Orange Julius

My guest chef for the week is Gabby. She is the sparkliest, sweetest, smartest, funnest girl I know. Gabby is also an excellent sous chef. The crowning glory of our dinner was the refreshing orange julius.

The story of my friendship with Gabby is full of twists and intrigue. (Not quite, but I’ve always wanted to write that…)

Long, long ago and far, far away, my parents were good friends with Gabby’s grandparents.

Once upon a time I “babysat” her daddy – although it was mostly just supervising him and his younger brother, and preventing them from lighting the house on fire. 🙂

Many moons and many miles later, Gabby’s momma was the favourite babysitter of my children.

One fine day, those two – from very different towns and situations – met and fell in love. And now, Gabby is the oldest of 3 great kids.

Here’s the fun twist of plot:

My kids eventually grew old enough to babysit Gabby and her brother and sister.

And so, the legacy and friendship continues with great joy. Some day, I like to think that Gabby will babysit my grandchildren, but there’s no hurry…

This has been one of those steamy, hazy, too-hot-to-work-outdoors days — just the kind of day for sitting in the shade with a book, a friend, and sipping a frosty-citrusy drink.

Orange julius has been a summertime staple in our family for years. The kids would beg for it, and I willingly served it any time. Even for breakfast. With only 3 ingredients – all things that I wanted the kids to get anyway – orange julius is an easy YES!

Pour 3 1/2 cups milk (even coconut milk works great) into the blender (I use a Ninja), then add a can of thawed orange juice concentrate. Add 3-4 cups of ice cubes and blend. That’s it!

I love this expression!

Make it often. Make it today!

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