Triple Berry Orange Smoothie

Wow,  it's been a while since I posted a new recipe.  The holidays are always a LONG and busy time around here since all three of my daughter's birthdays come in between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.  By the time January rolls around, I just want to sleep for a month and not eat a bite of cake again....well until the next birthday rolls around anyway.

Speaking of birthday cakes, I think I finally nailed a homemade version of box mix birthday cake (after three birthday parties, haha) that tastes phenomenal and is also light and fluffy.  Unfortunately I was not in the blogging mode when I made them and will have to wait until April for the next birthday to blog about it.  Super delish though!

Anyway, I digress.  I don't really make new years resolutions because they always seem to get broken.  I rather like to take every day and make the best of it as I can.  But, if you're the resolution-making type and have made a goal to eat better or even if you just like smoothies, this post is for you!

I whipped this up one afternoon for my kids' lunch, trying to keep it sweet and fruity enough, while still being healthy.  It was delicious!  I love the berry combination, and bananas always make things nice and smooth. I used half milk and half water since I was serving it to my kids, but you could certainly just use all milk or all water, depending on your tastes.  I also only used 1 handful of spinach when serving to my kids, but for me, I usually put in 2 big ones!  

Triple Berry Orange Smoothie
1/2 cup milk (any kind)
1/2 cup water
1 ripe banana
1 orange, peeled
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
2 large handfuls spinach or other greens
1 Tbsp. ground flax

Put all ingredients in blender in order listed and blend until smooth and creamy.  Adjust liquid as desired.

*NOTE: If you don't think your blender would blend up the whole orange, you can just use the fresh juice.

Lime Sublime Green Smoothie

Despite the pictures I post on facebook and instagram of some of the goodies I make, I do actually try to eat pretty healthy.  A mid-day green smoothie is almost a daily thing for me.  I started drinking  smoothies years ago as one of the first habits I picked up on my whole foods journey; a habit that I absolutely love.

By now I have a good repertoire of smoothies to choose from and change it up from day to day.  If you're a smoothie-drinker, I think you'll agree that being able to have a variety to choose from makes the habit a lot more enjoyable.

A few months ago I did a 30-day smoothie challenge and this smoothie was one of my favorites and probably the one I drink the most!  I love it because not only does it taste phenomenal but it's super low in calories as well and still packed with goodness.  This is always my go-to when I need a little detox as well.


Lime Sublime Green Smoothie
1 cup coconut water (or water or a combination)
1 cup frozen green grapes
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, frozen
2 handfuls of greens (spinach, kale, chard, etc.)
chunk of lime (make sure you wash it well) or use 1 tsp. zest and some juice if you don't have a high power blender
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 tsp. coconut oil (optional)
1 tsp. bee pollen (optional)
additional ice, if necessary

Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth.




SOURCE: adapted from Unconventional Kitchen

Pink Grapefruit Smoothie

Just like my salads, I like to change up the smoothies I drink every once in a while. I especially love to add fruit in season, just like these grapefruit. They actually came from my grandmother's tree in Arizona, so they are nice and fresh.

Smoothies are like a blank canvas, you can put practically whatever you want in them.  This is one of my favorite kind of combos, strawberries and citrus. If you have girls they'll go gaga over the pink color, but the flavor is pretty great too. I'm usually a lunch smoothie drinker, but this would be great for breakfast as well.  A lot of times I throw in some greens as well; a couple of kale leaves or a handful or two of spinach or even a little of both! (update 3/20/14: I've been adding a little bit of cilantro with my greens in this smoothie; so complimentary and fresh!)


Pink grapefruit smoothie
1/4 cup almond or coconut milk
handful of ice
1 orange, peeled
juice of 1 whole grapefruit
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen banana
Greens, optional (2-3 leaves kale or 2 large handfuls of spinach)
1/4 cup cilantro (optional)
1 Tbsp ground flax seed

Place ingredients in blender in order listed and blend until smooth.  Add water, if desired.

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Smoothie

I've been sharing this smoothie with a lot of friends lately and I figured it was about time to share it on the blog.  This is absolutely one of my most favorite breakfast smoothies...EVER!!! It's chocolate and peanut butter AND it's healthy. 

