Gourmet Milkshakes to Make at Home

(Recipe adapted from Epicurious.com)

• 2 cups soft or silken tofu
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed and de-stemmed)
• 1/2 cup plain soy milk
• 1/2 cup ice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons strawberry jam

Throw everything in the blender and purée until smooth.

Another way to reduce fat and calories in a milkshake is to use gelato instead of ice cream. Gelato is an Italian frozen dessert that's a cross between ice cream and flavored ice. It comes in a large variety of flavors. It can be blended with 2% milk and whatever fruits you fancy to make a lighter, gourmet milkshake.

For a grown-ups-only treat, add a bit of liqueur in a flavor that complements the gelato. The result is perfect for a late-night summer drink with friends. Some suggestions include:

• Peach gelato with amaretto
• Cherry gelato with cherry Schnapps
• Chocolate or vanilla gelato with crème de menthe or Bailey's

If you enjoy the candy-studded milkshakes offered at some fast-food chains, you can duplicate them easily at home. You can also take them up a notch by using a higher-end candy.

A crumbled piece of special dark chocolate or chocolate-covered berries work wonderfully.

Remember that if you like chunky milkshakes, you'll either need to get some large straws, or keep a spoon on hand to scoop up the larger pieces. If young children will be drinking the shake, it's best to leave out the chunks as they pose a choking risk.

Homemade gourmet milkshakes are easy and fun to make, whether by yourself or with family or friends. You can even get creative and throw a make-your-own-milkshake station at your next get together.