PB2 and Banana Smoothie Bowl

In keeping with my theme of having cold breakfasts on these hot Summer mornings, I want to share another fun new breakfast dish with you... or rather another breakfast 'bowl.  I call it PB2 and Banana Smoothie Bowl.

Is there anyone out there who has not enjoyed the pleasure of eating what has become commonly known as banana soft-serve or nice-cream?  You just take a frozen banana and a bit of almond or coconut milk and blend them together till creamy... lovely.  I like to  add flavorings to mine so this breakfast was just an extension of that idea.  I added some PB2, some yogurt and some vanilla protein powder, to turn a dessert snack into a hearty cold breakfast, just right for a hot Summer morning.

I always have a few frozen bananas, peeled and cut into chunks, in a sealed container in my freezer, just waiting to toss into the food processor for quick snacks and desserts... a great way to use over-ripe bananas.

PB2 and Banana Smoothie Bowl

Makes 1 serving

• 1 small banana, peeled, cut into chunks, and frozen
• 2 Tbs PB2
• 2 Tbs unsweetened almond milk
• 3/8 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder

1. Place banana chunks in food processor or blender along with the almond milk.
2. Process till smooth and creamy.  Stop appliance and push ingredients down occasionally if necessary.
3. Add the other ingredients and blend well.
4. Remove to bowl and serve immediately.

Per serving.

Weight Watchers P+ = 6.

Calories 255; Protein 23g; Carbohydrate 38g; Fat 3g; Fibre 7g.

Too thick to drink, it needs a spoon!

Printable Recipe

Are you a smoothie-for-breakfast fan?  Ever eat yours out of a bowl?

Cool Breakfasts for Hot Mornings

We are having an unusually warm Summer on the South Island this year. I am not complaining!

Actually I am enjoying every steamy degree on the thermometer... but I have certainly changed my eating habits in this heat.  I am not interested in my usual breakfast fare these days... eggs, pancakes, and even waffles are just not appealing.  I have been coming up with other things to enjoy as the temperatures soar... cold breakfasts are just better right now.

I like to select some fruit, occasionally nuts or seeds, some protein, a bit of cinnamon and sometimes stevia.  The combinations are endless.

Here are a few of my favorites so far... of course they are all gluten free.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

chocolate protein powder, unsweetened original Almond Breeze, frozen cherries

WWP+ = 4

Fruit and Seed Yogurt Bowl

fat free plain Greek yogurt, goji berries, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, flax meal

WWP+ = 5

Cottage Cheese and Berries

fat free cottage cheese with thawed frozen mixed berries

WWP+ = 2

Egg White and Flax Muffins

egg whites, ground flax, cinnamon, stevia

WWP+ = 4

addition PPV for the cheese

I also like these slathered with PB2 or nut butter

Protein Pudding with Cherries

Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, thawed frozen cherries

WWP+ = 4

Chia Pudding with Yogurt and Berries

Greek yogurt, thawed frozen berries, chia pudding made with 2 Tbs chia seeds and 1/3 cup Almond Breeze.

WWP+ = 4

A couple of weeks ago, I even had a big kale salad!

What do you like to have for breakfast on a hot morning?

Hot and Spicy Peanut Sauce

Sometimes I want hot pasta, and when I do, I make up a big bowl of gluten-free black bean spaghetti and slather it with a tasty sauce.  This Hot and Spicy Peanut Sauce is very flavorful, and when you read the ingredients, it may sound like an odd combination. But it is truly delcious and I have enjoyed it a couple of times now.  It is a mixture of some of my favorites!

If you are a fan of hot sauces, then go ahead and use more sriracha! I kept it to 1/2 teaspoon but you might like more.... and my shredded cheese is a blend of 3 different cheeses that I purchase at Costco but I think that shredded parmesan or asagio would work nicely too. Just gives it a bit of a salty tang. I use a gluten-free soy sauce called tamari... use your own favorite.

I am going to make it again and have it with lightly sauted zoodles...

If you give it a try, I would love to know what you think!

Hot and Spicy Peanut Sauce
Makes 1 serving

• 4 Tbs PB2
• 1 Tbs water
• 2 Tbs tamari
• 1 clove garlic, peeled, smashed, and minced
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp sriracha
• 1 green onion, cut into 1/2 inch lengths
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese

1. Mix the PB2 with water and tamari till smooth.
2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and sriracha and mix well.
3. Pour over the top of your noodles.
4. Top with onion slices and cheese shreds.

Per serving, sauce only.

Weight Watchers P+ = 5.

Calories 167; Protein 19g; Carbohydrate 9g; Fat 8g; Fibre 3g.

Are you a fan of hot and spicy?