Cashew Chewy Balls

Cashew Chewy Balls

DSC_0020_watermark ballsI don’t know about you but I have a pretty active sweet tooth!  The problem is, if I have regular vegan baked goods it somehow triggers me and I eat everything in sight (ya, I have a bit of a problem that way ;-) ) and then I feel awful afterwards, it lasts for a day or two where I feel grumpy, lethargic and overall yukky!! Does that happen to you?

What I have discovered is if I have a raw vegan treat, i.e. gluten free, refined sugar free, processed-food free (i.e. no gluten substitutes), then I am A-ok!! Yeah!!  And even if I do get myself into a place where I want to have more than I should (t’ya like that ever happens ;-) ), I don’t get the grumpy, lethargic and yukky feeling!  Gotta love that!!

So this has led me to creating several chewy recipes (i.e. Cocoa Chews, Cashew Cranberry Chews, etc.) as I love the oooey-goey texture of these types of treats.  Well, last night that sweet tooth returned so I whipped these up lickedy-split in less than 5 minutes.  Yup, another easy peasy Catherine special ;-) .

I hope you enjoy as much as I do (did! HA!).  Feel free to leave a comment to let me know what your favourite treats are!!

Ingredients:
Makes about 25-30 small balls

  • 1-1.5 cup raw cashews
  • 6-8 medjool dates, pitted
  • 8-10 dried apricots (remember whey you buy dried fruit it should be brown and NOT orange (or whatever colour is the natural fruit colour), if they are orange that means sulphites have been added to preserve the colour!! Sulphites not good!!)
  • 2-3 tbsp agave

DSC_0021_watermark closeup balls2In Cuisinart add 1 cup cashews, 3-4 dates and 4-5 apricots.  Pulse until mixed but still chunky – add more cashews/dates/apricots until you get the consistency/proportion that you like best – I like more goey so tend to add more dates/apricots, but I think it’s important to adjust for your own tastes!  Add agave at end and use only enough to make ‘dough’ more sticky.  Form into tiny balls. Store in the fridge or freezer, although I prefer the freezer as it gives the balls a more ooey-gooey texture.  Also, they will keep longer in the freezer and you can easily grab one or two (maybe 3 ;-) ) for a quick daily snack. Enjoy!!

Black & Blue Berries Smoothie

Black & Blue Berries Smoothie

DSC_0023_watermark Blue black alm spin flaxYet another nutritious combination that is filled with antioxidants from the wonderfully fresh blue & black berries.  It’s also very high in Vitamin A & C, dietary fibre and manganese and high in magnesium and potassium and a good source of calcium and iron. All in all a power packed nutritional breakfast that is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:
1.5 litire (3 servings of 500ml each)

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups blueberries
  • 1 cup black berries
  • 1/4 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight)
  • 2 tbsp flaxseed, ground
  • 3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach and if you are looking for a blender visit my post on Choosing a Blender for some ideas that will fit any budget. Enjoy!!

Nutrition Black and blue smoothie

Virtual Vegan Potluck – Citrus Glow Smoothie

Virtual Vegan Potluck – Citrus Glow Smoothie

vvpLOGOI am so excited to be taking part in the May 2013 Virtual Vegan Potluck.  A special thanks to Vegan Bloggers Unite for hosting such an amazing event.  I missed the first two potlucks – you should have seen all the amazing recipe contributions!  Wow!!

This is the 3rd Virtual Vegan Potluck which includes over 168 participants from across the globe – Canada (yeah!! where I live!), Denmark (yeah!! My heritage/roots, where I use to live & where all my extended family still lives!!), South Africa (yeah!! where I lived as a kid!), Belgium, USA, Japan, India, UK, Australia, Poland, and more!! Can you believe it? 168 vegan recipes at your finger tips!! Now, THAT is amazing!!

My easy-peasy contribution is this wonderful refreshing Citrus Glow Smoothie, perfect to start your morning.  Those who follow me at my blog, on Facebook or Twitter will know I’m addicted to my morning smoothies. There are so many great reasons for following an Almost Raw Vegan Food Pyramid and eating raw foods - and one of the easiest ways to add more vegetables and fruits to your diet is adding a Green Smoothie recipes to your day.

