It’s 100 degrees in my neck of the woods, and the mule is gettin’ tired treading round and round the circle to keep the A/C going. So I’m gonna share some of my cooling-off secret recipes with you. First, let’s get one thing straight. There are no amounts listed here. That’s because you’re supposed to eyeball everything so you can make it taste exactly right.

Let’s start with the best and simplest banana shake ever. If you have some bananas you want to save before they turn black, chunk ’em up and put ’em in the freezer. Then add ’em  to your blender with sugar and milk (2% is fine). It’s thick and cold and tastes decadent. It’s fine without anything else, but you can add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you want to, or anything else that sounds like a good idea to you.

Here’s one that our family experienced at the Peace Tree in Moab, Utah. Just put however much watermelon, peaches, strawberries, and pineapple sherbet you want in your blender. We call it a Moab watermelon smoothie (name can be changed), but it’s a top-notch refresher.

And you know the Dole Whips for which Disney World is famous? Well, the first time I ever had one was at home, made in my blender. By the time I had my first real Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, I actually thought mine was better. And it’s a lot cheaper too. Cut up some fresh pineapple (don’t even think of using canned for this), and blend it with sugar and little bit of lemon juice. Freeze that, and when it’s just partway frozen and slushy, fold in some whipped cream. Not till it’s all the way mixed, just when it’s sort of marbled. I just saved you a few thousand dollars on that one. You’re welcome!

More next week!