Ingredients:

  • 6 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp creamy almond butter
  • 1 tbsp hemp hearts
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Place 6 pitted Medjool dates in a small heat safe bowl and cover with very hot water for 2 minutes. Note: This step is non negotiable for achieving a smooth texture.
  2. Drain the soaking water thoroughly to ensure you are not adding extra unmeasured liquid to the blender.
  3. Add the softened dates to the blender jar first, followed by the 1.5 cups of almond milk.
  4. Add the 1 tbsp of almond butter and 1 tbsp of hemp hearts directly into the liquid.
  5. Drop in the 1 frozen banana (break it into chunks if your blender is lower powered).
  6. Sprinkle in the 0.5 tsp cinnamon, 0.25 tsp vanilla, and the pinch of sea salt.
  7. Secure the lid and start the blender on the lowest speed to begin breaking down the frozen fruit.
  8. Slowly increase to high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture looks like uniform liquid velvet.
  9. Stop the blender and check the consistency with a spoon; if there are any tiny brown flecks, blend for another 20 seconds.
  10. Pour into a tall glass and consume immediately while the temperature is at its lowest for the best flavor experience.