic concoction the milkshake resembled a hand-shaken eggnog mixture containing whiskey, eggs and cream. It was often served as a tonic as well as a treat. By 1900, the whiskey was replaced with chocolate, vanilla or strawberry syrup. By 1911, soda fountains were equipped with Hamilton Beach mixers and milkshake-like drinks, again more like eggnog, were served but without the alcoholic content. In 1922, a Walgreen’s employee added Horlick’s malted milk powder to the mixture and the first malted shake was born. When Steven Poplawski invented the electric blender in 1922, the texture of milkshakes changed from smooth, thick and creamy to the frothy, airy consistency loved today.

Celebrate this special day by going out with friends and family for chocolate shakes at a traditional soda fountain or check out recipes and blend some different chocolate shakes at home. For an easy homemade milkshake, mix 2 cups of chocolate ice cream, 2 bars of dark chocolate, and a half cup of whipped cream in a blender. Blend to desired frothiness. Top it off with swirls of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. If you like a few 'bites' in your shake, stir in few chunks of brownies and don't forget to put a cherry on top.