I grew up drinking fruit smoothies at breakfast time. Banana smoothies used to be some of my favorites (besides guava, papaya, and avocado smoothies)….

It has been a while since I have had one. So this morning I decided to remember old times — but with a little difference. Instead of making a simple banana smoothie — which in Brazil is basically prepared by blending bananas with milk and sugar — I decided to spice mine up by adding chai tea and a bit of coffee (Brazil’s most popular drink). Oh, boy, am I glad I did!

If you are a chocoholic, you’ll love the addition of either a homemade or good quality store-bought chocolate sauce to the smoothie. However, if health or weight is a concern, you could skip the chocolate sauce and use skim milk and/or a sugar substitute to prepare your smoothie, as I prefer to do with mine. Since gluten is not a concern in my diet, I have also added wheat germ to mine, which is a great source of both vitamin E and folic acid.

Well, enjoy this healthy, refreshing, and delicious smoothie!!!

xx

Banana Coffee Chai Smoothie
Serves 2
Segments: From My Table To Yours/ Brazilian cuisine (Inspired)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water 
• 1 chai tea bag 
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1 large frozen or fresh banana, cut into chunks (frozen bananas make a thicker, frostier smoothie)
• 1/2 cup milk**
• Pinch of cinnamon 
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of ground ginger 
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar, honey or sugar substitute
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)*
• 4 ice cubes
• Chocolate fudge sauce (optional), store-bought or homemade 

** For a dairy-free version, use soy, rice, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
* For a gluten-free version, skip the wheat germ

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil. Pour 1/4 cup water in a small mug and add the teabag. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes or until the tea is strongly brewed. Squeeze out the teabag and discard it. Add the instant coffee to the remaining 1/4 hot water and stir.

2. Pour both the brewed tea and prepared coffee into a blender, and add the milk, banana, spices, sugar, and wheat germ if desired. Puree until smooth. Add the ice cubes and blend just until the ice is crushed. If desired, pour a bit of chocolate fudge into a glass and swirl. Then, pour smoothie into the glass, sprinkle with additional cinnamon or ginger if you wish. Enjoy!

Note: Recipe adapted from About.com Herbs and Spices.

Extra recipe: Spiced chai mix 

You might also enjoy: 

• Coffee with Guaraná (Café com Guaraná)
• Açaí MilkShake (Milk Shake de Açaí)
• Virgin Fruit Cocktail Drink (Coquetel de Frutas Virgem)
• Virgin Tangiroska (Tangiroska Virgem)
• Berry Caipilé  Drink with Tangerine Popsicle (Caipilé de Frutas Vermelhas)

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