Chocolate Smoothie

Here's a good protein smoothie that tastes just like a chocolate milkshake. The original is from Super Smoothies by Sara Corpening Barber and Mary Corpening Whiteford. I've adapted it so its totally vegan. Its a good one if you're PMS'ing.

1/2 C soft silken tofu
3/4 C chilled chocolate rice milk (or use chocolate soy if you prefer)
1/2 C Chocolate Almond Dream ice cream
1 frozen banana, sliced
1/4 C toasted pecans or almonds (optional)

Combine tofu and rice milk in a blender. Add the Almond Dream and banana and blend until smooth. Add the nuts if you like, saving a little for garnish on top.

Makes 2 1/2 cups; serves 2

Post Workout Smoothie

Here is a good post workout smoothie I like to make after the gym. My munchkins like it as well. It comes from Super Smoothies by Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford.

POWER PUNCH (serves 2)

1/2 C soft silken tofu
1 1/4 C pear nectar
1/2 C frozen diced pineapple
1/2 frozen banana, sliced
1 t lime juice

Combine the pear nectar and tofu in a blender. Add all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

About 170 calories per serving, 2 g fat.

Tip: I use the Knudsen's Pear Juice I found at Bloom in the gluten-free section. Silken Tofu can be found at Ingles in the produce section. I use canned crushed pineapple and freeze it in 1/2 C portions in a plastic baggie. I find it best to slice the banana in advance, freeze it then the slices are ready to use (they don't turn brown when frozen).