Best Chocolate Shake Ever

Ciao everyone!!

Let's talk about classics, shall we??




                               Ford Mustangs

  

Crayola Crayons

                            Monopoly






    The Wizard of Oz <3 <3


And a last thought:

   Milkshakes. Like the other things listed, the name alone spurs memories and smiles and a wonderful feeling of comfort. Happiness expected by every sip. Great environment experienced in the process..

But, alas, there is the problem of the intense levels of unhealthiness that they also hold within their hidden makeup of doom...

What to do what to do...

Oh yeah, how about MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE "MILK"SHAKE THAT HAS EVER BEEN HAD AND DRINK IT'S DELICIOUSNESS IN VERY HAPPY SIPS OF JOY.

Yeah, I like that plan.. care to join me? ;)

 Better Chocolate Shake

makes-1

Ingredients:

1 cup non-dairy milk

about 25g scoop of a sweet vanilla plant-based protein powder

2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 - 3/4 cup frozen pineapple

Piece of a banana

Crushed ice

Optional: a small bit of coconut oil or coconut butter

Directions:
Blend ingredients from milk to banana until thoroughly combined. Add ice as desired (will make it thicker, colder, and more classic-y feeling). Enjoy<3

Ciao for now:)
-TheRedLady-

Luscious Lettuce Shake

Ciao everyone!!

Here is another power shake for you!

The interesting thing about this one is that the powerful flavors are so unique, yet work nicely together... anything more would be too much, but anything less simply wouldn't make the luscious flavor that arises from this recipe!

Luscious Lettuce Shake

makes-1

Ingredients:

1 serving-scoop of Fruitein Luscious Blue Fruit protein powder

1 scoop chia seeds

2 tablespoons honey tahini (or, 1 tablespoon tahini and 1 tablespoon honey or agave)

Lots of lettuce (any variety

Water 

Ice (if you like a cold smoothie)

 

Directions:

1) Stuff blender cup with lettuce and add some water. Blend. Add water as needed until all lettuce is a juice.

2) Add protein, seeds, and tahini/honey; blend until combined. 

3) Add more lettuce until you have the amount you like. Add water if it needs to be thinner. Add ice if it needs to be colder:)

 

Ciao for now!

-TheRedLady-

Very Green Shake

Ciao everyone!

What do you think of when you think "green"?

Grass? An old carpet? Someone's eyes? Money?

Well, then of course, there are the foodie's thoughts of green...

Avocados, spinach, hemp protein....etc.

So, today's recipe is for a nutritious shake using almost all green ingredinets:)

It can either be scary or fun, this I know... So let's go with fun.

Practice your St Patrick's day spirit. ;)

Very Green Shake

(use ingredients in whatever proportion/serving size you like)

Ingredients: (for 1)

Fresh spinach (several good handfuls)

Avocado (1/4 - 1/3)

Hemp protein powder (3 tablespoons)

Honey (1 tablespoon)

Water

Ice cubes

Directions:

1-Blend spinach with a little water. Blend more into it (that stuff dissappears after the first blending!)

2-Add other ingredients. Blend. Taste. Blend more of whatever you like :)

Ciao for now

-TheRedLady-

Chocolate Power Shake

Ciao everyone!!

I have a recipe for you today...

WITH CHOCOLATE.

Might as well say "with love". They look synonymous to me ;)

The cool thing about this smoothie is... well a few things

1) It is filled with greens, with are so great for you!

2) It is packed with nutrition

3) You can alter amounts to fit your nutritional needs/preferences

4) It has CHOCOLATE

Chocolate Power Shake

makes-1

Ingredients:

Fresh Baby Spinach

Banana

Sweet tasting, vanilla flavored plant protein powder

Cocoa Powder (at least one whole tablespoon.. more is welcome)

Coconut Oil

 

Directions:

Stuff blender cup with spinach and add some water. Blend until all leaves have been turned into beautiful green liquid. Add other ingredients according to your desired amounts. Blend. Taste. Fix what is necessary. Enjoy<3

 

Ciao for now!
-TheRedLady-

Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

Ciao everyone!

Here is a great, different kind of smoothie recipe!!

Oh, and because it can be very intriguing to note, here are some of the awesome benefits of sweet potatoes:
1) High in Fiber
2) High in Vitamin B6
3) High in Potassium
4) Rich source of Beta-Carotene
5) Great source of Manganese
6) Rich in Vitamin C
7) Rich in Vitamin E

Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

makes-1

Ingredients:

Many chunks of raw sweet potato (or lightly steamed, if you don't like the idea of raw potato)

1 cup non dairy milk (original or vanilla)

About 15g of a sweet vanilla protein powder

Nutmeg

Optional: ground/milled flax seed

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients in a blender and go till perfectly smooth

2) Sprinkle extra nutmeg on top, because it is fun.

