Chai Smoothie

The word chai means tea in many parts of the world, but it can also be associated with any drink flavored with aromatic spices and made creamy with milk — though this recipe uses cashews in place of milk. We included cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in this recipe since they are a few of the more popular spices associated with chai, and because the combination is delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cashews
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds
• 2 teaspoons lucuma powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, with extra to garnish
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 6 ice cubes (about 1 cup)

Directions:

1. Blend all the ingredients, except for the banana and ice cubes, in a high powered blender on low speed then high for 1 minute or until creamy smooth.
2. Add the frozen banana and ice and blend 30 seconds or until blended. Immediately pour into a glass, garnish with a little cinnamon or a dollop of Banana Mango Cream, add a straw, and serve.

Yield:
Makes 1 (16oz ) serving, or 2 (8oz) servings.

*Cacao powder can be replaced with carob powder. Carob powder is naturally sweet, low in fat, high in fiber, has calcium, and no caffeine. Most brands are gluten-free, yet because there is a slight possibility of cross-contamination those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may want to check with the manufacturer to be sure.

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