Woke up this morning...

and drank a raw cacao/sunflower butter/banana shake! Throughout my raw journey I've experienced a lot of fruity morning beverages, but I never thought to make something with chocolate; mostly because cacao powder and cacao nibs are considered 'the precious' in my book. However, this morning I woke up feeling saucy and decided to go for it. I am sure glad that I did as it was an incredible breakfast treat. James walked around with a chocolate ring surrounding his mouth for a good 'bit. I didn't have the heart to tell him; I thought he might be saving it for later. It's just that good.

When I first tasted it, I thought that the cacao overpowered the sweet banana flavor, so I added more banana. The mixture ended up with a thick consistency, which got me thinking that this recipe would make great pudding. Instead of drinking it for breakfast, (which I suggest you do) let it sit in the fridge or freezer and set to a pudding-like consistency. This would make an excellent dessert. Don't be afraid, be daring. Add some of your favorite fruit, make a parfait with it, go crazy!! If you want it to be a tad sweeter, I suggest adding a drop of raw agave nectar.

This recipe was adapted from Ani's Raw Food Kitchen (www.aniphyo.com)

What's Shakin'

Serves 2

• 2 medium ripe bananas
  
• 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder or cacao nibs (or both!)
  
• 1/4 c. sunflower butter***
  
• 1-2 c. filtered water (add the 1st cup and blend, add the rest a little at a time until the consistency you want is achieved)
• Drop of agave nectar (for a sweeter flavor)

Place all ingredients in your blender, and blend until smooth.

If you are making raw pudding: Use less water, seal it in a glass or food grade plastic jar, and let it set in the refrigerator/freezer. 

***Sunflower Butter

Using your food processor or blender, blend raw sunflower seeds until they form a smooth paste. If the mixture gets too dry, add small amounts of vegetable oil a few drops at a time until the consistency you desire is achieved. Add salt to taste. Keep whatever you don't use for your shake/pudding in a sealed container in the refrigerator. 

Last, but definitely not least, I've got to give a shout out to a good friend back in Eugene OR. The mug you see in the above photo was a birthday gift made by a very talented, Mr.Kelvin Pond. Thanks for giving me something beautiful to drink from as I welcome the new day!