Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies

Two of our sons are in a life skills class this year. Since Home Ec was my very favorite class, and that was what I wanted to do - teach Home Ec (but they cut most of those programs from schools around here and from most colleges) I was thrilled it was being brought back and my boys were able to take it!

Fifteen year old, Jacob, needs some help in the cooking department, apparently.  Last week, in class, they were making a dessert. The recipe called for 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda.  The teacher caught him just as he was putting the last 1/2 CUP of baking soda in! He had already put in the whole CUP!!!  She scooped out as much as she could, but then they decided to go ahead and bake the dish! It didn't blow up, but she took it out of the oven, just as it was about to.  He'll never live it down, will he??!

He's learning, and so are the others in the class. That's what matters.

Recently they made this smoothie.  It was Jacob's favorite, since he likes getting a taste of coffee from time to time.

Hazelnut Mocha Smoothie

1 cup milk
1/2 cup Nutella
4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
6 ice cubes
2 cups vanilla ice cream
Chocolate curls, optional

In a blender, combine the milk, Nutella, and espresso powder; cover and process until blended. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired. Yield: 3 servings