Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Peaches & Cream Smoothie

When I get up to make the day's smoothie, I'm not always as functioning as I'd like. Sometimes I throw awful combinations together and my family just has to grin, bear it and chug it down. Sometimes I do really good and other times, like today, I just play it safe...

It's an overcast day, there is no where good
to take a picture of this. Sorry for the image...
Peaches and Cream Smoothie
Peaches & Cream Smoothie
Serves 2-3

3 C Coconut Milk
4-5 C Sliced, (frozen) peaches
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Scoop / Serving Raw Protein Powder (NOT Soy or Whey)
1 Tbls. Macca Powder

Puree milk, peaches and vanilla together.
Add powder supplements once mostly incorporated.
Puree until fully incorporated / liquid.

*Using frozen fruit means that I have to blend for several minutes longer if I want to have my smoothie more liquid. If you like to let it sit or enjoy eating it with a spoon or even want it more thick, then less time will do you!

Breakfast Scramble

I'm an egg eater. I also prefer something a little salty, rather than sweet, to start my day. This is a fabulous breakfast, quick to throw together and it will stick with you / keep you full for several hours.

I purchase frozen veggies in bulk, whenever they go on sale, and sometimes what's on sale is chopped broccoli. It's not my favorite to serve the family because as I thaw it in the sink, I feel like I loose half of it but in smoothies and dishes like this one, I love it! Also, use whatever mushrooms you have or use - I try to use up what I have; this morning, I had button mushrooms.

Also, if you're like my husband, you can take this on the go - throw in a few tortillas and top with salsa...delicious!

Breakfast Scramble
Serves 1-2

4 Button Mushrooms (tops and stems), sliced
2 Tbls Butter or Ghee
1/2 C Frozen, Chopped Broccoli
2 Eggs
S&P to taste
Sprinkle of Cheese (Parmesan, Cojita, Colby Jack, etc.)

In a pan, saute sliced mushrooms in butter until soft (about 2 minutes).
Add in broccoli (still frozen is fine) and saute for another 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs, S&P and break yolks; icorporate throughout ingredients (scramble) - cook through.
Top with cheese of choice and either scramble further or plate.

Taking it on the go? Grab a few tortillas and some salsa...
While my lighting leaves something to be desired, this dish does not...

Monday, July 29, 2013

Pineapple, Mango Smoothie

The core of this smoothie is pineapple and mango but I also threw in some cranberries (because they are my favorite addition to smoothies), peaches (because they were there) and spinach (because it shouldn't just be fruit)...and almond milk.

For, maybe, 3 1/2 adult servings (I split mine between two adults and four children):
2 1/2 Cups, almond milk
1/2 of a fresh pineapple, with natural juices
1 - 1 1/2 Cups, frozen mango
1/2 Cup frozen cranberries
2 Cups frozen peach slices
3/4 Cup frozen chopped spinach

Add it all to the blender and allow to process through the frozen sorbet stage and become fully liquid. I usual walk away, once all the ingredients are blending, for at least 5 minutes - sometimes longer (I suppose this depends on what type of blender you have).

I use a Ninja blender and I love it! I'm sure if I had a blendtec or  vitamix, I'd love that, too. I can't afford those so I got the best I could in my price range.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Tropical Smoothie

We've been doing smoothies for a few months now. Bill has stopped drinking coffee altogether (although he will enjoy a cup every now and then, like my tea enjoyment) which is a major feat for anyone who drinks a pot, plus, of coffee each day.

Smoothies are a wonderful way to begin your day getting a chunk of the vitamins and minerals from fresh or frozen fruits and veggies. I day, even if you have an awful eating day, you're ahead of the game. We try to have a big salad at every dinner but sometimes, I don't have enough food in the house for that. At any rate, a smoothie will jump start your energy and help you run your best (it's best with fresh veggie juice but some mornings I just don't want to clean both appliances).

I throw in frozen fruit, mostly. Add either some water or fresh juiced veggies (carrots, beets, kale, sweet potato, herbs, cabbage, etc.) usually - but lately, I've been on a coconut milk kick. I also toss in fresh or frozen kale, spinach or cabbage with some Chia seeds. Each day is different and that's a nice mix up for us - it all friends on how I'm feeling at 6a, when I get up to make them!

Today, I thought tropical sounded good!!! Usually, I don't use juices but I had some on hand from a dessert I made where I separated the two.

One more thing; I have found that cranberry is my absolute favorite fruit to add to any smoothie - even my husband, who doesn't like them likes the flavor it imparts. Also, watermelon is an excellent addition to smoothies as it's so full of moisture and flavor. We dice up a whole watermelon and bag out the chunks to be used later in smoothies!

Tropical Smoothie

3 cups coconut milk
1 cup pineapple juice
2 cups mango (frozen)
1/3 bag (1 cup?) cranberries
1-2 cups diced watermelon
10+ leaves, kale (woody stem removed)

Blend until combined (I usually let it run for 3-5 minutes to make sure all the greens are pureed.