Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

Serves 1 or 2

The classic sandwich combo also makes a satisfying and energizing smoothie loaded with potassium from the bananas and protein from the almond milk and peanut butter.

Gluten Free

Soy Free

2 large frozen ripe peeled bananas, cut into chunks

3/4 cup almond milk

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 ice cubes

In a blender, combine the bananas, almond milk, peanut butter, vanilla, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Make Your Own Flavored Nut Butters

If flavored nut butters appeal to you, there are some creative flavors available from a variety of nut butter companies. Among the luscious combinations are chocolate coconut peanut butter, maple almond butter, chia-infused peanut butter, cinnamon red maca almond butter, and coconut cardamom butter. Look online for where to buy a wide variety of flavored nut butters. Because these products can be expensive, you may choose to use them as inspiration to make your own combinations at home. Flavored nut butters are as easy to make as the plain varieties, and in addition to saving money, you can customize the flavors according to your own taste. Whether you prefer sweet or savory notes, or want to spice it up, you can use flavored nut butters to create unique sandwich spreads, dips, or to make delicious sauces to toss with noodles or vegetables.

To make flavored nut butters, begin by making a batch of basic nut butter of your choice. Then add your favorite seasonings to taste, and you’re all set. There are no hard and fast rules to flavoring your nut butters – start by adding a small amount of your add-in ingredient to a batch of nut butter and taste as you go until you get the perfect flavor balance. Here are some ideas for sweet and savory additions to get you started:

maple syrup or agave

melted chocolate

ground cinnamon or cardamom

vanilla extract

crystalized ginger

fruit jam

smoked paprika

cayenne

pureed garlic

soy sauce

curry or other or other spice blend