This smoothie only makes about half as much as the green smoothies that I make but it is very filling and will keep you satiated for a long time!  Also, if you have little ones that are picky eaters, this may be a good way to sneak in something nutritious without them knowing.  If you don't care for peanut butter, try other nut butters like cashew or almond.  If you're allergic to tree nuts, try using seeds, like sunflower or sesame in place of the peanut butter.


Peanut Butter Banana Oat Smoothie
Makes about 2 cups

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (if using plain, just add a splash of vanilla)
1/2 water
1/2 crushed ice
1 very ripe banana (frozen is good, but not necessary, especially if you are adding ice)
2  Tbsp. natural peanut butter (can also sub almond butter or a handful of almonds if you have a good blender)
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 Tbsp. ground flax seed
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder

Place ingredients in blender in order listed and blend until smooth.  Enjoy!


SOURCE: Adapted from Joy the Baker

End-of-Summer Smoothies

Not having my computer is totally killing me. My husband has a MacBook Air, which I have been using a little but I don't like it. I can't wait to get my own laptop back! I just couldn't wait another second to post though, I know it's been sparse the past few weeks. I've got not one but TWO wonderfully delicious end-of-summer smoothies to share with you today. Have a great holiday!!

This first smoothie was born out of necessity. Like, howmagonnauseupallthosepeaches my mom just gave me (from her tree)? I know, what a problem right? I knew I liked peaches and blueberries in my green smoothies, but had yet to try them in just an all fruit smoothie (something my girls would more likely like and finish). So, my first trial was a big score, didn't have to change a thing. It was absolutely love at first sight.

Fresh peaches at their peak are the most wonderful thing in the world to eat. I crave them every summer and am always very sad to see them go. If you can get your hands on some before they're gone, you gotta give this a try!

Blueberry Peach and Basil Smoothie
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 fresh, ripe peaches, peeled if you prefer and pitted
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup almond milk
about 4 fresh basil leaves

Put everything in your blender and whiz away!

I couldn't get this next smoothie out of my mind after I saw it. I think I made it that very day. Watermelon is another one of those quintessential fruits of summer that only lasts so long. So we gorge ourselves on it while it lasts then bid farewell until next time.

This smoothie is also paired with basil. I know you're thinking really??? c'mon here! Not more basil. But, seriously, don't underestimate the basil. It adds flavor and life to so many things. It's a subtle flavor that just knocks your socks off. If you're really not a fan, fresh mint would actually be a great substitution.

This is a super refreshing smoothie with the watermelon and cool cucumber. No need to add any extra liquid because the fruit is already full of it.

Watermelon Strawberry and Basil Smoothie
2 heaping cups watermelon
1/2 cup cucumber
1 cup frozen strawberries
3-4 fresh basil leaves

Put it all in your blender and whiz to you liking. Slurp away.

Enjoy!


SOURCE: Watermelon smoothie from My Green Diet

Berry-Oat Breakfast Smoothie

Oh my goodness, I know I have been MIA for the past two weeks. Things have been crazy around here with school starting. My oldest is starting kindergarten and I'm kind of freaking out about it-ahhh! Plus, my computer is being worked on so I have to steal my husband's mac when he's not looking for only tidbits of time here and there. Hopefully I'll get it back soon and I can start kicking out regular posts again! But for now, enjoy this breakfast smoothie, perfect for the start of school.

We have been rockin' these smoothies lately and my girls especially love them. The first one that I made was just strawberry though, so they probably loved it FIRST because it was pink and only SECOND because it tasted good. Regardless of why they like it, I'm glad they do and happy they drink it. At least I know they're getting good nutrition at least ONE meal a day.

This would be a perfect meal to tuck away in your breakfast arsenal for those crazy school mornings. Quick. Easy. Delicious! It only take a few minutes to throw together and is loaded with healthful ingredients that are sure to send everyone off to a great start for the day!


Berry-Oat Breakfast Smoothie
1 cup ice
1/2 cup frozen berries (single berries or a mix)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp. honey
1 cup water (or other liquid such as almond milk, coconut water, low-sugar juice)

Put everything in a blender and blend until completely smooth.


SOURCE: Martha Stewart

Cool Cucumber-Melon Minty Smoothie

Wow, there have been several times over the past few days that I thought I was just going to melt! Don't get me wrong, I like summertime, but when we have day after day of near 100 degree weather, I just want to put on the least amount of clothes that I can get away with and sit under a fan. I get cranky, my kids get cranky and we need something to cool us off!

