It’s USA Tax Day! Do you Need A Smoothie?

I have been ‘working’ on my returns for about two months, but stopped because of the tax software glitch.  Minnesota stopped accepting returns prepared with the software I was using until it was fixed.  So I set mine aside and ‘sort of’ forgot that I still needed to finish it.

Thursday night, I realized that I only had a few days to get it done. So, quickly downloaded the updates, crossed check the deductions, recalculated all deductions by calculator and compared to tax software…..  Finally printed off draft copies of the ‘official’ forms for review.

By Sunday night, I decided to file Federal online and allow an ACH transfer for the balance. But, decided to do another quick check for the SS 1099 and discovered that I had taken the wrong number and was paying too much tax. Quickly, I changed the numbers and sent it to IRS.

Prior to my doing the last check, I had written checks for IRS balance, Minnesota balance, IRS first estimated payment and Minnesota first estimated payment!

The only advice I can give, that I didn’t take, is plan for taxes all year long, beginning in January! If you just cannot file by the deadline, file an extension! 

How to file that extension:   http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc304.html

Now, relax and enjoy this smoothie to ‘smooth’ out the wrinkles from the stress of filing your taxes! It’s creamy and “smoothy”….

This is very filling and can be shared.  I tend to eat this mornings and go until around 4:00PM without another meal, because it keeps hunger away.

Appropriately named -

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 2013Tax Day Smoothie

Ingredients

 

1 small orange cut into slices

1/3 small avocado  (1/3 of fruit)

1/2 med banana, frozen, sliced

1/3 cup frozen strawberries, sliced

1/2 kiwi, cut into chunks, frozen

1 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces, frozen

1/4 cup almonds, whole natural

1/2 scoop protein powder

1/2 cup crushed ice, as needed

 

Procedure

 

Peel the orange and remove all white coating and strings.

 

 

Place orange and avocado in the machine being used as a blender, and then add the others, including the protein powder, if using, except ice.

 

.

 

 

Add ice last over the top, gently dropping it onto the powder, so it will not fly around. Pulse and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.

 

This spatula works great, because the blades will not cut it as easily as a soft one

 

 

After the mixture is completed blended, remove the blender blade, carefully scrape it down, if needed.  Continue holding it by the tip and rinse it under water, using a sprayer if needed.  Place in a safe area, so no one could have it fall or be injured with the cutting blade.

 

 

 

 

Serve in parfait glasses. Eat with a spoon.

 

 

 

Final check, stamped the envelopes and enjoyed that smoothie!

 

 

Servings: 1

 

With almonds - worth adding them!

 

Nutrition (per serving): 513 calories, 26.3g total fat, 15.6g monounsaturated fat, 5.4g polyunsaturated fat, <1g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 4.3g linoleic acid, 2.4g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 220.5mg sodium, 211.4mg calcium, 1387.8mg potassium, 175.9mcg folate, 305.9mg phosphorus, 9.4mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 4.9mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 204mg vitamin c, 0IU vitamin d, 2.1mg zinc, 55.7g carbohydrates, 16.6g fiber, 39.1g net carbohydrates, 27.6g sugar, 6.6g fructose, <1g galactose, 6.3g glucose, <1g lactose, <1g maltose, 3.1g sucrose, 2.3mg stigmasterol, 23.8g protein.

 

Without almonds

 

Nutrition (per serving): 308 calories, 8.7g total fat, 4.5g monounsaturated fat, 1.1g polyunsaturated fat, 1.1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 220.2mg sodium, 117mg calcium, 1135.7mg potassium, 158.1mcg folate, 132.9mg phosphorus, 9.4mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 4mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 204mg vitamin c, 0IU vitamin d, <1mg zinc, 47.9g carbohydrates, 12.2g fiber, 35.7g net carbohydrates, 26.2g sugar, 6.6g fructose, <1g galactose, 6.3g glucose, <1g lactose, <1g maltose, 1.8g sucrose, <1mg stigmasterol, 16.2g protein.

 

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© 2013 http://retiredwithnoregrets.blogspot.com/

Frozen Breakfast Smoothie - Even when it’s Cold!

