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!

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allie, almond, antioxidant, blender, blendtec, crandberry, fitness, fruit, health, healthy, nutrition, Pimp My Protein Shake, protein, smoothie, supplements, whey, workout, Zola

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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

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post 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

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The Ultimate Breakfast Smoothie

8-10oz Vanilla Soymilk

1 Cup   Frozen Banana Chunks

½ Cup  Favorite Granola

*Tasty Treat – add 2-3oz peanut butter

What’s in your blender today?  Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, Brazil, breakfast, drinks, granola recipes, health, healthy, natural, smoothie guy, Smoothies, summer recipes, Superfruit, Zola, Zola Açaí

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If you have a picky eater on your hands but want to encourage them to get more fruit or veggies in their diet, smoothies can be a great way.  I often use them as nutrition in disguise – blend some fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, with a little yogurt, honey or juice to sweeten the deal – and kids will never know that what they are drinking is actually good for them.

Here are a couple of smoothie recipes that have the official Picky Eater Stamp of Approval:

Vitamin C Slush

1 cup orange juice

2 pineapple rings

1 very ripe banana

2 tbsp. cream of coconut

1 tsp. milled flax seed

1 carrot or sweet potato cube

Antioxidant Rainbow

1 cup Zola  Açaí Original Juice

1/4 cup raspberries

2 tbsp. cooked beet pieces

1/4 avocado

3/4 cup orange juice

1tbsp. honey

Directions

• Blend together all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Divide among glasses; serve cold.
• Enjoy!

Have some good picky eater smoothie recipes?  Email me at drinkzola@gmail.com or send me a Tweet @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, blender, blender diaries, food for kids, health, healthy, picky kids, recipe for kids, smoothie, smoothie recipes, summer drinks, Superfoods, superfruits, vegetables, vitamins, Zola

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