Written by Chris on January 29th, 2010
Hi everyone, seeing as though this blog is “all things blending”, and seeing as though I love smoothies, I thought I’d let you in on some exciting news from one of Zola’s special retail partners. Robeks is offering a new line of coffee smoothies, and for a limited time you can get one free! See below for details!
New smoothie combines medium roasted coffee beans, healthy ingredients and nutritional boosts blended in a creamy espresso latte mix.
PRESS RELEASE: MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Coffee lovers across the country will have a healthy place to enjoy a cool, creamy version of their favorite beverage as Robeks introduces a new line of “Naturally Coffee Smoothies” February 1. Featuring fresh, medium roasted coffee beans and a proprietary espresso latte blend with good-for-you ingredients including soy milk, yogurt and nutritional boosts, these healthy drinks are perfect for making America’s favorite beverage into a fortified meal.
As part of the launch, Robeks, a premium fruit smoothie and healthy eats national restaurant chain with 140 locations in 17 states, will give away thousands of free smoothies as part of neighborhood initiatives through direct marketing coupons and Free Smoothie Parties. (Go to www.robeks.com for store locations and store hours.)
The Naturally Coffee Smoothies come in three flavors: Coffee, Mocha and Hazelnut. The hazelnut smoothie also includes fresh chopped hazelnuts.
Before rolling out the new line, Robeks conducted taste-tests across the country with results that were overwhelmingly positive. Customers who sampled the new coffee smoothies gave them a very high approval rating on taste, and the vast majority said they would visit Robeks more frequently just to purchase the coffee smoothies.
Steve Davidson, Robeks Chief Executive Officer, said the new Naturally Coffee Smoothies “received unsolicited positive feedback as customers compared them to other popular brands in the marketplace. We worked tirelessly in our test kitchens not only to produce a premium smoothie worthy of Robeks high standards for nutrition and quality, but we also wanted to develop a smoothie with great taste that customers would love.”
Two of the Naturally Coffee Smoothies are cholesterol free, one has a minimal amount, and all three are a good source of protein.
Robeks is also working on several other promotional initiatives in connection with its new line of Naturally Coffee Smoothies and will announce those later in the year.
What’s in your blender?
Email me:drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.
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Written by Chris on January 27th, 2010
This week at Holy Family, my daughter Ashlyn’s school, we were the “Family of The Week”. They asked me if I wanted to bring in a snack to the school, and I of course told them I was a smoothie expert and could blend up some smoothies for the kids. So I packed up my 1.5 horsepower (really) Blendtec Blender, some Zola Açaí Puree and some frozen fruits and headed off in the rain to Ashlyn’s school. I showed the first 5 minutes of the Zola Story so they could see how Açaí was grown and harvested in Brazil and then (with Ashlyn’s help) blended up some Açaí. The kids (and teachers) loved it!
This is the recipe that gave the kids the purple mustaches and big smiles!
Açaí Cherryberry Smoothie
- 3oz Zola Açaí Puree (available at www.amazon.com)
- 3oz Vanilla Soymilk (unsweetened)
- ½ Fresh Banana
- 3oz Frozen Strawberries
- 3oz Frozen Cherries
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Tags: Açaí, blendtec, cherry, smoothie, soymilk, Zola Açaí, Zola acai puree
Written by Chris on January 22nd, 2010
Hey there! This is Allie from Pimp My Protein Shake, a blog obsessed with homemade blended protein shakes. Does that sound a bit familiar? That’s why I’m so excited to guest post on The Blender Diaries and give you the recipe for the Cralmondberry Protein Shake!
The holidays may be over, but I still have a freezer full of cranberries. Loaded with phytochemicals and antioxidants, the low-glycemic cranberry is a fruit that shouldn’t be put away with the ornaments as soon as you’re sick of holiday carols…
As always with my shakes, the measurements are approximate and adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup washed, frozen cranberries
- 1 serving of vanilla protein powder
- Almond flavoring: a splash of sugar-free almond syrup, sugar-free Almond Roca syrup or about 1 tsp almond extract
- Stevia extract if needed for additional sweetness
- Liquid: Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze, milk or non-dairy milk – just enough to blend if you want a thick shake
- 5-10 ice cubes
- Optional: 1/4 tsp guar gum plus 1/8 tsp xanthan gum to help thicken and emulsify the shake
Blend all ingredients and adjust ice cubes and liquid to desired thickness. Enjoy!
