Chocolate Hazelnuts Milkshakes

Growing up in the Northwest  meant I was lucky enough to be surrounded by lush green, I grew to love rain but also really appreciate sunshine, and we had my beloved Burgerville, a local fast-food joint only those in the great NW are fortunate enough to have. Whenever I go home to Vancouver we make sure to eat there at least once (as seen here, here, and here), usually on the way to or from the airport, sometimes both. ;) One of my favorite things to order from their menu are their seasonal milkshakes. The shake that makes me weak in the knees (you didn't know a shake could do that did you?) is their chocolate hazelnut milkshake.  Oh my.  I don't think I've had a sip of that epic shake in years...and decided it had been long enough.  I have had a generous supply of Nutella on-hand since Easter (thanks Dad!), and hoped that the heavenly chocolate hazelnut spread would do the work for me.  I whipped some up last weekend with Adam, then yesterday for Brooks and me. All of us loved it! I can't claim that it is quite as good as Burgerville's, but it's pretty close and definitely gave me the sweetest nostalgic feeling of home.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT MILKSHAKE
Serves: 2

6 scoops vanilla ice cream, barely softened
2/3 cup milk
1/3 - 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella)
1 - 2 Tablespoons hazelnuts, finely chopped
Optional garnish: whipped cream and a pinch of chopped hazelnuts

Scoop Nutella into a microwave-safe dish and warm up for 15 seconds and stir, then repeat. Combine all ingredients (the more hazelnuts the nuttier the flavor & texture will be, and the more Nutella you use the sweeter & more chocolatey it will be) in the blender and mix. I blend it 'til it is just combined because I like my shakes thicker. Pour into glasses, and top with whipped cream and a few pinches of extra chopped hazelnuts. Enjoy!

**I'm sharing this over at Whipperberry. :) Go see what other recipes, ideas, and projects others are sharing!