Did you know that peppermint essential oil is used as a cooling agent, like in reducing fevers? So, how genius is it to put mint leaves in a smoothie and cool your body from the inside out? Pair that with a cool cuke and honeydew melon and you'll be shivering in no time!

I know the combination of ingredients may seem a little odd, but I liked them a lot more than I thought I would, especially feeling that cool mint tingle down my throat and stomach, making me feel cool inside, and minty fresh.


Cool Cucumber-Melon Minty Smoothie
1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup honeydew melon, cut into chunks and frozen (preferably)
1/4 cup fresh mint, rinsed
juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp.)
1 cup pear juice (or water and sweetener, if desired)
handful of ice

Put everything in a blender and process until smooth.


SOURCE: Whole Living

Strawberry-Banana-Orange Green Smoothie

The other day I wanted to share this smoothie recipe with some friends so I went back through my post list and couldn't find it! I can't believe I haven't shared it with you before. This smoothie, or spinach drink as I used to call it, is the first one I had ever tried, over 10 years ago, albeit with some modifications.

I got the main idea for this smoothie, from a college roommate who had celiac and couldn't eat wheat, so she ate a lot of fruits and veggies, and this smoothie. Back then you didn't hear about celiac and gluten-free, so at first I thought it was a little weird, but then I tried it and loved it. I didn't even have a powerful blender back then and my drinks came out a little chunky and the spinach wasn't very well blended, but I didn't care, it was healthy and good.

So, here I am finally sharing what has evolved into my favorite green smoothie. If you have been reluctant to try the green drinks past, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.


Strawberry-Banana-Orange Green Smoothie
1 cup water
splash of almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 whole orange, peeled*
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 frozen banana
2 handfuls baby spinach

*If you do not have a powerful blender, I suggest just using the juice of the orange or about 1/2 cup orange juice.

**If your strawberries are not frozen, use ice for part of the water.

Place ingredients in blender in order listed. Blend to your liking-may take a few minutes if you do not have a powerful blender. Drink immediately or store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 48 hours. Shake well before drinking.

Makes about 3-4 cups

Apricot-Strawberry Smoothie

At our previous house we had apricot trees and I canned and froze those apricots until I had no room left! I'm a little ashamed to say that I still have some left in the far dark corners of my freezer and pantry. I made it my goal to finish them up in the next few months. It has led me on an apricot-smoothie-making journey. As I went down my list of combinations, I crossed them off as I went, knowing that I was not going to make THAT one again-blech! However, I when I threw this combination together, I knew it was a keeper...FINALLY! I've made this over and over the past month or so and we've all loved it.

Apricots are just about in season and strawberries are already here, so it's the perfect time to make this refreshing smoothie. Treat yourself, and your health.

Apricot-Strawberry Smoothie
1 cup apricots, pitted and halved
1 cup strawberries, hulled
1 banana
2 big handfuls spinach, rinsed
1 cup fresh orange juice
handful of ice
water as needed

Put all ingredients in blender, adding juice first, and blend well. Add water as needed for desired consistency. Pour into jar or container with tight fitting lid. Will last up to 48 hours, just shake well before drinking.

Tropical Smoothie

It is not very often that I try a new combination in my green smoothies that I immediately like and continue to make. So, I was really surprised when I made this the other day and absolutely loved it! I made it like three days in a row (until my cilantro and mangoes were gone). I was a little hesitant about the cilantro but was so glad I tried it. It is so refreshing in this smoothie.

If you don't have a high powered blender, you may have to blend this for a longer time to make sure there aren't pieces of orange floating around. Your other option would be to just juice the orange and use that.

Tropical Smoothie
1 mango, peeled and seed removed
1 cup fresh pineapple
1 whole orange, peeled
2 cups baby spinach
small handful of cilantro
1 cup water (add more to your liking)
handful of ice

Place everything in a blender and blend until liquid and smooth. Add more water as desired.

Key Lime Pie Smoothie

I'm a big smoothie fan, the green kind too, and I'm always up for a good recipe to put in my "keeper" file. If you're a frequent smoothie drinker you know that there can be a lot of trial-and-error when it comes to finding just the right combination to suit your palate. And on the other end, there's always that chance of getting stuck in a rut with the same old smoothie day after day, week after week.

