Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

How's about a little something healthy today? Something rich and chocolaty and satisfying ... without any guilt!

This month, 5 Star Foodie Culinary Adventures' Make-Over Challenge is all about smoothies and shakes. Yum, I'm in! Natasha has asked us to submit a recipe for a smoothie or shake with a twist. Eligible entries include: malts, floats, shakes, smoothies, frappes, and more. Basically, any kind of chilled, blended drink will qualify and you are limited only by your imagination.

Entries are due by Sunday, June, 6th and the round-up will be posted Monday, June 7th. Oh, and there's a fabulous prize too - a HealthMaster Blender. How exciting! Pop on over to 5 Star's place and read the rules if you'd like to enter.

For my first entry, I've made a protein-rich shake that's sure to sure to satisfy. I've replaced the ice cream with a combination of silken tofu and Greek yogurt, and gilded the lily by flavoring it with my favorite combination ... chocolate and peanut butter. What could be better?!

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake:

• 2/3 cup plain, unsweetened, soy milk
• 2 oz. lite silken tofu
• 3 oz. plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons natural peanut butter*
• 2 or 3 teaspoons agave nectar, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 or 2 ice cubes, cracked
• dash of ground cinnamon, optional

Combine all ingredients in blender and mix/blend on high until thick and creamy. Pour into a glass and serve.

* In this case, I used some agave sweetened peanut butter made by Earth Balance. If you're unable to find agave peanut butter, opt for the natural, unsweetened stuff, so as to keep the sugar in check.

This is a luscious, creamy shake that's just perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or dessert. It has all of the flavor of a traditional ice cream shake, minus the guilt, plus a healthy protein punch that will keep you full and happy. I'd say that's a winning equation ... and it looks like Diva Cat Lucy thinks so too!

Stay tuned for a possible second shake later in the week - I just might be offering an adult version for Thirsty Thursdays.

And speaking of adult beverages ... the Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala was amazing! I had a blast ... though sadly there are no pictures to prove it. The space, while dramatically lit, was rather dark and my camera just doesn't cut it in low light. Suffice it to say, a good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to next year's event! Hit up this link if you'd like some visuals. (I'm not in any of the photos, but you'll get a sense of the night.)

So, what's your favorite kind of shake? Hungry Diva wants to know.

Bon appetite!