Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Shake

Lately when I have been making smoothies, I have been making them so thick that they can be eaten out of a bowl with a spoon with some granola, nuts, or chopped fruit on top to add some crunch.  However, tonight I was craving a smoothie that could be sipped out of a glass with a straw.  I still wanted a thick smoothie because sometimes smoothies that are too thin can go down way too fast and I really wanted something that would last and have some staying power.

I knew if I used a frozen banana I would have a great base for a creamy, thick shake.  I also decided to use some almond yogurt in place of almond milk since yogurt has a creamier, thicker consistency than almond milk.  Cocoa powder and almond butter added to this shake by giving it flavor, protein, and some staying power.

Not only are these ingredients all packed with nutrition, but when combined they make for a very tasty treat! This smoothie can be enjoyed pre or post workout, as a regular snack, as a dessert, or doubled and maybe blended with some oats to be more filling for a meal replacement smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt (I used plain Amande)
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter (I used Maranatha)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Process until smooth and creamy, without overblending.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
   

I know there are tons of recipes for chocolate peanut butter and banana smoothies, but this one was exactly what I was craving and I want to remember the recipe for the future. (I know I'll be making this again!)  I got the thick, creamy smoothie with the perfect amount of sweetness from the banana without any added sugar in any form, not even from extracts or stevia.


This recipe can also be easily adapted to suit your cravings.

• For a thinner shake, add more almond milk.  
• For a thicker shake, add more yogurt or banana.  
• If you like added sweetness, add almond extract (or another kind), stevia, agave, or another sweetener.
• For more flavor, add extra cocoa powder or almond butter.  
• Try a different kind of nut butter.
• Turn this smoothie into a Chocolate Banana Smoothie by omitting the nut butter.
• Turn this smoothie into an Almond Butter Banana Smoothie by omitting the cocoa powder.
• Double the recipe and maybe add some oats for a meal replacement.
• Add spinach to sneak in some extra veggies (you won't even taste the spinach).
• Omit the almond milk, blend all other ingredients together, and turn this smoothie into frozen yogurt to be eaten out of a bowl.
• Omit the almond milk and yogurt, blend all other ingredients, and it will resemble soft serve to be eaten out of a bowl.

Sorry there is no picture.  I didn't realize I would love this smoothie exactly how I made it and would want to post the recipe. But don't worry I'll be making it again soon and will definitely get a picture then.  But for now just imagine thick, creamy dark chocolate milk!

Based on using original Silk PureAlmond milk, plain Amande Cultured Almondmilk, and Maranatha Natural Almond Butter, this recipe yields approximately 288 calories and 7g protein.

Banana Berry Yogurt Smoothie

I have been trying to drink more smoothies lately to increase my nutrition: protein, calories, nutrients, fruits, veggies, etc.  This smoothie, however, does not contain any veggies.  I usually love green smoothies but I was really in the mood for something sweet.  I enjoyed this as a morning snack which is interesting since I have noticed I have a much bigger sweet tooth in the morning and more savory cravings in the evenings.

Banana Berry Yogurt Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup non-dairy yogurt (I used Silk Live Plain Soy Yogurt*)
• 1 cup frozen berries (I used mixed berries)
• 1 tbsp ground flax seeds

Directions: In a blender combine all ingredients and process until smooth and creamy.

This smoothie makes 1 large serving!

*I was going to provide a link to the soy yogurt I used, but I think they stopped making this product.  In fact, I haven't seen it in being sold in the stores lately.  They do have a new line of Fruity & Creamy yogurt which is still soy based but I only see fruit flavored ones and no plain yogurt.  I actually tried the Strawberry flavor and it was okay, but kind of sweet.  I like the plain ones better so I can control the sweetness and mix in flavors that I want.  

I'm sure one of these fruity yogurts could be swapped in place of the plain yogurt and the mixed berries though, but maybe add a whole frozen banana for more creaminess and volume.

If like me you are looking for a new non-dairy yogurt that comes in a 24oz container to make yogurt bowls and smoothies, or to control your own yogurt flavor and sweetness, I'm going to try out this Amande yogurt.  It is almond based, not soy based which is fine by me since I prefer almond based yogurts. Unfortunately, it is lower in protein.  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure you will be seeing more recipes with it in the future.  I have tried their 6oz strawberry flavored yogurt and it was very thin, like the Silk Soy Yogurt and not as thick as my favorite almond yogurt by Almond Dream.  I love thick yogurt but unfortunately Almond Dream yogurt is much more expensive and even lower in protein so I buy it to enjoy alone as a snack on occasions.

