SMOOTHies: The SMOOTHest drink around

The Mango Pineapple Smoothie. A mango pineapple smoothie is one of my go to drinks whenever I am at a smoothie place. My dad and I share a love for this drink, and will never get sick of it even if we drank it a thousand times in one day. I used to have a large mango pineapple smoothie often when my family first opened our DQ. Then, one day the news was sent out: Grill and Chill locations would no longer sell Orange Julius. Orange Julius, who specializes in beverages, became a fully owned subsidiary of Dairy Queen in 1987. This meant that the remaining Orange Julius stores turned in DQ locations, and Dairy Queen added Orange Julius to its product line at its stores.

My love for mango pineapple smoothies started when I born. My family owned a pizza shop in Ames, Iowa, and that is practically where I was born. My parents would bring me to that shop at 6 AM to start prepping the store, luckily I would just sleep in my stroller in the back. However, when I woke up, I would be the source of entertainment for the whole store. Customers would interact with me while I was too busy watching SpongeBob on the TV. We used to sell the best pizzas and best smoothies. People would come from all over the state because they heard of our smoothies. My parents were even published in the newspaper on two separate occasions for Dinner and Desserts. My favorite customer was this guy named Josh. He owned a phone store in the mall, so I remember I would always deliver him a Coke.

Mango pineapple smoothies are a staple in my life. I was utterly upset when Dairy Queen said they would no longer serve Orange Julius at Grill and Chill locations. Nowadays, I like the mango pineapple smoothies from McDonald’s. Unfortunately, the McDonald’s on College Ave doesn’t sell them. There used to be a promotion where you could get a free any size drink as long as you spent $3. It was perfect for me; I would get two McChickens and a large mango pineapple smoothie. Sadly, I can’t recommend mango pineapple smoothie from DQ too much because not many locations sell it anymore. Despite the changes in availability, the enduring love for mango pineapple smoothies remains a cherished memory and a refreshing treat whenever one is lucky enough to find it. If you do see an Orange Julius DQ, make sure to stop and order a Large Mango Pineapple Smoothie.

It’s been almost a month since the last time I wrote about DQ!! Since the last blog post, I went home for spring break and worked a few shifts, but when I would come home at night and open the freezer, I would find myself indulging in a chocolate dilly bar. I don’t like to snack on desserts, often, but these sweet treats had me going for more everyday.

The best way I can describe a dilly bar is that it is like a dipped cone on a stick. My favorite is the chocolate dilly bar which is Dairy Queen’s signature  soft serve, encased in a thick, crunchy chocolatey shell. The first bite gives you the crunch of the chocolate shell, but as you going deeper, you shell gives way to the smooth vanilla ice creaming, creating a contrast between smooth and crunchy. Dairy Queen’s commitment to quality means that each Dilly Bar is made with care, ensuring that the chocolate coating is just the right thickness to complement the ice cream without overpowering it. The result is a balanced, satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Of course, with all things Dairy Queen, there are more options than just the chocolate dilly bar. The Dilly Bar also comes in cherry, butterscotch, and Heath. The heath dilly bar is a little different than the rest. The ice cream and the chocolate shell have Heath pieces in it. Additionally, DQ also sells no sugar added dilly bars and non dairy dilly bars. Both of these options are perfect if you have dietary restrictions.

Although not many Dairy Queens make these by hand anymore, my franchise still prides itself on handcrafting each delectable Dilly Bar with care and precision, ensuring unparalleled freshness and flavor.

Ultimately, the Chocolate Dilly Bar serves as a delicious representation of Dairy Queen’s commitment to traditional flavors and high-quality confections. It’s more than simply dessert; with each bite, you’re taken on a nostalgic journey, reminded of the small things in life, and celebrated for its ageless flavor. There’s a Dilly Bar to suit every taste, be it the classic chocolate crunch or the daring Heath blend. The next time you find yourself reaching into the freezer, keep in mind that you’re relishing a piece of Dairy Queen’s rich history, one delectable Dilly bar at a time, rather than merely indulging in a sweet delight.

So, next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a Chocolate Dilly Bar. 

Following in the footsteps of last week’s post, this week I am going to be talking about my favorite cake of all time, the Oreo blizzard cake. Ever since I was a kid I only preferred ice cream cake. I never liked frosting or the spongy texture of regular vanilla and chocolate cake mixed with my love for ice cream, put ice cream cake right in my hands. It doesn’t matter if the cake is from Coldstone or Giant or DQ, I love all types of Oreo ice cream cake, but owning a DQ makes ice cream cakes more accessible to me.

