Chocolate Chip Mango Cream Shake w/ Lime (Dairy Free, No Added Sugar)

They say that confession is good for the soul right? I mean, what good is doing a blog if you can't just get something off your chest every once in awhile? My family and I have been doing this "natural foods" (read: health food/real food/whatever-we're-calling-it-these-days food) thing for a long time. We started hardcore into it when my first son, Oscar was born; so I guess about 14 years now. And there have been many, many phases along the way....

There was the grind-our-own-wheat phase, the juicing phase, the vegetarian phase which inevitably lead to the vegan phase, and then there was the Ayurveda phase. There was the fall-off-the-wagon phase, the no-fat phase and of course, the MORE-fat phase as well. And currently we're in the whatever-is-left-that-I'm-not-allergic-to phase. I am proud to announce though, that in all our exploring and experiencing, we never went through the "fruitarian" phase. I mean, I do draw the line somewhere!

Ok, so here's the confession part: In all theses long and adventurous years, there is one thing that hasn't really changed. Call it a guilty pleasure; a brief respite from "healthy" life. This one thing has consistently brought me a small but invaluable measure of joy and grounding throughout all of my many "phases". 

When it all comes down, the one thing I want to have is a SONIC Summer Cream Shake. I don't even care what flavor! When it's 108 degrees in Texas, the only thing I have to say is, "JUST GIVE IT TO ME!" If you're not from around these parts and don't know what this is, just imagine the yummiest mix of ice cream, fruit and/or crushed up Butterfingers/M&M's/Oreos. Blend it all up, slather with some more creamy, fatty, whipped goodness and garnish with a cherry on top! Oh YES! Even the casual observer could find enough evidence to convict me of illegally inserting these into my many diets....no matter which phase we were in. 

However, since this beloved 'vice' is no longer possible for me to indulge in and the thermometer is pushing 110 degrees, I have been left with no other choice! It's time to get all 'mad scientist' and concoct my own version. And I can officially say that this version is a WINNER! Even if I could, I'd probably never go back. This is not a mind blowing new idea here, and that's what I love about it! It's so simple; just creamy coconut milk(full fat), fresh (or frozen) mangoes, lime and of course, I just HAD to add a little 'bad' (to make up for the epic loss of Butterfinger chunks) by adding some chocolate chips (by Enjoy). It's like a mango, ice cream smoothie! 

So have fun and create your own great mix. There's so many summer fruits to choose from!!! I'd love to hear some of  your favorite summer smoothie favorites!

Chocolate Chip Mango Cream Shake w/ Lime

Paleo,Dairy Free

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/4 cup canned/boxed full-fat coconut milk
2 cups diced frozen mango, I diced my own and froze them on a cookie sheet for 2 hours
Juice of half a lime (optional)
1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life)
Thick cream from the top of one can chilled coconut milk, about 1/2 cup

Note: The sweetness of mangoes can very quite a bit. If desired you could add a little honey or other sweetener of choice. I made about 5 of these though and never needed anything extra!

In a high powered blender, blend together 1 cup of coconut milk, mango and lime juice. Add the last 1/4 cup of coconut milk as needed. Amount of milk depends on how efficient your blender is and how frozen your mango is. Stop and stir if needed. 

Stir in the chocolate chips. Transfer to 2 small glasses and pot them in the freezer while you make the cream. Honestly, the cream really makes it!

In a small bowl, whip up the coconut cream with a hand mixer. Beat for 2 min or until smooth
and creamy.

Top the smoothies with the cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips and garnish with a wedge of lime.

Serve right away, with a spoon. Enjoy while still frozen.

Now sit back, prop up your feet, and have a drink.....or two. It's hot outside!

And Sonic....eat your heart out!  This is not a low calorie dessert....haha, just keeping it real!