Ahh, the smoothie… What could be more satisfying then a big frosty glass of a thick and creamy drink that tastes almost as sinful as ice cream. On a hot summer day, there is nothing more refreshing than a smoothie for lunch. If you Google the term “smoothie” you’ll receive about 9,000,000 results, but what’s the perfect smoothie? Here is the basic criteria: it must be cold, and it must contain peanut butter. From that wonderful starting point, I’ve created a great smoothie base that is very adaptable to suit your fancy. All without using ice. Don’t be afraid to experiment, you can throw almost anything into that blender without drastically affecting the taste (see “Could” Additions).

Ingredients:Print

Base:

1 frozen banana (freeze in plastic wrap without peel)
1 frozen peach or 5 frozen strawberries
1/2 cup no salt cottage cheese or plain yogurt
almond milk or other liquid, as needed

“Must” Additions:

2 Tbsp peanut butter
1 handful frozen wild blueberries, cherries, etc..

“Should” Additions:

2-3 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1-2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tsp cinnamon

“Could” Additions:

1/4 cup frozen spinach
1/4 cup frozen carrots
2 Tbsp flax seed, wheat germ, wheat bran, etc…
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
Few drops of mint, almond or vanilla extract

Toppings:

cocoa nibs
peanut butter (drizzled on top)
high-fiber cereal
almonds
broken-up Peanut Butter Cookies

Instructions:

1. Break banana into chunks and place all ingredients into blender except for milk/liquid. Pulse until the motley of goodness begins to chop up. Slowly add milk/liquid as needed.

2. When your mixture reaches the consistency of frozen yogurt, you’re done! Pour into a large mug, sprinkle with toppings and eat with a spoon.

3. Sprinkle, eat, repeat.

Additional Info:

Strawberries are a better base than mixed berries because they are naturally sweeter. The cocoa powder gives a wonderful chocolate flavor and adds tons of antioxidants as well as some fiber and protein. Surprisingly, adding the cottage cheese and pumpkin had no discernible effect on the flavor. Experiment and leave a comment with your results!

Filed in Breakfast, Dessert, Gluten Free, Peanut Butter, Snack, Vegetarian

6 Responses / Leave a comment »

  1. HickoryChick says:

    Dude… the PB banana smoothie is one of my favorites. I make mine for a healthy and satisfying ‘light’ treat, so please add more PB if you can afford the calories:

    1 frozen banana
    1.5 Tbsp peanut butter
    1/4 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
    1/2 cup skim milk

    Blend, serve and swoon. Next time I’m going to add some cocoa, for fun. Thanks for the awesome recipe suggestions!

  2. Nick says:

    Absolutely. The peanut butter makes it thick and rich. I am actually just about to update this with a full “perfect” smoothie that I just had for lunch. Definitely try the cocoa addition, it adds a great subtle flavor!

  3. Cenk says:

    Looks amazing! Wonderful color..

  4. Hey, I love pumpkin shakes made with pumpkin ice cream. But ice cream makers think pumpkin is only for use in the fall!

    So, can I use pumpkin pie from a can (the kind you put in a pie) in ice cream and milk to make a shake??

    Help me… I’m starving

    Totally, that stuff is great. I use pure pumpkin puree though, it’s got no added sugar so you can control the sweetness level yourself. I love putting pumpkin in everything, who cares if it’s fall or not! ~ Nick

  5. Dave Peckens says:

    This will be my spring/summer breakfast… buying ingredients tonight.

    Nom nom nom.

    • Nick says:

      Check my Twitter reply! I have a few “ice cream” recipes on my site that are essentially the same basic recipe as this smoothie, only better!

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