Super Thick Strawberry Almond Milkshakes

I may have mentioned how ridiculously hot my house is lately. We have no air conditioning, very little cross ventilation and one ceiling fan. That said, I have been ridiculously under-motivated to spend any time in the kitchen creating new recipes. Unless they are frozen. And include ice. And can be consumed through a straw.

Today I bring to you a recipe for something that will cool you off and replace a meal if you so choose. 

It's a milkshake. Not a true milkshake because there is no cow's milk in it. In fact, when I told my children that we were having milkshakes for dinner they asked me with such sweet innocence, "Mama, what's a milkshake?" It's a funny thing being dairy-free for so long. The children are not entirely aware of all the divine pleasures that exist out there in the world of eats and treats.

The unique thing about this milkshake, besides the absence of milk of course, is the addition of oatmeal. For months now I've been considering creative ways to use the leftover oatmeal from the morning's breakfast. 

Finally, the excess oatmeal has found a happy home in my Super Thick Strawberry Almond Milkshakes.

Super Thick Strawberry Almond Milkshakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 cup smooth almond butter (or less if you don't prefer your shake to be sooooo thick)

1 cup cooked oatmeal

2 cups frozen strawberries

1 banana, fresh or frozen

2 cups ice

1 1/2 TBS honey

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

The Preparation Method:

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Turn on high and puree until smooth.

For the Visual Learners Among Us:

Begin by measuring out your ingredients. One and a half cups almond milk—original or vanilla, sweetened or unsweetened—whatever your preference. I love, love, love Almond Breeze!

One cup creamy almond butter. Use half this amount if you would rather your Super Thick Milkshake move more quickly through the straw when all is said and done.

One cup precooked oatmeal. I love, love, love Bob's Red Mill Certified Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.

Two cups frozen strawberries, or more for a stronger strawberry presence.

One banana. Use a frozen one for proper milkshake thickness. Use a fresh one if that's all you have because you've made smoothies for dinner every night this week and you don't have any frozen bananas left.

Two cups ice cubes.

One and a half tablespoons honey.

One half teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

Blend it all up on high for a few minutes until you've achieved a Super Thick Strawberry Almond Milkshake.

 

Insert straw, enjoy the cool refreshment and sit outside under a shady tree where the cool wind blows.

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Now that we've all cooled off a bit—let's dance!

Toby Keith - Beer For My Horses featuring Willie Nelson