Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) Cottage Cheese (4% fat recommended)
  • 1 large Frozen Banana (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons (5 – 10ml) Maple Syrup (or preferred sweetener)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 – 4 tablespoons (30 – 60ml) Milk (Any type)
  • 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Optional Protein Powder (Chocolate or Unflavoured)
  • 1/4 cup (40g) Fresh Berries (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon (10g) Sliced Almonds or Pecans (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Dark Chocolate Shavings or Cacao Nibs (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Place the liquid ingredients (milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup) into the blender jug first to aid mixing.
  2. Add the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and protein powder (if using) on top of the liquids.
  3. Add the frozen banana slices last, right on top of the other ingredients.
  4. Start blending on a low setting. Use the blender's tamper tool, if available, to push the frozen mixture down towards the blades. Avoid adding extra liquid initially.
  5. If the mixture resists blending, add the remaining milk one tablespoon at a time, blending in between, until the mixture rotates smoothly but remains very thick, resembling soft-serve ice cream.
  6. Scrape the thick smoothie base into your serving bowl immediately.
  7. Arrange your chosen toppings (berries, nuts, chocolate shavings) artfully over the top. Serve immediately with a spoon.