Mocha Smoothie

One thing about South Carolina is that it's hot. Extremely hot. All the talk you hear about the oppressive humidity is, I'm discovering, not a joke. In a climate like this, cool, refreshing treats are an absolute necessity, and this is one of my favorites. Quick, cheap, easy, and relatively good (or at least not bad!) for you.

Ingredients:
1 cup fat-free milk
1 medium banana, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices, and frozen
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (I use sweetener)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons instant coffee crystals
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup small ice cubes or crushed ice

In a blender combine milk, banana, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee crystals, and vanilla. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes. Cover and blend until nearly smooth. (I'll often add a little hazlenut creamer or something like that, to change up the flavor- you could do pretty much anything here).

Makes 2 servings