Tuesday 17 March 2015

Shamrock {Protein} Shake (Healthy Soft-Serve!)





TOP OF THE MORNIN' AFTERNOON EVENING WHATEVER TIME TO YA!

In the spirit of the most beer-filled, green and happy holiday -- St. Patty's Day, of course -- I bring to you the quintessential treat for this holiday brought to you by none other than the ominous golden arches.



THE SHAMROCK SHAKE!!!!!





Here is my confession, though: I have never had this contraption. No. Not once. Not even when I was younger and would have been interested (maybe) in such a thing as a giant green minty ice cream shake.









I did a lot of research of course, regarding how to approach such a monstrosity. All the recipes I found online were basically just home-made versions of the Mickey D's version. Re: Ice cream and other high sugar things.


Which is TOTALLY fine. You know my philosophy -- I am a gal of moderation. But I wanted to do another Protein Soft Serve. Why? Well in the spirit of the Irish! But also because I received a very kind comment in my 'About Me' section of the blog and the lovely reader had stated she really liked ice cream and as she continued with her eating disorder recovery she wanted to try more recipes like it.


As it is an issue near and dear to my heart (you can read more about that here) I had no choice to oblige! Anonymous -- this is for you!








So If you want to indulge this holiday -- this makes an amazing post-workout shake! Some things to note about protein soft serve which are REALLY important:



  • Ice/frozen fruit is what gives you the creaminess. Use extra if you are avoiding the 'gums' in the recipe
  • Speaking of the 'gums' don't let it freak you out! BUT if you have a very sensitive tum tum than you may want to use a very small amount at first. Some people notice it...uh....bloats them.
  • You don't have to use food colouring -- I have seen green shakes using avocado instead!
  • Blend it WELL! You don't need a fancy Vitamix. I have a Ninja blender and it works very well! It's ready when it really starts to increase in volume and the colour becomes a bit more pale. This is a sign there is lots of air whipping in there!
  • Use a big straw or preferably a spoon. No joke. I found some big straws at Michael's a few years ago and the search has been on since. 








OH and you should DEFINITELY PUT MINT CHIPS IN THERE! It's like mint chocolate chip ice cream. It's so bomb. OH GOSH!








OR! You can chop up my world's healthiest brownies and put those on top. With coconut whipped cream because I am addicted to it?








Let's make it -- it's easy!




Shamrock Shake Protein Soft-Serve

Yields 1 serving (2-3 Cups) 

Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan option 


Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups almond or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt 
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein (can use whey or a vegan protein like SunWarrior)
  • 1-2 frozen bananas 
  • 4-5 large ice cubes 
  • Splash of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract 
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum* 
  • 1/4 teaspoon guar gum*
  • Mint Stevia Drops, Honey, Agave or other sweetener to taste 
  • Optional: A few drops of green food colouring 
  • Optional but highly recommended: 2-3 tablespoons Enjoy Life vegan mini chocolate chips



*Don't like the idea of using gums or don't have any? That's okay! Just use 3-5 more ice cubes in it's place. Just make sure to blend it well and you are good to go! The thicker you want the shake -- the more ice/frozen banana you add*

Directions 


  1. Pour all ingredients into a large blender
  2. Blend until all ingredients are fully combined and the texture of the mixture resembles a thick milk-shake. If desired, add additional ice to thicken consistency and texture. 
  3. (Soft) Serve with any toppings you choose! Chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, coconut, nuts, dried fruit or fresh fruit! 
  4. Eat immediately! 
* You will know this is ready when the blender makes a softer whirring noise and the mixture grows 2-3 times it's initial size!*













You can put it in tiny cups with the taste of the rainbow on there!









Some first world blogger problems: I am obsessed with the rainbow candy I keep seeing everywhere for St.Pat's so naturally I bought some. I HATED IT! Maybe the dollar store brand was just doo-doo. But yuck. It was hard as a rock! Still pretty though ;)








I think it's called sour tape. I have no idea.


And the chocolate chips are Enjoy Life mini chips. They are vegan and allergen free and I am also addicted to those. How can you not love mini things?!









Just in case you can't tell this makes a lot! So much that it overflowed every single container I tried to put it in. Which sorta made me sad. What a waste, you know? I hate wasting!








So pour yourself a pint.







Or a giant bowl complete with accouterments. I don't know if I used that properly but I refuse to double check. 






Doesn't this vaguely resemble a giant glass of foamy beer?!?! Not my thing but it looks prettyyyy!






I hope you try this -- it's really easy! When I first started making protein soft-serve a few years ago I became so heavily addicted I would eat it for any snack and meal that I could rationalize. It was scary, folks. Protein soft-serve up the wazoo!



PLEASE MAKE IT AND LET ME KNOW <3


Happy Shamrock Shakin'!


XO

25 comments:

  1. This was fantastic and delicious! A handful of spinach leaves was a great way to get that pale green colour with a boost of added nutrition but negligible additional fat or calories for anyone keeping an eye on those things. I also loved your previous soft serve advice about xanthan gum - the blender truly does take on a distinctive lower pitched sound when it's ready. My vanilla protein powder actually already has a sweet enough flavour that I didn't even need the stevia drops.

    I'm thinking that subbing frozen strawberries for frozen banana and omitting the mint would yield a strawberry-milkshake type result - another great option for people like Anonymous looking for nutritious ways to ease ice cream-type treats back into their lifestyle.

    Great work as always and keep 'em coming! Please!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the feedback Lauren! I ALWAYS appreciate it :) Yes the spinach is an awesomeeee idea! My fridge has been barren lately so I will have to pick some up and try it!

      As for the blender trick -- YES! It really does. And it makes knowing when it's done so much easier!

      The flavour options are limitless -- I will definitely be experimenting more and keep them coming!

      Thanks Lauren!

      Delete
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