“Caramel” Swirled Vanilla Bean Protein Shake

It’s Friday and today is National Caramel Day! I love caramel but not the sugar or ingredients. I came across a recipe in Brendan Brazier’s Thrive foods and instantly knew I wanted to use part of the recipe to spice up one of my favorite shakes! I was so excited I when shopping everywhere for Yacon Syrup. Who know I would spend over 3 hours at multiple stores, calling over a dozen stores only to come up short. I was so disappointed. There were some suggestions made for a substitute but couldn’t find those or didn’t care for others as they were an unhealthy substitute. With my heart set on making it I decided to try an Amber Agave and it works, and is delicious, but I will be ordering Yacon syrup and trying that as well.

“Caramel” Swirled Vanilla Bean Protein Shake

makes 1

1c Vanilla almond milk, or non dairy milk (used Silk unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk)

1 scoop Vanilla protein powder (used Vega One French Vanilla)

1″ vanilla bean (optional)

ice

shot or two of espresso (optional, see last photo)

“Caramel” Drizzle

2TBSP Almond Butter (used MaraNatha All Natural Roasted Almond Butter, Creamy as the machines at Whole Foods were down)

2 1/2 TBSP Amber Agave Nectar

* Caramel Drizzle is a variation adated from a recipe found in Brendan Braziers Thrive foods Book. If you don’t have this book I highly recommend it.

In a small bowl combine almond butter and agave. I made the caramel drizzle before my workout and stored in the refrigerator until after and it got nice and thick. I would suggest putting it in the refrigerator 30 mins or more before using it, this is something that can be made ahead of time. If your almond butter is not smooth and creamy you will want to blend it with the agave in a small food processor or blender until smooth.

In a Vitamix or high speed blender blend almond milk, protein powder, vanilla bean, and 1 glass of ice (I like this one thick!).

Put one fourth or half of the “Caramel” Drizzle in a plastic bag and snip the end. Swirl it on the inside of your glass, saving a little for the top. Pour your Vanilla Bean Protein Shake in the glass and drizzle remaining caramel over top. Enjoy!

OR

If you like espresso this is also a great one to have Affogato Style and pour a shot or two of espresso over the top of!