Best Chocolate Shake Recipe

I love shakes and smoothies. No doubt you and the kids do too! I'm not surprised, on a hot day in Spring or Summer, a chocolate and banana smoothie is wonderfully refreshing. The issues can be a bit of a problem for those with intolerance's. If you have an intolerance to milk products, are diabetic therefore cannot have sugar, or are a celiac and therefore, cannot consume wheatgerm.

There is a milk based recipe here for those with little or no tolerances as well as a recipe as an alternative, for those who suffer food issues. The great thing about a banana smoothie is I would hate to have a recipe up and for noone to benefit because of allergies!!

I have over time myself, found I have a problem with my body processing milk and I have also found alternatives to using cane sugar (family history of diabetes which I would like to avoid). So I tested a few theories and tried a few different ingredient combinations until I came up with something that worked for me. So, without further adieu, here are some refreshing smoothies for you to try this upcoming Spring!

This is the main recipe that uses both sugar and regular milk, you can substitute to differing milks and flavors but in essence it will be the same. Further in the Hub, there will be a alternate recipe than is the same, yet quite different to this recipe and is a useful one for those who suffer food allergies or intolerances.

Ingredients

• A tall glass
• Full cream milk - 8.5 fl oz (255mls)
• Ice cubes - 3.0 fl oz (115mls)
• Two teaspoons of cane sugar
• One to two banana's
• Two teaspoons of Cacao or Drinking chocolate
• Full cream Chocolate Icecream 5.0 fl oz (150mls), which is about two scoops
• Four tablespoons of dessicated wheatgerm

In a tall mixing container, use a hand blender or a full bench blender. Add ice, sugar, diced banana, drinking chocolate, icecream, milk and wheatgerm, mix for one to two minutes until the consistency becomes smooth. Pour over a couple more icecubes in a tall glass and serve.

This is the alternate recipe that uses substitutes in place of items of sugar and regular milk, you can substitute with soy or rice milk and entirly remove the wheatgerm if required. This is a much better recipe for those who suffer food allergies or intolerances.

Ingredients

• A tall glass
• Soy milk unmalted or Rice milk - 8.5 fl oz (255mls)
• Ice cubes - 3.0 fl oz (115mls)
• Two teaspoons of Stevia, Agave syrup or Maple syrup
• One to two banana's
• Two teaspoons of Cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sugar free chocolate Icecream 5.0 fl oz (150mls), which is about two scoops
• Four tablespoons of dessicated wheatgerm

With the Agave, Stevia or Maple Syrup, these sweet substances are usually having a sweeter taste than sugar, but without the calories and associated issues with blood sugar high and lows. If you are unsure or suffer from diabetes, also consult your healthcare physician first.

Soy milk is generally better for people who cant digest cow based milk or just prefer a different taste. Rice milk is lighter and provides another alternative.

You can add the following to pep up or add more flavor to your delicious smoothie. Your kids will love it.

• Add finely ground peanuts or a teaspoon of peanut butter.
• Add crushed Oreos
• Add some more fruit like, raspberries, cranberries, or strawberries
• Use coconut milk in place of full cream, soy or rice milk.
• Add mint leaves or peppermint extract for a minty hinted flavor
• Use oatmeal in place of wheatgerm
• For an additional flavor kick, add some freshly brewed coffee, about 2 fl oz just after blending.

No matter how one looks at it. You can't get past a great tasting and flavorsome drink like this one. Its great for hot nights, its refreshing and its very wholesome and healthy for the kids. It is jam packed with enough low GI and protein to keep you full until meal time as well. Its also a healthy alternative to many other drinks out there as well, enjoy!