This smoothie was a nice refreshing change from the green drinks I usually make, and chock full of goodness. I like the bright flavor of the lime and I LOVE coconut milk. Not only does coconut have great flavor, but it has some AMAZING qualities as well. Coconut milk, the typical kind you see in small cans at the supermarket, is extracted from the meat of the coconut and is different from coconut water, which is the naturally-occurring liquid in the hollow of the coconut. Read here, and here for more information on coconut.

Key Lime Pie Smoothie
2 Tbsp. key lime juice (about 8 limes) OR you can use the juice of 1 regular lime
1 Tsp. key lime zest
1 Tbsp. coconut oil*
1 cup light coconut milk
1 ripe frozen banana
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. agave syrup (or other sweetener)
2 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs
ice cubeshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Top with additional graham crackers, if desired.

*If you do not have coconut oil, do not replace it with another oil, just leave it out.

SOURCE: Munchin with Munchkin

Linked to...
Recipe Swap Thursday @ Prairie Story
It's A Keeper Thursday @ It's A Keeper
These Chicks Cooked Link Party @ This Chick Cooks
Party Mindi Style Link Up @ Bacon Time with The Hungry Hungry Hypo
Sweets For A Saturday @ Sweet As Sugar Cookies
Seasonal Sunday @ Real Sustenance
A Themed Bakers Sunday @ Cupcake Apothecary

Mango Madness Green Smoothie

I've been trying out some new combinations in my green smoothies lately. I want to create a handful of really good smoothie recipes I can make any time that I know are delicious, instead of leaving it to chance every time, wondering if this fruit is going to taste good with that, etc. I don't want EVERY green smoothie I drink to be an experiment.

I was really surprised how tasty and refreshing this smoothie was. I think it has something to do with two unsuspecting characters, fresh ginger and lime. They go great with mango. I guess it's kind of tropical if you think about it, especially if you use coconut milk. I love the taste of ginger but it is also a natural remedy for many things, like nausea and morning sickness. I recently found that it is also good for respiratory conditions because it helps loosen and thin mucus that forms when you get sick.

So, whether you're sick or not, you'll love the tropical blast you get from this refreshing smoothie.

Mango Madness Smoothie
1/2 cup coconut milk*
1 cup water/ice
2 big handfuls of spinach
2 cups mango, sliced (frozen or fresh)
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger (I added 1 Tbsp. when I was sick)

Pour milk and water into the blender and add spinach. Whiz for 10-20 seconds to blend the spinach fine. Add the rest of the ingredients and whiz for about 30-60 seconds, until smooth. Pour into drinking glass and enjoy!

Makes about 3 cups.


*I used coconut milk from a carton, like you find next to the regular milk. You could probably use lite coconut milk from a can, almond or rice milk or even yogurt. If you are sick I would avoid using diary milk as it tends to create more mucus.

Orange Julius-My new favorite green drink

I have been off and on with my daily green smoothies for the past couple of months! I'm a little lacking in the motivation department but am starting to get it back because my body has felt a little more sluggish than usual and I know I need to start feeding it better.

In the past when I've made my smoothies, I haven't really gone by any recipe, just what fruit was in my freezer, and sometimes it didn't make for a great green drink. I've decided to go by recipes for a while for 2 reasons. 1-to make sure I get my daily dose of green and 2-to make sure it tastes good going down.

I can't remember where I came across this green drink but I've been drinking it about every other day for the past 2 weeks and I love it! When I make it to share with my kids, I usually juice the oranges, but if I'm making it just for myself, I just throw the orange in whole (peel and seeds removed). Since oranges are in season right now, I have a feeling that I'll be drinking this one for a while.

Do you drink green smoothies? If so what are you favorite combinations?

Orange Julius Green Smoothie
1 cup almond milk
1-2 oranges, peeled
1 banana
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 tsp. vanilla
1-2 cups ice

Blend everything in a high power blender until smooth (about 60-90 seconds).

For MY method of blending smoothies, here's a step-by-step post.

