Add Liquids First: Pour the 500ml of milk into the base of your blender jug. Add the vanilla extract and the optional honey or maple syrup at this stage.

Layer the Softer Ingredients: Next, add the 4 tablespoons of peanut butter, the 2 tablespoons of rolled oats, the ground cinnamon, and the pinch of sea salt.

Add the Frozen Fruit: Finally, add the frozen banana slices on top of everything else. This weight helps push the other ingredients down towards the blades.

Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start on a low speed for about 10-15 seconds to break up the larger chunks of banana, then increase the speed to high.

Check for Consistency: Blend on high for 45-60 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. You shouldn't see any flecks of oats or chunks of banana. I find that scraping down the sides once during blending ensures everything is perfectly incorporated.

Taste and Serve: Give the smoothie a quick taste. If you'd like it sweeter, you can add a little more honey or maple syrup and give it a final, brief blend. Pour into glasses immediately and enjoy your delicious protein smoothie.