There’s just something magical about the Oreo blizzard cake that speaks to my soul. Maybe it’s the combination of the creamy ice cream, the crunchy Oreo pieces, and that delicious fudge swirl running through it all. No matter the reason, whenever I see that iconic Oreo blizzard cake, my mouth starts watering and I can’t resist diving in for a slice (or two). The contrast of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. It’s like a party in my mouth with every spoonful! I may not have a sweet tooth, but I will always have time to indulge in some Oreo ice cream cake.

Dairy Queen’s ice cream cakes are different from their competitors. In the middle of every blizzard cake you will find a layer of cold fudge and crunch filling. The cold fudge is a decadent addition to the cake, adding a rich and thick layer of chocolatey goodness. The cold fudge serves multiple purposes in the cake; it adds a burst of chocolate flavor, creates a contrast to the creamy ice cream, and binds all the layers together.

In the same layer is the crunch base. It is arguably the signature element of any DQ ice cream cake The crunch provides a textural contrast to the smooth ice cream and fudge layers, and adds a depth of flavor in the cake. I know for me, this is the best part of the cake because it tastes good and it pairs perfectly with the rest of the cake. The crunch ensures that every bite is as enjoyable as the last.

The Oreo blizzard cake sets itself apart when its competitors. Even at DQ, the Oreo cakes outsells the PB Cup cake or the Chocolate Brownie Extreme cake. I would say it’s in everyone’s best interest to eat Oreo blizzard cake from any DQ (please come to mine only). Oh, and don’t forget at DQ we can customize your cakes and write any message that you would like. So, next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a Oreo Blizzard cake.

Love is in the air, more than anytime of the year. With Valentine’s day coming up, I thought it’s fitting that I write a post about the Red Velvet Blizzard Cupid Cake. Dairy Queen only sells the Red Velvet Blizzard and Cupid Cake during February, more specifically Valentine’s day. For the 3 weeks that the blizzard and cake are in season, they are the highest selling treats in their respective categories. The word “cupid” should tell you all there is to know about the cake. The 6″ cake serves two, perfect to eat with your significant other.

Let me get into the ingredients!

1. 1. Vanilla ice cream: the base of every blizzard and cake. Arguably, the most important ingredient that Dairy Queen has in it’s inventory.
   2. Red velvet cake pieces: the cake that embodies Valentine’s day, characterized by its deep red color. I think red velvet can be eaten around any time of year, but like hot cocoa, red velvet cake has its season.
   3. Cream cheese base: the perfect complement to the red velvet cake pieces, bringing out the cocoa and subtle hints of buttermilk. Its creaminess goes hand in hand with the soft, crumbly texture of the red velvet pieces.

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, I think that’s time that I teach you guys how to make a DQ cake. One key difference from the Red Velvet Blizzard Cupid cake and other DQ cakes is that the cupid cake isn’t made with chocolate crunch in the middle.

Let’s go over steps to make the Red Velvet Blizzard Cupid Cake!

1. 1. To make a 6″ heart cake, you also need to make a large Red Velvet blizzard. Fill the cup halfway with vanilla ice cream, then 4 spoons of red velvet pieces, and half a scoop of cream cheese.
   2. Grab a blizzard ring and place it on the cup. Fill the cup up with more vanilla ice cream until the first notch of the ring, and then blend thoroughly with the blizzard machine.
   3. You grab the heart ring from the freezer. The ring needs to be frozen, otherwise the ice cream starts to melt quickly.
   4. Put the ring on a circle board, and fill the ring up 1/4 – 1/3 of the way with vanilla ice cream.
   5. Fill the rest of heart ring with the blizzard you made earlier.
   6. Put back in the freezer for a couple minutes.
   7. Take the cake out of the freezer, take the ring off, and decorate!

While the public loves the blizzard, this is what owner and operator, Dharmesh Makwana (my dad), has to say, “As the name says, it is very velvety. It doesn’t change the smoothness of the ice cream and it melts away in your mouth.” If you won’t take my word for it, take my dad’s; he’s the expert on all things DQ. So, next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a Red Velvet Blizzard Cupid Cake. 

