Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

I've got one more chocolate recipe for you this month that you can enjoy anytime of day!

     This month's recipe redux theme is asking us to create a recipe using our favorite chocolate pairing. The first thing that came to my mind was my love for chocolate with peanut butter and banana. This perfect trio makes an appearance in my day at least once or twice a week. Whether its peanut butter dipped in chocolate and peanut butter or all three baked into pancakes, bread or cookies.
     One of my favorite ways to enjoy these ingredients is in a smoothie. My Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie makes a perfect pre or post work out snack, dessert or meal replacement shake. The banana gives it a smooth silky texture while the peanut butter and chocolate work together to give this shake a rich flavor.

    This shake also makes a great on-the-go breakfast. Perfect on those days when you need a little chocolate to get you going in the morning!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 5.3 ounce container of vanilla greek yogurt, non-fat
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/3 cup almond milk

Directions:

1. Cut banana into 6-8 pieces. Place in blender along with remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.

Serving Suggestion:
 1 serving for meal
 2 servings for snack

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Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundaes

      February is here and I have been getting creative in the kitchen with another favorite food of mine, chocolate!  Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains heart healthy anti-oxidants called flavonals. Studies have shown that these flavonals can help relax blood vessels lowering blood pressure and may help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels). The higher the amount of Cocoa the more antioxidants.  I recommend 70% Cocoa. Higher is good but if you are a super taster like me, it can be quite bitter.

     This week I am sharing my Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae recipe. Oh man, my mouth is watering already! These perfectly portioned desserts are a great way to treat yourself or flatter your Valentine.  My hubby has already given this recipe two thumbs up!

   Stay tuned, I have another chocolate inspired recipe coming next week!

Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundaes

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar (can substitute regular sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten free all purpose flour)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 1/2 teaspoons peanut butter
• oil spray

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9, 4 ounce Mason jars with vegetable oil spray. Place Mason jars on rimmed cookie sheet. (Note: Muffin tin can be used in place of Mason jars.) 

2. In a medium size bowl, mix together oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs.

3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, salt, and baking powder.

4. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

5. To each Mason jar add about 2 tablespoons of brownie mix, then add ½ teaspoon peanut butter then layer with another 2 tablespoons of brownie mix.

6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes. If storing, place lids back on Mason jar and place in fridge.
7. Serve with fresh berries and frozen yogurt!

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