 

There is just something about a smoothie that satisfies the taste buds, regardless of the weather!  Grab the sunscreen or the snuggle duds or ‘long johns’  or even snuggle up to the fireplace and enjoy a smoothie!  

Think Smoothies after the holidays when all of that food is being digested!

Rather than skip breakfast as so many of want to, just try a smoothie!  Not only does it have more nutrients, it is easier to eat.  I prefer the frozen kind, but it can also be eaten thru a straw.

There are so many foods to add to a smoothie.  So many vegetables, fruits, nuts and don’t forget the protein powders!

I started using protein powders after discovering that gluten was the culprit that was making me sick.  I never really liked meat, but was not getting enough protein.  Both my nails and hair were very brittle, so I began searching for a cause.  One of the reasons found was not enough protein.   Once I started using protein powders, the nails improved rather quickly, but the hair took a bit of time.   Disclaimer:This is not to say this is the reason for everyone’s brittle nails and hair, it worked for me.

For whatever reason, you may use protein powders, they do add nutrients.

This smoothie is loaded with nutrients and even a little caffeine.

Breakfast In A Glass Protein Smoothie

Ingredients
1/2 cup broccoli florets, frozen, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
2 large frozen sliced strawberries
1/2 medium frozen banana, sliced
1 tbsp Cocoa Powder (used Ghirardelli)
1 kiwi fruit, peeled, cut into quarters
1 large orange, peeled and cut into quarters
1/2 scoop  protein powder
1/4 cup sliced almonds , for garnish ( 2 Tbsp per serving)
5 Ice cubes

Procedure
Place all ingredients in a blender capable of crushing ice (or a frozen concoction maker). Replace the top on the blender jar.   This may also be made in one of the new food masticator type of blenders.

Pulse two or three times to get it started, push down the ingredients. Turn the blender shown on ‘ice crush’.   Stop and push down as necessary.

A stick blender works well too, you may have to stir it a couple of times.  Stir the mixture so that it will blend easier.

After the mixture is completed blended (no large particles showing, serve in parfait glasses. 

When finished, use a spatula to remove all of the smoothie to serve.

Top with 2 tbsp sliced almonds. Eat with a spoon.

Servings: 2
Yield: 1 very large serving or 2 medium

Nutrition (per serving): 223 calories, 7.5g total fat, 3.8g monounsaturated fat, 1.7g polyunsaturated fat, 0g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 1.4g linoleic acid, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 101.3mg sodium, 104.6mg calcium, 657.5mg potassium, 71.1mcg folate, 133.5mg phosphorus, 6.9mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 2.2mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 124.4mg vitamin c, 0IU vitamin d, <1mg zinc, 34.7g carbohydrates, 8g fiber, 26.8g net carbohydrates, 20.6g sugar, 4g fructose, <1g galactose, 3.8g glucose, <1g lactose, <1g maltose, 1.3g sucrose, <1mg stigmasterol, 10.7g protein, 6.9mg caffeine.

 

Author Notes
This can be made using fresh fruit, but will be liquid instead of frozen.  Add the ice cubes at the beginning to reduce preparation time. Although the ice cubes can be omitted,  I prefer the addition of the ice cubes to make it a bit smoother.

Feel free to add complementary items to the smoothie.  If you add for instance oatmeal, reduce the broccoli or orange, because both have lots of fiber.

Warning: the top must be on the blender when pulsing, or there will be  splashes everywhere!

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© 2012 http://retiredwithnoregrets.blogspot.com/

As Summer ends - Cinnamon Oatmeal ‘Chocolate Cookie’ Frozen Fruit + Veggie Protein Smoothie

No matter how much I try to eat other foods for breakfast, I eventually revert back to making a smoothie after a few days of omelets or oatmeal or breakfast casseroles.  Actually, I would rather put the oatmeal in a smoothie!

One of the reasons I try to make other breakfast items is the amount of sugar in the smoothie from the fruit.   So I get my daily allowance of fruit in one sumptuous meal!

