For any Aussie who grew up in the suburbs, the unforgettable strains of “Greensleeves” immediately brings to mind the cherished childhood memory of rushing out to the ice cream van to get your soft serve cone. For me, it always had to come with 100s and 1000s. Or, if my mum was feeling magnanimous, an extra Flake chocolate bar sploinked right in the middle.

Now that I’m a city girl, the chances of me coming across a Mr Whippy van are pretty much nil, and I’m not likely to head into Macca’s to get a cone, since one of my teenage nieces or nephews is most likely going to be working behind the counter, which means I’ll be guilted into buying several tonnes of French fries to make them look good in front of the boss.

Well, that problem has now been solved, with the news that good old ALDI is selling a home soft-serve machine for just $40 in their next Special Buys sale. Much cheaper than several tonnes of fries, that’s for sure. Even better? It can also make slushies, so after I’ve had my Mr Whippy fix, I can be Mrs Whippy and magic up some cooling cocktails for my friends and family over the summer.

Unlike other appliances – like yoghurt machines, or bread-makers – this one would actually make for a pretty awesome Christmas gift – one that won’t just spend the next 10 years slowly rotting in that cupboard underneath the sink where you keep the Drano. And in case you’re wondering, yes, this is a massive hint. Be sure to spread the word to all my friends and family. You’ll probably find half of them working at McDonald’s.

To check out everything on offer in ALDI’s Kitchen Helpers Special Buys sale on Wednesday December 21, head here.

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