Hot, hot, hot… I so need a refreshing beverage!!! Well, to be more specific: what I really want to sip today is the outrageously delicious milkshake from Shakes Alive that I enjoyed in Estes Park, Colorado… The super-creamy, refreshing, and outrageously delicious Chai Vanilla Milkshake.
It was our last morning there. We were headed to Steamboat Springs through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a really hot day and we had stopped to have a late breakfast, when by chance I saw the sign for Shakes Alive. Well, I just wanted to find something refreshing, but winded up encountering the best shake that I have ever tasted– a chai vanilla milkshake.
No, they didn’t hand over the recipe to me!! But since it is located so far from where I live, and I have been craving it so much, I simply created my own version of that chai vanilla milkshake. I am very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!! My chai vanilla milkshake version turned out to be as creamy and yummy as the original one. Drinking it also brought back wonderful memories of my trip to the stunning state of Colorado….
To get to Colorado, we drove through west Texas– a place full of contrasts, which images can describe better than words…
As we made our way from the Texas Hill Country into west Texas, we stopped for lunch, and of course could not have had anything more emblematic than Texas BBQ… Woo-hoo, Cooper’s was the place!!! But, “hon,” don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Lemme tell ya: we sure did empty our plates — and if I were not surrounded by so many folks, I would have licked it clean as well.
Afterwards, we drove for many hours, finally arriving in Amarillo, where we spent the night. With children on board, we had to stop somewhere to rest. The following morning, after driving for many more hours, we arrived in Denver late in the afternoon. Of course, I had to stop and go shopping… at a Brazilian market called Little Brazil. I just shopped and shopped…. Since Little Brazil is also a restaurant, we ordered feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew), estrogonofe de frango (chicken stroganoff), coxinha, empada, risoli, brigadeiro, mousse de maracujá (passion fruit mousse), and pudim de leite (caramel flan). 🙂 I know, I know! We ate so much that I felt like we were about to pop…
But all without knowing what would be awaiting us at Nazneen’s, a.k.a the author of Coffee and Crumpets. I met Nazneen through blogging. We met for the first time here in San Antonio and ever since then became friends. Traveling to Colorado, I could not miss out on an opportunity to visit her. What I did not know is that she had prepared a delicious snack for us: A platter of fresh watermelon and strawberries, scrumptious chocolate cake, and an absolute favorite of mine, mint tea. I love that lady!!! And my girls love her daughter. We were so touched by her hospitality — and presents too. My girls could not be more attached to the cute stuffed animals that she kindly gave to them. A big thanks to Nazneen and her adorable family for the warm reception.
Later we headed to Estes Park, Colorado. I have to say that if you live there, you are blessed beyond measure. If you don’t and have never visited there, put it on your next vacation list. Oh, everywhere that you turn your head, you see beauty…. It is full of 360-degree jaw-dropping views. If you think that I am exaggerating, just a few of the many, many pictures that we took there can give you a slight glimpse– although I don’t think that any of them can do justice to the real views.
I hope you have enjoyed the pictures and now, my Chai Vanilla Milkshake.
xx
Chai Vanilla Milkshake and Vacation in the Stunning State of Colorado (part 1)
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 2 cups non-fat vanilla yogurt I used Dannon Light & Fit
- 4 tablespoons Vanilla Chai Latté powder I used one from the Pacific Chai brand
- 1 tablespoon malted milk powder I used Nestlé Carnation Original Malt
- 4-6 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
- 4 scoops non-fat frozen vanilla yogurt or your favorite vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Place ingredients in the blender following the exact sequence above (i.e. crushed ice first in the bottom of the blender, and so forth). Blend everything well until obtaining a homogeneous, creamy mixture (You might experience a bit of difficulty in getting the shake to blend at the very beginning, but keep alternating crushing, pulsing, and liquidifying. If necessary, remove cup from blender and stir a bit with a spoon before blending mixture again). Serve the Chai Vanilla Milkshake immediately!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook
Sounds great and I’m glad you had a great trip in Colorado!
Denise Browning
I know that you are from Colorado, Abbe! What a gorgeous place.
SallyBR
Ah, driving through Texas.. hours, and hours, and hours… Amarillo, we passed by so many times on our travels… good times!