For some, it’s their morning cup of coffee, for me it’s my daily supply of chocolate!  My preference is cocoa(cacao), because I can choose how to use it, and which sweetener to add to it.

I’m not sure one can get too much cocoa or theobromine (about.com), a chemical component in cacao bean. There is more info on what theobromine is and what effect it has on the body at Hershey’s.

Well, I just love cocoa and am not really worried about getting too much!

Enjoy this late summer delicious, yet nutritious smoothie!

Cinnamon Oatmeal ‘Chocolate Cookie’ Frozen Fruit + Veggie Protein Smoothie

 

 

Ingredients

 

·         1/2 cup broccoli, frozen, cut up

·         1/2 banana, frozen, sliced

·         1/4 cup pineapple, fresh, cubed, frozen

·         2 tbsp old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked

·         2 tbsp cocoa (used a robust tasting natural cocoa)

·         2 pkts. Stevia (1 pkt. = 2 tsp sugar)

·         1/2 scoop protein powder (used a vegan plant protein)

·         1/2 tsp cinnamon

·         1/3 cup homemade almond milk, unsweetened

·         1 tbsp sliced almonds for topping (optional)

 

Procedure

 

·         Place half of milk with remaining ingredients in a blender capable of crushing ice (or a frozen concoction maker). Replace the top on the blender jar.   Or use a tall cup and a stick blender

·         Pulse two or three times.

·         Stir the mixture so that it will blend easier.

·         Pulse again. Add remaining milk as needed.

 

I just love my stick(immersion) blender!

 

·         After the mixture is completed blended, taste to see if additional sweetener is desired.

·         Serve in parfait glasses, top with a tablespoon of sliced almonds, if desired. Eat with a spoon.

 

 

Sat down at the desk to eat this, while writing this post!

 

 

Servings: 1

 

 

Nutrition (per serving): 352 calories, 16.5g total fat, 8.1g monounsaturated fat, 3.2g polyunsaturated fat, 0g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 2.8g linoleic acid, 3.1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 195.9mg sodium, 119.1mg calcium, 765.5mg potassium, 62.6mcg folate, 247.4mg phosphorus, 12.3mg phytosterols, <1mcg lycopene, 4.1mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 64.2mg vitamin c, 1.9mg zinc, 44.1g carbohydrates, 10.3g fiber, 33.7g net carbohydrates, 15.4g sugar, 4.1g fructose, <1g galactose, 3.9g glucose, <1g lactose, <1g maltose, 4.8g sucrose, <1mg stigmasterol, 20.9g protein, 27.6mg caffeine.

 

Notes

·         This can be made using fresh fruit, but will be liquid instead of frozen.

·         Warning: the top must be on the blender when pulsing, or there will be splashes everywhere!

·         2 tbsp of cocoa may be too much for some, so start with 1 tbsp as the cocoa taste is quite prominent in this smoothie

·         The protein powder adds 60 calories and 11g protein

 

 

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© 2012 retiredwithnoregrets.blogspot.com

Frozen Berry Smoothies with Driscoll's Berries

First, I must say I buy blueberries and strawberries in warehouse sizes, freeze them during ‘in season’ times. Costco sells the very large container of the Driscoll’s berries, so I am stocked when fall and winter rolls around.

I enjoy lots of frozen smoothies during the warm months. No matter the season, my smoothie is always frozen!

I have done several recipe and blog posts on the many ways of incorporating vegetables and fruits into a frozen meal.  This will be the first time making a frozen smoothie using raspberries!  Thanks to Danielle  at The Baddish Group for the Driscolls  coupons!

Since I really like ginger, decided to make this smoothie from Driscoll’s site: Ginger Raspberry and Strawberry Smoothie. 
View it on YouTube: Ginger Raspberry and Strawberry Smoothie
More of their recipes can be seen their website: http://www.driscolls.com/healthy/raspberries.php and  YouTube.

The ginger flavor was mild as were the other flavors.  Neither flavor overwhelmed the others.  It was delicious and refreshing.

