Mary Bilyeu, Contributor

Thankfully, it's warmed up again after last week's distinctly fall-like chill, because today is National Chocolate Milkshake Day, and it's much more fun to enjoy a cool drink on a warm day!

You can make a basic version of this rich, delicious treat by using chocolate ice cream and plain ol' milk; but why not make it a bit more special?

Taking inspiration from the beloved Mounds bar — sweet coconut dipped in dark chocolate — I added coconut milk to my milkshake. After all, it's a fabulous flavor combination in any form!

Whether you glam up your drink or rely upon the old favorite in its beautiful simplicity, be sure to celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day somehow!

Chocolate Coconut Milkshake

2 cups chocolate ice cream
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup chocolate milk
whipped cream, for serving

Combine ice cream, syrup and coconut milk in a blender; puree until smooth. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

Serves 2.

Mary Bilyeu has won or placed in more than 60 cooking contests and writes about her adventures in the kitchen. She was thrilled to have her post about Scottish Oatmeal Shortbread named as one of the daily "Best of the Blogs" by the prestigious Food News Journal.

Go visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — on which she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related. Her newest feature is Frugal Floozie Friday, seeking fun and food for $5 or less ... really! Feel free to email her with questions or comments or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers as they cook along with her ... may you always be happy here.