First posted: May 16, 2016

Chocolate Smoothie Jars (Refined Sugar Free)

Smoothie bowls are a thing. They’re thicker smoothies and are served, you guessed it, in a bowl, with toppings (!). That makes them infinitely more exciting than versions slurped from a throwaway cup. As far as I’m concerned, as soon as something can be spooned into your mouth with crunchy full-of-goodness toppings it takes on a whole new level of magic. Throw in the delicious chocolatiness of raw cacao (also a superfood in its own right) and the creaminess of coconut milk and you can see why I’d want to bottle it up and take it with me wherever I go. While these aren’t technically smoothie ‘bowls’ they’re still satisfyingly spoonable, and that’s what count’s, right?

Also, you should know that if you’re going to give this healthy eating thing a proper chance, preparation is king. Make a double batch on a Sunday night and divide between little glass jars, freeze half of them, and place the other half in the fridge. You can also spoon a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds into each one if you have available, they’ll soak up all the smoothie overnight and become plump little nuggets. Add in a handful of frozen berries and a scattering of home made granola if you like, mix it up and keep it interesting. Lid on, and you’re good to go. Please make these soon, they’re amazing and will make your morning routine that much merrier. (And if you know me, you already know that I can do with all the merriment I can muster in the mornings!)

Ingredients

Cooks in:10 minutes Serves:2

For the Smoothie

1 cup coconut milk (or regular, or sugar-free almond milk)
1 large banana, frozen
2 Tbsp nut butter (I love macadamia, but good old peanut butter is also fine)
2 Tbsp ground almonds (added protein and long-lasting energy, and they also thicken the smoothie)
2 Tbsp coconut flour, to thicken (optional)
2 tsp raw cacao
½ Tbsp maple syrup (or rice malt syrup, or a dash of stevia)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
4 Tbsp chia seeds, to mix through after you have blended the smoothie (optional)

Toppings (All Optional)

Sliced banana
Cacao nibs
Hemp seeds
Fresh or frozen mixed berries
Toasted coconut flakes
Roughly chopped toasted nuts, or a scattering of home made granola

What to do

Blend the smoothie ingredients together until smooth, adjust the consistency by adding a little extra water if you like, pour into a bowl or two, add your toppings and serve. Alternatively loosen with a little extra water and divide between little glass jars to enjoy on the go.

Photo Credit: @CurtisGallon