In an attempt to discourage fruit flies from hovering in our kitchen, I started freezing ripened batches of bananas. (I usually break peeled bananas in two and pack them in a freezer-safe container). I quickly learned that frozen bananas are great to have around. As it turns out, the texture of blended frozen bananas is similar to that of soft serve ice cream! Who would have thought?
The following recipe makes a lovely summer afternoon snack. This is also a healthier alternative to traditional milkshakes. One tablespoon of almond butter provides almost 20% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and an essential nutrient for well-moisturized skin. Almonds also contain calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, copper, folate, and proven mood-boosters zinc and magnesium—not to mention source of plant protein.
We all know that bananas are noted for their potassium content, but I recently learned that bananas may also help boost your mood! Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan, from which serotonin is derived, and serotonin in turn plays a large role in our sense of well-being. Here’s to happy bananas!
Happy Vegan Banana Almond “Milkshake”
Servings: 1 (12oz)
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1 ½ cups almond milk (Here’s a great tutorial for homemade almond milk.)
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
1 heaping tbls. almond butter, preferably raw
1tsp. stevia, or sweetener of choice
Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and mix to desired consistency. (I like mine a little chunky). Enjoy!
Curious about the nutritional value of ingredients in your next vegan dish? Try Foodle, a free mobile app that allows you to search a variety of both whole and processed foods. Foodle displays an FDA-style “Nutrition Facts” label for any given food while also listing its content of Vitamins A through K and nine different minerals.
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Photo: Mary Hood
