My Cookie Layered Shake

In an nineteen fifties inspired country store book world in an close knit town, I would stroll the windy streets under bursting red and vibrant yellow maple trees while passing a friend in an pale yellow bow tie with a kindhearted smile. We would chit chat about the days activities -he was going to the library to pick up a book about birds, I was going to be drinking sweet tea with my elderly next door neighbor and taking my dearest short haired sassy dachshund in the park for an puppy date of course. Before our exchange of goodbyes he would recommend visiting the newly opened pink parlor down the way. They make the best cookie layered shakes hands down..or so he said...

My rooster sounding alarm clock went off this morning just in time to ruin yet another sweet dream. Sigh. Nevertheless I was determined to get to that pink parlor even if it meant making my own cookie layered shake. By nine in the morning my place smelling like grandma's special vanilla extract and roasted bananas -I've never seen my sister so enthusiastic about an week day breakfast.

Something makes me think that this sweet thing probably tasted just like the parlor's in my dreams...maybe better! I went for the classic combination of chocolate chip cookies, using this recipe, an roasted banana shake and juicy candied cherries. What would an nineteen fifties inspired shake be without candied cherries? This lovely treat could be made seasonal with pumpkin puree and ginger bread cookies to eggnog and pistachio biscotti You can't go wrong here..really its up to your preference or what you dreamt of last night!

Sundays at the Parlor ~ My Cookie Layered Shake:

Milk Shake:

• 1 Roasted banana, oven time here


• 1 tsp Bourbon vanilla extract, I used this one


• 1 cup Organic vanilla almond milk


• 1 scoop of Vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream


• 1/2 cup of ice cubes


• 1/4 cup water, optional

Roast banana, freeze for one hour. Place ingredients in blender. Add water for desired thickness, I think its best toward the thin side. Blend and set aside.

How to layer the milk shake:

• 3 gluten free vegan chocolate chip cookies (recipe), I added chocolate chunks!


• 1 cup of the roasted banana "milk" shake


• 1/2 ripe banana, sliced


• candied cherries, optional

Crumble cookies just enough to leave chunks. Place one layer of cookie crumbles on the bottom of an cute glass parfait cup. Spoon a few tablespoons of milk shake on top. Layer with thin banana slices and candied cherries. Repeat process until top. Crumble more cookies and place in freezer to set for ten minutes.

You just need one spoonful to know that this is not your normal Monday morning green smoothie - rich ripe bananas, decedent chocolate chunk warm cookies and the best punch you'll ever receive from the bourbon vanilla and sweet glossy cherries. I know this shake would make that man in the yellow bow tie think twice about his breakfast choice. Why not make it for dessert tonight - I'll never tell.

Since I know that not every morning one can throw on their frilly apron, whip up a hot batch of vegan gooey chocolate chip cookies and roast bananas galore. Also in the spirit of all things cookies and treats the wonderful people from Bountiful Vegan are offering an grand giveaway of their cookies so you can make this cookie layered shake for your someone special...or just yourself :) Almost an year ago I was munching their cookies down like there was no tomorrow and they truly are super delicious! If you haven't tried their Love Cookie, which comprises of chocolate goodness and tangy orange, your really missing out on an drool worthy experience.

So how can you enter? Sign up for their mailing list to receive monthly chances to win an free six pack of their fantastic cookies. Make sure to confirm your email submission. Comment here that you did - and answer this sweet simple question for another bonus entry.....

What would your ideal cookie layered shake ingredients be?

Two readers will be chosen to win by their interesting combinations! So go all out on this one! And don't forget to check out Bountiful Vegan's newest flavors - chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin -my eyes are on the Courage cookie!

Two entry per person. Canada and USA only. Winner will be announced December 18th!