One thing I have been craving like mad lately is smoothies. The problem being – we have no blender. Our Magic Bullet has kicked the bucket, and I’m not willing to spend money on a crappy blender that I’m just going to have to replace again, but can’t really justify dropping a lot of money on the blender I really want (I’m looking at you Vita-Mix). Sometimes being a poor student just plain sucks.
So what is a smoothie-craving girl to do? All I see are delicious smoothie creations, and lust after some of my favourite concoctions (like my Ultimate Green Goodness Smoothie, or the seasonal Apricot Cherry Almond Smoothie). It’s pure torture I tell you!
Fortunately, I do have one blending device capable of combining soft ingredients well…
Why hello there immersion blender! No good for frozen or hard ingredients, but I figured if I could come up with a recipe using only soft ingredients I could at least do something to keep my smoothie cravings under control.
I scanned my options, and came up with the above assortment. I worried I wouldn’t get that delicious thick smoothie texture you get by adding frozen fruits, but surprisingly it turned out pretty darn close.
And I imagine you could even do this smoothie without any electric blending devices – just mash the banana and avocado in a large bowl, add the rest of the ingredients, and whisk away until it’s all blended. Might not be quite as smooth, but if all you have is a whisk and want a smoothie, I bet it would satisfy the craving.
No Blender Required Smoothie
serves 1
No blender? No problem! You can make this smoothie with a hand held immersion blender, or even a fork and whisk.
- 1 small very ripe banana
- 1/4 very ripe avocado
- 1 cup milk (I used So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage, unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 scoop protein powder (I like Vega Sport Performance Vanilla)
- splash of vanilla
- maple syrup (or other sweetener) to taste
1. Combine all ingredients in a suitable container.
2. Blend with immersion blender until smooth. Pour in a glass, and enjoy!
Note: If you don’t have an immersion blender, first mash the heck out of the banana and avocado with a fork, add the rest of the ingredients, and whisk like you have never whisked before. You’ll get a delicious smoothie and an upper body workout!
So for now, this is my go to smoothie. I may try out some other soft fruits with my immersion blender, but I fear without the banana/avocado consistency, and lack of frosty frozen fruit, they may not quite cut it. So if anyone out there wants to hook me up with a fancy pants blending device, I would be ever so grateful. I do have a birthday coming up afterall 
That looks like such a delicious way to start the day! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe, Marianne. We can’t wait to share it with all of our friends and fans!
I’m glad you liked it, and thanks for sharing the link!
I have not found a blender that has not broken in less than 6 months. Love this recipe!
haha i am naive… thought this was going to say “only hands required” .. .hmm that would have been quite messy!
I love hand blenders- I remember one of the first ‘recipes’ i ever made as a kid was helping my mom hand blend her “vitamin-protein-banana-smoothies” lol… they always tasted like chalk *blech”
Thankfully this definitely wouldn’t taste like chalk! mmm and I know your love for avocado, which would be perfect blended in a smoothie with MAPLE SYRUP! <3
actually the combo of peanut butter, banana, and avocado is really appealing to me right now!
xoxo <3
Haha – well, you could probably use your hands to make the smoothie as well – I’m sure it would make for a great moisturizer!
yumyum….I’m going to be in this situation quite soon, as I won’t have a blender in Germany (er, Ikea? I think that’ll be my first weekend visit, b/c after this green monster: http://livinglearningeating.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/blueberry-green-milkshake/ , I don’t think I can go without them)
Never thought to use my immersion blender for a smoothie! Good thinking….
PS…like the new look!!
I used to make glaze for my ceramic pots with an immersion blender! Yum!
That is one smoothie I don’t think I’d want to drink