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My version
Ginger Raspberry and Strawberry Smoothie



Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger(or thinly sliced)
1 pkg. stevia sweetener( or 1 tbsp honey)
1 cup Driscoll's Strawberries, sliced, frozen
1/2 cup Driscoll's Raspberries, frozen

Procedure

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until pureed and smooth, stirring several times. Serve immediately.

Servings: 1

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 160 calories, 1.8g total fat, <1g monounsaturated fat, <1g polyunsaturated fat, <1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90.5mg sodium, 42.8mg calcium, 409.2mg potassium, 50.5mcg folate, 58.3mg phosphorus, 20.5mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 1.8mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 105.7mg vitamin c, <1mg zinc, 26g carbohydrates, 7.6g fiber, 18.4g net carbohydrates, 14.8g sugar, 5.2g fructose, <1g galactose, 4.2g glucose, 0g lactose, 0g maltose, <1g sucrose, 12.3g protein, 0mg caffeine, 60% calories from carbohydrates, 10% calories from fat, 31% calories from protein.

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Freezing Berries

To freeze berries, stem, gently wash and drain.  They can also be left on paper towels on a large baking sheet on counter overnight to dry, if the area is below 75 degrees.
Prepare berries, cover a baking sheet with cellophane wrap.  Place each berry top down, not touching.  Cover baking sheet with cellophane.  Place in freezer until frozen, usually overnight.   Remove, using wrap, quickly lift berries and pour into a zipper bag or freezer container.  Return to freezer until ready for use.

Not Just another Smoothie - Frozen Peachy Kiwi-y Nutty Smoothie

There isn’t really a recipe for smoothies…..     Decide what you want to add and whirr away!


There are often smoothies presented by different food companies and even recipes posted on blogs or in cookbooks.  Most ‘recipes’ are simply suggestions as to what great taste combinations can be made to satisfy the need for ‘frozen’ and ‘delicious’.

It doesn’t matter which season, I prefer ‘frozen’ versus liquid or ‘pudding-y’ type smoothies.


One ingredient that I haven’t added yet is spinach. Maybe it’s because I haven’t tried blanching, freezing and adding it.   So that one is still in the planning mode.

I prefer to freeze my own fruits, because I do not add any sweeteners before freezing.  A couple of frozen fruit is a nice quick treat on a hot day too.

There are frozen fruits without sugar in the food cases at grocery stores, just check the label to omit the ones with added sugar or any other sweetener.  I have tried store-bought frozen strawberry/banana and frozen pineapple that did not have sugar.  They were just like fresh.

For quite a few years, I have frozen strawberries, blueberries and bananas.  Within the past year, I started freezing peaches, nectarines, kiwis and even  broccoli (cutting into smaller pieces and blanching).

So maybe, I could quickly blanch the spinach or kale, spin dry a bit, spread on a cookie sheet and freeze.  Then it would not be all clumped up and easier to puree.

Although, sugar is not a nutrient that should be ingested in unlimited quantities, the sugar from fruit is still sugar and should be balanced between the high and low sugar varieties.

At one point, I always added bananas to smoothies, now it is once or twice a week, because of the higher sugar content.

I also discovered that I purchased sweetened almond milk.  Although it adds only 3 grams of sugar, it’s a definitely a no-no.

When I make a smoothie, it is actually a meal for me.


This is the latest of my ‘frozen deliciousness’.

Frozen Peachy Kiwi-y Nutty Smoothie

 

Ingredients  (all fruits are frozen)

          

• 1 small peach
• 3 large strawberries
• 1 kiwi
• 1/2 medium banana
• 1 tbsp brown rice protein powder
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (this one is sweetened)
• 1/4 cup natural almonds

Procedures

• Combine all ingredients in a blender or tall container except the almonds.   
• Blend or use a stick blender to puree to a fluffy mix.  Stir if necessary and puree again. 
• Add Almonds and pulse just enough to chop the almonds.

  

• Chopped almonds can also be stirred in after the other ingredients are puréed.

• Enjoy!   Serve immediately, eat with a spoon.

