Shake It

If you can't already tell, I thoroughly enjoy all things Valentine's Day.

The daily love-fest isn't just for Sabrina, as I love all my kids, but I have to share Annika's reaction to my attempt at matching her:

I *also* like the festive-but-healthy treat, like this strawberry cheesecake shake.

I used protein-rich cottage cheese instead of actual cream cheese to give it that cheese element, plus plenty of strawberries. A splash of vanilla and a touch of honey gives just the right boost of flavor. The crowning touch is crushed graham cracker. You can't have a cheesecake-esque drink without the graham cracker!

My kids clearly LOVED this. I like making shakes because they're such an easy snack- toss the ingredients in a blender, pour, and go.

It also doesn't hurt that these are a pretty pink, perfect for calling a Valentine's snack.

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake

1 cup lowfat cottage cheese

1 cup frozen strawberries

1-1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (depends on your preferred consistency)

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 graham cracker, crushed

Blend cottage cheese, berries, almond milk, honey, and vanilla in a blender until smooth. Add more milk if needed. Pour into glasses and top with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Serve immediately.

Makes four small shakes or two large shakes. Per small shake: 75 calories, 9 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fat, 7 grams protein, 300 mg sodium. Per large shake: 150 calories, 18 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fat, 14 grams protein, 600 mg sodium