Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

This, fellow peaches, is my new favorite afternoon smoothie! Lately, I had found myself reaching for the comfort of chocolate far too often. Keeping up with three little boys all summer is not for the faint hearted. Every time a wrestling match broke out, I wanted chocolate. When someone didn't get their way and made it be known, I wanted chocolate. When the end of the day came and I propped my feet up, I wanted chocolate. Luckily this chocolate covered cherry smoothie is a healthier alternative and easy as a breeze to make!

*****Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie *****

//Ingredients//

1 banana, peeled
1 cup frozen, pitted cherries
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup chilled chocolate AlmondBreeze almond milk
1 cup ice

//Instructions//

Combine ingredients in a blender and mix until combined. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate sprinkles.

*This "Easy as Breeze" post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk. For more "Easy As Breeze” recipes made with five ingredients or less, visit Almond Breeze on Facebook (http://facebook.com/almondbreeze), Twitter (http://twitter.com/almondbreeze), Instagram (http://instagram.com/almondbreezeus) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/almondbreeze).

Mango Peach Smoothie

I'm squeezing every last drop out of peach season and this mango peach smoothie is no exception. I love making smoothies for breakfast because they travel well while driving the kiddos to school and it feels so good to start the day with a healthy does of fruits and vitamins. The boys are big fans of them too which is a great way to sneak various foods that they normally shy away from into their diets. One side note on this smoothie. Don't skip the ginger! The flavor and smell of ginger is so energizing to me and it's full of health benefits which I posted about here last year. Happy blending fellow peaches!

***** Mango Peach Smoothie *****

(adapted from Bon Appetit - serves 2)

// INGREDIENTS //

1 peach, peeled, pitted and chopped

1 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt

1/2 cup skim milk

1 tbsp. honey

1 tsp. fresh grated ginger

1 cup ice

2 mint leaves for garnish

// INSTRUCTIONS //

Combine all ingredients (except mint leaves) in a blender and mix well for about 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass, garnish with mint and enjoy!

Low Fat Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

I can't believe I never thought to freeze pumpkin before now.  Silly me!  When I made my low fat pumpkin mousse pie a few weeks ago, there was a good bit of pumpkin still left in the can so I threw it in some ice cube trays to experiment with later.  It's not the prettiest thing to look at initially but my experiment eventually led me in a very good direction, resulting in this pumpkin pie smoothie.  It truly tastes like pumpkin pie and is a new favorite go-to for the boys and I in the mornings.

Did you know that pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A, C and E?  It's also a great source of beta--carotene, is low in calories and high in fiber.  It's even considered a super food!  (I had no idea) Unfortunately, up until now, I reserved my pumpkin intake for pies and breads but I have a feeling this super food and I are going to be friends well past this season.  What other flavor or fruits would you pair pumpkin with?  I can't wait to mix up more smoothie creations!

// Ingredients //

1 banana
5 frozen pumpkin cubes (I like Libby 100% pure pumpkin in a can!)
1/4 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup ice
1/2 cup orange juice
dash of fresh grated ginger (optional)

// Instructions //

Combine ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.  Serve and garnish with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs.

Green Smoothie Love

Good Morning!  (or afternoon or evening)  It's a new year.  You know that...I hope.

Many of us have resolved to live healthier, cleaner, greener.  I'm not real sure what that involves for each of you but this green smoothie fits the bill for me.  Last year, I posted my favorite weight loss breakfast that helped me lose 15 lbs and counting.  So this year, I've resolved to adopt another healthy recipe from Lesley   Yep, the infamous green smoothie.  Please don't be afraid.

My conclusion...green smoothies are fun...and yummy...and filling!  (Thanks Lesley for convincing me to take the plunge.)

I made a few adjustments and notes to the recipe and feel free to adjust to your own liking too. That's part of the awesomeness of smoothies.  You can get a little creative with it.

Ingredients:

1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup orange juice
1 green apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 banana
1 inch ginger, peeled and diced
3 dates, pitted and chopped
1 stalk kale, stems removed
1 cup ice

How to:

Blend ingredients, beginning with juices.  Mix well, pour into a tall glass and garnish with a silly straw.  That last part is absolutely necessary.

A time saving tip: Prepare the ingredients the night before and be ready to go in the morning!


Happy Monday y'all!

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Happy Thursday fellow peaches!  I hope you enjoyed our little jaunt to Graceland yesterday.  After that  trip, I've decided I must own a pair of blue suede shoes.  Sooner rather than later.

For those of us who resolved to eat healthier in 2012, here's an alternative to the decadent pie I posted earlier in the week.  I nicknamed this smoothie, "The Elvis" and it's so good that I actually made two batches in one day for the boys and I.  We put them away like it was our job.

Talk about being "all shook up!"  Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Serve with a side of bacon if you really want to "take care of business."  Sorry again.  I'll stop now.

Here's the recipe... (adapted from here)
Serves 4

Ingredients:

3 bananas
1/4 ground steel cut oats ( I grind mine in my coffee bean grinder)
1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
dash of cinnamon
1 cup ice

Blend ingredients to a smooth consistency.  Garnish and serve immediately.