Some people like to use milk or yogurt in their smoothies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own smoothie creation. I like adding extras like bee pollen, spirulina, hemp seed oil, or soy lecithin to alter the taste and consistency of my smoothies.
The smoothie is a treat that must be experienced. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like smoothies. They are a meal unto themselves, require little preparation, contain fruit for great health, are delicious, and easy to make. For added protein, add soymilk, silken tofu or whey powder to your smoothie concoction. Some people like to use milk or yogurt in their smoothies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own smoothie creation. I like adding extras like bee pollen, spirulina, hemp seed oil, or soy lecithin to alter the taste and consistency of my smoothies. Spices can also change a smoothie in many ways, as do assorted nuts and seeds. A good idea is to keep some berries, bananas, and mango slices in the freezer for quick use. A can of unsweetened pineapple can be used if there is no fresh pineapple available for your smoothies. Avoid syrupy canned fruits. You can also use different juices as a base for smoothies. Try apple, grape, pineapple, or cranberry juice.
Banana Bliss
In a blender, add a cup of water, 3 Tablespoons of tahini, a dash of vanilla (or if possible fresh vanilla bean), cinnamon, and 2 frozen bananas. Blend and serve. For a variation add carob and fresh mint. This smoothie makes an excellent snack, or as a breakfast. You can add more tahini if you are trying to gain fat, protein and caloric intake.
The Old Fashioned Way
In a blender add a cup of whole milk, a handful of almonds, 1 frozen banana, a half a cup of strawberries, and tablespoon of honey. This makes a nice creamy smoothie that reminds me of the old fashioned milkshakes my Dad would treat me to in the summer after a game of tennis.
Coconut Supreme
Take an avocado, a half a cup of sunflower sprouts, a frozen banana, half a cup of water, and the flesh and “milk” from a young coconut (available from Chinese markets) and blend together. This smoothie is full of essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals, and is a complete meal to itself. The perfect after workout drink, or a sipper on the back porch as the sun is setting.
Mac Nut Fennel Rendezvous
This one is addictive. Add a half cup of mac nuts to a cup of vanilla soymilk, a dash of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and a teaspoon of fennel seeds. Blend on high. The fennel adds a distinct flavor that is irrisistable.
Fruit Smoothie
Blend one cup of apple juice, one handful of frozen mango slices, five frozen strawberries, and a quarter cup of frozen blueberries. Blend and serve with a garnish of fresh mango. Bound to keep ’em comin’ back for more.
Enjoy your smoothie day.
A good idea is to keep some berries, bananas, and mango slices in the freezer for quick use.
