Mango Banana Dates Milk Shake.

"Mango Banana Dates Milk Shake" and "Roasted Ground Nuts/ Peanuts" ... A delicious fruity milk shake that is very delicious and tummy filling which can be had as the diet of the day while observingfast/upwas … simple and easy to make when mangoes are in season … Yummilicious …... 

** Ashadi month is that time from when back to back Hindu festivals get lined up and for us Hindus there are many a days when we observe fast/upwas. While there are many which are observed by many there are a few which are by and large observed by almost everyone. Ashadi Ekadashi is one such festival that is observed by millions of Hindus, this day marks the beginning of Chaturmasa a period of four holy months from Ashadi Ekadashi to Kartik Ekadashi which as per English calendar falls somewhere from July to October months. For many a years from childhood we have observed this fast eating only those dishes that could be eaten during fasting period. Well, there are many dishes that can be consumed along with milk and fruits. I have always wanted to observe a strict ekadashi upwas for many years now, consuming only fruits and milk but somehow could not do so for many a reasons, and always took to upwas meals and ate that which could be consumed. 

** This year however my desire to observe this fast eating only fruit or fruit juices once again surfaced and hubby too agreed to observe the same with me. It is always better to have a companion as it makes your decision that much more steady. So prepared this milk shake as I did not want to go hungry and then go ahead and eat something which would then spoil everything. Fruit milk shakes are always tummy filling and I am so proud of the fact that I held on through the day. Some of you may find that funny, especially those of you who are used to fasts, but for me and hubby it was indeed a big deal. For years now coz. of health issues we did not want to take risk. But in the recent few years we have learned to cope up with limited intake often which helped us very much in this task and now I am confident I can observe the same forgoing all types of food for a day too. Well, one at a time, after all slow and steady wins the race, so that’s for future till then enjoy this one. 

** Here is my simple method of preparing "Mango Banana Dates Milk Shake" … My style … 

** Add the fleshy edible portion of one large sized ripe mango (it should be sweet in taste) into a mixer blender with one medium sized banana after removing it skin, one cup chilled skimmed milk and blend to a puree. Add in 3-4 tablespoons of dates syrup and further blend all together. Now add in another cup of chilled skimmed milk, check for sweetness and if need be only add in sugar (I have not added any sugar) and blend all till done. Serve chilled in glasses. Isn’t it easy. 

** Note : I have used store bought dates syrup which I love very much and always have it in stock at home. You can add it easily to many preparations like shakes and dessert or just to plain milk too and it tastes awesome. But in case it is not available or you do not want to use it, Just soak one cup of dates in hot water for an hour, just enough to immerse it. Keep it covered aside to soften. Then grind it to a very smooth paste with the water in which it is soaked and sieve and then use the same. 

** "Mango Banana Dates Milk Shake" is done and ready to be served. A delicious-healthy-tummy filling drink that tastes awesome when served chilled. This milk shake is not only good for fasting/upwas purpose but also good for growing up children as dates are filled with nutrients so are mangoes, bananas and milk. I agree a little bit more in calories, but for growing up children that’s not an issue and when you observe a fast that much calories are needed to keep up your spirit. Enjoy the drink with your family and friends. Do keep checking and trying out my recipes and give me a feedback if possible, it encourages me to do that much more.