Banana-Chocolate Smoothie

Tips: A “no-brainer”, infinitely variable recipe. Use nonfat or whole milk chocolate yogurt; if you can’t find chocolate yogurt, use plain or vanilla, and add chocolate syrup to taste. Use less yogurt if you prefer a dominant banana flavor, or go in the opposite direction for a more pronounced yogurt/chocolate taste. I’ve even had a suggestion from a friend about using strawberry yogurt and chocolate syrup here.

If this is refrigerated overnight, it will thicken slightly, but it isn’t a long “keeper”. Use this as a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert. Good any time of year.

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, ripe but still firm
• 6 to 8 ounces chocolate, vanilla, OR plain yogurt


Optional:

• Chocolate syrup to taste

Method:
Peel banana, cutting off and discarding any bruised spots. Slice into workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade OR blender container. Cover; blend/puree at high speed until smooth, scraping container with spatula if necessary to be sure all of banana is pureed. Add yogurt and optional chocolate syrup. Cover and blend/puree at high speed briefly, until all ingredients are combined. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for as long as overnight.