In its raw state, chocolate has more than 300 nutritional compounds, is considered a superfood, and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food on the planet. Our bodies use antioxidants to ‘mop up’ free radicals that can damage our cells. Scientists from Cornell University recently discovered that raw cacao powder contains nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Just to be clear, I not talking about the chocolate you find in processed foods with all that added sugar.
Just becasue something is healthy doesn’t mean it should be consumed unlimitedly- I am not advocating consuming chocolate all the time, but in moderation and as a treat, why not. If you are worried about the caffeine, try carob powder.
With all that said, if you love raw chocolate and if you love mint- this smoothie is right up your alley. I whipped it up this morning and was so pleased with the outcome, I just had to share. It is most definitely a tasty and healthy treat, but is by no means a low fat or sugar free one. It does, however, contains healthy fats from the nuts and natural sugar from the dates and bananas. So get your blender out and treat yourself and nourish your body all at the same time.
I made this smoothie pretty thick using only 1 cup of water and I found it a little too rich. You could definitely add more liquid if you wanted to thin it out a bit. Play around with the amount of mint as well to get it to your liking. I found the amount in the recipe just right, but everyones taste buds are different.
Ingredients
Yields: Approximately 2 cups, if using 1 cup of liquid
- 1/2 cup of cashews
- 3-4 dates plus 1/4-1/2 cup of water
- 2 frozen bananas (I chopped mine, so they would blend easier)
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp of mint flavor
- 1 large handful of spinach
- 2 Tbsp of unsweetened cacao powder or carob powder
- 1-1 1/2 cups of water or nut milk
- Optional: cacao nibs
Directions
- In a blender, add the cashews, dates and 1/4 cup of water (you will use the water to help blend the ingredients, anywhere from 1/4-1/2 cup should do the trick) and blend until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients except the water.
- Slowly add the water as you are blending all the ingredients together. If you want a thick smoothie use less water; if you want it thinner add more water.
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chocolate, drink, green, healthy, mint, recipe, smoothie
I am the Good Girl Gone Green. Seeing garbage cans overflowing with recyclables breaks my heart.
I LOVE carob. I remember a teacher introduced me to it when I was in the 5th grade. I’ve gravitated to it ever since, but find it kinda hard to track down stuff that I like that uses it. I love carob-covered treats – like coconut, nuts and other things. I’d like to try this recipe out but I will probably never have all the ingredients in my home at the same time. One of these days…
Stopping by from Friendship Friday (Create with Joy).
Im now a new Twtter follower (@pricelessteam).
I like carob too, but sometimes I just want chocolate! Let me know if you try it!
waited all day for this…thank you–looks delish! sweet and refreshing with the mint…
No you didn’t? You did? Awe, thanks. Makes me feel special!
This sounds SO good Stephanie! I can’t believe there’s spinach hiding in there!
Thanks Micaela! I know!!!
Yummy! I have to get my hands on some mint….
It tastes so refreshing with the mint!
Oh my, this looks and sounds delicious! I have a big stack of mint growing in the garden, it is overtaking everything right now!! x
Let me know if you try it!
Oh yeah!! Now that looks yummy. I need to try this using my Wheatgrass.
Right now I am working from this blog
http://giveawaysgiveawaysgiveaways.blogspot.com/
I ran out of space on My Journey With Candida. http://myjourneywithcandida.blogspot.com/
I bought more space, but I guess it takes a couple of days to get it working again.
It would probably taste good. Just not too much unless you like the taste of wheatgrass!
I never thought of adding raw nuts to my smoothies – thanks for the idea!
Chocolate mint is my absolutely favourite! Thanks for the tip
What brand of cocoa do you use?
This looks incredible-and your photo is gorgeous! You are the smoothie queen
Thanks, L! You are so cute!
I love using mint so this goes on my must try list. Thanks for sharing.
If you try it, please let me know how you like it!
[...] Domestics) Brownie Strawberry Shortcake (Glorious Treats) Pizza. Grilled. Cheese. OMG. (Blogchef) Grasshopper Smoothie – no insects involved (Good Girl Gone Green) Easy Bread Bowls – from leftover dinner [...]
This looks very yummy! i hope to give this a try next weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Please, let me know what you think!
Oh this looks yummy! My “Lines Across My Face” offering is here: http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-tuesday-bunnys-birthday-dress.html
Thanks!
This looks so dellicious! We’re so glad that you linked up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” We hope you’ll be back soon. -The Sisters
That looks so good! I can’t think of a better flavor combination than chocolate and mint!
I know- chocolate and mint is awesome!
Thanks so much for linking this brilliant recipe up to my Say G’Day Saturday Party. That looks so delicious-I’m going to pin it right now!
I hope you will be able to join in and link up another fabulous post this weekend!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Hmmmm, love this recipe! Thanks for sharing:)
Hopping by and following your Lovely blog (FB, Pinterest, SU and twitter). I am also inviting you to join my blog’s giveaway, which prize pack contains the following: VIP coupon for a free 4-pack of Yoplait Trix yogurt for kids and Yoplait branded items including an insulated lunch tote, ice pack, backpack, folder, zippered pencil pouch, pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpener. This is the link to join (and where you can follow me too): http://olahmomma.com/blog/intrixicated-yoplait-trix-review-and-giveaway
Thanks and have a great day!
Thank you!
This is RIGHT up my alley. Thanks for sharing
Pinning it so I won’t forget 
Thanks so much for linking at Drab to Fab!
Today’s party link: http://www.amynjesse.com/2012/04/drab-to-fab-link-up-13-features.html
Have a great weekend!
Amy
Thank you, Amy!
I am trying this! Looks great!
Thanks!
Wow! Thank you for sharing! You blog is beautiful! This is my first visit!
Awe, thanks! So sweet of you to day. Happy Earth Day!
[...] Good luck, Get inspired and Have fun! ) FEATURED!! From the Blog – Good Girl Gone Green Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie From the Blog – Cheerios and Lattes Fostering a Heart for God in Infants Thanks for [...]
Mmmmmmm…. this looks mighty good! I’m going to have to give it a try!
Please tell me how you like it!
Looks delicious! I featured this yummy smoothie on Make Yourself Monday today.
Jamie
For Love of Cupcakes
thank you, Jamie!
[...] Dip Cinco De Mayo Pinata Cookies – Cookies with a hidden pocket of candy? Must.make.these Chocolate Mint Grasshoppper Smoothie – [...]
Whoa…..another must-try!
Thanks, Jessica! It is pretty tasty!
Hey Steph, any suggestions for alternatives to Bananas for this recipe. I am allergic to bananas.
Thanks Love, miss you
L
Try avocado. If you don’t freeze it, add some ice to made it nice and cold!