Banana Date Shake

Banana Date Shake is a tasty (and healthy) alternative to a milk shake. Don't be fooled into thinking you are drinking a real ice-cream based shake.

I don't know what to call this drink as it tastes and has the texture of a milk shake but it doesn't have ice cream so it's more of a smoothie.  Whatever it is, it's delicious.  Add a few ice cubes and you have a  sweet and frosty drink that could fool the taste buds into thinking there was ice cream in the mixture.  It's nice and filling and satisfying if you are craving something sweet and ice creamy.  It makes a great breakfast drink with a slice of peanut butter toast or it is equally at home with a burger and fries.  And if you must have a chocolate drink, a squirt or two of chocolate syrup gives you a chocolate version. 

Dates and bananas were made for each other.  Both are sweet and if you have the little honey dates they are both soft and easy to blend together.  I use whatever milk I have on hand and that's usually skim but any kind--whole, skim, soy, almond, etc. will work, which should fit into anyone's diet of choice. 

When Mom lived with us I'd make this for an afternoon or evening snack if she was feeling a bit hungry before or after her meal.  Mom always enjoyed it and sometimes emptied the glass with astonishing speed, licking her lips in satisfaction.  She'd nod her approval and tell me it was good. Mom is always in my mind when I make this delicious drink. 

If you only have cooking dates which can be quite dry, soak them in boiling water for a few minutes or you could even let them simmer until soft.  Drain and let them cool down before using in the drink.  

Printable recipe at end of post.

Banana Date Shake

• 1 medium banana cut in chunks
• 5 or 6 small soft dates
• 1 cup cold milk
• 6 ice cubes, optional
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup or to taste, optional for a chocolate drink

How to make it:
Place all ingredients in the blender container.  Pulse a few times until broken up and then blend on high until smooth.  The time will depend on your blender.  If you want a thicker drink, use a larger banana. 

Makes about 2 10-oz glasses.

 The main ingredients--dates, banana, milk.  So simple to make.

Put the ingredients in the blender. You can't see them but I used a few ice cubes today.

 Whiz all together until smooth. It's as simple as that!

Makes 2 tall 10oz glasses of smooth, sweet drink. Thanks for the straws, Ben.☺

 Someone wanted a chocolate drink.  A spoonful of chocolate syrup did the trick.

 This made a quick and easy breakfast.

One for you and one for me.

To print click on arrow upper right side.⇩