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Tags: Allie, almond, antioxidant, blender, blendtec, crandberry, fitness, fruit, health, healthy, nutrition, Pimp My Protein Shake, protein, smoothie, supplements, whey, workout, Zola
Written by Chris on January 19th, 2010
When you’re a parent, you almost always get sick if your kids are sick. Since a cold is starting to go around my house, I tried this blend of berries and Zola Acai to boost my antioxidant intake and immune system. This recipe is what my kids always call “The Berry Good Açaí Smoothie” because it incorporates berries (blueberries or blackberries work well) and Zola Acai to give you energy and give your immune system a fighting chance.
Berry Good Smoothie 
- 1 banana
- 1/3 cup blackberries or blueberries
- ½ cup Zola Acai
- ½ cup Apple juice
- ¼ cup of ice
Place all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
What’s in your blender today? Email me:drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.
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Tags: Açaí, antioxidants, berries, berry, blender, blending, Blendtech, blueberry, cancer fighting, cold season, flu season recipes, health, immune system, immunity, juice, nutrition, raspberry, recipes, sick, Vitamix
Written by Chris on January 12th, 2010
I know that living in the Bay Area leaves me with little room to complain about the weather but it has been pretty chilly! I realize its not nearly as bad as it is for folks living in the Midwest and East Coast who have had record amounts of snow but cold enough to excuse a couple of nights of staying in watching DVDs with the kids and enjoying an excellent cup of hot soup.
The other night I made this delicious and filling Carrot Ginger Soup – and you guessed it, I did it all in my blender! 
Carrot Ginger Soup
- 3carrots chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 ½ Tbsp shallots, diced
- ½ cup coconut water
- 1/4 c Zola Acai Original Juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ clove of garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp miso
- Pinch of sea salt
Place all ingredients in your BlendTec or Vitamix and blend until completely smooth. Enjoy!
What’s in your blender today? Email me drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.
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Tags: blender, blendtec, healthy eating, healthy recipes, juicer, smoothie, snow, snowfall, soup recipes, Vitamix, winter recipes, winter weather, Zola Açaí, Zola Superfruit juice
Written by Chris on January 6th, 2010
I don’t know about you but the first week in January can be really tough! When the alarm went off on Monday, I realized I not only had to get back in the work saddle but also get back on my normal routine which includes hitting the surf, getting myself to yoga a few times a week and (gasp) eating healthy.
I find that one of the best ways to get back on the healthy eating circuit after a long couple of weeks of holiday goodies is to get a bunch of high quality, fresh produce back in the kitchen. Away with the cookies and bring on the carrots!
If you’re looking to detox, refresh and start anew, try this amazing veggie juice blend. 
Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 watermelon daikon chopped
- ½ carrot peeled and chopped
- ½ cucumber peeled and chopped
- 1 apple sliced into eighths and cored
- ¼ cup parsley
- ½ celery chopped
- ¼ cup ice
Place all ingredients in your Blendtec or juicer and blend em up! Enjoy.
What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.
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Tags: blendtec, cleanse, cucumber, detox, fruit juice, healthy juice, healthy resolutions, holidays, juice cleanse, juicer, juicing, New Year's resolutions, overeating, refresh, surfing, vegetables, veggie, veggie juice, yoga, Zola Açaí
Written by Chris on December 21st, 2009
If you want to leave Santa Claus something other than milk and cookies this year, try this delicious candy cane cocoa smoothie recipe. It can be served hot or cold depending on your mood!
Ingredients: 
- 4 cups vanilla soy milk
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 5 regular-sized peppermint candy canes — crushed
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup ice (for smoothie option only)
- 1 banana (for smoothie option only)
Hot Candy Cane Cocoa:
In a saucepan bring the vanilla soy milk to a simmer. Add the chocolate chips and the crushed candy canes and whisk until everything is melted and smooth. Divide hot cocoa between four mugs garnish with whipped cream and serve with a candy cane stirring stick.
