Did you know that the original Shamrock Shake was created in 1967 by Hal Rosen? Hal was the owner and operator of a McDonald’s Restaurant in Connecticut who created this delicious minty shake in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The delicious shake went national in 1970 and was served in most Mc Donald’s restaurants across the country. Proceeds from shake sales helped to build the very first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. The mission began when the daughter of a Philadelphia Eagles player was being treated for leukemia. The owner of a McDonald’s in Philly partnered with, Hal Rosen, Ray Kroc (the founder of McDonald’s), the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles to raise funding for the first Ronald McDonald House. The group understood the hardship that families went through both financially and emotionally when a family member was receiving treatment for life threatening illnesses. Ronald McDonald Houses across the country help families to stay close and connected during difficult times.
In 2020, McDonalds celebrated their 50th anniversary of the legendary Shamrock Shake and today I share with you a healthy twist on a cherished treat.
The refreshing Simply28 Healthy Shamrock Shake is packed with vitamins including A, C, K, E, folate and other B vitamins. It also contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium plus it has the added benefit of healthy fats from avocado and fiber from a hidden vegetable … spinach! Spinach contains a source of iron known as heme-iron. Heme-iron is type of iron that is difficult for the human body to absorb and utilize. But when non-heme iron is combined with vitamin C, the bioavailability is boosted and our bodies are able to better utilize it. Avocado provides that magical boost, with just enough vitamin C.
This healthy Shamrock Shake makes a great meal replacement or snack and I think it will make a delicious desert following our St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage. No artificial colors, no hard to pronounce ingredients, no high-fructose corn syrup. Just pure goodness for you and your family.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and like Ronald McDonald once said, “May you have a bit of Irish luck with every sip.” ~ just a bit healthier.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or almond milk
- ½ avocado
- 2 cups spinach, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cups Ice (add more for a thicker shake if desired)
- 4 scoops Vital Protein Collagen Peptides or protein powder (optional)
- Whipped heavy cream and cocoa powder (optional toppings)
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, combine milk of choice, avocado, spinach, vanilla extract, mint extract, honey and collagen peptides or protein powder if using.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add ice cubes and blend just long enough to become a smooth shake consistency. If a thicker shake is desired add more ice.
- Pour the milkshake into cups. Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder if desired and enjoy!
This refreshing Shamrock Shake can be enjoyed as a snack, for dessert, or as a meal replacement by adding collagen peptides or protein powder. Robust flavors of vanilla and mint combined with a boost of color and nutrients from spinach and avocado make this delicious shake not only pleasing to the eye but also gives it a nutritional punch that will make you feel great!
