Tahini, Fig, and Cinnamon Shake

As the weather warms up, so does my appetite for smoothies and shakes. This shake is rich, creamy, and a fun combination of tahini, frozen banana, dried fig, cinnamon, and vanilla. If you want a more prominent fig flavor use two figs. This will also make the shake sweeter. If you don’t want this you can counter it by using a smaller banana.

I make another version of this shake with a date instead of a dried fig and cacao nibs for crunch. If you prefer to use a date instead of a dried fig, this will be just as good. I like adding the date at the end and giving it a quick 2-3 pulses so there are chewy pieces in the shake. Dried figs don’t offer the same pleasant chew, so I prefer blending them thoroughly.

Tahini, Fig, and Cinnamon Shake

Serves 1 (or two as a snack or sweet treat)
Notes: Recipe calls for dried figs. But this works with dates as well if you’re more likely to stock them. I will add two pitted dates, roughly chopped, and some cacao nibs at the end and pulse 2-3 times to incorporate but retain the chew and crunch. Dried figs, on the other hand, are best when blended thoroughly.

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened oat milk

• 1 medium-large ripe, frozen banana

• 2 Tbsp. tahini (make sure it's well-stirred)

• 1 dried fig, roughly chopped or torn into smaller pieces (be sure to remove the stem!)

• Heaped 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

• Optional add-ins: 1-2 Tbsp. hemp hearts or 1 scoop unflavored collagen powder

1. Add everything to the blender and blend until creamy and smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.