Peach and Kiwi flavors are dominant

Servings: 1

Nutrition Facts - as prepared

472 calories, 20.1g total fat, 12g monounsaturated fat, 5.1g polyunsaturated fat, <1g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 4.3g linoleic acid, 1.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 89.2mg sodium, 369.7mg calcium, 1106.8mg potassium, 70.6mcg folate, 335.9mg phosphorus, 28.9mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 2mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 1.5mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 129.8mg vitamin c, 50IU vitamin d, 2.4mg zinc, 57.1g carbohydrates, 12.8g fiber, 44.3g net carbohydrates, 33.8g sugar, 10.2g fructose, <1g galactose, 10.3g glucose, 0g lactose, <1g maltose, 9.3g sucrose, 1.4mg stigmasterol, 23.3g protein, 0mg caffeine, 11.9 points.

Frozen broccoli and kiwi
This broccoli can also be used for quick stir-fries or microwaved to thaw and eat. It has been washed, trimmed and any bad spots removed.
   
I have even eaten this frozen, just like frozen bananas.


© 2012 retiredwithnoregrets.blogspot.com

Broccoli - Loaded with fiber and so many ways to enjoy it!

After being gluten-free a few years, I discovered that so many gluten-free packaged items are quite lacking in fiber. This is not to say that the ‘regular’ ones are any better, it is that since the gluten-free ones require a bit more time to make, more attention to nutrition should also be made.

My method of mixing my own flour blends comes from two influences; my history of loving cooking from scratch and  a person who I really appreciated having her skills when I first started trying to bake gluten-free: Michelle over at Allergen Free Cooking. I attended her classes when she was at Tailor Made Nutrition.  She made it seem so easy and even provided substitutions in each recipe.  So, I owe a big thank you to Michelle,The Allergen Free Cook !

I am always checking how much fiber or how less sugar or fat is in a recipe I make.  That brings me to why this post is mostly about broccoli.  Broccoli is loaded with fiber!
A week or so ago, I saw this big bag of cut-up broccoli and grabbed it, because I had just bought the new Shark Food processor.  I planned to try making food purees and of course; smoothies!



First, I made  Just Another Green Smoothie,   then I modified it several times depending what other ingredients I had on hand.

The second one is below:
Another Green Smoothie II

Ingredients
1 cup broccoli florets (chopped broccoli)
1 cup 0% Greek Yogurt
1 cup frozen pineapple cubes
1/4 cup natural almonds
1/2 scoop vegetarian protein powder
Procedure
1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse and push down as necessary until blended.
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 very filling servings
Nutrition FactsNutrition (per serving): 241 calories, 9.4g total fat, 5.5g monounsaturated fat, 2.2g polyunsaturated fat, 0g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 2.2g linoleic acid, <1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 125.5mg sodium, 78.6mg calcium, 361.4mg potassium, 51.5mcg folate, 122.2mg phosphorus, 5mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 1.6mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 78.7mg vitamin c, <1mg zinc, 22.9g carbohydrates, 4.7g fiber, 18.2g net carbohydrates, 14.8g sugar, 19.4g protein.

Modified again and even renamed it!
Frozen Fruit n Veggie Protein Smoothie




Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks(or frozen)
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/3 cup frozen sliced strawberries
1/2 medium frozen banana, sliced
1/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened
1/4 cup natural almonds
1/3 cup broccoli, cut into small pieces
1/2 scoop vegetarian protein powder

Procedures
1. Place all ingredients in a blender capable of crushing ice (or a frozen concoction maker). Replace the top on the blender jar.
2. Pulse two or three times.  A stick blender works well too, you may have to stir it a couple of times
3. Stir the mixture so that it will blend easier.
4. After the mixture is completed blended (no large blueberry skins showing, serve in parfait glasses. Eat with a spoon.
Servings: 1
Yield: 1 very large serving or 2 medium
Nutrition (per serving): 383 calories, 19.1g total fat, 10.6g monounsaturated fat, 4.4g polyunsaturated fat, <1g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 4.1g linoleic acid, 1.4g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 236.9mg sodium, 123mg calcium, 751.4mg potassium, 69.6mcg folate, 216.6mg phosphorus, 18mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 2.5mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 81.7mg vitamin c, 1.4mg zinc, 39.3g carbohydrates, 9.8g fiber, 29.5g net carbohydrates, 20.9g sugar, 20.2g protein.

