Shamrock Shakes with Gram

When I was little, I would visit my Grandmother for sleepovers. My Gram lived in a smaller city, where I didn't have any friends, and I was too little to venture out on my own, so there wasn't a whole lot to do. It was boring and I told her that all the time. So much so that Gram bought me a Garfield button that said 'Boring', and Gram set the rule that I could wear it but I couldn't say it anymore. Fair enough.
Somehow, through all the bordom, my grandmother was creative enough to still give me some very fond memories of our visits. One is watching the Young and the Restless. I believe I was 9 when I started paying attention to that and almost 30 years later, I still watch the show. Victor hasn't aged much and I think the timeline has only really advanced 5 years. Another memory would be the reliable trip to McDonalds. She had my order memorized: chicken mcnuggets, sweet and sour sauce, fries, and that orange drink. The orange drink was good and would be a fine beverage UNLESS we were lucky enough to be there for Shamrock Shake season! There was no better treat than going to McDonalds with my Gram for the minty smooth, super thick, cheek hurtin', brain freezin' milkshake! Gram and I would sit at our table forever, chatting and sipping on our shakes. It was wonderful.
They don't seem to bring the Shamrock Shake around much anymore, but this year they did (I was so excited!). Yesterday, I had to introduce it to my kids and share the stories of my visits with Gram. It was nice to carry on her tradition with them. Gram passed away before they were old enough to really remember her, which is too bad because she was a fabulous lady.

In honour of my Gram and the memories of the Shamrock Shake, I made the Shamrock Cupcake:

Shamrock Cupcakes

Chocolate cake, with a minty green buttercream icing, topped with a peppermint patty.  

Yum!