Cravings - Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake (a la Friendly's)

Some things just can't be imitated. For me, the Friendly's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae is too sublime a dessert to ever be accurately duplicated. Salty peanut butter, gooey chocolate syrup, peanut butter ice cream, and most importantly, the piece de resistance - a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup crowing it all… ahh, there's really nothing like it. But who among us can afford to enjoy a nearly 900 calorie dessert more than once in a blue? Surely not this gal. 

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake a la Friendly's, Photo: NK

This sad fact is why I set out to try and capture just a sliver of the joy that comes from my bi-annual indulgence in a Friendly's Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae, minus the guilt. I am pleased and even a bit surprised to say that this low-cal, high-protein anytime shake does the job! It can never ever replace the real deal, but will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth as well as, if you're anything like me, the constant lure of peanutty goodness.

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake 

(a la Friendly's Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae)

Yield: SERVES 1 (generously)

RECIPE: 

1 single serve container good quality fat free vanilla yogurt such as Siggi's Skyr

 2 Tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter

1 Tablespoon Fox's UBet Chocolate Syrup, plus a bit extra to swirl on top of the glass

1/4 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract

1/2 Cup Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

 5 Large Ice Cubes. 

Blend until smooth in a high powered blender such as Vitamix. 

NUTRITION:  220 cal, 3g fat, 21g protein, 9g sugar

Blender Bender - Chilled Avocado Lime Soup / Healthy Banana Ice Cream

Confession: I am obsessed with my new, high-powered Vitamix blender. It's seriously the kitchen tool I've been dreaming of for years. It's awesome, as in where have you been all my life awesome. While I promise not to turn Neurotic Kitchen into an all-blender recipe blog, I must indulge my urge to show you just a few of my favorite fast and friendly recipes. A side dish and dessert in under five minutes? It's all possible with the right appliance. 

Chilled Avocado & Lime Soup Served With Pork Chops with Latin Flavors, Photo: NK

We'll start with a bright, lime spiked Chilled Avocado Soup and finish with a super healthy solution to your nightly dessert craving - Banana Ice Cream. Both of today's recipes do not require an uber-powerful blender or food processor. Just your average countertop appliance will do. Let's roll:

Chilled Avocado & Lime Soup/Sopa Fria de Aguacate 
Adapted from Saveur.com 
Serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 large, very ripe Avocado, pitted and roughly chopped 
2 large Jalapeños, pitted and sliced in half (2 will be medium spicy, use less to taste)
1/2 a Sweet Yellow Onion, roughly chopped
1/2 Cup Half & Half 
1 small vine ripened Tomato, roughly chopped 
2 Cups Vegetable Broth
1/4 Cup Lime Juice
1/4 -1/2 teaspoon of Salt, depending on your taste 
Black Pepper  

Method: 
Combine all ingredients together in blender or food processor. If you are using a Vitamix or other high powered blender, you only need to blend for 30-45 seconds, or until smooth. Blending any longer will end up whipping the mixture into more of a cream texture. Chill well and enjoy!

Blender Magic: Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Soft Serve, Photo: NK

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Soft Serve Ice Cream
1 large or 2 small servings

Ingredients:
2 Large Bananas, cut into chunks and frozen solid
2 Tablespoon regular or Vegan Chocolate Chips - we prefer bittersweet
1 Tablespoon Almond Milk, Dairy Milk, or Cream

Method:
In a high powered blender or food processor, blend the Bananas, Almond Milk, and 1 tablespoon of the chocolate chips until smooth. (For Vitamix blenders, use the high setting and be sure to employ the tamping instrument if needed to press the mixture down in between blending - blend in 30 second increments until processed - should take about 1.5 minutes). Top with remaining chips and serve immediately! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Hint: A Thin Mint or two mixed in is never a bad idea!