It’s a wee bit sticky in Sydney at the moment. The sort of heat that has edged just past fabulous and moved towards slightly uncomfortable. At least, that’s how it feels to this little Kiwi.
And, while we’re in the middle of summer down here, many of my fellow AIP bloggers are writing about winter warmers.
The ever so talented Samantha over at Sweet Potatoes and Social Change has just posted about a lip-smackingly gorgeous-looking AIP-friendly Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate recently. And, yes – I did say AIP-friendly.
If there’s no chocolate in Heaven, I’m not going.(Jane Seabrook, Furry Logic Laugh at Life)
And, while I love a hot chocolate just as much as the next girl, the current temperatures in this neck of the woods definitely lend themselves to something a little more cooling…
This is a special treat kind of smoothie. Really, it probably falls more into the ‘shake’ kind of territory. But, on a scale of naughtiness where a big fat portion of chocolate mud cake with whipped cream, ice cream and chocolate sauce is the king, this baby barely even rates a blip on the monitor. And, it tastes REALLY good!
Before I go any further, I should mention that I make this number with raw cacao. Cacao is off the table on the elimination stage of AIP. In the early stages of my AIP caper I discovered that carob is not my friend. For the longest time, I was off all things chocolate. It was a dark period, indeed.
Fortunately, cacao is now back on the menu. Carob and cacao are interchangeable in this recipe.
- 2 frozen bananas
- 4 medjool dates, pitted
- 3 Tablespoons carob powder (or raw cacao powder, if tolerated)
- ⅔ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 4 brazil nuts (optional, and only after reintroduction)
- 2 large handfuls of ice
- Throw your frozen bananas, dates, carob, coconut milk, water, optional brazil nuts and ice into your blender. Blend until smooth.
E N J O Y !
I am going to make this but I wish I were making it to cool off. I’m a summer person in the throes of winter right now.
Jan – you know that scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy closes her eyes and whispers, “There’s no place like home”? Perhaps you can close your eyes while taking a generous mouthful of this and imagine its summer…?
Fantastic – looking forward to trying this. The dates are an unusual ingredient.
Hey DW – the dates add a natural (and caramel-like) sweetness. If it’s sweet enough with the banana, just leave ’em out.
You definitely have our attention!
MOST excellent. I know just how good you are in the kitchen!
Oh, this look so yum~.
And I can’t help it, I feel like I should be more compassionate, but I’m instead I’m just totally envious of the ‘slightly uncomfortable’ temperature that inspired this amazing-looking shake. I’m wearing woolen tights & my feet are still cold!
Petra – come on down! Rory came over for a meal on Saturday and we were discussing how fab’ it would be if you and Matthew came to visit…!
That happens to be my most favourite smoothie too! Interesting suggestion using the dates-the banana tastes sweet to me already!
SC – I find the dates add a caramel flavour BUT are completely optional if the banana is sweet enough for you!
It is a winner combo, isn’t it?