As the holidays are wrapping up, why not switch out your hot drinks for some cold ones instead? These banana nut bread milkshakes give you all the flavors of your favorite quick bread — without the wait!
My family is very fond of shakes. We make mango shakes, cookies and cream shakes, maple shakes, banana shakes, vanilla shakes, candy-bar shakes, peanut butter shakes — and the list goes on! With six kiddos who keep this mom running, a quick and easy treat is exactly what I am looking for! Just a few minutes of cranking the blender and my whole family’s sweet tooth is satisfied!
I love the smell of banana bread in my kitchen, but if I am short on time, at least I can get the sweet and nutty flavor in my cup!
These shakes also make great party treats! Toss some sliced, chilled bananas, chopped walnuts and dollops of whipped cream on top and you will be the hostess with the mostess!
I also love sprinkling some walnuts on the serving tray and adding just a touch of a flavored syrup on top to give it that coffee shop, shake look.
The only reason you don’t see whipped cream in these pics is because that stuff is hard to find in my neck of the world. I do make special trips to buy whipping cream to make my own, but it’s not a weekly or even monthly deal. But, most of you can probably grab a can of Redi-whip on your weekly grocery trip and add that wonderful, white, fluffy stuff to the top to give these shakes just a dab of extra pizzazz!
OK, ladies! Are you ready for this simple, yummy recipe to serve your family and friends? Here it is!
6 ripe bananas, peeled
50 cubes of ice
4 cups milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup walnuts, chopped
dash salt
1 teaspoon maple extract
In large blender, place bananas, sugar, walnuts, salt, extract and sugar. Then, place the ice on top. Next, pour the cups of milk over the top and blend for 30 seconds. Turn off machine, and stir with fork to move ice around. Now, blend again until smooth. If the ice is still not breaking apart, try adding a little bit more milk to get things moving around. If you prefer a smoothie taste, add a 1/2 cup yogurt to the mix! Serve chilled and garnish with chopped walnuts, sliced bananas and whipped cream. Yields: 6 servings.
