It is time for the the secret recipe club reveal again 
If you are not familiar with this group, it is a monthly event in which bloggers from around the globe are divided into groups. Each blogger is secretly assigned a blog, your mission is to explore the blog, select a recipe, make it and then blog about it. All posts are published simultaneously on a selected reveal date. It is a fun way to think and cook outside the box, try things you wouldn’t try otherwise. Explore new blogs and meet new people.
This month I was assigned Anne’s Authentic simplicity blog. On her blog Anne shares great tips for home organisation and de-cluttering, staying on budget and women wellness. She also shares great recipes using whole wheat and spelt.I have bookmarked her Wheat free vegan oat muffins to try soon but for this month I chose to make her Choco-cado smoothie because things have been crazy busy here and any quick and easy breakfast is more than welcome. All you have to do is throw everything in the blender and breakfast is served! If only I could find a way for the blender to wash itself my morning would be perfect lol
All kidding aside this was quick, easy , refreshing, creamy and delicious (even my 4 year old son loved it) and the best part is that it is full of nutrients. This choco-cado smoothie checks all of boxes for a great breakfast when you are tight on time.
I stuck by Anne’s recipe except for using date puree for my sweetener, adding a teaspoon of vanilla and topping my smoothie with some chocolate shavings. The smoothie was creamy and filling and with the chocolate shavings on top it was the perfect way to start the day (because sometimes you need chocolate even before you step outside the door, have you ever had any of those days?). In case you are wondering, you can’t really taste the avocado, it makes the smoothie creamy and velvety but beyond that you can’t tell it is there. I might add some cinnamon and perhaps a pinch of cardamom next time and see how that turns out or maybe add a teaspoon of instant coffee and make the official wake up smoothie on crazy days
Choco-Cado smoothie (banana chocolate avocado smoothie)
Ingredients
1 banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cup plain yogurt *
1 cup whole milk *
1 tablespoon date puree or honey or your choice of sweetener
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth and thick. Top with chocolate shavings, if you like
*Simply substitute non-dairy equivalents for a vegan and allergen-friendly version.
Looking for more healthy breakfast ideas? Try these
Jenna
/ March 9, 2013Love that mug! I’ve heard of putting avocadoes in smoothies but it never sounded like it would work…however it can’t be bad if lots of people are trying it, right? I may have to step outside the box and just throw everything in a blender and try it.
teaandscones
/ March 8, 2013Nothing better than something quick – and healthy – for breakfast!
Saskia (1=2)
/ March 7, 2013Yum Sawsan. Love the idea of adding date puree as a sweetener. That mug was just made for a chocolate smoothie! Looks like he has been pigging out on avocado too as he is dribbling. Love your new look – a lovely celebration of Spring (while we head into Autumn).
Anne @Authentic Simplicity
/ March 7, 2013So glad you loved this recipe! It’s my absolute favorite smoothie ever. I’ve just recently started experimenting with date paste as a sweetener, so I’m going to have to try that in this one – great idea!
Lail | With A Spin
/ March 7, 2013I haven’t added avocado to our diet yet and it sounds like a good idea add in a smoothie.
Shibi Thomas
/ March 6, 2013Wonderful recipe and breakfast in a breeze!!!
Purely.. Kay
/ March 6, 2013Chocolate is seriously my best friend, so I will deifnitely try out this recipe FAST
ChgoJohn
/ March 6, 2013This is such a great smoothie. No exotic ingredients and love the use of avocado to take advantage of its creaminess. And when served in that mug, how could one not have anything but a great morning
mjskit
/ March 6, 2013I love the smoothie but I adore the mug!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
/ March 6, 2013Every time I see a Secret Recipe club post, I’m tempted to join! You’ve discovered yet another lovely blog and I love this recipe. We make shakes almost daily and I’d love to have this one with the creamy avocado and the dates to sweeten! xx
Good Cooks
/ March 6, 2013Looks yummy and really healthy too. I’ll try it soon inshaa allah. And it has avocado in it,wow…sure i’m giving it a try.
Thanks Sawsan for the recipe.
jehanne@thecookingdoctor
/ March 6, 2013ha very clever, Sawsan, adding avocado is really good and since I am not a big fan of avocado, I dont mind giving this a try as long as I can’t taste the avocado. And yes, the mug is super cute!
ecavalla
/ March 6, 2013what a great recipe- yay for src
Lesa @Edesia's Notebook
/ March 6, 2013What an interesting smoothie. Definitely going to have to try this.
john@kitchenriffs
/ March 5, 2013Great pictures! And super recipe. Who doesn’t love a smoothie? Wonderful post – thanks so much.
Coffee and Crumpets
/ March 5, 2013Great looking smoothie and mug! It was funny reading about the blender…I REALLY hate washing up the blender too….I even put it in the dishwasher..but still…
Going to try the avocado in the smoothie, looks yummy.
