Ninja Magic and Blackberry Almond Smoothie

Green Smoothies tend to all look the same though they taste very different. I call these power smoothies because they’re packed with nutrients and tons of protein so they keep you energized and full for a long time.

And I’ve crossed Vitamix off of the “things I want” list because the ninja gets the job done.

Coffee Peanut Power Smoothie

• 1/2 c almond milk
• 1/2 c coffee
• 1/4 c water
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1 T peanut flour
• 1 T flaxmeal
• 1 T hemp seeds
• 1/2 t Maca
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1 c ice
• handful of spinach
• pinch of salt

Spirulina smoothie

Warning: do not use spirulina in your smoothie, unless you’re prepared for an extremely grassy flavor and turns your smoothie dark green fast.

Some kind of version of an elvis. I definitely missed the avocado texture wise.

Banana Peanut Power Smoothie

• 1/2 c almond milk
• 1/2 c water
• 1 very ripe frozen banana
• 1 T plant based protein powder
• 1 T peanut flour
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 t Maca
• 1 T flaxmeal
• 1 T hemp seeds
• 1 c ice
• handful of spinach

 I swear I create brilliance every time I’m about to leave somewhere and have literally nothing to work with for a morning meal. This one’s going in the books.

Blackberry Almond Power Smoothie

• 1/2 c almond milk
• 3/4 c water
• 1 T flax
• 1 T hemp
• 1/2 t maca
• 2 T cashews
• 1 t almond extract
• 1/2 c blackberries

Blackberries and almond flavoring were meant to be together. Almond extract is my new favorite smoothie addition and it should be yours too.

Question: Any smoothie flavor combo suggestions while I’m creating ninja magic?

x

Casey

Smoothielicious

I finally know what also the huh-bub regarding smoothies is all about. Better late then never!

I have my ninja blender to thank for that. I bought this model at Bed Bath & Beyond with the handy-dandy 20% off coupons they give out like they’re going out of style.

This model is magic bullet like. It comes with three individual grab-n-go cups and also a larger blender for making big batches of smoothies or dough, etc…

The difference maker of the ninja products is that the blade is at the bottom, not the top of the blender, so all of the ice is blended easily. Just 5 or 6 pumps and its smoothielicious.

In the mix:

• Almond milk
• coffee
• avocado
• hemp seeds
• flaxmeal
• spinach
• cacao
• protein powder
• maca
• salt
• ice

This specific recipe came from Katie at Rooted Wellbeing‘s Whole Foods cooking class on power breakfasts. I took her breakfast challenge and tried each of the three breakfasts to see what my body responded best too. Obvi, the smoothie won out.

Problem solved.

So freaking delicious but I forgot one of the basic rules of smoothie making. I had no straws on hand. Smoothies aren’t quite as fun with a spoon. Or spilling all over your face.

The avocado makes it super creamy which I love. The hemp, flax, and protein powder give this staying power. I was stuffed for a long, long time. It kept me from feeling snacky the whole day and night. And it was a nice cooler in this 80 degree heat.

I used Life’s Basic protein powder which is vegan and derived from pea and rice protein. I sampled it at a grocery store and was sold ever since.

Welcome to my life Green Monsters. I may or may not be having you every single morning.

x

Casey

 

Strawberries and Cream French Toast (v)

What a glorious weekend it was. Springtime has officially arrived in Denver and its only looking up form here. Straight 70’s the whole week!. Have we just skipped springtime and gone straight to summer. I always joke Denver has two seasons: Winter and Summer.

I have also emerging like the spring flowers from the ground. I’ve handed in all my final papers and only have two presentations left on Tuesday until its diploma time. I feel like the shackles have been taken away from my feet.

I’m still working so its not like I have heaps of free time but there are no more papers, tests, or group projects hanging over my head which is a glorious, glorious thing.

Yesterday morning I went to make my usual weekend breakfast of avocado toastie and was saddened to find I’d run myself dry of avocado.

As I always say the most creative things come out of pressure.

I took advantage of the extra morning time I have on weekends and made an old favorite but updated…and better. And its vegan. Boo-yah

Ever since I snuck vanilla creamer into my oats, I cannot be stopped.

New obsession with this product, and this brand in general.

Strawberries and Cream Flaxy French Toast (v)

• 1.5 T Flaxmeal
• 1/3 c Almond Milk
• 1/2 t almond extract (optional)
• 2 slices of bread (thick, sturdy bread words best)
• Strawberries
• 1 T Vanilla Creamer (Use So Delicious to keep it vegan)

1. Combine flaxmeal, milk of choice, and almond extract (optional)
2. Soak each side of the bread in the flax/milk mixture
3. Cook on a greased pan flipping every so often (you will have to flip and cook each side about 2-3 times) it takes a bit longer than regular french toast but so worth it!
4. Slice strawberries and warm in the microwave for 45 seconds~ till a slight sauce is formed beneath them (if you are using defrosted strawberries you can skip this step)
5. Combine vanilla creamer with the strawberries mixture and pour over french toast
6. Savor and Enjoy!

Letting it marinate in the flax/milk mixture. Has anyone seen Kissing Jessica Stein? Now I’m going to think of that movie when I use the word “marinate”

Gettin’ crispy.

Nekkid.

Gettin’ saucy.

Future husband: you have this to look forward to.

x

Casey