DSC_0014_watermark #5 orange cuc pump spinachThis Citrus Glow Smoothie is chocked full of nutrients.  It is very high in vitamins A & C, high in dietary fiber, iron and potassium, a great source of calcium and so much more!  Plus the citrus helps the body absorb the iron in the pumpkin seeds. The cucumber is oh-so-hydrating and great for your skin. Oh and don’t forget the amazing boost of plant-based protein!! Look at that, 9.5g of protein in one serving!

Ingredients:
Makes 1.5 litres (2 servings)

  • 3 cups water
  • 3 large oranges, peel removed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 2-3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach and if you are looking for a blender visit my post on Choosing a Blender for some ideas that will fit any budget. Enjoy!!

Nutrition Citrus Glow

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That’s it, that’s all for my easy-peasy contribution to the May 2013 Virtual Vegan Potluck!!  Be sure to use the GoBACK and GoFORWARD buttons to scroll through all the other amazing recipes. Enjoy!!

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Four (4) Immune Boosting Smoothies

Four (4) Immune Boosting Smoothies

Whether you are fighting an illness, trying to recover from illness and/or looking to prevent illness you will want to keep your body’s immune system in top shape. By increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables and most importantly leafy greens you can super-charge your immune system by flooding your body with antioxidants, Vitamins A & C.

Here are just a few of my favourite ingredients for keeping my immune system in top form!

Blueberries are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties and are valuable in fighting infections.

All citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Other great sources for Vitamin C in the fruit world including pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya and guava. But it doesn’t stop there!  The vegetable world also includes great sources of Vitamin C including brussels sprouts, tomatoes, bell peppers, kale and broccoli.

Green Tea is full of antioxidants to help boost your immune system. Use green tea as the liquid – for example make 2 cups of green tea using four tea bags and let it cool before adding to the blender.

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants and will give your immune system a powerful boost. They will also give you an energy boost

Carrots are packed with vitamin A, vital for immune function and eye health as well as healthy skin. They also contain loads of beta carotene, a powerful phytonutrient that boosts the immune system.

Spinach is a nutrient-filled vegetable that can increase the functioning of your immune system, with all the amazing nutrient filled benefits including vitamin A & C, lutein, iron, chlorophyll and folate.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds offer lots vitamins including vitamins A, B6, C and E and beta carotene. The list goes on! Pumpkin seeds helps enhance your immune system, and protects against colds, flu and infections.

DSC_0014_watermark #5 orange cuc pump spinachRefreshing Immune Boost

The combination of citrus, goji berries and spinach fill your body with antioxidants and Vitamin C.

  • 3 cups water or green tea
  • 3 oranges, peel removed
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2-3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

DSC_0008_watermark #2 ruby beforeRuby Tuesday Booster

This smoothie is chocked full of Vitamins A & C and antioxidants and will keep your immune system in top form

  • 3 cups water or green tea
  • 1 large beet
  • 2 apples
  • 3 carrots
  • 1/2 lemon, peel removed
  • 2 hot peppers
  • beet greens

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

DSC_0011_watermark blue ban goji dulseBlueberry, Banana, Goji Berry Booster

  • 3-4 cups water or green tea
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 cup goji berries
  • 1 broccoli stalk
  • 2-3 tbsp dulse (start with less if you are new to dulse)
  • 3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

DSC_0001_watermark orange goji spinOrange & Goji Berry Booster

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 oranges, peel removed
  • handful goji berries
  • 2 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Refreshing Greens Smoothie

Refreshing Greens Smoothie

DSC_0002_watermark refreshing greens smoothieI’m currently on a “green GREEN smoothie” kick :-)  what that means is I’m using minimal fruit and mostly greens in my smoothies. I don’t know about you, but I feel sooooo much “cleaner” and “energized” when I enjoy really green smoothies.

If you aren’t there yet, don’t fret, before you know it your taste buds will adjust and your body will start to crave green GREEN smoothies !! No really! ;-) trust me, it comes with time and your body will absolutely love you once you start including more and more greens!

Today’s smoothie is very high source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium and Vitamin A & C.  It’s also a great source of calcium and vitamin B6 and as you will see below it also has high protein of 16.2 g per 500ml serving!!