again…. 
Frozen Fruit n Veggie Protein Smoothie II




Ingredients
1/2 cup broccoli, cut up
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen sliced strawberries
1/4 cup pineapple, fresh
1/4 cup whole natural almonds 
1 tbsp old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1 tbsp flax seed meal (ground flax seeds)
1/3 cup almond milk, unsweetened
chopped almonds for topping (optional)
1/2 scoop vegetarian protein powder

Procedures
1. Place all ingredients in a blender capable of crushing ice (or a frozen concoction maker). Replace the top on the blender jar.
2. Pulse two or three times. A stick blender works well too, you may have to stir it a couple of times
3. Stir the mixture so that it will blend easier.
4. After the mixture is completed blended (no large blueberry skins showing, serve in parfait glasses. Eat with a spoon.
Servings: 1

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per serving): 439 calories, 25.5g total fat, 12.1g monounsaturated fat, 8.1g polyunsaturated fat, <1g trans fatty acids, <1g trans-monoenoic fatty acids, <1g trans-polyenoic fatty acids, 4.3g linoleic acid, 1.9g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 166mg calcium, 750.2mg potassium, 84.4mcg folate, 304.3mg phosphorus, 11.6mg phytosterols, 0mcg lycopene, 5.4mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 0mcg vitamin b12, <1mg vitamin b6, 104.7mg vitamin c, 2mg zinc, 36.1g carbohydrates, 13.2g fiber, 22.9g net carbohydrates, 15.5g sugar, 23.4g protein.

I have eaten more broccoli in the past two weeks than in the past year!

I even served some over Millet with a a small amount of chopped bacon.



Another dish - served over rice (ingredients from the fridge)





Just Broccoli - with “horsey” sauce


Even in Omelets




Another omelet (ingredients from the fridge) make it a dish or an omelet




Enjoy broccoli, do not over-cook it!  I like it best, dropped in boiling water and drained immediately.  It’s called blanching vegetables. Broccoli will keep in the fridge for up to a week once this has been done, store loosely covered.

© 2012 retiredwithnoregrets.blogspot.com

March is National Nutrition Month - Just Another Green Smoothie

Talk about “Green Smoothies”!  This Green-Colored Smoothie is a meal in a glass!  Pineapple is the dominant flavor in this version.  Just think St. Patrick’s Day!


This is very filling and delicious. There is so much fiber in it, I was still feeling full after 6 hours.  Don’t get me wrong, it does not make you feel stuffed, it just keeps you from being hungry.  The broccoli taste gets hidden by the other flavors.


Although it is loaded with sugar from the fruit, it is still healthy.  This is not one to be eaten everyday. Modify it, change up on the fruits, add other veggies.  The options are endless. Most likely, the banana could be omitted since the pineapple sweetens and provides the flavor.  Will try that next time.


Well, I was trying out a food processor to see if it stood up to it’s raves.  Yes it does pulverize everything edible!


Actually, the smoothie was supposed to be for one, but after trying to eat it, discovered that it is enough for two.  So I had breakfast, lunch and the afternoon snack all in one glass!
I always like to throw a handful of almonds in my smoothies and this one was no exception.
Raw pineapple has never been one of my favorites, but frozen added to a smoothie is just great! It gets all pulverized and only the taste is there, no stringy pineapple to chew..
I remember seeing Montel Williams trying to get this kid to drink his vegetables and wished I had one of those machines.  I really wanted to be able to make those smoothies and vegetable purees, but without the price.  Well, I can do  that now.  I didn’t get that machine, but I can pulverize vegetables! 
Now what’s a girl going to do with that Jack LaLanne Juicer?   Hmmm, anyone want a slightly used one real cheap?


First I pureed some raw carrots to make carrot soup - later on that.