3) Enjoy

Ciao for now

-TheRedLady-

Banana Bread Batter Smoothie

Ciao everyone!

What's your favorite part of baking??

I can tell you without a doubt, ever since I was super little, one of my favorite parts is THE BATTER.

Always delicious, sometimes even moreso than the actual result! (In my opinion)

One stark memory of kitchen tales of my childhood comes from several batches of my mama's famous banana bread.

She is master of many kitchen arts, and banana bread/zucchini bread/pumpkin bread are no exception.

And, of course, that means I have tried (and enjoyed) several spoonfuls of said batter...

Here's the crazy thing (and more specific point of this post): as I was making my morning green smoothie the other day, I noticed some frozen bananas in the freezer that had to be used up. So I tried it...

And it was like woaahhhhhhh...that tastes like....

Banana Bread Batter Smoothie!

serves-1

Ingredients:

Many handfuls of spring mix

1 medium banana (preferably at least half of amount frozen!)

1 cup non dairy milk

2 tablespoons hemp protein powder (or another plant-based protein... can be unflavored or vanilla)

1 tablespoon agave nectar

1 tablespoon chia seeds

good amount of cinnamon

few drops of pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Stuff as much spring mix as possible into the blender...blend spring mix with milk

2) Add the rest of ingredients and blend

3) Enjoy!

Ciao for now

-TheRedLady-

After School Smoothie

Ciao everyone!

So, I don't know about how this goes down in your house, but let me tell you something about mine...

When people get home from school around here, there are a few inevitable occurrences that will take place:

1- Someone will be eating a banana
2- Someone will be getting a lovely spoonful of fresh peanut butter
3- That same someone will be combining them in a very happy bowl and become a much more amiable person thereafter;)

Now, if I am that someone, the likelihood of banana vs. apple is about a 50/50 chance.

If my sister is that someone, the likelihood of banana vs. apple is pretty much 100% banana. Every time.

But with all this talk I've heard about the amazing nutritious qualities of green smoothies, I was left with no choice but to think about making a new creation:

The After School Smoothie

makes-1

Ingredients:

Lots of fresh spinach

Half a medium banana

Half a medium apple

About 3/4 cup non dairy milk

1-2 tablespoons peanut butter

Optional: chia or flax seeds (no difference in flavor; just a nutritional boost)

Directions:

1) Stuff as much spinach as possible into the blender. Slowly pour milk over it. Blend.

2) Add rest of ingredients. Blend.

3) Enjoy:)

Ciao for now!

-TheRedLady-

P.S. Yes, I realize that in this region school is almost out.. but what better time than finals week for epic snacks and fun recipes!:)

Broccoli Mango Tahini Smoothie

Ciao everyone!

Have you ever tried broccoli in a smoothie???

It can be surprisingly delicious!

After having read quite a bit on the nutritious powerhouse known as broccoli (see below), I really wanted to try it in a smoothie...

But next to all the great things about it were several warnings about how blech it can taste in blended form, if not carefully thought through...

So I thought. Then I thought again. Then I thought, "this is too much thinking for a smoothie. let's throw some yummy ingredients in a blender and see what happens. mostly because i'm tired of thinking. and i will sound really stupid putting this on the blog. maybe someone will laugh though. maybe i should get a puppy. nah, that's a bit too much work. all the potty training and crap. haha... didn't think i meant that literally. oops... oh yeah, broccoli smoothie. hhhmmmm...."


Aaaaand after that, I walked into the kitchen aaaannnndddd....

Broccoli Mango Tahini Smoothie

makes-1

Ingredients:
Lots of fresh broccoli
About 3/4 - 1 cup mango (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons honey tahini (or 1 tablespoon normal tahini, 1 tablespoon honey or agave)
1 cup non dairy milk
Few drops pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1) Stuff broccoli into blender. Slowly add milk. Blend.
2) Add mango, tahini, and vanilla. Blend
3) Enjoy!

Ciao for now
-TheRedLady-

P.S. Here is some of those nutritious broccoli facts I mentioned earlier:
1-high in potassium (which strengthens the nervous system and its functions)
2-high in magnesium
3-high in calcium (along with 1 and 2, it helps regulate blood pressure levels)
4-high in vitamin C (boosts immunity)
5-high in vitamin K (boosts bone health)
6-good source of beta-carotene (also boosts immunity)
7-good source of the carotenoid lutein (which help the eyes, heart, and protect from cancer)
8-good source of glucoraphanin (protects body from sun damage and is anti-cancerous)
9-high in protein and fiber

Banana Pudding Smoothie

Ciao everyone!

Don't you love surprises??

