The mornings are now cool and the evenings breezy, but– at least in my neighborhood– afternoons continue to be hot and sunny. I’m still taking my coffee iced at least most of the time, still stuffing my face with tomatoes and peaches, still scratching mosquito bites. It’s technically still summer. So it’s rather perfect timing that Philip and I recently acquired our very own Vitamix (many thanks to my sister Norah for the Crate & Barrel gift card! one of the many perks of getting married). I finally get to see what all the hype is about and am totally geeking out. When I tried this shake with strawberries, almond butter, and coconut, I was instantly reminded of a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bar. The speckled pink and tan kind with the deep cerise middle I so loved as a kid. Indeed, this shake is pretty and sweet and completely delightful– the perfect after school, after work, anytime treat.
*This shake is quite thick– like ice cream!– so feel free to add more almond milk if you’d prefer something more straw-friendly.

¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
3 tsp agave nectar
2 tbsp plain almond butter
pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
2 cups frozen strawberries

Add all the ingredients, in listed order, to a high speed blender and process until fairly smooth, about 45 seconds or so. You may have to stop once or twice to scrapes the sides of the blender with a spatula (or tamper).

Yield: 2 servings