THE FUSE

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When I was a kid, my favorite fast-food chain was easily Wendy’s. (It didn’t hurt that it was the closest one to our house, either.) I’d always go for the six-piece chicken nugget combo with fries, and, of course, a frosty for dessert. Nowadays, since I’ve been a vegetarian for nearly a decade and don’t frequent fast-food chains as often, I’ve found creative ways to get my fix — including my take on Wendy’s iconic frozen dessert.

My own “frosty” requires just five ingredients, is plant-based, and is so incredibly delicious that I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. Plus, it’s high-protein and comes together in as much time as you might spend at the drive-thru window. Here’s how I make it.

To a high-speed blender add the bananas, nut butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, and milk. Blend until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. Just know that you want to go light on the milk to start to achieve that thick, frosty-like texture.

This shake is so delicious and decadent; it feels like a real treat. It’s super-chocolaty and rich, and the frozen bananas create that ice cream-like texture that’s so thick you need to eat it with a spoon. The nut butter also adds more richness and creaminess — mine tasted like a Reese’s peanut butter cup! My “recipe” (again, I eyeball!) is so incredibly quick and easy that I can make it for a cheeky breakfast, midday snack, or dessert. If you really want to replicate that fast-food vibe, cook up some of your favorite frozen french fries for dipping into the shake.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s totally customizable. To add even more depth of flavor, sometimes I’ll also add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You can also add dates to tailor the sweetness to your liking — especially if your bananas aren’t as ripe as you’d like them to be. As is, this shake is super creamy, but if you prefer a more slushy-like texture, you can add some ice to the blender as well. Whatever way you make it, it’s a delicious treat that requires almost no effort — and you don’t even have to leave the house.