Chocolate Banana "Milk" Shake

I've been enjoying this delicious concoction a couple times a week lately.  The hot weather makes this a perfect afternoon snack.  The kids love them too!  And what's not to love?  Who doesn't want a little frozen chocolaty goodness?  Instead of filling up on a milkshake full of sugar, chocolate syrup, and processed fake milk you can give your kids (or yourself) a shake that is actually good for you.

This is my good friend chia.  It's not just for chia pets anymore! I like to add this to smoothies, shakes, pancakes, granola, salads, almond butter... get the picture?  You can add it to just about anything and get a nutritional boost in your meal: chia is high in fiber, protein and omega-3s.  When it gets wet it becomes a gel which can be helpful if you are doing gluten free baking or making raw deserts to help them set.  Chia should be soaked for 2 hours for maximum nutrient absorption.

Chocolate Banana "Milk" Shake

1 ripe banana

1 frozen banana

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 cup ice

¾ cup water, divided

¾ cup cashew milk

1 ½ tbsp chia seed

Combine chia seeds and 1/4 cup water in a cup and allow to soak for 2 hours if possible.  The seeds will form a gel in a couple of minutes and can be used sooner if you don't plan ahead.

Combine all other ingredients in your blender.

Add chia and blend until smooth.

I've got a high speed blender and it completely eats the chia and ice- no chunks!

Chocolaty goodness, people!

One satisfied customer.

And another!