ROCKET FUEL Recipe: Hot Chocolate Recovery Smoothie

After a crisp late-fall run or a full day of cross-country skiing, you’re not likely to be craving a frosty drink. That’s the beauty of this smoothie: It’s reminiscent of hot chocolate but with the carbs and protein needed for recovery.

Enjoy this free recipe from Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sports & Adventure by award-winning sports nutritionist Matt Kadey. Rocket Fuel offers 120 delicious, creative, and convenient recipes to power your everday exercise and weekend adventures. Take a look at Rocket Fuel!

Serves 1

1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup milk powder
1 small banana
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop protein powder of choice
2 teaspoons almond butter or other nut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of chili powder or cayenne powder (optional)

Heat water in a kettle to desired temperature. Place water in a blender along with remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Consume immediately or transfer to an insulated drink container to keep warm until after your workout.