This past weekend, we got the kids into the car, and we drove to a chocolate shop. Weeks before, we had decided to take our 2-year-old to the chocolate shop for her birthday, because her current favorite reading material was “Curious George and the Chocolate Factory.” We were taking the trip several weeks later than we planned, but it was still exciting.
We had a lovely time, pointing at all the difference chocolates and describing them to her. At the end of our trip, we each picked one chocolate to savor and call our own. Little was so proud of hers and held onto it like a prize; she barely ate any. I, however, did eat mine. It was a Hawaiian caramel chocolate. I have no idea what made it Hawaiian, but it was delicious.
This trip reaffirmed an important value I had begun to take for granted; chocolate is delicious and belongs in my regular day-to-day life. Now, for obvious reasons, I can’t go picking out nice chocolates on a regular basis, but I have had this shake 3 times since then, and my chocolate requirements have been fully satisfied.
My husband prefers this shake without the honey; when it’s thick and has a potent cocoa flavor. I prefer 1/2 – 1 Tbsp of raw honey, but you can find your own perfect level of sweetness.
I think the secret is the frozen banana, it makes the shake creamy, without watering it down. I got a second bunch of bananas just to keep in the freezer, so I can make this shake whenever I get the chocolate urge. No need to ignore chocolate cravings; indulge away!
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 1/2 Tbsp almond butter
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/3 c. unsweetened almond milk
- raw honey to taste (optional)*
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- Combine all ingredients (except the coconut) in a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Top with unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- * I really like about 1 Tbsp of raw honey, but my husband prefers it without honey. Find what level of sweetness works for you.
It is a treat to take the kids out but if you really want something delicious and healthier make it yourself at home.
Yay! Love a good paleo shake! I’ll definitely be giving this a try ASAP! 🙂
This shake sounds soo yummy! I tend to get stuck in a rut with my smoothies/shakes and make the same ones over and over again, so I definitely need to try this one out!
Any excuse to add more chocolate into the diet, right? 🙂
Tendril Wild
Yum!! This looks so good..will definitely have to try this recipe!
This sounds lovely and healthy! I am sure it would satisfying anyone, including the little ones, milk shake cravings 🙂
My girls love Curious George too. Their favorite is Goerge and the Ice Cream Shop. And this shake looks yummy. I need to incorporate more shakes and smoothies into my diet, so this is a winner.
I didn’t know there was a George and the Ice Cream Shop! We will look for it next time we are at the library.
This looks so relish and easy to make! I make smoothies daily and will totally try this this week!
Lauren, this is such a great alternative. I honestly think this would satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. I’ve made a few shakes and I have to agree that the bananas make it creamy! Thanks for sharing-pinned this so I can come back to it.
This chocolate shake looks amazing! I love anything with almond butter and banana.
Ok, you had me at chocolate 😉 How sweet that she loves curious George and happy birthday to her! I’ve never tried a Hawaiian caramel chocolate but it sounds divine!
I’m loving how simple and healthy this recipe is! I can indulge without feeling the guilt 😉
Perfection!
This looks wonderful. I make a post-workout smoothie almost just like this!
Yum! We love smoothies, especially when chocolate is involved:)