Best Banana Chocolate Smoothies EVER

My son says the other day,
"Mom, I love you.  Your the best mom because you make the best Banana Chocolate Smoothies EVER!"

I didn't have the heart to tell him where we live (Bay City, MI)
I'm probably the ONLY Mom that makes banana chocolate smoothies.

Why Banana Chocolate Smoothies?
They are a healthy alternative to sugary treats like slushies or ice cream.
Its also a great way to keep from banana waste!  When my bananas get just ripe enough that I don't want to eat them (too many brown spots), I freeze them and use them later for smoothies!

What goes into one of these Awesome Smoothies, you ask?
I took Dr. Furhman's recipe for "Furhman Fudgcicles" and used cocoa powder instead of carob powder, added Chia seeds and modified it to a smoothie.
(therefore the credit really goes to the good Dr. F)

Banana Chocolate Smoothie
1 ripe banana (per person)
1 tbsp cocoa powder (not dutch) (per person)
1 tbsp Chia seeds or ground flax seed (per person)
1/2 tbsp raw cashews (optional.. adds to flavor..  I sometimes use another nut or none if I don't have any)
1/2 unsweetened soy or almond milk (Approximate per person to blend and achieve desired consistency/flavor)
Ice cubes (for desired consistency)

Put all of first ingredients except ice in blender and blend.
Add Ice, if desired, until its as slushy as you like

You can use frozen bananas with or without ice.  If you use frozen bananas without ice it is more of a milk-shake-type of consistency.  If you use non-frozen bananas you will probably want to add ice to chill it and make it a little slushy.  I usually always add ice (whether I have frozen bananas or not) because I like the slushy feel it gives.  If I used frozen bananas and ice I add more soymilk to help me blend it.  Also, if my bananas were smaller than usual and the cocoa is too strong, I will add a little more soymilk to make it more creamy tasting.

What a tasty treat to add along with Breakfast, Lunch, or sometimes Dinner!