"Peachy Keen" Smoothie

There are 2 kinds of smoothie makers out there. Ones that follow a recipe, and ones that dump anything in and end up with a different smoothie each time. I am the later. But, I wanted to post some recipes (or ideas if you are a "dumper" too) to help you change up your flavors and make you feel a little more like "Jamba" in your kitchen!

This DELICIOUS smoothie will leave you feeling "Peachy Keen", it is so sweet, creamy and flavorful you will gobble it up in minutes.... as will your kids! There are only a few ingredients, and as always, it tastes the best when the fruit is fresh and ripe.... which is even more reason to be making them---- STONE FRUIT SEASON IS FINALLY HERE!!! YAHOO!

Ingredients:

2 ripe peaches or 3 ripe nectarines

1/2 cup fresh mango, peeled

1 cup ice

1/4 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup coconut water (add another 1/4 cup if you like it runnier)

2 large handfuls of spinach

2 TBSP flax seed

** If you don't have coconut water you can substitute if for regular water and/or a splash of orange juice!

From "Peachy Keen"

to "Peachy Green!"

Directions:

Dump in your Vitamix or blender and blend until smooth!

NOTE: This is not only a good way to get your kiddos "greens" but you can also add supplements to them without them even noticing! I add Osteo-Sun to them which is a calcium and Vitamin D supplement- I highly recommend it for you and them!

P.S. I know my picture is of a kids up, but trust me, this was one of MY favorite smoothies of all times.... it's not just for KIDS!

Simple Smoothies...

I would like to dedicate this smoothie to my little friend Charlotte, who can detect kale in a smoothie from a mile away :) Ain't she precious??? This one's for you Charlotte... free of any kale (but loaded with spinach! :)

This is a really "kid friendly" smoothie, with just 3 fruits- and of course some greens snuck in there.... but you don't need to mention that to the recipient! Recently I did a post on Calcium and Vitamin D and the importance of getting essential vitamins and minerals into OUR diets and those of out kids.... so if you have a picky kid who doesn't like veggies.... try this out, and let us know the results! The recipe below will make enough for 1 sippy cup and 1 large glass for an adult or 2 sippy cups and 1 medium glass for an adult.

Ingredients:

1 banana

2 small oranges or 1 large

1 cup fresh strawberries

2 large handfuls of spinach

3 TBSP flaxseed
1 TBSP chai seed

6 cubes of ice

1/3 cup of coconut water (or juice if you need more disguising!)

Directions:

Dump all the ingredients into your Vitamix or blender and blend!

TIPS FOR KIDS: If your kid turns up their nose at a green drink- try adding 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, it will help change the color from green to purple!!! Also... try putting it in a cup that's not see-thru.

Also See Kale Smoothie Recipe: http://healthyeasyrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/02/kale-smoothie-calcium.html

Orange Dream

So this past week, we went to a friends house to juice some oranges from the tree in her yard. It made some seriously delicious juice that we have been enjoying all weekend. I even decided to incorporate it into our dessert this weekend, so I added a little Vanilla ice cream and made a little treat tasting like a 50/50 bar! You could also make it with whole oranges and get a similar result!

Ingredients:

2 cups orange juice

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

or

2 large oranges

3 scoops ice cream

3-4 ice cubes

*** this version will be a little frothier...

Directions:

Pour into blender and blend!

This is a great treat with whatever fresh fruit juice you have on hand- try peaches, mango/pineapple, or a combination like strawberry orange!

Hot Apple Cider

This is a staple for a holiday party, or anytime you see fit after fall begins. I remember as a kid my mom would make this on Halloween and it would be wafting through the door when we came home all chilly from Trick-or-Treating. It's the perfect thing to warm up your insides! Welcome fall!

Ingredients

3 qt. apple juice

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

slices of orange *** optional

Directions:

Pour everything into a big pot, warm over medium heat (don't bring to a boil) but heat it enough to let all the ingredients combine. Then turn it to low and serve with a laddle straight from the pot. You can reheat and reserve this if you have left overs.