Ingredients:
Yield 3 x 500ml servings

  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 3-4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 broccoli stalk, chopped
  • 1-2 lemons, rind removed (the lemon helps “cut” the green taste, start with one lemon and add the second one if you really like that lemony flavour)
  • 2 inches of fresh ginger root
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 2-3 VERY Big handfuls of spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

As a mini-day-cleanse I would enjoy the full batch (1.5 litires) myself during the morning/afternoon and then have a great big green salad with lots of greens (kale, spinach and/or romaine), sprouts, fresh veggies, a drizzle of olive oil and juice of 1/2 lemon for dinner!!  Mmmmmmm Mmmmmmm easy-peasy mini-day-cleanse! ;-)

Nutritional Refreshing Greens Smoothie

Creamy Cashew Smoothie

Creamy Cashew Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark Cashew milk blenderI love nut smoothies, it’s like having a wee bit of dessert during the day!!  I especially enjoy this smoothie for those days when I am having a day of smoothies – for example, I might enjoy 4 servings of green smoothies (here are a few examples:  Cleansing Green Smoothie, Blueberry Banana Green Smoothie, Pina Colada Green Smoothy, Green Refresher Smoothie) together with 1 serving of this Creamy Cashew Smoothie throughout the day!  I love how great my body feels after a day of green smoothies!!

Yes, it is high in fat as a result of the nuts & hemp seed but in moderations it’s all healthy :-) and when you are enjoying a day of smoothies, it really hits the spot and gives real satisfaction plus it gives you a great boost of protein (8.3 g/serving) and energy with the medjool dates.

You will notice that I don’t suggest using a nut bag to remove the pulp!  I find with the soaked cashews and my Vitamix this smoothie becomes very creamy and there is no pulp to remove and it’s just perfect as it is!!  Oh, you can also use less water and perhaps reduce dates/vanilla and make more of a “cream” that is great as a cream substitute in your coffee or even as a topping for something like Cacao-Avocado Pudding!!  The possibilities are endless!! Mmmm!! Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
Yields 4 servings of 250ml each

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2.5 hrs and rinsed well
  • 3 Tbsp hempseed
  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/2 Tbsp vanilla (you can use less, I just LOVE vanilla)

Add all ingredients to your Vitamix blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.

DSC_0003_watermark cashew milk jars

Nutrtion - CAshew Smoothie 4 servings

Morning Boost Smoothie

Morning Boost Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark morning greens blenderWell, back after a week of vacation of sun and sand and back in the swing of things today.  How I missed sharing with y’all :-)

Starting the week with an ever so green smoothie….Mmmmmmm, love my green smoothies.

This one is chocked full of nutrients – a high source of calcium, potassium and B6, super high in Vitamins A & C as well as iron and dietary fiber.  And of course not too shabby in the protein levels!!  All in all a wonderful vitamin and mineral boost for your body!

Ingredients:
Yield:  2 servings of 1 litre / 4 cups each

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 apples, chopped
  • 2 lemons, rind removed and quartered
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 1/2 bunch kale (I used red kale today)
  • 1 small handful spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender in the order listed.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

DSC_0003_watermark morning greens jars

Nutrition Morning Greens smoothie

Blueberry Banana Green Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Green Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark blue ban broc cuc kale chiaBlueberries are such a wonderful fruit and filled with antioxidants.  Add a little banana, chia seed and greens including a broccoli stem, cucumber & kale and you have one power packed bundle of nutrition that is high in dietary fiber, potassium & B6 and super high in vitamins A & C.  But mostly, it tastes great :-)

(1.5 litres/1.5 servings)

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups blueberries
  • 2 tbsp Chia Seed [279756]
  • 1 (88 g) broccoli stem (cup,+chopped)
  • 1/3 cucumber
  • 2 cups kale

Add all ingredients to the blender in the order listed.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  If it’s too thick add more water to taste. And remember if you are planning to add to jars for later use, the blueberries and chia seed will thicken with time, so you may want to add a little more water and make a thinner consistency. Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Nutrition info blue ban broc cuc kale chia

Creamy Strawberry Smoothie

Creamy Strawberry Smoothie

DSC_0003_watermark straw ban alm avo kaleThis is a fav with my hubby – he loves strawberries!  Add banana and avocado and you also get a wonderful creamy smoothie. And the bonus is, it’s a great source for iron & calcium, it’s very high in vitamin A & C, high in dietary fiber, potassium, B6 and 12 g of protein per serving – how great is that!!

