ELVIS’S NUT BUTTER AND NANA SMOOTHIE

Makes 16 oz (454 g) of smoothie When we make this smoothie, one of us will do the full lip curl and explain to the kids that we’re making an “almond butter and ‘nana smoothie.” Grown-ups think this is funny because there used to be a famous singer that said things like that, and nut butter with banana was one of his favorite foods. This smoothie is one of our favorites too, and it’s so easy to make! INGREDIENTS • 1½ C unsweetened vanilla almond or hemp milk • 1 ripe banana, peeled and frozen • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) almond butter • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) honey (optional, not needed if banana is super ripe) INSTRUCTIONS AND HOW KIDS CAN HELP Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

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Elvis's nut butter and nana smoothie is my answer to rushed mornings when nobody wants to cook. Frozen banana, almond butter and vanilla almond milk blitz into a thick, milkshake-like treat that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. One sip and you'll understand why this pairing earned its rock-and-roll nickname.

Pro Tips

• Peel and chunk the banana before freezing it — pre-frozen chunks blend faster and give the smoothie a thick, ice-cream-like body without any ice watering it down.
• If your banana is spotted and very ripe, skip the honey entirely; overripe fruit brings every bit of sweetness this smoothie needs.
• Hemp milk carries noticeably more protein than almond milk, so reach for it when you want this smoothie to keep you full until lunch.
• Pour the milk in first and blend the almond butter into it before adding the banana — this keeps nut butter from clumping at the bottom of the jar.
• Leftovers keep in a sealed jar in the fridge overnight; it separates as it sits, so shake hard or re-blend with a splash of milk before drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Yes — blend it the night before and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It thickens and separates as it sits, so shake it hard or give it a quick re-blend with a splash of milk.

How do I get it thick and frosty instead of thin?

Use a fully frozen banana and hold the liquid at 1½ cups. Even an extra splash of milk thins this smoothie quickly, so add more only if the blender is struggling.

Is this smoothie paleo-friendly?

It is. Almond milk, banana, almond butter and honey are all paleo staples, and there's no dairy or grain involved. Use an unsweetened plant milk to keep it clean.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Cashew butter blends in seamlessly, and sunflower seed butter works 1:1 for a nut-free version. Whatever you choose, keep it unsweetened so the ripe banana stays in charge of the sweetness.

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