Hello, hello!
Today we are starting off by turning a new leaf. A fresh start. On the road to recovery. Recovery from what? Center-aligned text!
I started center aligning my text when I first started my blog, about a year and a half ago, and just never stopped. I couldn’t figure out what was irking me lately, until I realized it was the way I was displaying my text! GUH. Sorry peeps, if you’ve hated the center aligned text up until this point, it is now fixed! We are moving forward with the oh-so classy, left aligned justification.
I’ve also finally installed a Pin it button to the top of my posts. I installed one of these plugins ages ago but was never happy with the way it acted on my blog. So, I’ve finally found one I liked, and now you little pinners can get down to business! I’m too cheap to upgrade to the Pro version, so for now, look for the cute little guy just below my post titles.
Ok, enough housekeeping, let’s talk about this delicious holiday protein shake I made two nights ago!
Peppermint and Andes Vanilla Protein Shake
About a month ago, I was contacted by the folks at myprotein.com and asked if I would want to review one of their protein powders. Since I can’t resist a good protein powder, I agreed, and a few weeks later the biggest bag of protein powder I’ve ever seen arrived on my doorstep. They graciously sent me a 5.5 lb (!!!!) bag of one of their most popular whey protein powders, in vanilla. Ya’ll, I think I’m set on protein powders for life. I seem to receive quite a bit of protein powders, and while they aren’t always my favorite, this one definitely ranks up there in one of the better tasting ones. Even the husband approved, and he’s the real critic between the two of us! Side note – I was not compensated to write this review.
I knew with the holidays coming up I wanted to do something different with my protein powder, instead of just a plain vanilla shake. Which, don’t get me wrong, did taste delicious!
Since we’re officially in Christmas mode, I decided to get creative and combine two of my favorite ingredients and see what happened.
I give you…my peppermint and Andes vanilla protein shake!
Two of my most favorite flavors in the world are peppermint + chocolate. Anything containing mint chocolate I can guarantee I have probably already tried and demolished the entire package. Case in point: mint M&M’s. Holy moly, I could eat the entire bag in one sitting! I’m convinced mint M&M’s came straight out of Heaven.
Anyways, for this protein shake I simply started with the basics:
-Vanilla protein powder
-Vanilla almond milk
-3 or 4 ice cubes
Then in the blender I added 1 chopped up peppermint candy cane and one drop of peppermint extract.
I blended until everything was mixed up perfectly, then threw it in the freezer to thicken it up a bit. When I took it out, I chopped up another candy cane and sprinkled it on top, then chopped up a handful of Andes chocolates and sprinkled them on top as well.
The candy cane pieces inevitably sunk to the bottom, but I imagine if I’d left mine in the freezer a little while longer they would have stayed afloat better. Next time, candy canes.
And the result? I thought it turned out pretty well! I thought it was super tasty and Christmassy. I would definitely freeze it longer next time, and maybe add a tiny bit less peppermint extract, but other than that, I am quite proud of my minty-creation!
The “My Protein” protein powder seemed to fit right in, and didn’t leave an overly strong vanilla taste or gritty taste. I would definitely keep this protein powder around! Here’s the link to the protein powder I used, be sure and check them out, and if you don’t want vanilla, they have about 50 other flavors to choose from!
Are you a fan of mint chocolate? Do you prefer vanilla over a more exciting flavor? What sort of festive treats do you like?
18 Comments
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
December 4, 2014 at 2:12 pmWhat a fun idea! Love andes mints – they make everything extra special!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Crunchy Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:12 amAgreed 🙂
Katie @ running4cupcakes
December 4, 2014 at 2:30 pmoh man – andes mint anything = love!! 🙂 great idea to mix protein powder with those!!
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Reading Recommendations 5
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:12 amThanks Katie! Andes are so so good, even year ’round! But for some reason, buying the ‘christmas’ package makes them that much better!
Kaylin@Enticinghealthyeating
December 4, 2014 at 2:32 pmOoh, I like this idea of adding the peppermint! So festive.
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:12 amHaha thanks Kaylin! I know, my creative skills in the kitchen are just out of this world! 😉
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate
December 4, 2014 at 3:24 pmI love Andes chocolates. I am about to run to Target and adding those to the list 😉
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…My Christmas Wish List
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:11 amGood! I hope you ended up buying some 😉
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
December 4, 2014 at 3:36 pmomg that sounds AMAZING! I love vanilla everything… and vanilla + peppermint is even better! 🙂
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Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:11 amAgreed! You should make it! Even if you didn’t have any protein powder to toss in, it’d still be good!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
December 4, 2014 at 4:39 pmAndes mints – my weakness! I have a stash in my desk drawer at work!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog recently posted…Q: What do you say after a string of bad days?
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:10 amGENIUS!!!
Molly Rose
December 4, 2014 at 8:59 pmI am such an Andes fan. My husband and I go to a particular sushi restaurant all the time – not for the sushi – for the free Andes mints we snag after! I am polite and take 2. He takes like 200 😉
Gotta try a peppermint smoothie, great idea!
Molly Rose recently posted…I Mustache You Some Questions
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:10 amHaha! Oh my goodness, does ya’lls Olive Garden give out Andes with the tickets?? Ours always does and I am not shy about asking for extras 🙂
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie
December 5, 2014 at 10:25 amI see Andes and that’s all I need to see to be convinced.
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Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:10 amHaha! YES!
Emily @ Sweet Summer Smiles
December 8, 2014 at 5:25 pmMmmm! I love peppermint and chocolate and enjoy eating Andes when they are frozen! What a great way to spice up the protein shake!
Sweet Miles
December 11, 2014 at 10:10 amFrozen mint chocolate is the BEST!!! Do you freeze your Thin Mints too??