Smoothies

Smoothies

I have to be honest. I live on smoothies and have to have at least one, if not two or three, every day. I’ve found it’s also the best way to get the boys to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. I love them because they are quick, fresh, healthy, and packed with nutrition. With the right combination of ingredients, they are delicious.

Tips for smoothie making:

Always start with pouring your chilled liquid into the blender first. This could be freshly squeezed fruit juice, vegetable juice, coconut milk, cow’s milk or water. We generally use chilled homemade almond milk or chilled filtered water. By adding the liquid first, it keeps the blades of your blender from sticking to your fruit, making it easy to obtain a smooth texture and consistency to your finished smoothie.

Instead of using ice cubes, chop up your fresh fruit into one inch cubes the night before and place on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. This way the fruit won’t all stick together as it freezes. If you batch freeze like me then bag all your frozen fruit into Ziploc bags. This way you can portion each bag of fruit and can reach into the freezer to grab just the amount you need for your recipe.

After many years of research, I like to use a Vitamix for all my fruit and vegetable smoothies. I know they are expensive, but it’s well worth the investment. A Vitamix has a really strong motor that will break everything down to a really nice smooth consistency. Plus, it’s a great way to make your fresh nut butters and milks. A normal blender or food processor will do, but you may have to juice the really hard fruits or vegetables before pouring them into your blender.

Best smoothie making method:

Place the liquid into your blender first. Add all the other ingredients in one go. Put on the lid and process on slow to begin with and then change the setting to the highest speed until a well-blended puree forms, about 30 to 40 seconds should do. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides, blend once more for 20 to 30 seconds, add more liquid if it’s too thick. Pour and enjoy immediately.

Carrot, Grape, & Spinach

Serves 4 to 6

2 cups homemade almond milk or your preferred liquid

1 cup spinach

1 cups kale

1 cup carrot, washed and diced

½ cup grapes

½ cup pineapple, peeled and diced

 

Creamy Kale, Banana & Mango

Single serving

1/2 cup coconut water

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup kale

1 frozen banana, peeled and sliced

½ cup mango

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

2 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

 

Beet & Celery

Serves 4 to 6

2 cups homemade almond milk or your preferred liquid

2 cups raw beets, washed and chopped

½ cup carrots, washed and chopped

1 stick celery, washed and chopped

½ cup spinach

½ cup kale