Nazneen
angela@spinachtiger
/ March 5, 2013Cutest cup ever. Great for SRC.
hotlyspiced
/ March 5, 2013I love the sound of the date puree as a sweetener. I think the idea of this secret club is fantastic xx
Cathy
/ March 5, 2013Yummy! Love your mug Sawsan!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 5, 2013Thank you kindly Cathy
I love it too. It is a way to start the day with a smile
Jessica Maher (@kbelleicious)
/ March 5, 2013what a beautiful, delicious and sinful smoothie or shall I say dessert! It looks amazing. great SRC pick
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 5, 2013Thank you Jessica, I know what you mean, this does taste like you are enjoying something loaded with cream and chocolate but it is guilt free because all the ingredients are healthy
Suzanne Perazzini
/ March 5, 2013I use banana and avocado a lot in my baking. Banana is great because then I don’t have to add any extra sweetener and I am sure this would be sweet enough without the honey or date puree. I like the idea of the added dark chocolate curls on top. A girl needs a little decadence.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 5, 2013Following your new recipes, you inspired me to try replacing fats and sugars in recipes with healthier natural options
spree
/ March 5, 2013Sounds delightful Sawsan and like something I should have in a tall glass with a fat straw, soon!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 5, 2013Thank you Spree
I am glad you like it
Camilla @ Culinary Adventures
/ March 5, 2013Your mug is adorable! I never would have put chocolate and avocado together – until my mom gave me a recipe for avocado-chocolate mousse (http://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.com/2011/04/raw-avocado-cocoa-mousse.html) a few years back. We love it! I’ll have to give this smoothie a try soon. Nice pick for the SRC.
Kristy
/ March 5, 2013I love the way you sliced the bananas Sawsan! That’s so pretty and makes such a bright and happy garnish. I’m going to have to try these for the kids one of these mornings. It sounds like a great way for them to start the day. And you’re right…it doesn’t get any easier.
Minnie@thelady8home
/ March 5, 2013I would never have thought of avocados in a smoothie. Wonderful recipe!!!
Lisa~~
/ March 5, 2013Your smoothie sounds delicious and your mug is just oh-too cute!
If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my SRC entry Loaded Potato Soup.
Lisa~~
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 5, 2013Thank you Lisa for stopping by and for the kind comment
saffronandhoney
/ March 5, 2013Looks delicious! And what adorable presentation, sure to make you smile in the morning:)
flavorsofthesun
/ March 5, 2013What a great combination of ingredients. It sounds delicious.
A_Boleyn
/ March 4, 2013Gorgeous smoothie and I love the mug.
Eva Taylor
/ March 4, 2013I’ve used avocado and chocolate together and you’re absolutely bang on, it lends such an incredibly creamy texture, you would think it had whipped cream or butter in it. I know those days all too well.
Huda
/ March 4, 2013Heading to the kitchen now .sooooooooooooooooooo tempting!!!!!!!!!!
Choc Chip Uru
/ March 4, 2013What a gorgeous cup my friend for an equally awesome drink
Cheers
CCU
melissa@IWasBornToCook
/ March 4, 2013Looks delicious! Great cup.
myninjanaan
/ March 4, 2013This is so interesting! Recently I found recipes that use chocolate and avocado to make a pudding. I’ve read that the avocado flavor is not pronounced at all, and in fact aids in the creaminess of the dish. This looks delicious, not to mention totally healthy and a great way to kick start the day!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 4, 2013I have seen those pudding recipes too and have been curious about them
After trying it in a smoothie, you really can’t taste the avocado at all but it does make the smoothie super creamy
Sarvani
/ March 4, 2013hmmmm.. that sounds really interesting.. .. my guess the banana is the top flavour along with the chocolate…the avocado provides texture and creaminess…???
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 4, 2013Actually Sarvani there is no dominant flavor here, other than the chocolate. You can’t taste the avocado at all, it does indeed add creaminess and the banana adds body to the smoothie. The end flavor is a mild blend of everything with the chocolate being the strongest note
Sara
/ March 4, 2013Oh my gosh, I love your mug! So cute!
That smoothie sounds really delicious. 
Thanks for sharing a great recipe. 
Also, just wanted to let you know that I had your blog this month! I made your 15 minute dinner rolls and LOVED them…so tasty!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 4, 2013Thank you so much Sara for stopping by and for making one of my recipes
you did a wonderful job with them
Really glad you enjoyed the dinner rolls
sallybr
/ March 4, 2013What a great smoothie! And the cup cracked me up… too cute!
Glad to see you are having fun with the SRC…
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 4, 2013This cup was a gift from my brother and I love it
a good way to start the day with a smile
I am really enjoying the SRC so far, thank you Sally
Aisha
/ March 4, 2013It looks delicious!! Sure a good way to start the busy days