With the weather at the hottest point, we’ve been thinking of not much else but “how to stay cool.” I began thinking back to how I stayed cool as a kid as I ran and played outside and such — and my friend Nicole’s mom’s Frozen Limeade Slushies came to mind. She used to carry cups full of this icy beverage out to us all summer long — and on into autumn, if we begged enough. Mmmm…. I could almost taste the tartness again as I daydreamed. I have long since lost touch with Nicole, but I was determined to find a similar recipe to her mom’s.

And I did! It took little effort and few ingredients — although it almost took the life of my poor intimated-by-ice-cubes blender. Thank goodness our slush mix was fully blended when I began to smell the smell of the motor about to burn up. (oops.)

After a chill in the freezer and a mix with Sprite, they were ready.

FROZEN LIMEADE SLUSHIES

1 can (12-ounce size) frozen lemonade, thawed and undiluted
1 can (12-ounce size) frozen limeade, thawed and undiluted
6 cups crushed ice
5 cups lemon-lime soft drink, chilled (e.g., Seven-Up)
lemon slices
lime slices (I had both lemons and limes in my fridge, but totally forgot to get them out and use them)

Process half of the lemonade, limeade, and ice in a blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Pour mixture into a 4-quart plastic container. Repeat procedure with other half. Freeze until firm.

Remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving; break into chunks. Add soft drink; stir until slushy. Garnish, if desired.

Next up, I wanted to try something chocolatey. Something along the lines of, say, a Wendy’s Frosty — but lots cheaper and customizable (AND able to be served up in a glass — DON’T icy cold things just taste better in a glass?!). I had heard lots of hype about these things called “Magic Milkshakes.” I admit, the ingredient list seemed a bit odd (dry milk, which I never buy, and canola oil of all things?)

Turns out the oil is just an emulsifier wanna-be to help make it creamy and smooth (and I’m sure it adds quite a few calories to boot). The kids seemed curious over the sound of the recipe, so I figured…why not?

I have to admit I almost abandoned ship at the beginning when I pulled out a dry milk packet and realized it bore a striking resemblance to something mass-produced by the Dharma Initiative.

But I kept faith and trudged on, and I was so happy with the results. Yes, much like a Frosty these were. The only one who didn’t care for it was R (and she’s not much for sweet things overall). These are indeed delish.

You can find the recipe for Magic Milkshakes over at Hillbilly Housewife.