I spent the last weekend surrounded by lots of amazing teenagers. It was exhausting, fun, and fabulous.
It didn’t involve any workouts or healthy food. It did involve several late nights, long days on my feet, and learning how to properly hula dance from a Hawaiian. You may have seen a few pictures on instagram that gave you a glimpse into my weekend adventures.
It was a weekend where I was reminded first-hand how strong people can be when faced with adversity. And how adversity can actually transform lives into something even better than it may have been without it.
Sometimes my job is really cool.
You know what else is really cool? Having a husband who creates a recipe for Xanthan Gum after a really long weekend when I’m tired. He makes my life so much easier so often!
And this simple recipe is one I’m sure I’ll make often in the future. A perfect snack for an afternoon snack at the office. With around 150 calories and almost 15 grams of protein, this is a tasty treat you can feel good about!
Cocoa Banana Power Pudding
by
Keywords: blender appetizer breakfast dessert snack gluten-free soy-free vegan vegetarian banana chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs
- 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (adjust for texture)
- Optional: additional cocoa nibs for garnish
Instructions
Combine all ingredients except xanthan gum in a blender and mix until smooth.
Stir in xanthan gum until desired consistency is achieved (you can add more or less).
Sprinkle with additional cocoa nibs, if desired.
We used Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk and Vega Protein Powder, so all calorie information is based on those nutritional stats.
And now it’s time to see what the other #MMAZ participants created this week! Remember you can join the fun at any time by creating a meatless recipe with the week’s key ingredient. Get all the info here.
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Questions for you:
- Who inspires you?
- What flavor pudding would you create?
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Great job hubby – that recipe sounds sooooo good! I love chocolate and banana together.
Glad you had a fun weekend. :)
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Food, Snow, & More Food
I’m such a lucky girl. :)
You know I love the protein in this!!! I’ve been making protein puddings almost every day. Will defintely add this combo to the line up. I bet it would be awesome with some chia too!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Butternut Banana Protein Shake
I knew you would. :) I think chia would be a delicious addition and increase the protein even more!
This sounds like perfect fuel after the weekend you had! I use xanthan gum in a lot of my gluten free baking. It’s definitely a very interesting ingredient!
I have to say that my clients are a huge inspiration to me lately. I got up at 4:15 this morning to train a client and really, the dedication they have to workout in the morning like that really impresses me!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) recently posted..Tagatose Sweetened Gluten and Dairy Free Banana Muffins!
I have to say, this is one of those ingredients that’s been in my cabinet for a while, I just didn’t know what to do with it. I’ll have to check out some of your recipes to put it to good use. You should join MMAZ one week! :)
this looks fantastic, and the fact that he made it for you? so much better! :)
sounds like a really fun weekend… here is my xanthan gum entry:
http://spabettie.com/2013/02/18/lemongrass-ice-cream/
I know, right? Such a lucky girl! :)
Well, considering how similar our recipes are…I’d go with apple pie. Yours has the health benefits of protein powder, however…while mine is just a bunch of fluff. Literally. :)
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Vegan Apple Pie Whipped Cream
Great minds think alike, right?! I love the apple pie idea, that would work great in this recipe! Nothing wrong with a little fluff too. :)
If I hadn’t just finished a big bowl of protein oat bran, I’d be making this right now! It looks delicious!
Oat bran sounds pretty good and filling too. :)
Mmm, I often mash a banana and add cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder to it, love that combo! I need to experiment with xanthan gum. Sounds like you had an awesome weekend!
Think smoothie but thicker – it’s so much fun. I’m glad to finally use something that’s been in my cabinet forever!
I love this! Kirk is the best! You two are the cutest.
I thought about your xanthan gum post all weekend when I was making post-workout smoothies and didn’t get my act together to post about it- BUT I plan on doing that tomorrow.
Chocolate + banana is great, or sub either of those with Peanut Butter…mmmm….
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted..Running Around [the weekend]
He really is – I’m very blessed to be his wife. :) You know you can add a recipe to MMAZ through Tuesday nights, right? I’ll add yours!
This looks and sounds SO good!! Well done once again, Heather!!
Thanks girl. :)
YUM! That looks delish, Heather! Who inspires me? Oh man…so many people for so many reasons. My dad, because he always seeks God in the midst of everything (he’s on my mind as it’s his bday today!); my mom because she always has a good attitude despite what life might be like; my husband because he’s such a hard worker…to name a few. ;) And you inspire me in the kitchen (Kirk too, actually)! Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie recently posted..Recently…
That is such an inspiring crew! And I’m humbled that you included us in your list, thanks girl. You inspire me in your adventures and fitness journey and dedication to God – can’t wait to finally meet you in person in May!!!
I just found your blog! I love it, ah! I am very excited to read your future recipes.
Alaine @ My GF DF Living recently posted..Vegan Peanut Lime Noodles
Welcome – I’m so glad you found me! And join in MMAZ any time! :)
Sometimes it’s really nice to be reminded of how strong people can be, that you can often overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles. Totally pinning this recipe. Sounds fantastic!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Accidental 14 Mile Run
Yes – 100%. I think it also adds prespective to our own lives. :) Hope you make & enjoy the recipe!
Yum! Sarah and I looked for xanthan gum while she was here. All I know is that I’m ordering some asap!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..MIMM: When Blends Collide
Whole Foods is where I got mine – you must get some, it’s supposed to be perfect for GF cooking!
favorite pudding to make is key lime avocado :)
pudding looks great! banana and chocolate always a winning combo!
purelytwins recently posted..makeup for acne prone skin
Key Lime Avocodo – that sounds amazing! Is that one you have posted in the past – my hubby would LOVE it. :)
Ohhhh I was too scared to try and make something with xanthan gum for MMAZ this week given I’ve never used it before!! Maybe I could have a go at your Cocoa Banana Power Pudding – it does sound delish, and probably not very scary at all! Think I might need to check out the other links too – Failure Peanut Butter Mousse sounds fantastic!
Lisa @ Greek Vegetarian recently posted..Fennel, Zucchini and Feta Tart and Tony goes on the Meat Free Week challenge
I know that feeling, although part of MMAZ is taking the risk and trying something new. I hope you jump in and try soon, it’s fun and I’d love for you to experience it. :)
how many grams in that scoop of protein powder?
This Vega powder has 26g of protein per scoop!