Cardamom-Banana-Milkshake

Dear Vinepire,

Sometimes, even classics need a polish up, and today we´re going to do it with the banana milkshake. I remember drinking it in summer so often, that I was not hungry at dinner time afterwards… but I never did it during wintertime. I just want something more spicy during the cold season… and here I found it! http://food52.com/recipes/12698-banana-cardamom-milkshake

I fell so deeply in love with this genius version of my favourite childhood milkshake that I decided to change it a little to fit it into my daily diet. I recommend you to test out the original version (and get addicted) and maybe try out this little recipe of mine.

For 2 portions :

-1 large banana

-1 cup of almond or soy milk

-1 pinch of cardamom, grounded

-1 large pinch of cinnamon

Simply mix it all together in the blender, until smooth ad foamy, and voilà! Because you used plant-based milk, it will be poor in calories and very light, while still melting like a mousse on your tongue. I recommend almond milk because of the rich consistency. To my fellow chocolate lovers I suggest replacing the spice with a good teaspoon of cocoa powder… hmmm. The milkshake is also delicious on ice!

Thank you so much for reading,

Your Vine Vampire

PS : If you want to make your own almond milk, look it up here.

Cinnamon-Banana-Baby

Dear Vinepires,

It´s not a real baby! 😉 This so-called Dutch-Baby pancake is my shortcut to heaven, especially on misty winter mornings… with a drop or two of maple syrup… hmmm… Your worries will melt away and your kids will ask for more! Here is the original recipe : http://spoonful.com/recipes/banana-and-cinnamon-sugar-dutch-baby-pancake

For one pancake, enough for 4 people :

– 1/2 cup flour

– 1/4 cup + 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

– 1/4 tablespoon salt

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon vanilla

– 3/4 cup milk

– 3 eggs

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 banana in 1/4 inch slices

– Maple syrup for serving

Heat  the oven ( 425°F). In a medium cast iron or non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat and set aside. Put the all the ingredients, except for the banana, cinnamon and the sugar in the tablespoon into the blender (you could also use an electric mixer) and blend for about 1 minute, until foamy. Pour the mixture into the pan and top evenly with banana-slices. Combine the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it over the top. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and puffy and serve warm with maple syrup, voilà!

Enjoy this magical breakfast!

Your Vine Vampire

PS : Let me know in the comments how it worked out, did you add any secret ingredient? Mines are chocolate chips or nuts, chopped, with honey instead of syrup.