Well folks I hate to admit it, but this is the only type of "green" shake I can get behind. And look, it's not even green, even though it sounds like it should be.
But really, for those of you who have not experienced the rich and creamy avocado as a substitute for ice cream, it's a must. My family was clueless I had used it in their dessert. They were happily sipping away on their luxuriously thick chocolate shake when I dropped the A-bomb on them. My youngest said, "We're drinking guacamole?" Ummm....no, you're not.
This shake is almost dairy free if that is important for you, but you would have to use non-dairy chocolate chips for it to truly fit that bill. And let's not forget the health benefits of the avocado; lots of potassium, fiber, vitamins C & K, B6 and folate. One whole avocado boasts lots of heart-healthy unsaturated fat, more than a 1/3 of your daily vitamin C needs and more than half of your daily requirement of vitamin K. What more could you ask for in a chocolate shake?
I wanted to satisfy my urge for a Shamrock Shake this month so out came the mint chocolate chips. They were the perfect addition and left behind these cute green specks in the shake after blending with my trusty Blendtec blender.
There was enough to pour one large shake for my husband and two smaller ones for my boys. Serving these in wine or Port glasses elevates their specialness...at least I think so.
Minty Chocolate Avocado Shake
Recipe from: Inspired by Eating Well Magazine | Serves: Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1 ripe medium-sized avocado, halved and pitted
1-1/2 cups vanilla almond milk
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
5 Tablespoons light brown sugar
1/4 cup mint chocolate chips, melted
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
15 ice cubes
Directions:
Scoop avocado into blender; add vanilla milk, cocoa, brown sugar, melted chocolate chips and vanilla. Puree until smooth. Add ice and puree until shake is thick and icy cold.
Cathy owns a vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She is a food writer for Davis Life Magazine and blogs daily about wine, food and everyday living. She lives with her husband and two sons. You can visit her at noblepig.com.