Starbucks Frappuccinos - Guilt-free substitutes!

OK, here are two great drinks! If, in your past life (as a junk-food eater) you enjoyed a mocha frappuccino, or even the mango-citrus frappuccino, and now you are sometimes tempted by them but don't want the sugar/chemicals, then try these instead! Also great as a special treat, or just breakfast! You can enjoy them without feeling sick or guilty afterwards.


1) "Mocha Frappuccino"

3 over-ripe bananas, peeled, broken in small pieces and frozen
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. instant coffee
1 heaping tsp. cocoa powder (or try carob)
cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste
6 - 8 large ice cubes

Put the water in the blender, start to add the banana pieces. After you added about half, then add the coffee, cocoa, and spices. Then add the rest of the bananas, followed by the ice cubes. Add more water, if necessary. Stop blending once the big pieces are all broken up, pour in a tall glass and enjoy!
Yields 2 moderate servings or one really big serving!

I realize some of the ingredients might be objectionable to some people... you can also experiement with adding stevia or honey, carob, almonds, oatmeal, psyllium, etc. Don't add the coffee, and it's a great "chocolate shake."

2) Mango smoothie

1/2 cup rice milk (or water)
2 large or 4 small very ripe and juicy mangos, skinned, de-pitted, chopped into small bite-sized pieces, and frozen.

Let the mango pieces thaw for 2-3 minutes, just until they aren't rock-hard.
Put rice milk in the blender, then add the mango pieces, blending until very smooth and creamy.
Serve and enjoy immediately! This is very smooth and creamy almost like a pudding, especially once it melts a bit more. For variety, try adding 1/4 - 1/2 c. fresh raspberries. But if you paid a lot for the mango, be careful, it's easy to cover up the flavor of the mango.
Yields 2 moderate servings or 1 large serving.
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