Making smoothies at home is something I love to do in the warmer months. For one, my oldest son just LOVES to participate. It is so easy to whip up something delicious as we always have berries on hand from the farmers market, as well as yogurt from pastured cows. I think it is hard to give "recipes" as it really is unique to what you have in the house, or what your tastes are. However, there are a few things I follow.
I always have a fruit, or many involved! I often let Jasper be the one who picks this ingredient- so it can range from half a banana to 2 boxes of blueberries! My challenge as a mom and a foodie is to make it work!
Next, the liquid- I often use coconut milk, occasionally use rice milk, and rarely use a soy/rice blend. This formula is only because I value the nutritional profile of coconut most, but I do like variety. You could also use silken tofu, fruit juice, or coconut water. As my nutritional opinion evolves, so do my ingredients. So, in light of the "BPA in cans issue", the coconut milk may take back burner until I find a company that makes it in BPA free cans. Beans (unless Eden), soups, salmon and tomatoes are no longer welcome in my cabinets- we will see how long it is before I kick the coconut milk out of the lazy susan!
Lastly, the touches! Ice cubes if it needs to be cooler, or I will start with frozen berries. I will add sweetener sometimes- such as agave nectar, maple syrup or honey. You do not need to do this, but it is delicious and the kids love it. I only use a bit. I will often add a nutritional boost such as hemp seeds, wheat germ, nut butters, yogurt or kefir. Many add flax oil, spirulina, or kelp. The possibilities are endless.
I encourage all to make these at home. The smoothie is somehow incorrectly synonymous with healthy. We often fall into the trap of thinking we are making a good choice by ordering one, but if we were able to see the ingredients and calories, we might rethink that!
Please share any smoothies you like for your family, and don't hesitate to drop a question about any ingredients you are unsure of! Have fun!
I always have a fruit, or many involved! I often let Jasper be the one who picks this ingredient- so it can range from half a banana to 2 boxes of blueberries! My challenge as a mom and a foodie is to make it work!
Next, the liquid- I often use coconut milk, occasionally use rice milk, and rarely use a soy/rice blend. This formula is only because I value the nutritional profile of coconut most, but I do like variety. You could also use silken tofu, fruit juice, or coconut water. As my nutritional opinion evolves, so do my ingredients. So, in light of the "BPA in cans issue", the coconut milk may take back burner until I find a company that makes it in BPA free cans. Beans (unless Eden), soups, salmon and tomatoes are no longer welcome in my cabinets- we will see how long it is before I kick the coconut milk out of the lazy susan!
Lastly, the touches! Ice cubes if it needs to be cooler, or I will start with frozen berries. I will add sweetener sometimes- such as agave nectar, maple syrup or honey. You do not need to do this, but it is delicious and the kids love it. I only use a bit. I will often add a nutritional boost such as hemp seeds, wheat germ, nut butters, yogurt or kefir. Many add flax oil, spirulina, or kelp. The possibilities are endless.
I encourage all to make these at home. The smoothie is somehow incorrectly synonymous with healthy. We often fall into the trap of thinking we are making a good choice by ordering one, but if we were able to see the ingredients and calories, we might rethink that!
Please share any smoothies you like for your family, and don't hesitate to drop a question about any ingredients you are unsure of! Have fun!
1 comment:
Sara and Marcela,
Loved your news letter, great receipes,wonderful thoughts and information.
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