Shamrock My World

Driving by a McDonald's the other day -- I've avoided the place for years, other than a recent stop in the Philippines to order an ube sundae -- I noticed a sign out front heralding the return of the Shamrock Shake.

I flashed back to childhood. The Shamrock Shake was a once a year McDonald's treat, a minty respite from the tyranny of the fast food joint's usual vanilla, chocolate and strawberry shake choices. Even as a child, I would go out of my way for just about any ususual flavor of a usual treat (hence my obsession with the once-a-year holiday roll out of Mint M&Ms) -- so without fail, I'd suck down a few Shamrock Shakes every March.

But I haven't had a Shamrock Shake in probably 15 years. McDonald's discontinued the St. Patrick's Day promotion long ago, around the same time I discontinued my visits there. Obviously, my tastes have changed through the years. But I may have to return now.

The dilemma? Like a good Catholic boy, I've given up ice cream for Lent. (I know, pretty drastic. Especially considering we still have some Magnolia-brand ube ice cream in the freezer.)

Now, as far as I can tell, technically, McDonald's shakes are not made from ice cream (In-N-Out's shakes, on the other hand, are). Have I found a loop hole? What's the consensus out there? As you know, by the time Lent's over, the Shamrock Shake and St. Patrick's Day will be long gone. Damn you, McDonald's!