Long Weekends are the Best

There really is nothing I like better than a long weekend.  Lazy mornings spent with coffee and extra time spent with family and friends – really doesn’t get much better.  I have to admit I get a little extra lazy on holiday Mondays.  This morning, my daughter wanted to make banana muffins but it is nearly 40 degrees Celsius out and the last thing I want to do is turn the oven.  Besides, I think we can accomplish almost the same thing with the blender.

Banana Muffin Smoothie

I’ve made oatmeal smoothies before so I know just how good they could be. But today I need it to be even better to hit all the notes that a banana muffin (with chocolate chips) might hit for a 7 year old.  The secret weapon for today’s smoothie: Reese’s Peanut Butter Spread – I finally relented and bought a jar last week. Now it is time to put it into action.

Making Oatmeal Flour

To ensure an Oatmeal based smoothie isn’t too chunky I like to break down the oatmeal on its own in the blender before adding any other ingredients to the mix.  Tip: Make sure your blender jar is dry or the oatmeal flour may clump and stick to the lid and jar of the blender.  

Making a thick tasty Smoothie

To make this Smoothie nice and thick – almost treat like – use frozen bananas and a bit of ice in addition to the chocolate almond milk.  This combination makes the smoothie look like a chocolate milkshake and that is something that any kid will enjoy.  

The Final Product

Sprinkle this Banana Oatmeal Chocolate & PB smoothie with coconut, chocolate chips or even try crumbled walnuts…think of the amazing toppings or ingredients that you might add to banana muffins.