Blueberry Basil Smoothie

This refreshing number is one tasty little treat. Perfect for the hot summer days coming!

This may sound weird at first. But trust me, the blueberry and basil combination is just wonderful. This was one of my favorite drinks last summer and I couldn't wait for warmer weather and fresh basil to make it again!

Full of antioxidants and refreshing basil, this smoothie will tame any hot day!

Below is one of my pictures of the smoothie last year - one for Big Blue Eyes and one for moi. For the greens, I used marshmallow leaves hence the beautiful little marshmallow flower that is nestled into the lovely purple below. Using marshmallow leaves was inspired by a book I read by Sergei Boutenko called Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes. I went to his talk at my local health food store (mentioned in this previous post) and was really intrigued by eating local weeds. By the way, I still have a signed book of his to raffle off! I don't know why but I've been saving it for something. How about we have a raffle this month with some fun prizes?

Blueberry Basil Smoothie
2 cups frozen blueberries
1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (vanilla is good! Or use coconut water for replenishing electrolytes)
2 large handfuls baby kale or other greens
Several sprigs of basil (the more the merrier to me)
1 cup grapes (optional)

Makes 2 servings.

For protein you can also add a large scoop of almond butter! I sometimes do this for a meal substitution and drink the whole thing.

Blend everything together and enjoy!

If you want another herbal+fruit concoction, try our chamomile cantaloupe smoothie on the blog!

I just want to pop in here Happy Birthday to my lovely sister whom I admire and adore. Hope your day is bright and full of joy!

Celebrate Earth Day with Raw "Dirt Brown"-ie Earth Truffles and a "Greener than Grass" Smoothie

Happy Earth Day!

There is no dirt or grass in either of these recipes so don't be alarmed!

However there is everything delicious... chocolate, almonds, vanilla and dates in our "Dirt Brown"-ies and bananas, calcium-rich sesame and spinach in our "Greener than Grass" Smoothie!

This smoothie is one of my all-time favorites. I love enjoying it in the evening with the calcium-rich sesame seeds and dark greens and potassium-rich banana. Sesame seeds (what tahini is made from) meld wonderful with banana and a touch of vanilla and date. It has a wonderful "earthy" flavor so I've been saving it to post for Earth Day although I usually just call it Green Sesame Banana.

Feel free to substitute any dark green for the spinach. I'd recommend kale or any other local greens (make it truly eco-friendly)! Also for a grown-up version, add 1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground Green Matcha Tea powder available from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Almonds are a great food to mix with dessert ~ they have a neutralizing effect on blood sugar spikes. They also have a natural affinity for chocolate and dates!

For another fun trick, gather twigs or straws and stick the Earth truffles on one end, making Earth Pops!

"Dirt Brown"-ie Earth Truffles
1 cup almonds
10-12 Medjool dates
3 TB coconut oil
1/3 cup cocoa powder (or more for richer browner)
1/3 vanilla bean (these are still on sale on amazon)
Pinch of salt
1. Add dates and almonds to food processor. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients and process until ball starts to form like dough.
3. Shape into round "Earth" shapes. Refrigerate.

"Greener than Grass" Smoothie
1 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice
2 Medjool dates
1/4 cup sesame seeds
Large Handful of Baby Spinach (or other green)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1/3 of a vanilla bean

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.


How are you celebrating Earth Day? And are there any gardening books you enjoy?

In the spirit of Earth Day, I've downloaded these two books to enjoy:

 
The Dirt-Cheap Green Thumb: 400 Thrifty Tips for Saving Money, Time, and Resources as You Garden
and
Don't Throw It, Grow It!: 68 windowsill plants from kitchen scraps