Chocolatey goodness yum yum yum!!! Those are the words that accurately describe the Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie blizzard. This is probably the most chocolate blizzard there is at Dairy Queen – the only thing that could make it more chocolatey is chocolate ice cream. Don’t be mistaken between the Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie and the Choco Brownie Extreme. Royal blizzards have a syrup down the middle, in this case, the Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie has fudge down the middle. Let’s get right into the ingredients!

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: No matter what type of blizzard, the base will always be vanilla ice cream. Unless, the customer specifically asks for chocolate ice cream, all blizzards are made with vanilla ice cream.
2. Brownie Pieces: No chocolate extreme blizzard is complete without brownie pieces. They offer a perfect balance of chewiness and richness, adding rich texture to every bite.
3. Chocolate chunks: These versatile chunks are found in a variety of different blizzards. They add the perfect crunch to every bite, and they are the perfect complement to the soft brownie bits. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra! (For an additional charge.)
4. Cocoa Fudge: The whole reason the blizzards looks like it’s made with chocolate ice cream! The rich fudge transforms the vanilla ice cream into a creamy chocolatey goodness. Cocoa fudge brings all the ingredients together like a sauce in an entrée.
5. Hot fudge: The special part of Royal blizzards is the syrup down the middle. After the blizzard is fully blended, we remove the cup with a hole down the middle of the ice cream. Then, we fill the hole with hot fudge, and that’s what makes the blizzard a royal. Another common Royal blizzard is the Royal New York Cheesecake which has strawberry down the middle.

This blizzard meets every chocolate lover’s dream: a blizzard full of chocolate. I interviewed an avid fan of the Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie Blizzard and this is what she had to say: “I love the rich brownie bits, and the creamy fudge, surrounded by the chocolate swirled vanilla ice cream.” Don’t just take my word for it, take the word of this fan!

The Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie Blizzard stands as a testament to Dairy Queen’s mastery of chocolatey indulgence. With its rich blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, brownie pieces, chocolate chunks, cocoa fudge, and hot fudge, this Blizzard delivers an unparalleled experience for chocolate lovers everywhere. So, next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a small Royal Ultimate Choco Brownie Blizzard. Served upside down or the next one’s free!

Welcome back everyone. This is the first post of the new semester, so let me give you a little recap of my break. My family went to Cabo where we ziplined, jet skied, went to the beach, and ate delicious food. I can’t forget I also worked at Dairy Queen. In the winter, business gets really slow, and that makes it the worst time to work. I find myself sitting in the office waiting for customers to come in. So, while I waited for customers, I decided to make a Snickers blizzard one day.

I played soccer all throughout my childhood and middle school, but there’s this memory I have of one year of tryouts. It was freezing cold, and the tryouts were outside. I remember everyone was in shorts but the top halves of our bodies were bundled up. We were topped with beanies and our hands were in gloves. In the column to the right is a picture of my elementary soccer days. The topic of this blog is not my soccer tryouts, although they are connected, trust me. During a water break, I told my parents I was so hungry (I was probably exaggerating). One of my parents had a Snickers in their pocket, and that satisfied my hunger. That moment reminds me of the Snickers’ commercials that say “you’re not you when you’re hungry.” I was a different person after I ate that bar. My hunger, no longer an issue, I took to the fields energized.

Back to the Snickers blizzard. Before this winter break, it had been years since my last Snickers blizzard. It isn’t personal to the blizzard, but there are just better players in a very talented league, but I had to come back to a veteran. A customer just ordered a Snickers blizzard, so I decided to make my own. I have no regret of that decision because it brought me back to the cold, dark tryout night. I remember my legs freezing, but everyone was playing through the numbness. The Snickers blizzard is made with Snickers and chocolate sauce; chocolate always brings back memories of ice cream or any sweet treat because it is something you can indulge in at any point of life.

DQ brings back memories no matter what you eat there. Either ice cream or a burger, there is always a memory that is connected to the food. That’s the best part of DQ; there is always a memory associated with the trip. Don’t forget the next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a small Snickers blizzard.

Hey guys!! This is going to be the last blog post of the semester, so I hoped you enjoyed reading about Dairy Queen as much as I enjoyed writing about it. This blog post is going to be about the regular fries, but these golden delights aren’t just your average fries; they’re a culinary experience!

Let me explain to you how to prepare this delicacy. First, the fries are taken out of the freezer and poured into the fryer basket. Then, they are put into the scorching, hot oil for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This fryer oil is around 350 degrees, so sticking your hand in the oil wouldn’t be the best idea. After the 2 minutes and 30 seconds are over, you take the fries out of the oil and dump them into the fry dump. The fries are only good for about 7 minutes once they’re taken out of the oil, so we remember to fill less, more often. This helps reduce waste and save money because we’re using the fries more efficiently. 

