Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert this time of year and through the holidays.  Making a smoothie is a healthful way to enjoy the taste of pumpkin pie without all the extra refined sugar and calories.  Today we begin a season of holidays where treats and desserts seem to be everywhere.  So the next time you walk past that bowl of Halloween candy, just keeping walking and make one of these to satisfy your sweet tooth!

In a blender mix 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 frozen banana in pieces, 1/2 cup your choice of milk (I used almond), 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon honey and a few ice cubes.  Blend well.

Enjoy!

Nut Milks

Nut milks are exactly what they sound like, dairy-free milk made from ground nuts.  These beverages are a great alternative for people who are sensitive to dairy or soy products.  Almond milk has gained popularity and can now be found in the dairy section of most grocery stores.  Nut milks are also easy to make at home if you have a vitamix or other high speed blender.  Almonds are wonderful for making nut milk but you can also use brazil nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts or any other nut or seed that appeals to you.  These milks are delicious with cereal, coffee, or added to smoothies and shakes.  They will keep for 2 days refrigerated or can be frozen in ice cube trays and then transfered to a freezer bag to use later.  In the pictures below I am making brazil nut milk but the same method applies for any nuts.

Soak 1 cup of raw nuts in filtered water for 4 or more hours.

Place soaked nuts with 4 cups of filtered water in high-speed blender.

Blend on high for 2 minutes.

Strain through a nut milk bag squeezing out milk,
or strain through a sieve lined with several layers of cheesecloth.
Discard nut pulp.
Nut milk bags are available at amazon.com for around $12.

Rinse out blender well and add strained milk.
Add 2 Tablespoons agave or honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, a pinch of sea salt and blend .

Enjoy! 

Thai Green Smoothie

This Thai Green Smoothie is one of my favorite smoothies and often makes an appearance in my 3 day raw detoxes.  It is a great way to start the day!  I like to drink half of it in the morning and save the other half to drink in the afternoon.  I recommend using organic produce when possible.

In a high speed blender combine 3 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup fresh cilantro,
half of a fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed, 1 lime, peel removed
and 1 cup coconut water or filtered water.
Blend on high until well combined.

Enjoy!

Orange Delight

This delicious shake reminds me of an Orange Julius, but this version is much healthier with no refined sugars or artificial flavors.  It is best made with freshly squeezed orange juice but store bought is fine too.  You can use a regular or high speed blender for this recipe.

2 cups orange juice
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
2 cups ice cubes
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Combine juice, yogurt, honey, ice, and vanilla in blender.

Process until slushy.

Enjoy!

Fresh Lemonade with Mint

This lemonade is quick and easy to make.  It is sweetened with honey, so no refined sugars, artificial sweeteners or colors.  Just lemons, honey, water and mint.  I use a honey simple syrup which is made by combining two parts honey with 1 part water in a saucepan and heating it on the stove.  Stir well and let cool.  You can keep a batch of honey simple syrup in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  To make the lemonade I use a regular blender.  A Vitamix or other high-speed blender is a little too powerful.  For pink lemonade omit the mint and add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries.  Enjoy this lemonade on it's own or with Prairie organic vodka for a great summer cocktail.    

Cut 3 organic lemons into 8 pieces each.

Place lemons in blender with 1 oz. fresh mint, 4 1/2 cups water, 1 cup honey simple syrup
 and a pinch of salt.

Blend for only 10 seconds.
 Any longer and it can get bitter.

Strain lemonade through a sieve into a glass pitcher.

Serve over ice and enjoy!

Simple Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are a great way to include leafy greens to your diet.  After being broken down in a blender, the greens are easier for your body to assimilate and the nutrients become easily absorbed.  Here is a great starter  green smoothie because it is sweet and creamy.  My kids love this one.  At first they were put off by the color and had absolutely no interest in trying it.  Then my husband came up with the brilliant idea of telling them to close their eyes and picture it pink.  When they did they said it tasted great and finished the whole drink.  Now they have no problem with the color.  I recommend blending in a high powered blender like a Vitamix, it just makes the smoothie so smooth.  Just throw in the ingredients and blend on high.

1 banana
1 cup strawberries
2-3 cups fresh spinach  
1 cup coconut water

ready to blend

beautiful living foods

enjoy!