The Vending Machine Shake
Inspired by the sheer, unbridled strength required to navigate Ikebukuro's chaotic streets, this seemingly innocuous vanilla shake delivers a surprisingly robust flavor, ready to fortify any urban legend. Its thick, perfectly balanced sweetness offers a moment of calm amidst the extraordinary, much like the eye of a storm.
Directions
- 1
Place the firmly frozen vanilla ice cream, chilled whole milk, and chilled heavy cream into a high-speed blender.
- 2
Add the granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to the blender.
- 3
If desiring an extra-thick shake, include the 1/4 cup of crushed ice at this stage.
- 4
Secure the lid on the blender and begin blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high.
- 5
Blend continuously for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and no ice cream chunks remain, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula if necessary.
- 6
Observe the shake's consistency; it should be thick enough to slowly fall from the spatula, but still pourable.
- 7
Carefully pour the finished shake into two tall, chilled serving glasses.
- 8
If desired, crown each shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- 9
For a classic diner look, gently place a maraschino cherry atop the whipped cream before serving immediately.