Throughout the course of blogging I have realized how much of the things I like, from music to food, have been picked up by my mum. Wherever there was a conflict of interest, she made sure that got ironed out; with the superpowers only mothers are endowed with, she managed to convert an eggplant AND coriander-hating daughter into someone who now can’t live without them.
One of the great other faves she has passed down to me is Sapodilla, better known to Malaysians as Ciku (pronounced ‘chi-koo’).
Sapodilla is a fruit commonly grown in Mexico and Southeast Asia. It is rich in natural energy, fibre, electrolytes, calcium and vitamin A. It’s great for expectant mothers to suppress nausea and dizziness, and a perfect energizing snack to give to kids. I particularly love its caramel-like sweetness.
In my head, I imagined ciku going well with chocolate. In practice, I was absolutely right!
I find it easier to blend icy drinks when I use a tray that freezes ice in smaller cubes. If you can find one, that’s great! If not, a regular ice cube tray will do.
This recipe is one of many that keep me astounded about the versatility of fresh local produce. If everyone thought a little outside the box and cooked a little more at home, there would be so much less dependency on carbon footprint-heavy food imports to make nutritious meals that are great for both the body and the environment.
I shot a video for this recipe when I first started out my advocacy work and realized that I didn’t have it published on my blog yet, so you can check it out below.
Just like you can have your cake and eat it too, you can have your chocolate and still maintain great health!
Ciku Choc Shake
An easy way to incorporate fruits into a child's diet, and even your own, this delicious shake is ready in minutes and for those who love their health as much as their chocolate!
Ingredients
- 150ml nondairy milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- 2 small ciku fruits, peeled and seeds removed
- 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/8 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
- Step 1 Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Step 2 Serve immediately.