Well, the photos are all amazing, the chai milkshake equally awesome!
great post, the kids are the picture of happiness!
Denise Browning
Thanks, my dear! We all had a great time in Colorado. I did not want to return to Texas. 🙂
Ash- foodfashionparty
Denise the back roads to Colarado does look beautiful. You make me want to take a trip there. The bunny, the chia milkshake, you lovely kids all are too perfect.
XX
Denise Browning
Ash: Colorado is such a stunning place with so many outdoors activities that I highly recommend anyone to take a trip there.
Coffee and Crumpets
It was so good to see you and the family again Denise! I wish you could’ve stayed for dinner, next time for sure.
I am so glad you found our beautiful State so wonderful and that your vacation was both beautiful and relaxing.
The chai milkshake sounds wonderful for the hot weather we are still having here.
Thanks for sharing and also for sharing your vacation! Love to the girls xx
Nazneen
Denise Browning
Thanks, Nazneen! We loved to see y’all! Thanks so much for such a warm reception. Have a great weekend!
The Café Sucre Farine
I love being inspired by new foods when I travel. Your photos are so gorgeous Denise, it looks like an amazing trip!
Denise Browning
Thanks, Chris! We had fun and more fun. I am already looking forward to visiting Colorado again.
Daniela
Looks like you and your family had a wonderful vacation and lots of fun!
The pictures are great and the chia milkshake looks so good, mmh.
Denise Browning
Yes, Daniela! We had a ball in the gorgeous Colorado. What a place…So many good memories!
gloria
Denise what beautiful milkshake and love your pictures . I will try to add now the link of Bread Pudding.
Im following you in Pinterest!
xxx
Denise Browning
Thanks a lot, Gloria. I do appreciate it!!!!
gloria
I put Denise. Anyway when I put the first time I think to people look your blogs, But now I put the link.
Denise Browning
Thanks, Gloria! I do appreciate it.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
It’s so hot in Japan too…and I’m craving this chai vanilla milkshake right before going to bed! Looks like you had a great holiday in Colorado! Love seeing your happy family. xo
Denise Browning
Thanks, Nami. Yes, we had a wonderful vacation in Colorado.
I am sure that you are having a great time with you family in your home country.
Deb
What an enchanting summer trip! I can only imagine how refreshing the Chai Vanilla Milkshake must taste! Loaded with scrumptious flavor and delightful memories!
Denise Browning
So many great memories, Deb! And scrumptious flavors as well. 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
What a fun family vacation! It’s so hot in Florida right now and I could use sips of this delicious milkshake 🙂
ps: beautiful family.
Sugar et al
What a beautiful and evenful trip! I can imagine how lovely it must be to bond in person with people who become our close friends through blogging. The milkshake as always looks stunning with the pink backdrop. Spices and sugar in one recipe..I am in Heaven:-)
Lail | With A Spin
What a great summer vacation! We visited Colorado in 2004 and love the beautiful state. The natural beauty is truely jaw dropping.
The Chai vanilla milk shake sound sgreat for the hot Texas days.
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com
Beautiful pictures! The chai vanilla milk shake sounds so fab!
Kumar's Kitchen
Hi Denise
we are nominating you for the Liebester Awards for your blog. For that you need to follow some procedures…they are given in the link below
please answer the last 11 questions asked by us, nominate 11 other new bloggers. ask them 11 questions of your choice and do post all this in your blog…for example the way we posted it it…
Glad to nominate you 🙂
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
Denise Browning
Thanks a lot! I feel honored to be nominated for this award. But I have been so busy that I cannot fulfill all the procedures. Sorry! Wishing you a great week!
Amrita @ Asian SlowCooking
Looks great. We are big tea lovers, but chai milk shake is something I have not tried yet.
Denise Browning
Thanks, Amrita! Welcome to FBTY!!! I hope you try this milkshake one of these days. It is my husband’s favorite!
Denise Browning
Thanks, Amrita! Welcome to FBTY!!! I hope you try this milkshake one of these days…It is my hubby’s favorite!
Recipes Gawker
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Denise Browning
Absolutely, Recipe Gawker! I’d love to…