Ingredients:
2 servings of 1 litre each

  • 3-4 cups water
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 1/4 cup raw almonds (soak overnight)
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 4 leaves kale (remove stalk)

Start with 3 cups water and add all remaining ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  If it’s too thick add more water to taste. Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Nutritional info Strawberry Creamy Smoothie

Orange Beet Smoothie

Orange Beet Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark beet orange in blenderSometimes you just have to go outside the box and try something completely different!!  Today was one of those days :-) I’ve never tried this combination before and I must say it was very very tasty.  Not only that but there are many nutritional benefits including being very high in Vitamin A & C, super high in calcium, magnesium, potassium and thiamin. Plus it’s a great source of dietary fibre.  Oh and lets not forget the high protein.  Let’s just say I’ll be drinking both servings ;-)

Ingredients:
Makes 2 litres (2 servings)

  • 3 cups water
  • 3 oranges, peeled and quartered
  • 2 beets, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 5 large kale leaves
  • 10 ice cubes (optional)

DSC_0002_watermark beet orange in glassAdd all ingredients to the blender except ice cubes.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  I added ice cubes after it’s blended just to cool down a bit.  You could also skip this step and just return to the fridge before serving. To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.Nutrition Beet Orange Smoothie1

Blueberry Oats & Almond Milk

Blueberry Oats & Almond Milk

DSC_0003_watermark blue oat pump cranHubby’s favourite breaky that really hits the spot.  As a bonus, it’s low in sodium, high in calcium and dietary fiber, a good source for iron thanks to the pumpkin seeds and also high in Vitamins C and E. Not to mention it provides plenty of protein.

Ingredients:
1 serving

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup uncooked oats
  • 1 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Add blueberries to bowl, top with oats.  Sprinkle cranberries & pumpkin seeds on top.  Pour almond milk overtop. Enjoy!!

Nutrition - blue oats pump cran

Mango Kale Smoothie

Mango Kale Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark mango kaleYup, I ♡♡ Mangos and I ♡♡ Kale!!  Put it together and I’m definitely feeling the ♡♡♡♡ :-)

Nutritionally this smoothie offers high dietary fiber and high potassium.  As well it’s very very high in vitamin A and C as well it’s a good source for vitamin B6, calcium and iron.  All in all, lots of nutrients!  Not to mention there’s 5.5 grams in protein :-)

Ingredients:
makes 1.5 litres (2 servings – although I often have both servings myself which keeps me going through the morning)

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 mangos, seeded
  • 1 bunch kale (or for a milder taste you could use spinach)

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Nutrition - Mango Kale Smoothie

Carrot, Cabbage & Raisin Salad

Carrot, Cabbage & Raisin Salad

DSC_0008_watermark carrot cabbage raison sesame seed lemaon sesame oil lemaonThis is a very easy, tasty and nutritious salad. It’s high in vitamins A and C, the sesame seeds add a good source of calcium, and it also offers a nice portion of protein.  All in all simple, yummy & nutrient rich!

Ingredients:
2 servings

  • 1/2 head cabbage, sliced very thinly
  • 3 carrots, grated
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Add all ingredients to bowl, toss.  I like to let it marinade for a while to let the flavours meld together.

Nutrition - Carrot Cabbage Raisin

Raspberry Banana Cashew Smoothie

Raspberry Banana Cashew Smoothie

DSC_0001_watermark rasp ban cashewA frosty Sunday morning and my taste buds were screaming for this combination!  So what do you do?  :-) Nothing other than feed the body what it craves!!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups coconut water
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 tbsp vanilla (you can use less, I LOVE vanilla)
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews
  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 big handful parsley
  • 2-3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Cleansing Green Smoothie

Cleansing Green Smoothie

DSC_0003_watermark green smoothI do love greeny green smoothies and have many green smoothies that may interest you like Thick & Frothy Green Smoothie, GrGrGreen Smoothie, Greeny Green Smoothie, Greeny Smoothie and finally today’s Cleansing Green Smoothie which is a little different than all the rest. :-)

Ingredients:
Makes 1.5 litres

  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 3 large stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 broccoli stalk, chopped
  • 2 inches ginger, peeled
  • 1 lemon, peel removed
  • 3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Hearty Raspberry Smoothie

Hearty Raspberry Smoothie

DSC_0007_watermark hearty raspberryA wonderfully flavourful smoothie that is sure to please.