It was time to make my morning smoothie.  I had just dropped some broccoli in boiling water, just to kill the germs, so I put about a cup in the blender along with my other ingredients.   The way I dropped things into the blender reminded me of Montel in his infomercials..  Had to chuckle as I was doing it.
I will just call this one Just Another Green Smoothie - with Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables.
Simple, wouldn’t you say?  I foresee lots of pulverized veggies and fruits in my future!

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Just Another Green Smoothie - with Fruits, Nuts & Veggies




Ingredients

1 cup broccoli florets (about)
1 cup 0% Greek Yogurt
1 cup frozen pineapple cubes
1/4 cup natural almonds
1 banana
1/2 scoop protein powder

Procedure

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse and push down as necessary until blended.






If adding protein powder, stir it into the yogurt, so it won’t fly around.




This one is thick, so you will need a spatula to scrape it into the glass.  You will need a spoon to eat it!




Servings: 2


Nutrition (per serving): 288 calories, 9.5g total fat, 5.6g monounsaturated fat, 2.3g polyunsaturated fat, 2.2g linoleic acid, <1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 35.3g carbohydrates, 5.1g fiber, 30.2g net carbohydrates, 21.3g sugar, <1mg stigmasterol, 3.3g starch, 4.6g fructose, <1g galactose, 4.4g glucose, 7g sucrose, <1g maltose, 121.2mg sodium, 548.9mg potassium, 19.9g protein, 77.9mg calcium, 1150.8IU vitamin a, <1mg vitamin b6, 0mcg vitamin b12, 77.7mg vitamin c, 4.8mg vitamin e, <1mcg vitamin k, 1.4mg iron, <1g lysine, 0mcg lycopene, 14.4mg phytosterols, 2.2mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, <1mg zinc.


If the banana is omitted; servings 2


Nutrition (per serving): 241 calories, 9.4g total fat, 5.5g monounsaturated fat, 2.2g polyunsaturated fat, 2.2g linoleic acid, <1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 22.9g carbohydrates, 4.7g fiber, 18.2g net carbohydrates, 14.8g sugar, <1mg stigmasterol, <1g starch, 2.1g fructose, <1g galactose, 1.7g glucose, 5.6g sucrose, <1g maltose, 125.5mg sodium, 361.4mg potassium, 19.4g protein, 78.6mg calcium, 322.2IU vitamin a, <1mg vitamin b6, 0mcg vitamin b12, 78.7mg vitamin c, 5.1mg vitamin e, 45.3mcg vitamin k, 1.2mg iron, <1g lysine, 0mcg lycopene, 5mg phytosterols, 1.6mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, <1mg zinc

Just in case you want a mountain-man-sized smoothie - eat all of it!


Servings: 1


Nutrition (per serving): 577 calories, 19.1g total fat, 11.1g monounsaturated fat, 4.6g polyunsaturated fat, 4.3g linoleic acid, 1.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70.6g carbohydrates, 10.1g fiber, 60.5g net carbohydrates, 42.6g sugar, 1.4mg stigmasterol, 6.6g starch, 9.3g fructose, <1g galactose, 8.8g glucose, 14g sucrose, <1g maltose, 242.4mg sodium, 1097.8mg potassium, 39.8g protein, 155.8mg calcium, 2301.6IU vitamin a, <1mg vitamin b6, 0mcg vitamin b12, 155.3mg vitamin c, 9.5mg vitamin e, 1.8mcg vitamin k, 2.7mg iron, <1g lysine, 0mcg lycopene, 28.8mg phytosterols, 4.4mcg selenium, <1mg thiamin, 1.8mg zinc.

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Breakfast Smoothies - Gluten-Free Soy-Free

When  it’s berry and fruit  season, I love to make all kinds of smoothies and juices.
As soon as the California berries started coming to Minnesota, I started making frozen smoothies.
I make several versions with some basic ingredients: strawberries, blueberries, almonds, cocoa, protein powder, whey powder, bananas, stone fruits and almond milk.
I think the best way to show the different versions is with pictures.
Without Chocolate

Basic Ingredients

another protein powder that is also used

After blending

With Chocolate Added with differing amounts of blueberries

Nectarine-Peach Smoothie

Adding some shaved ice

and finally a plain old frozen chocolate drink