8.7.2012

Kathryne * Banana Almond Smoothie

Kathryne: “I don’t make smoothies terribly often, but when I do, this one is my go-to recipe. It’s so good I don’t want to try any others! It’s like a creamy banana milkshake that’s good for you. I make it in the afternoons when I’m craving ice cream but am too lazy to go out and get some.”

Kathryne Taylor, of the wildly popular Cookie + Kate, is a lady of many talents. She’s a graceful writer, a talented photographer, and an amazing cook. She has the ability to turn a raw kale salad into something sexy, and I am thankful every time she does. Her passion for whole, flavorful foods shines through every recipe she shares, and that, along with her genuine down–to-earth personality, makes her blog an ideal place to hang out. Of course, the occasional cameo by her dog Cookie isn’t hurting matters, either.

True to her word, this Banana Almond Smoothie is just as Kathryne describes it: like a creamy banana milkshake that’s good for you. Made with healthy goodies like frozen banana, almond butter, and a sprinkle of flaxseed, this smoothie tastes just as naughty as it is nutritious.

Three Quick Questions…and Kathryne’s Answers

It’s your last meal. What do you have?

I’ve daydreamed about this one. My last meal would probably have to be a Mediterranean feast with falafel, taboulleh, hummus and giant salads of all kinds, accompanied by a glass of wine that never runs empty. Dessert would consist of no less than three flavors of gelato.

Your kitchen is burning down. What’s the one thing you grab?

My initial thought was my Le Creuset French ovens or cast iron pans, but those things would weigh me down on my way out! No, I think it would have to be my grandmother’s little metal spatula. My dad gave it to me recently and said she always kept it in her back pocket while cooking. It’s irreplaceable.

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

This is impossible! Cookbooks are literally taking over my apartment; I’m running out of places to store them. I love each one for a different reason. I turn to America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook when I want to know the very best way to cook something, like falafel or French fries. The test kitchen never lets me down. Melissa Clark‘s Cook This Now has become a go-to cookbook as of late, and Heidi Swanson‘s Super Natural cookbooks never cease to inspire. I recently acquired Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts by Alice Medrich. I like my desserts sinfully easy and delicious, so I imagine I’ll be cooking through that book for years to come.

*To see more of Kathryne’s deliciously wholesome recipes, go here.

Banana Almond Smoothie
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast, Dessert
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1
 
This healthy banana almond smoothie is a delicious, creamy treat!
Ingredients
  • 1 medium to large frozen banana (break your bananas into one-inch chunks before freezing)
  • 1 heaping spoonful of almond butter
  • 2 spoonfuls flax seed
  • ½ cup almond milk, regular milk or yogurt
  • drizzle of honey, agave nectar or maple syrup
  • tiny drop of almond extract (or vanilla extract, but the
  • almond extract makes the smoothie taste almost like candy!)
Instructions
  1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Comments

  • I love banana smoothies, good call on freezing the bananas gives it that extra frothiness 😉

    • Kathryn

      Definitely. Makes it so nice and cold!

  • Thank you so much for the feature and for your kind words, Kathryn! I’m delighted that you wanted to let your readers know about my blog. Love this space of yours.

    • Kathryn

      Thanks so much, Kathryne. I am thrilled to have you on here 🙂

  • Autumn

    I’ve been making Kathryne’s banana almond smoothie for months now! I usually have it for breakfast but I don’t freeze the bananas, I just add ice and a scoop of vanilla protein powder 🙂 YUM!

    • Kathryn

      I love the idea of adding some protein powder to this…such a great way to start the day!

  • Rebekah

    Wow. Made this today and I fell in love. Want more now. Mmmmmm

  • Debbie

    Had this for breakfast this morning. And again tomorrow. I love smoothies for breakfast and am glad to have found this declicious and satisfying smoothie recipe.

    • Kathryn

      Glad you liked it, Debbie. This has become a favorite of mine, too!

  • Good stuff… very high energy. I won’t be making these on a regular basis but I love ’em!

    • Oops, I did it again! Another delicious banana smoothie this morning… We’re sitting out Hurricane Isaac this morning so I guess I’m entitled!

  • Melissa

    I make this regularly now. It satisfies my sweet tooth without being unhealthy!