I LOVE the Dairy Queen fries (although I may have a bit of a bias). They are the perfect side to a chicken strip basket or a chicken sandwich; they are also perfect to have on their own. Fries are a side in all restaurants, and in DQ it’s no different. They are cooked to perfect, and salted just enough, that you want to keep eating them. If the store is busy and I am hungry, I tend to get some fries in the paper boat and keep them in the back. When I have the time, I go to the back and eat a few. This can be a pain sometimes because I have to wash my hands before I start working again, but it is ok because the fries are so good. As a side, I like my fries to be complemented with a chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese. The pepper jack cheese adds a kick to the sandwich, and is a flavorful necessity. 

How could I not write a blog without writing about the customizability of the fries. Although the fries themselves are not customizable, you can choose what you eat them with. The go-to dip would be ketchup, which you can never go wrong with. Dairy Queen always serves honey mustard, buffalo, house-made ranch, country gravy, and BBQ. These are all staples as dipping sauces and I would not blame you for picking one over the other. The house-made ranch is my favorite because it doesn’t taste like any other ranch; it’s unique!

The fries evoke a piece of nostalgia for me. Similar to the medium vanilla cone, I associate the regular fries with a warm summer day. I remember the days where my family would go out for some ice cream, but I would always order fries on the side. It reminds me of my friends, and how we would go to DQ after a sporting event and just laugh the night away. The DQ fries aren’t just a side to your burger, sandwich, or chicken basket. They are a delicacy that also brings me happiness (mmmmmmmmmmmm). So, don’t forget the next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order regular fires. 

Crispy on the outside, delightful and creamy on the inside. That’s right, I’m talking about the cheese curds from DQ. These tiny delights are enough to send your taste buds into a euphoric frenzy. When you bite into these delights, your taste buds become stimulated with the amount of flavor in the cheese and the crust. The crisp coating shatters under the pressure of your teeth and releases that satisfying crunch. Cheese curds are like mini mozzarella sticks; if you’re a fan of mozzarella sticks, then you’ll definitely love the cheese curds! The difference is that cheese curds are much yummier and they come DQ – the best fan food service. Here is a recipe for cheese curds if you ever want to make your own. 

Personally, I like the small size option of the cheese curds because I enjoy the quantity a lot more. The perfect combination is the cheese curds with a side of marinara sauce.  Although the customizability isn’t there with the cheese curds, you can still get them in a regular size or large size, and you can dip them in any sauce that you want! Additionally, they go well with any burger, sandwich, or chicken strip basket. I love the combination of the chicken strips with ranch and the side of cheese curds with marinara sauce. The moment you finish each bite of a cheese curd, your taste buds want even more. With every pause between bites, your taste buds are left in suspense, craving for one more bite… and another… and another. 

The cheese curds are a perfect munching snack, especially when I’m working. They are so quick to eat and I can get back to running the store in no time. They fry in a minute and 35 seconds, I take them to the office, eat them quickly, wash my hands, and get right back to work. They’re also a nice option to have other than fries and onion rings. The cheese provides the extra flavor boost, and the crust has such a nice crunch. It’s also nice to have something other than ketchup with a side because with either fries or onion rings, I will use ketchup as a dip. 

How could I not mention anything about ice cream! Just like any other thing in the universe, cheese curds pair amazingly with ice cream. The strawberry sundae is the best option (in my opinion). The perfect combination of hot and cold, as well as salty and sweet occurs when you pair ice cream and cheese curds. The customizability connects to the cheese curds now because you can customize the ice cream in any way you want.

Dairy Queen’s cheese curds are like jewels found in a treasure chest of culinary secrets. They radiate taste and serve as a beacon of joy for everyone looking to experience this delightful journey. It’s a hunt where the delight of the voyage itself counts as much as your taste receptors getting satisfied. Don’t forget the next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order an order of small cheese curds.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. If you’re seeking a delightful treat that’s the epitome of simplicity and sweetness, the medium vanilla cone from DQ is your golden ticket.

The vanilla cone can be considered the most iconic sweet treat in the world. It isn’t just an ordinary dessert; it’s like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. As you take that first lick, your taste buds are greeted with a rush of sweetness! Your taste buds are met with the perfect complement to a summer afternoon – hot and sunny. The cone isn’t just perfect for a summer afternoon, but it is perfect for gloomy days, rainy days, or just bad days. 

