My Cocoa Smoothie Addiction - Revealed!

Angela and I have NOT abandoned you.  I swear.  We have simply been tending gardens, and freezing food, and figuring out how to cook with all the new food-allergy-related restrictions.  But, never fear, I am finding my footing and have several recipes in the works right now!

For my part, I have frozen six quarts of blueberries and four gallons of broccoli, as well as about three gallons of cauliflower.  I also made  up about a quart of turkey stock (without garlic...I have had to resort to making my own, because I cannot find a brand without it!).

As for my plans for THIS weekend, I hope to freeze a few strawberries this weekend, and also freeze some shredded zucchini for zucchini bread.  (Hmm, I may have to go ahead and make a nice batch of vegan/gluten free zucchini bread, while I am at it.)  Oh, and most likely I will make more turkey stock.

I have also been freezing (and then promptly using) between one and two gallon bags worth of bananas every week.  I use them in my smoothies, but if I just leave the bananas on the counter they tend to get eaten (or half eaten) by the kiddos.  However, I have found that if I peel the bananas and cut them into rounds, then put them in a single layer on a cookie tray in the freezer, I can bag them up for future use.  Then, just like magic, there they are, right where I left them, uneaten!  Go figure!  I have now decided that I should hide all of my favorite foods in the freezer to keep them safe from little fingers!

I have also developed an addiction to Cocoa Smoothies, which does not really have a recipe, but it basically goes like this:

(First, and apology:  I keep finishig off the addictive little beauties smoothies before I have a chance to take a photo, but I will make another batch tonight and post a photo then.)

Cocoa Smoothies

1 large banana
1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa
Approx. 2 tbsp. agave (or honey, if you prefer)
2 c. flax milk (or other milk, milk-type, milk-ish product of your choice)
If you want, you can also add a tablespoon of some sort of nut butter
Two big handfuls of ice

Whirl it all around in your blender, and drink up!  If it seems a bit thick, add more milk, if you like it sweeter add more agave.  You get the gist!  This makes two of those conservative "that's what they allege are servings" or one nice "over-sized glass serving"...your choice.

I have to confess, I am addicted to the stuff.  Especially with the summer heat that seems to have a firm hold around these parts.  I like mine straight up (no nut butter)...it reminds me of a slightly melted chocolate milkshake (without all the allery issues)...just creamy, chocolaty goodness.  This makes me happy.  The kids loved it, too!  We also made several fruity versions, too, but that is a post for another day.  For now though, it is Friday, and my fridge is full, and I have another Cocoa Smoothie to make (and photograph).

~Terri