Choco-Banana-Nut Smoothie

When I'm in the mood for a sweet treat that is loaded with protein, I make myself one of these smoothies, although it's really a lot more like a shake than a smoothie. I load the following into the blender:

• 2 bananas, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces (frozen if you would like and if your blender can handle it)
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/4 cocoa powder
• 1/4 peanut or sunflower butter
• 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or liquid sweetener of your choice

Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender. I usually start on a lower setting and bring up the speed as it is chopped and then liquified.

I like this smoothie for all kinds of occasions, but it is really great when I feel like I need some extra protein in the morning. Actually, peanut and other nut butters are my morning protein go-to in all sorts of recipes.

To make the most of the protein in this shake, pair the peanut butter version of this smoothie with a whole grain. You could add in steel cut oats that have been cooked down into a watery mush to the blender with the other ingredients. I personally like to have a piece or two of whole grain toast with jam. The pair is a delicious spin on the peanut-butter and jelly concept.

 Chocolatey, Peanut Buttery, Banana Goodness!