Oh, December! The month filled with crisp mornings, scraping ice off your windshield, winter boots and fluffy scarves. The month where the sun sets earlier and hot coffee just tastes so much better! Weekend traffic is heavier and people are bustling and hustling to finish that Christmas shopping.

Have you ever noticed how December just feels different? There's a certain energy buzzing through the air and it fills people with the spirit to give to those who need, to help, and to be helped. And of course, December is a month of sweets and treats!

Up until a few years ago, I waited for December to arrive because that meant the chocolate chip peppermint milkshake arrived at Chick-fil-A! I loved that milkshake in all its artificially pink ice cream glory. Crunchy candy cane and chocolate chunks in every sip.

However, since becoming vegan three years ago, that milkshake is no longer in my life, despite me dreaming about it every December. Finally, I decided to recreate the milkshake making it vegan. I created the traditional pink color by using a tiny chunk of beet, and used one of my favorite things, peppermint oil! This milkshake treat tastes pretty darn close to the real thing, and it is low fat, refined sugar free, vegan, gluten free and nut free. 

Your kids will love the pretty pink color, and if you make it for your adult guests you could always add a bit of brandy to the mix :)

I hope you enjoy!

Recipe calls for 2 large milkshakes or 3 small ones

Ingredients:

  • 3 frozen bananas
  • 8 ice cubes
  • 1⁄2 cup coconut cream or full fat coconut milk
  • 3 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 small thumb beet, peeled, about 1 tbsp (roasted or raw is fine)
  • 1.5 cups plant milk ( I use almond but use soy or coconut if you want nut free!)
  • 5 drops peppermint oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1⁄4 cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 2-3 Tbsp crushed candy cane, more for garnish

The process:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender except the chocolate chips and crushed candy cane. Blend for about one minute, until very thick and creamy. Adjust sweetness if you like adding more maple syrup.
  2. Stir in or blend on low the chocolate chips and crushed candy cane.
  3. Top with coconut whip cream if you like and sprinkle on more chocolate chips and candy cane!

My favorite coconut whip recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-coconut-whipped-cream/