Magic Bullet Milkshakes

So I decided I needed to post something since it has been so long, but I've been busy with school so I haven't really done much out of the ordinary lately.  However, I don't know that I've ever blogged about my love for my Magic Bullet, so here we go!

The Ultimate in Milkshake Making Technology!

This is probably one of my all-time favorite kitchen appliances (right next to my immersion blender and my stand mixer).  This single-serving blender is great for making shakes and sauces because it cleans up quickly and isn't very bulky.  I often make healthy shakes for breakfast or a snack using this awesome device.

If you have one of these, keep reading to see some of my basic recipes for tasty shakes.  If you don't own one, drop what you are doing, and go get one! (Or be sure to ask for one for Christmas this year!)

I like to make my milkshakes with four basic ingredients: a banana, milk, frozen berries, and honey.  These four ingredients give you the sweetness and the proper consistency every time.  Using the honey and berries keeps you from needing to add sugar, which is great since sugar is something we should all be cutting back on if possible.  I start with the standard size handled cup and the raised, four-pronged blade.  I typically add the banana first (in two pieces to fit in nicely), then add my frozen fruit (enough to fill the cup about halfway if the banana is already in), top with milk up to just below the lid-line, and squeeze in honey (probably a few teaspoons...I never really measure this).  You can always add more honey if it doesn't seem sweet enough!  I blend for about 20-30 seconds...maybe a little more, but not usually more than 2 minutes is needed to get everything blended.

So many variations, so little time!

And there you have it! A yummy, healthy, on-the-go breakfast or snack!

I've also played around with lots of variations on this basic recipe.  I often add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a tablespoon or so of coconut flakes.  You can also add various extracts such as vanilla, cherry, coconut, or almond.  From time to time, I even add in pecans or almonds (if you do this, be sure to blend it a little longer, and be prepared for a crunchy consistency!).  I'm a big fan of adding nuts, but my husband hates the little pieces, so I don't do that when I'm making a Matt-shake.  Once I even did milk, banana, and a packet of hot chocolate mix.  It was yummy, but probably not as good for you, haha!  In terms of frozen fruit, I tend to use either blueberries or strawberries.  I've also used berry blends with raspberries and blackberries.  I haven't tried using tropical blends (i.e. those with mango, pineapple, honey dew, etc.), but I would imagine those would be just as tasty!

If you are into protein powder, this is probably a way to get that in more pleasantly.  I could also see adding or substituting in yogurt if you are concerned about your gut fauna.  Many people also add things like flaxseed and wheatgerm for health reasons, but I can't say I've done that myself.  I have added in peanut butter when I needed a protein boost. I've also added in Nutella on days I felt like being bad! ;)

The Magic Bullet has a ton of other great uses, but for now, I hope this will get you started in learning to love this device that can only be described as wonderfully magical!  If you have any super awesome milkshakes you already make in your Magic Bullet that differ from what you read above, shoot me a comment or two! I'd love to hear new ideas!  Until next time, happy blending! :)

Okay, maybe not all the boys, but at least it brings my husband to the kitchen! ;)