I have made so many different recipes for chocolate peppermint thickshakes – but this one is in a league of its own! Not because it’s my favourite (although it may well be!), but because it is SO creamy and rich. The flecks of chocolate and fresh peppermint add a sophisticated touch to the dreamy base. I urge you to make this, quickly!
The fabulous texture comes from something weird. Something full of protein, fats, and calcium. Something so strange you may freak out: cottage cheese. Yes. I am talking about that ugly, knobbly cheese you get out of a tub, the plastic-tasting stuff that never looks quite right. Well, I’m going to tell you straight up – forget your past notions about cottage cheese. In this milkshake, it makes the sun shine. Pop it in the blender, and forget about it!
If you really can’t handle the thought of something so absurd – and I do understand – substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta. Does that make things better? Probably not. Oh, well, at least I tried! 😉
This milkshake is so satisfying from its protein and healthy fats. Avocado adds yet more thick smoothness, plus a boost of vitamins and fibre. Milk powder provides extra protein, sweetness, and creaminess, and cocoa gives a buzz of antioxidants. You could add a scoop of natural, sugarless protein powder if you wanted – just to justify drinking this as a meal! Or two, or all three . . .Â
This recipe can be gluten-free, nut-free, low-carb, and egg-free.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves 3 very lucky people
Ingredients:
– 250 grams (1 tub) cottage cheese
– 2 Tablespoons milk powder (or protein powder)
– 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
– small handful low-fructose dark chocolate chunks (see my recipe in “Treats”), or more cocoa powder
– 1/3 large avocado
– 1 tray ice cubes (about 12-14)
– 1 1/2 – 2 cups milk of choice (depending on desired thickness)
– 1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint essence, or to taste
– stevia or dextrose, to taste
– mint leaves, to garnish
Method:
1. Toss all ingredients into a blender. Blitz until completely smooth (you don’t want lumps of cottage cheese, right?), and pour into glasses. Serve with extra mint leaves and straws, if desired, and enjoy! 🙂
