Spiced Banana Breakfast Shake

Banana is versatile and nutritious, as we all know. And, when I was growing up in India, we always had bananas at home to be eaten as a snack, or even dessert. There were at least half a dozen varieties of bananas I remember, each with distinct flavor, look, and size - from the small "manjal pazham" (yellow banana) to my favorite "nendran pazham" (i have no idea what the translation or botanical name for nendran is - I guess I could look it up...).

While I relish bananas as-is, I also like this simple shake which is low fat with a hint of spice. This thick, cold, and hearty shake with bold banana flavor and a hint of allspice and cinnamon is a great way to start the day.

This Spiced Banana Breakfast Shake is for this month’s Jihva for Ingredients - Banana. JFI was started by Indira of Mahanandi, hosted this month by Mandira of Aahar.

Ingredients:
2 large medium ripe bananas
½ tsp allspice powder
1 cup 2% milk
6 oz Yoplait™ low fat banana creme yogurt
cinnamon powder for dusting

Preparation

1. slice 1½ bananas and leave in the freezer for about 30 minutes
2. slice the remaining ½ banana for garnish
3. when ready to assemble the drink, combine the milk, yogurt, frozen banana slices and all spice powder in a blender and blend to a smooth drink
4. garnish with sliced bananas stuck through a toothpick and dust with cinnamon, serve cold

The quantity listed above makes about roughly two 8 oz drinks as in the picture.