super green smoothie

Howdy from Ohio!

I’m back east this week visiting my family which hasn’t happened since June.  It’s been way too long.  I’m soaking up every single minute and loving it.

A few days before leaving I upped my intake of fruits + veggies in hopes of staying healthy while at home.  My vegetable consumption has been at an all-time high the past few weeks but now even more so.  I just can’t get enough.

Don’t worry though, I’m balancing it with things like orange honey corn cake which I ate the entire pan of last week.  As soon as I got home I made another batch for my[self] family.

One quick and easy way to get a huge helping of fruits + veggies is in smoothies. But you knew that already.  However, I find myself making the same two smoothies time and time again.  I was due for a change.  Something super green and banana-less!

I know there are quite a few banana haters out there and most smoothies include banana for a silky smooth texture, sweetness, and flavor.  For this combination I used avocado to create a smooth and thick texture, and pear, green apple, and kiwi for sweetness and flavor.  Kale is thrown in for the veggie punch but is undetectable alongside the fruit.

Print this!

Super Green Smoothie

vegan, gluten-free // serves 2

• 3 cups green kale, stemmed + chopped
• 2 kiwi, skins removed
• 2 green apples, cored + chopped
• 1 bartlett pear, cored + chopped
• 1/3 avocado
• 1- 1 1/2 cups ice
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.  Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. 

notes: Use ripe fruit for the maximum flavor and sweetness.  Use any type of milk.  If desired, add honey, agave, or soaked dates for more sweetness.  I keep the peels on the apple and pear but scoop out the fruit from the kiwi.  Peel all fruit if desired.

If you don’t have a juicer, are in a smoothie rut, and/or don’t like banana in your smoothie this is the drink for you!  Super green smoothie to the rescue! 

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

Ashley

You still have a few more hours to enter the Love Grown Foods HOT OATS giveaway!  The winner will be announced on Facebook Monday morning.  Thanks for all who entered.  Your comments have been absolutely fantastic.  I have enjoyed reading each and every one and have gained so much hope and inspiration for this year because of all of YOU!  Thank you!

3 fall flavored Greek yogurt recipes

November?  No way.

I’ve been trapped in a time warp better known as dougnnutland.  I hit a big deadline yesterday and 50% of the book is now complete.  Woohoo!!  Super exciting! 

How did I celebrate?  Wine + popcorn + TV.

And then by getting back in the kitchen to make the following.

Last spring, I made a few quick dips using Greek yogurt and they ended up being quite the hit.  I decided to revisit that idea with a little fall twist.  You know, because I just can’t help but transform everything I eat into tasting like fall.

First up, we have Cinnamon Apple Spice with Caramel + Walnuts. 

Caramel is one of my all time favorite treats.  Caramel apples?  Even better.

I’ve sweetened and flavored the yogurt with apple butter + a few spices, then topped it with diced apples, walnuts, and a caramel drizzle. 

Next up?

You knew there was going to be a pumpkin version.  There was just no question.

Pumpkin spices, maple sweetened, and topped with graham crackers + pecans.

I like my pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust.  Gives it a nice little crunch.  And I’m currently obsessed with unsalted, roasted pecans.  So those were thrown in just because.  Just because they are awesome.

Last but not least, my favorite, tiramisu.

With no ladies or fingers or lady fingers in site. Unless that is you want to dip lady fingers into this jar of cocoa-espresso-Kahlua laced, honey sweetened, Greek yogurt goodness.

But I think I’ll just stick to a spoon.

Print this!

3 Fall Flavored Greek Yogurt Recipes

My absolute favorite brand of Greek yogurt is Wallaby Organic Plain 2%.  It’s the lowest in sugar that I’ve seen, is packed with 23 grams of protein per serving, has a super creamy texture, and a light tang.  I recommend 2% fat [or higher] Greek yogurt for these recipes.  Add more sweetener to any of these if desired. All Greek yogurts vary in their tanginess so more may need to be added. 

Cinnamon Apple Spice with Caramel + Walnuts

• 2 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup no sugar added apple butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1-2 apples, diced
• chopped walnuts
• caramel

Pumpkin Spice with Graham Crackers + Pecans

• 1.5 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon clove
• crushed graham crackers
• roasted, unsalted pecans

Tiramisu

For adults!

• 2 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 6 tablespoons mascarpone cheese*, softened
• 1/4 cup Kahlua
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• dark chocolate chips to top

*sub full-fat cream cheese instead of mascarpone if needed

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl for 1 of 3 recipes.  For the pumpkin + tiramisu recipes, use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth.  A blender would also work.  The apple version can be stirred together with a spoon until well combined.
2. Top with desired toppings and chill before serving, which will help thicken the mixture.  When topping the apple cinnamon with apples, be sure to toss the diced apples with lemon juice and drain any excess juice off, then place on the yogurt.
3. Serve in dessert cups, jars, or even shot glasses with mini spoons.  Or, serve in a bowl and offer with a side of dippers. ie: sliced fruit, vanilla cake, cinnamon tortilla chips, etc.

These are perfect little treats for the kiddos or maybe even a baby shower or wedding shower.  Just don’t serve your kids the one with kahlua + espresso in it, k?

Happy weekend!

Ashley

Still thinking of all those affected by Sandy…