When their oldest child was still a toddler, Sandra Kaye-Kjarum Seidel and her husband, Tim Seidel, decided it was time to shake up their New Year's--literally. So, the Bay Village, Ohio, couple launched a new family tradition that is still the centerpiece of the celebration for Gabe, now 11, Jillian, eight, and Tierney, six: customized milk shakes.
HOW THEY SHAKE IT
Right before toast time, an adult blends the homemade vanilla ice cream (made the day before) with whatever the kids dream up (and parents approve). Some basics: frozen and fresh fruit, flavored syrups, yogurt, toppings like whipped cream, maraschino cherries, nuts and chocolate chips. Final touches: a cool straw, long spoon or swizzle stick.
FAMILY FAVORITE
This marshmallow creme and chocolate
syrup shake serves 2. To make, blend:
1 cup vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup milk
3 tbsp. room-temperature marshmallow creme
4 tbsp. chocolate syrup
THE TOASTS
Everyone participates, and Sandra and Tim toast each kid. "One of my daughter's friends was real sick a couple of years ago, so her toast was to just be a good friend and help her through getting better," says Sandra. The toasts don't go in any particular order, just loudest to quietest, Sandra says. "My husband and I are usually last."