I sure do:)

And I also love being blown away by the flavors of a smoothie when I wasn't expecting it at all!

Especially when it came about by trying to just throw in some ingredients before they go bad.

And especially when  it was on a morning of classes that were kinda crazy.

And especially when I re-realized that every sip of this happy new flavor is healthful.

So, here is the recipe for a (surprisingly amazing) smoothie!!!

P.S., don't be turned away by the green ingredients..I think somehow they magically turn to liquid superpowers when they enter this smoothie;)

Enjoy:)

 

Banana Pudding Smoothie

(makes-1; alter to your preferences)

Ingredients:
Spring Mixed Greens (at least 2 cups)
Sweet Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder (i used about 18g)
Agave Nectar (1 tablespoon)
Chia Seeds (1 tablespoon)
Frozen Banana(half a huge one)
Non-dairy Milk (1 cup)
Cinnamon
Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions:
1)Stuff your blender cup with as much greens as possible. Add about a cup of milk and blend.
2)Add protein, agave, banana, cinnamon, and a few drops of vanilla. Blend.

Ciao for now!
-TheRedLady-

PB & J & G Shake

Ciao everyone!

Do you loooove peanut butter and jelly??

There is something magical in that nostalgic combination...

And magical things are very excellent sources for ideas for recipe experimentation!

Here is a recipe for a pb & j & g(reens) shake!

Greens Smoothies are becoming more and more popularr.. and I can totally understand why!

The varieties of greens make it easy to never be board by flavor.. like ever.

Plus, they are a powerhouse in the nutrition realm!

I used Red Leaf Lettuce this time around... but feel free to swap for whatever greens you like!

Or try it a couple different times, with different combos!

The possibilities are endless:)

PB & J & G(reens) Shake

makes-1

Ingredients:

a Bunch of your favorite greens for shakes

1 cup of grapes, strawberries, or another berry (your favorite jelly flavor)

2 tablespoons homemade peanut butter

dash of salt

about 1/2 cup crushed ice

water

vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Stuff your smoothie cup with greens. Fill halfway with water. Blend

2) Add fruit, peanut butter, a few drops of vanilla, and ice. Add more water if needed. Blend.

3) If you want to go really crazy, and if there's more room, throw a bit more greens and blend again. 

Enjoy!

Ciao for now

-TheRedLady-

Orange Strawberry Almond Shake

Ciao everyone!!

This shake recipe is really just awesome.

Your immune system will be so ready for anything your crazy life schedule can throw at you!

The blend of oranges and strawberries makes for a great combo, both taste-wise (especially with the subtle additional flavor dimension from the almond extract) and health-wise!!

Enjoy!

Orange-Strawberry Almond Shake

makes-1

Ingredients:

1 medium orange

1/2-3/4 cup frozen spinach

Good amount of frozen strawberries

Vanilla almond milk

Few drops of almond extract

Few drops of agave or honey

Optional: Vanilla flavored plant-based protein powder

Directions: Blend up veeerrryyy well to make sure all the spinach is incorporated (because the taste of it will literally disappear if blended enough!). Add water as needed until desired thickness is achieved. 

Ciao for now

-TheRedLady-

Blueberry Cake Batter Smoothie

Ciao everyone!!

 Have you ever heard of C.S. Lewis? If not, I advise that you go look him up immediately and then find all of his books and read them.

In my opinion, he is absolutely one of the top 5 authors of all time...

<--- This is a quote by him.

He was a Christian writer with the most curious mind; he invented other worlds where his characters lived, and was given the grace of many very wise thoughts on a multitude of subjects.

He's fantastic. :)





On another note, here is another smoothie recipe.

Seriously, it tastes just like the name describes.

Blueberry Cake Batter... in smoothie form.

Freaking blueberry cake batter.

And just so you know, I don't just mean any blueberry cake batter... I seriously thought the taste resembled a Dunkin' Donuts bluebrry cake donut. Or maybe Krispy Kreme...

Either way, it was CRAZY. And honestly, you need to have one. Like soon. Very soon.

 And then drive past your local donut shop and LAUGH. Out loud.

Because you have found the magic pixie dust version of their product.

And feeling AWESOME about it!

Blueberry Cake Batter Smoothie

makes-1 rockin' smoothie!

(P.S. please ignore the large peanuts jar in the back left of the pic... It was blue, 

so I decided not to bother getting it out of the image:P)

Ingredients:

1 scoop of a good tasting vanilla flavored plant protein

½ cup vanilla almond milk

Good cup frozen blueberries

Good amount of water, until desired consistency reached

Optional: flax oil, for extra nutritional boost

Directions:

Blend until happy with consistency of final product! Enjoy:)

Ciao for now:)

-TheRedLady-