Vegan Vanilla Milkshake

Beat the summer heat with this healthy and yummy "I can't believe it's vegan" milkshake! The frozen banana makes this irresistibly creamy and thick, just like a traditional ice cream-based milkshake! This is definitely going to be my go-to summer drink :)

Ingredients:

1 large frozen banana, the riper the better

1/2-2/3 cup vanilla almond milk or soy milk (you can also substitute regular milk for a non-vegan shake)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Fresh fruit, whipped topping, or chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

Directions:

First off you need to freeze your banana. I like to have a steady supply of frozen bananas for smoothies, baking, etc. so I usually buy one very ripe bunch of bananas at the grocery store for freezing/baking (sometimes if they're really brown they give you 50% off!) and also a regular bunch to have on my counter to eat normally. You know you're a baker/cook when.... haha. :P. Anyways, once you have your over-ripe bananas, don't just put a whole banana in the freezer.  Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-2" chunks, then place them in an airtight container and pop it in the freezer. Now you'll have a supply of frozen banana chunks to use as needed!

To make the milkshake, put all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more liquid for a thinner milkshake and less for a thicker one. Pour into a tall glass, add a topping or garnish of your choice, and serve with a straw!

*Recipe by Brooke McMillan