Thursday, October 14, 2010

Banana chocolate "milkshake" smoothie with lactose-free Lactaid milk

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Banana chocolate "milkshake" smoothie - 100 percent lactose-free!
We are a smoothie family. More mornings than not, I tell the kids to cover their ears so I can put the little blender on the counter through its paces. It's a great way to get fruit into my kids early in the day (so I can feel less guilty about the cookies they'll likely eat later on).

I know lots of people who slip kale, spinach and other greens into their smoothies. I'm not that evolved. I prefer smoothies that are closer to milkshakes - particularly this guilt-free family favorite, in which frozen bananas combine with deep, dark chocolate. It's healthy enough to serve for breakfast but decadent enough for dessert, and using frozen bananas give it a thick milkshake-like texture. That's my kind of smoothie.

This recipe is my entry into a contest sponsored by Moovision.com to attend the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival, so while you can use any milk you prefer for this smoothie, I've used Lactaid lactose-free cow's milk (I received a free sample to create this recipe). I was lactose intolerant for more than 10 years; amazingly, the condition improved when I was pregnant with my older son. During the years I had trouble with milk products, Lactaid milk got me through my daily coffee and morning cereal. It tastes a little sweeter than regular milk, and that makes it even better in this smoothie. Those who can't drink regular milk still need their calcium and vitamin D, which Lactaid provides - the only thing it's missing is the lactose! Anyone who has trouble digesting regular milk should give Lactaid a try. You'll also want to take a look at Moovision.com, where you can watch Moo News "mockumentaries," play an online game called Moolah!, and enter the Gourmoo Cookoff recipe contest (lots of great prizes!), all while learning more about lactose intolerance.

By the way, it took my son years to catch on to the fact that there wasn't actually any ice cream in this "milkshake." Now that he's in the know, he makes me call it a smoothie. He still likes it just as much, though.

Banana chocolate "milkshake" smoothie with Lactaid lactose-free cow's milk
  • 2 medium bananas, frozen, broken into chunks
  • 1 1/4 cups Lactaid lactose-free milk
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder (the darker the better)
  • 1 tsp agave nectar or honey (add more if you like a sweeter smoothie)
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour or spoon into a glass (it will be thick). Serve immediately with a straw and a spoon.

Frozen banana chunks


Lactaid milk, ready for the blender
In goes dark, rich cocoa powder
Adding a touch of agave nectar
The finished smoothie - frosty, thick and delicious!

13 comments:

Scott Allen said...

I make this same thing at least a couple of times a week (although I'm not lactose-intolerant). For total vegans, it also works great with almond (my preference), soy or rice milk.

Another couple of good additions -- whey powder (more protein) and psyllium husk powder (fiber).

Melissa (Well Prepped) said...

You made my day! I added a little homemade almond butter and ice and WOW! Simple, fast and great for afternoon snack!

Erika Kerekes said...

Scott - my son also likes it made with vanilla soy milk but actually I prefer the Lactaid. As for the powders, you're a better person than I am. I have trouble with powders in my food in general (except cocoa).

Erika Kerekes said...

@Melissa - you made it ALREADY? Wow, you are fast!

Melissa (Well Prepped) said...

It's been an impulsive day of cooking! I needed a snack and there was your shake! It took exactly 4 minutes from your blog to my taste buds!

Erika Kerekes said...

Well, Melissa - I am impressed. :)

Monet said...

Oh I hope you win Erika. I'm also a smoothie/milkshake girl...in fact I'm drinking a banana and pumpkin milkshake right now! Thank you for sharing...and good luck!

eatingRD said...

Now I'm in the mood for a milkshake, especially since our temps are still in the lower 90s now! For some reason I find myself throwing a handful of spinach in my smoothies or some chia seeds, but there sure isn't anything like a good ol' thick and luscious milkshake! Looks great :)

Jean at The Delightful Repast said...

Erika, that looks delicious. Chocolate and banana are a wonderful combination. I could have had this for breakfast every day all through high school and not gotten tired of it.

Erika Kerekes said...

@Monet - banana and pumpkin? Now that sounds interesting. Do tell. Any spices?

@eatingRD - kudos to you for putting spinach in. I can't get past the color whenever I try adding greens, so I've stopped trying. But what are chia seeds?

@Jean - I can't even tell you how many mornings I have this. Probably at least four times a week. And I never get tired of it either!

Lara said...

I also make something similar every morning, but use Almond Milk and I thrown in a handful of spinach. The great thing is that you can't taste the spinach. I also make another shake that has cacao nibs & almond butter with bananas & spinach - divine!

Erika Kerekes said...

@Lara - I applaud you for including the spinach. I know you can't taste it, but I can't deal with the color. But that's me.

Ken D. Berry said...

Sounds delish!!!
Here is a great lactose-free smoothie recipe that the kids and I love. Quick to make and oh so good for you.

http://country-physician.blogspot.com/2010/12/tasty-healthy-quick-breakfast.html

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