Linked to...
Seasonal Sunday @ Real Sustenance

(non) Cooking Class:How to make a green smoothie

I've been drinking green smoothies for a while now. It's been part of my effort to get more whole and raw foods in my diet and a great way to achieve fantastic health and energy. I try to drink between 2-4 cups a day.

My smoothies have evolved over the months as I have experimented with different greens and fruits, even the way I make them has changed. My husband used to complain that my smoothies were way too thick and he'd always have to add a lot of water to his when I'd share. Now, I think I've found a good method that makes a great smoothie that tastes good and is easy to get down. I know that there are many ways to do it, but I thought I would share what works for me.

What you'll need:
a blender (preferable high power)
1 banana
1-2 cups frozen fruit (mixed berries are the best)
any other fruit to taste
filtered water
*greens (see below)

First, gather all your ingredients. I have a small 1 quart blender which is the perfect size for what I drink.

Fill the blender with 1 cup water then fill it up to the top (or quart line) with spinach. I pack my spinach a little to get more in, but not too much. It's usually about 2 very large handfuls.


Blend the greens and water until all the greens are chopped up. It should reach about to the 2 cup line at this point.


Add your banana and frozen fruit. I think my blender is in the middle between a regular and high powered blender so I microwave my (frozen) fruit for about 20-30 seconds so I don't burn out the motor. I would suggest doing that if you don't have one. In this smoothie I put in a small handful of blueberries a banana, blackberries and mango. Power it up and blend until smooth. Add any other fruit you want to taste and do a final blend for about 60 seconds. Add more water if it's too thick.



You should have between 3-4 cups when it's all done.


Pour into a mason jar or a cup with a lid. Keep the lid on when you are not drinking to prevent oxidation. The smoothie will keep about 48 hours, just shake it up before you drinking.


NOTE: When using other greens in addition to spinach I have found that over time the smoothie gets a little sludgy. If you don't drink it all right away and it's too thick next time you go to drink it, just add a little water and shake it up.

Here are some of my favorite smoothies:
*spinach, banana, strawberries, whole orange (peeled)
*spinach, banana, blueberries, peaches
*spinach, banana, strawberries, pineapple

*Here's a tip: I try to buy fruit when it is in season and on sale. When I find a killer deal, I stock up and freeze it for smoothies later on. Plan ahead and you'll always have what you need to make your smoothie.


*(If you're a beginner, you will only want to use spinach as it is very mild. If you're a long-timer, try experimenting by adding chard, collards, beet greens and kale. My favorite to add is kale, it's kind of peppery and wonderful for your digestion. I've also used chard, which is kind of earthy and beet greens which aren't too bad. When adding other greens use both the leaf and stem and add only 1-2 at a time and taste before you add more.)

Apricot-Papaya Smoothie

I like to try new things, especially when they are a great deal. I bought some papaya at the end of summer last year at our local fresh market and was so excited to try it. Papaya you don't eat every day. Papaya is exotic. Have you actually ever had papaya? I tried it, and to be honest, I thought it was gross! It was musty-tasting and smelled wierd. So, instead of immediately throwing it away, I went online to find out what papaya was really supposed to taste like, to see if I had just gotten a bad one. I found out other people said the same thing! However, I also found out that when it is paired with other flavors, like citrus, or honey, the flavor becomes mellow and sweet, light and refreshing. So, I chopped it all up so it wouldn't go bad and stuck it in the freezer where I quickly forgot about it.

Well, thankfully this month I have decided to do a defrost challenge and try to use as much of what's in my freezer as I can. As I was doing inventory, I found the papaya again and decided to give it another try. Thus, the Apricot-Papaya smoothie. Enjoy.

2 cups frozen papaya, cubed
1 banana
*1/2 cup apricot nectar
1/2 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla works)
juice of 1/2 a lime
little dab of honey (if desired)

Place everything in the blender and puree.

NOTES:I like to use frozen fruit for smoothies so I don't have to add any ice. When things like mangoes, or strawberries or papaya go on sale, I stock up and freeze it so I can have it later. I also always have soy milk on hand because my husband is lactose-intolerant and he drinks it, but I would still use it anyway because I really like the flavor and creamy texture it adds to smoothies. You could substitute milk or yogurt for the soy milk.

*I used my own nectar that I bottled, but you can usually find it in the hispanic foods section at your local grocery store.