On those nights that you just have to have a milkshake and it is too late for a quick run to fast food and there is NO ice cream, this recipe is the perfect remedy. It is quick and easy and at our house, we almost always have all the ingredients.

Step 1: The Ingredients

Blender - any brand works. We are not blender snobs at our house. Just use what you have.

6 Tablespoons hot chocolate powder (this is about 3 packets if you buy it that way instead.) This must be hot chocolate powder, chocolate milk mix will not work.

2 - 21/2 cups milk (even skim milk works, so just go for it)

10-12 cubes of ice (if your blender isn't quite as strong as mine, you can go with a few less)

And that is it. Easy as pie, or actually quite a bit easier and faster than pie.

Step 2: Blend.

Blend until smooth and there are no more big ice chunks. Think the consistency of a milkshake.

Step 3: Serve. Makes About 2 - 20 Oz Servings.

Pour into an appropriate cup. Which in our case means a spiderman cup. Add whip cream if desired. A straw (not shown although always used). And enjoy.

I am not above adding sprinkles or mini chocolate chips or mini marshmallows to the top just to make it pretty, but in a pinch, my family will drink it without any toppings at all.

If you have magic shell, stirring in a small squirt of that makes it seem like it has chocolate chips in it. Highly recommended, but again not required.