PB Cacao Smoothie

This is a wonderful way to curve your sweet craving for the day!  It's the perfect blend of cacao and peanut butter (or almond butter).  It is like drinking a deluxe chocolate milk but getting the wonderful health benefits of cacao.  If your kids like chocolate milk, they will love this.  It's also a great way to get in some protein after a workout or for a quick breakfast.  It's very filling and satisfying.  Try it out and see what you think.  Feel free to play around with it.  There are many versions of this type of smoothie, so do what works for you!

If you're not sure what cacao is, it's the unprocessed beans that are used to make chocolate.  The word "cocoa" is actually a misspelling of the word cacao.  It is rich in antioxidants as well as good fats (minimal), and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium.  It can suppress overactive appetites :) Yeah! That's always a plus!  Start using it in your smoothies & baking.  Because the chocolate we buy today is sweetened with sugar and cream, you will be surprised that it does have a bitter flavor, so make sure you sweeten it with something.  In this smoothie, it's the bananas!

PB Cacao Smoothie
serves 1-2
1 c. Organic rice or almond milk
1 T. raw cacao powder (purchase at the health food store)
1 T. all natural peanut butter or almond butter
1 frozen banana
ice

Pour your milk into the blender, add the rest of the ingredients, and mix well.  Make sure you use a frozen banana to help thicken it up a little and keep it cold.  You also want to make sure that your milk is cold to begin with.  It makes a difference.  If you want it sweeter, you can sweeten with some honey, agave, or more banana.  If you like it with more chocolate, add a little more cacao.  Just play with it and find your perfect blend.  I promise it will take your chocolate craving away for the day :)  Bon Appetit!