Healthy Recipe: Cookie Dough Frosty Shake

    On the way back from a mini vacation, my husband and I stopped at a local deli for a nice lunch before returning home. While gushing over the veggie sandwiches, lemon kale soup and pink lady apples, my husband asked me, “With so much good food out there, why do you think so many people choose to eat food that is bad for them?” My answer was simple: a lot of people don’t know that there are so many great-tasting, good foods out there! Kids are raised on chicken nuggets and mac n’ cheese and then, when they turn 12, we somehow expect their taste buds to suddenly change to craving broccoli and spinach, which is not very realistic. So, in order to get children, and adults, to eat healthier, I try to switch out some well-known, favorite foods with healthier replacements. Sometimes, my recipes completely flop, but other times, you can’t even taste the difference! Here is my take on a Cookie Dough Frosty Shake!

Banana Soft Serve

3 Bananas

¼ cup skim milk

    Peel bananas and break into 1-inch chunks. Put in Ziploc bag. Freeze entire bag at least 24 hours. When ready, place bananas in blender, pour in milk and pulse until smooth. You may have to stop and scrape the bananas off the side of the blender occasionally. When smooth consistency is reached, scoop out into cup or bowl to enjoy! 

1 ½ cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 cup Whole Natural Almonds

3 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter 

3 Tbsp. Honey

2 Tbsp. Skim milk 

1 ripe banana, mashed

1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

½ tsp. Salt

½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips

    In a food processor or high speed blender, grind Old Fashioned oats to a fine oat flour and place in large mixing bowl. Repeat the process with the almonds. Stir the almond flour and oat flour together and set aside. In small pot, melt butter (Earth Balance). Add the honey and milk (Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk is a great non-dairy alternative) and simmer until all ingredients are combined. Turn off heat. Add mashed banana, vanilla extract and salt. Stir to combine. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry into the large mixing bowl. Stir well. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool down and firm up. Remove from freezer and stir in Dark Chocolate Chips. Roll into small balls (about ½ Tbsp. dough in each) and place back in freezer. Make banana soft serve (recipe listed above) and pour into glass or bowl. Stir in 3 cookie dough balls that have been broken into small pieces. Enjoy your healthy frozen treat!