Based on using original PureAlmond Milk, Silk Live Plain Soy Yogurt, and Bob's Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal, this smoothie yields approximately 260 calories and 7g protein.

With Amande plain yogurt, this smoothie yields approximately 270 calories and 6g protein.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I've been using a lot of pumpkin lately!  I've had pumpkin in my last three recipes:  Monday in Vegetable Lentil Stew, Tuesday in Pumpkin TVP Oats, and Wednesday in Walnut Pumpkin Pie.

You know when you open a can of pumpkin and only need a tablespoon or two and then you have a lot of extra canned pumpkin so everything you make that day or over the next few days includes pumpkin in some way?  (Except the pumpkin pie which used the entire can!) Yeah, I've been trying to include pumpkin in a lot these last few days.

Before I began eating a vegan diet, I used to go to Starbucks once in a great while (it was too expensive for me to go more frequently) and I loved the flavored lattes.  I don't know why I never tried making my own until now.  I guess it was always just easier to brew coffee, pour it in a mug, add soy cream and raw sugar, and go about my morning.

Well, since it's Fall and I had part of a can of pumpkin opened and I used to love pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks, I decided to create my own and wow was it good!  I might have to make this again tomorrow morning (or every morning until that can of pumpkin is all used!)

I don't remember where I found this recipe but here's how I made my Pumpkin Spice Latte:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp raw sugar
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1 tsp raw sugar, or to taste (if desired)
• 1.5 tbsp soy creamer, or to taste (I used Silk French Vanilla)

Directions:

1. In a mug, combine almond milk, pumpkin, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar and stir together.
2. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, watching carefully so it does not overflow.
3. Add brewed coffee to the mug.  Add sugar and creamer.

If you want to create the foam of a true latte, pour everything into a blender and blend until frothy.

Based on using originial Silk PureAlmond Milk, Silk French Vanilla Creamer, and 2 tsp raw sugar:

This recipe yields approximately 96 calories and 1/2g protein

Peach Hemp Smoothie

I love protein smoothies after working out.  I had recently frozen some peaches and knew they would be a perfect ingredient for a fruity smoothie.  Instead of adding my usual protein powder, I thought about switching it up and adding hemp seeds, which are very high in protein.  The combination was perfect and so delicious!  I really enjoyed this after my workout!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 frozen peach
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup almond milk (I used Almond Coconut flavor)

Directions:

1. Thaw fruit so that it will easily blend in a blender (unless using a high speed blender). 
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy!

Tip: To have fruit thawed and ready to go right after a workout, I actually put the frozen banana in the fridge (they thaw really fast and I wanted it thawed and cold, but not brown and warm) and put the frozen peach on the counter to thaw before I went to work out.  When I got home the fruit was at a perfect state to be blended into my smoothie.

This was super quick to make after working out so that I was able to get all that nutrition right when my body needed it most!

Beet Juice

It's the second Monday in August which means it is week 2 of the Meatless Mondays from A-Z Challenge.  This week is letter B and B is for Beets!  I actually chose a pretty simple recipe for today a juice smoothie that includes beets.

This recipe was adapted from Oh She Glows:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 beet
• 1 apple
• 1 orange
• 1 cup kale

I tossed all those ingredients into my juice extractor to create my beet juice.  Unlike the original recipe I added kale and used an orange instead of grapefruit. My juice did not turn out that bright neon pink from the original recipe, but that could be because I added kale and/or didn't make a smoothie but juiced the ingredients. Either way it tasted great!

I also liked this recipe because it's a green juice that's not green.  There called green juices because you add leafy greens, but other vegetables may make different fun colors!

Green Lemonade

Here's another green juice recipe! This one is great for a warm summer morning.  The lemon gives this a very refreshing taste.  Just make sure you like lemonade because the lemon is very powerful! Or if you want you can add an orange into the juicer as well.  It makes it more sweet and still very refreshing with a great citrus taste.

This recipe was adapted from here:

Ingredients:

• 1 green apple
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups kale
• 1/2 cucumber
• 4 celery stalks
• 1/2 lemon

Once again, if you want a sweeter juice add an orange.  And if your new to juicing, feel free to only use one cup spinach and one cup kale.  Enjoy!

