Last time we talked, I told you about candy cane ice cream. My children later mentioned that “candy canes would sure taste good in a malt!” I whole-heartedly agreed. This minty shake is as easy as pie — or ice cream, I guess! All you need is some ice cream, peppermint extract, and a candy cane or two. After slurping it down, my daughter exclaimed, “I could drink this forever!” Maybe we’ll leave some out for Santa.

This malt can be as minty as you’d like. I used 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and thought it was great, but add more if desired. Two drops of red food coloring made this malt pink, but isn’t necessary. After I poured the malt into glasses, I swirled an extra two drops of red food coloring on top, making it a darker shade of pink. Just remember, the more food coloring you add, the more food coloring you taste. For a grown-up version, add 1-2 tablespoons of crème de menthe or peppermint schnapps.

Serves 2-4 (depending on glass size)

• 1 ½ quarts vanilla ice cream
• 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 candy canes (or 6 mini canes)
• ¼ cup milk
• Red food coloring (optional)

Place all the ingredients together in a blender. Blend together until the candy canes are broken down and the mixture is smooth and ready for drinking. Pour, serve, and enjoy!