Candy Cane Cocoa Smoothie Recipe:
In a saucepan bring the vanilla soy milk to a simmer. Add the chocolate chips and the crushed candy canes and whisk until everything is melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool, stirring often. Once mixture is at room temperature, add it to a blender with ice and banana. Blend until smooth and pour into four glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and serve with a candy cane stick.
Happy Holidays from The Blender Diaries! Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola
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Tags: candy canes, chocolate, christmas eve recipes, healthy, holiday recipes, holiday recipes for kids, holiday treats, hot drinks, peppermint hot chocolate recipes, peppermint smoothie, recipes, smoothie, Zola
Written by Chris on December 15th, 2009
For a delicious, new twist on mulled cider this holiday season, try using Zola Açaí instead of apple juice. This drink can be served hot or added to a smoothie for a truly delightful holiday brew!
Ingredients: 
- 2 cups Zola Açaí Original
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ lemon, zested
- 2 tsp clove powder
- 2 tbsp fresh nutmeg
- Ice (optional)
- Banana (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium low heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
If you want to drink it hot, then you’re all done! Top it with a cinnamon stick if you desire and enjoy…
If you want to add it to a smoothie, here’s what you can do next.
Let it cool for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Once cool, put mixture in a blender along with 1 cup of ice and a banana and blend until smooth. Pour in your favorite smoothie glass and top it with a cinnamon stick – and enjoy!
What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; Twitter: @drinkzola.
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Tags: blender, Brazilian Superfruit, Christmas, holiday beverages, holiday drink, holiday smoothie, holidays, mulled wine, seasonal drinks, smoothie, spiced cider, spices, wassail, Zola Açaí
Written by Chris on December 8th, 2009
The holidays are chock full of delicious cinnamon inspired dishes like apple pie, raisin bread, hot chocolate and spiced apple cider. It not only fills your taste buds with delight but its smell also fills your home with holiday cheer. And the best part is, cinnamon is really good for you! It is not only loaded with antioxidants, but has been shown to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and improve memory function.
One fun way to reap all of the health benefits of cinnamon is with this great cinnamon smoothie recipe. 
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1 cup ice
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola.
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Tags: antioxidants, cinnamon, cold season, flu season, health benefits, healthy holiday recipes, holiday recipes, holiday smoothies, spices, Zola Açaí
Written by Chris on November 25th, 2009
Thanksgiving week is finally upon us and believe me I know it. While I can already taste the turkey, the cranberries, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, I am dreading the trips to the grocery store, the preparation and then of course stuffing myself beyond comprehension. Don’t get me wrong, my mouth is watering at the simple thought of Thanksgiving goodies but my mind is telling me to take it a bit easier this year. Ok, so maybe I really shouldn’t go back for thirds?
I’ve decided to tackle Thanksgiving in a new way this year. Since I am generally in the kitchen all day cooking and prepping, I also find myself SNACKING constantly. I think my snacks and “taste tests” alone probably rack up another whole Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve decided that things will be different this year. I am armed with my blender, a little Zola and a small ounce of will power.
Zola Power Smoothie: 
- 1 cup Zola Acai Original
- 2 tbsps chia seeds (hemp seeds will also work)
- 1 banana
- 1 handful of blueberries (blackberries will also work)
- Ice
Place all ingredients in a blender, blend and ENJOY!
The power of this smoothie is that you’ll get natural energy and antioxidants from the Zola Acai (nothing will spread more germs than a house full of kids!), protein and healthy omegas from the seeds, and fiber (to keep you full longer) from the banana and blueberries.
Hopefully this plan will help me get the turkey carved and on the table before most of it goes in my mouth. Three cheers to not overeating before dinner even begins!
What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola.
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Tags: Açaí, berries, chia seeds, dessert, energy, energy snacks, guarana, healthy, helpful holiday hints, hemp, holiday recipes, how to stop snacking, natural, Thanksgiving healthy recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, treats, Zola Açaí