Morning Start Green Juice

After watching the documentary, Fat Sick & Nearly Dead I really wanted to buy my own juice extractor.  I love green juices when I feel like I need some added nutrition of vitamins and minerals, or for days when I feel like I didn't eat enough fruits and veggies.  I have made "green smoothies" before in a blender and they would always have little spinach pieces or apple pieces floating around and they weren't very smooth smoothies.  They are also so quick and easy that they make a good drink first thing in the morning (I can have get a good amount of fruits, veggies, vitamins, and minerals before 7am!?) So what are some other benefits of green juices?

1. A juice extractor quickly and easily takes out all the pulp, stems, seeds, leaves, etc. leaving you with a fresh and smooth juice.
2. In liquid form, more nutrients get absorbed into your body and quicker (great for after workouts!)
3. Since the fiber is removed from the fruits and veggies, your digestive system doesn't have to work as hard, giving it a break and some recovery time to help you feel more energized. (Just make sure to get your fiber elsewhere!)
4. Easy way to get more fruits and veggies in your day.
5. There are endless ways to create different varieties of juices by using different types of fruits and veggies in each one.
6. All you have to do is wash, possibly make a few chops, and start your juicer!
7. A juice extractor helps contain all the mess.  After juicing, simply put the removable parts in the dishwasher.  Then sit back and enjoy your healthy, tasty green juice.

Since this was my first green juice with my new juice extractor and I drank it first thing in the morning, I am calling this recipe Morning Start Green Juice.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange
• 1 granny smith apple
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 small zucchini
• 1 small celery stalk
• handful of kale

Directions: Wash all fruit and veggies and peel the orange (the peel will make it bitter tasting).  Put the food in your juicer individually and let the machine do the work for you. Enjoy!

If you are interested in buying a juice extractor, here's the one I used by Bella.  I've only used it this once so far, so we'll see if it continues to work as well as it did today!

What a beautiful green color!

Banana Chai Smoothie

This is a tasty, healthy smoothie perfect for breakfast.  Whenever I add oatmeal to a smoothie I just feel like it's made for breakfast.  Since this smoothie also has chai tea, it's great to wake up and enjoy this smoothie first thing in the morning!

I actually adapted my recipe from a few different recipes I found online, taking parts of each recipe or adding more or less of certain ingredients I liked.  Here's my recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 chai tea bag
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tbsp GF rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Brew chai tea bag in 1/2 cup boiling hot water.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Notes:  Feel free to add about 1/4 tsp guar gum (for creaminess) and 1/8 tsp xanthan gum (for thickness) if desired.



Sorry, but picture will be coming soon.  I didn't get a chance when I first made this smoothie, but I will definitely be making this again sometime very soon!

Avocado Smoothie

I have been loving avocados recently.  When I came across this avocado smoothie recipe online, I knew I had to make it as soon as possible. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 banana (I used about 1 1/2 bananas that I had frozen in the freezer)
• 1 kiwi
• About 1 cup almond milk
• 2 teaspoons agave, or to taste (I drizzled extra agave into the smoothie)

Directions: Add all ingredients in a blender, except milk.  Add the milk a little at a time while blending until desired consistency is reached.  This makes 2 servings.

Easy Vegan Hot Cocoa

Ever since eating a vegan diet and no longer buying Swiss Miss, I have been trying different ways to use cocoa powder as a way to make hot chocolate.

(I know I could buy the vegan powders at natural food stores, but they can be pricey and I'd prefer to make my own.  Plus cocoa powder is so versatile I could use it for hot chocolate, desserts, and adding a chocolate taste to other foods.) 

After multiple attempts of creating a hot chocolate that was perfect, not too sweet but not too bitter from the unsweetened cocoa powder, I finally discovered a recipe of the perfect ingredients for a delicious, sweet treat that's vegan. Plus it's made in the microwave which makes it quick and simple!


Ingredients:

• About 1 1/4 cups almond milk (enough to fill a regular sized mug)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/2 tablespoon agave
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Directions:

1. In a regular sized mug, fill the mug halfway with the almond milk.  Heat for 1 minute.
2. Add cocoa powder and stir until most clumps are gone.  Heat another minute, watching carefully so it does not overflow.
3. Stir.  Add the rest of the almond milk, agave, and vanilla extract, if desired.  Stir and heat for about another 30 seconds or until desired temperature is reached, watching carefully.  Enjoy!

What I love about this recipe is it is very adaptable.  If you want a sweeter hot chocolate, add more agave.  If you want your hot chocolate to have extra chocolate flavor, add more cocoa powder. If you want a thinner hot chocolate, replace some or all of the almond milk with water.