I thought it was about time for a sweet (yet healthy) treat around here. The combination -Vietnamese in origin, in fact -may sound bizarre if you’ve never had it, but cast your doubts aside!  Try it for a treat. It’s decadent, but positively so.  It may seem strange to have a shake in January, but it’s so rich and satisfying that it seems all the more fitting as a light dessert at a time when we’re all still working off those holiday pounds. This version is naturally vegan.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SHAKE

1 ripe avocado
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups non-dairy milk (hemp. rice, almond, whatever)
5 or 6 ice cubes

Blend all in a blender or food processor on high until smooth. Makes 4 small servings or 2 very generous ones.

As reflected in the recipe, I prefer using non-dairy milks here, and am especially fond of hemp milk these days, as it’s quite nutritious. Whichever variety you use, I recommend the vanilla variety if possible. If you prefer, or don’t have any non-dairy milk on hand, skim cow’s milk would also work.

– posted by Anne