Blessings are like a stop sign to remind us to slow down and thank God.  Throughout the year in Bshul (cooking class) students have learned the blessings for every food group.  I introduced the hand-washing blessing, Yadiim, and repeat it at the beginning of every cooking lesson.  This keeps us holy and sanitary! For Shabbat we learned both the Hamotzi, blessing on bread, and Borei Prei Hagafen, “fruit of the vine” blessing on wine or grape juice.  At Sukkot we learned the blessing over vegetables from the earth or Borei Pri Ha’adamah.  At TuBshvat we learned to bless fruit from the trees or Borei Prei Ha’etz.  At Passover we blessed Matzo.  The blessing we probably say the most in Bshul is Mezonot on grains.  The kids fondly refer to this as the “yummy things blessing” for all our delicious baked goods.

We rounded out the year by learning the Shehakol blessing, which is short for “everything by his word.” Foods like, milk, eggs, fish, beer, soda/pop or anything that doesn’t fit into one of the pre mentioned blessing categories are covered by this one.  What better way to learn the Shehakol blessing than by making milkshakes!  And not just any milkshake but one flavored with Oreos!  A special thanks to Dara Lazar for saving our lesson by donating a brand new blender (after I knocked over the ancient glass appliance and broke it twenty minutes before class!)

All you need to make a single serve Oreo milkshake:

• ¼  cup whole milk
• 1 ¾ cup vanilla ice cream
• chocolate syrup
• 2 Oreo cookies, crushed in a plastic bag

In a blender, combine the crushed cookies, milk, ice cream, a squirt of chocolate syrup and blend until smooth.

Serve immediately!