Ingredients:
Makes about 2 litres

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups raspberries (I used frozen)
  • 1 banana
  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 handful raw almonds
  • 1 handful goji berries
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 big handfuls spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Zucchini Red Pepper Spinach Salad

Zucchini Red Pepper Spinach Salad

DSC_0003_watermark quick lunch zuch red peper bean sprout almondYes another quickie lunch salad that is ready in 5 minutes – can’t beat that!!

Ingredients:
(1 serving)

  • 3 big handfuls spinach
  • 1/2 zucchini, sliced & cubed
  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 small handful bean sprouts
  • 1 small handful raw almonds (soaked overnight)
  • drizzle toasted sesame oil
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • fresh ground pepper

Add spinach to your lunch container.  Add zucchini, red pepper, bean sprouts, almonds.  Drizzle with sesame oil and lemon juice.  Top with fresh ground pepper.  Add lid and shake to toss.  I also include a small dish of hummus together with a handful of seed crackers and an apple to complete hubby’s lunch.  Easy Peasy all the way :-)

Zucchini Noodle & Cherry Tomato Salad

Zucchini Noodle & Cherry Tomato Salad

DSC_0008_watermark zuc noodles cherry tom

Noodles made with Spirooli Slicer

Ok, this is such a simple salad and at the same time it’s incredibly nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1/2 box cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • drizzle olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • fresh ground pepper

I used my Spirooli Slicer using the small noodle blade. The Spiral Slicer is also nice and created more of an angle hair style noodles.  Add cherry tomatoes.  Drizzle with olive oil and fresh ground pepper.  Toss and serve!!

Zucchini made with Spiral Slicer

Noodles made with Spiral Slicer

Spiral Slicer - Joyce Chen

Spiral Slicer – Joyce Chen

Spirooli Slicer

Spirooli Slicer

Thick & Frothy Green Smoothie

Thick & Frothy Green Smoothie

DSC_0003_watermark thick and frothy green smoothI do love pure green smoothies!!  I am always amazed at how much cleaner/fresher I feel after a very green smoothie vs. a more fruit based smoothie.  If had to choose only one flavour of smoothie from this day forward, there’s no doubt I would pick one of my very green smoothies like this one!! Oh-so-green, oh-so-clean and oh-so-nuriousing!!  Yum!!

Ingredients:
Yields 2 litres

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cucumber, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 stalks broccoli, chopped
  • 1/4 cup ground flax seed
  • 2 inches ginger, peeled
  • 1 lemon, skin removed
  • 1 head kale

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high until smooth and frothy.  To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothie Approach.

Morning Cocoa Delight

Morning Cocoa Delight

DSC_0021_watermark choc smoothI can’t get enough of this combination with banana, raw almond butter and cocoa. I just love the flavour which is almost chocolate-milk-like  - you’ll find a few variations of this combination with Banana Spinach Cocoa Smoothy and Banana Cocoa Smoothy, each with a bit of a different twist! Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
Makes 1 litre

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bananas
  • 2 tbsp raw almond butter (I love MaraNatha raw almond butter)
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder (although not raw I love Cuisine Camino Organic Cocoa Powder, and it’s prepared locally in Ottawa!!)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla (optional, but I love vanilla in smoothies like this, makes more desert-like!)
  • 2 handful spinach

Add all ingredients to the blender.  Blend on low speed and gradually increase speed.  Blend on high for a minute or two until smooth and frothy.  If you want more of a hot-chocolate style, let it run in the blender a little longer until it warms up!!  Deeee-licious!! To learn more about how I create smoothies visit My Smoothy Approach.

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