At DQ, the cones become even more special with our curl on top. Every cone is made with the perfect curl on top and is served on a cake cone. There is a different between a cake cone and waffle cone, a lot of people don’t realize that! Here’s a link that talks about the differences between the cones. The cone is the perfect carrier for the vanilla ice cream; it offers a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The bite of a DQ cone is similar to stepping on a crisp fall leaf. Each lick (or bite) is a life changing experience, met with savory goodness and sweetness. With every lick you experience the sweet, sweet taste of vanilla ice cream, and as you reach the cone, you get to experience the best of both worlds.

A medium vanilla cone wouldn’t be a DQ menu item if it wasn’t customizable. You can get the cone in small, medium, or large. Not only can you change the cones, but you can also pick between vanilla, chocolate, or twist ice cream. If you feel like that isn’t enough, you might try dipping your cone. When I mean dipping a cone, I mean dipping it in chocolate or butterscotch! The beloved cherry dip recently received the boot due to the contents of red 40. Not to worry though, it could be coming back in the future, but until then there will be seasonal flavors like churro! There are just so many ways to customize a vanilla cone!

My favorite size of vanilla cone is medium. Unlike my previous blog posts, I believe that a small is not enough for my tastebuds. A medium is the perfect balance between the small and large in the cone. Additionally, I love the crunchiness of the cones, so the medium gives me a longer time to munch on my cone. A vanilla cone brings me back to my childhood, when I would have the ice cream all over my face. When I eat a vanilla cone, there is no worry in my mind, similar to when I was a kid. I see kids when I’m working with the same experience. Their faces covered in ice cream smoosh their faces in the cone. 

The medium vanilla cone is more than a frozen dessert, it’s a source of nostalgia, happiness, and sweetness. With so many ways to customize, there is a perfect option for all ice cream lovers at DQ. Don’t forget the next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a medium vanilla cone!

Crunch. That’s the sound you hear when you bite into the mouth watery chicken sandwich at Dairy Queen. I know you’re thinking, how can an ice cream place serve good food? I wondered that as well before my family decided to open up a DQ, however my perception changed after I tried the secret weapon – the chicken sandwich.

The first bite of the sandwich is like popping bubble wrap. The sound is so satisfying! The crunch not only comes from the crispy, warm chicken, but it also comes from the iceberg lettuce, a staple in DQ’s chicken sandwich. The other two ingredients are mayo and tomatoes. Both are necessary for you to get the whole experience. The mayo brings together the whole sandwich. It is the perfect topping on the chicken sandwich. The tomato, of course, is a staple on any sandwich or burger. DQ also serves a spicy option of the chicken sandwich; it has flamethrower sauce, which adds a little kick to each bite. Here’s a recipe to make your own flamethrower sauce. The lettuce and tomatoes are like bright hues on an artist’s palette. Finally, let’s talk about the buns. NO sandwich is complete with the buns. They literally are the glue which holds together the sandwich. It complements the crispness of the chicken but it’s baby-like softness.

The sandwich wouldn’t be a part of the menu if it wasn’t customizable! My way of customizing the chicken sandwich is to add pepper jack cheese. A coworker once made me a chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese and I have not looked back since. Every chicken sandwich I make at DQ has to have pepper jack cheese. It is the perfect complement to the sandwich. Being Indian, I prefer some spice in my food, so the pepper jack cheese helps me feel the sandwich isn’t bland. Sometimes I even like to cut the sandwich in half, which makes me feel like a true chef. I also like to make the sandwich a combo with some fries or cheese curds and a soft drink. The cheese curds will definitely be a blog post in the future. 

The experience isn’t over without getting ice cream, like a small strawberry sundae, that perfectly ends the meal. You have the perfect combination of hot and cold with the chicken sandwich and ice cream. My dad prefers a chocolate sundae with chopped peanuts to complement his chicken sandwich, but to each their own. As long as you get ice cream and a sandwich, I won’t judge you. 

The Dairy Queen Chicken Sandwich is a culinary masterpiece, where every element is carefully crafted to create a symphony of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken filet to the light breading, the soft buns, fresh toppings, and customizable sauces, it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget. This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a work of art for your taste buds, and a must-try for all sandwich enthusiasts. Don’t forget the next time you drive by a DQ, make sure to stop and order a chicken sandwich.