Saturday, June 30, 2012

Kale! Spinach! and Flax! SMOOTHIE yummy!


A friend of mine suggested that I try green smoothies in the morning to switch it up from juicing. I tried it and love it and it has been my breakfast for a few weeks now! This is going to be a typical cookng recipe where you can put in any variation of ingredients to make it your own. What I'll share is my favorite base shake to which you can change out the fruit or the greens. Yes, the smoothie green from green leafy veggies.  Don't worry because you won't even taste them! You get the nutrients from the fresh ingredients but also the fiber! I like using frozen fruit because it makes the shake nice and cold! I still love fresh pressed juices but have them later in the day. I've been feeling so great and even losing a little off the waistline since it is low carb!

 

Em's green smoothie
1 banana
Handful frozen blueberries
Handful frozen mangoes
1 cup almond milk
Handful spinach or kale
Teaspoon flax powder
1 ice cube

Blend all together with blender!



Have a happy healthy summer!

Gazpacho heirloom tomatoes




Embarking on our healthy summer theme, we would like to share this easy and delicious gazpacho recipe. There is nothing better on a hot day (or any day) than a big bowl of cold tomato soup! For this recipe, the quality of the ingredients really matter. Try to get juicy sweet ripe heirloom tomatoes if you can. If not, plum tomatoes are fine. San Mariano canned tomatoes will work too if fresh is impossible.  Also, use Campbell's or Hunt's tomato juice. I like the sweetness and consistency of the juice. I like to top my gazpacho off with avocado and pickled shrimp. I think crabmeat would also be a great topping! And oh, I like chopped jalapenos and tart Louisiana hot sauce to add some heat! 
I can't wait for you to try this recipe!


Gazpacho

3 large heirloom tomatoes
(or 6 plum tomatoes or one can san marzano)
one red onion
2-3 cloves garlic
one bell pepper
one cucumber
juice of one lemon
4 cups tomato juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
cliantro chopped

get your blender and a large bowl
cut all the veggies into small 1 inch pieces
buzz in blender one veggie at a time and pour into bowl
(pour in some tomato juice to help blending along)
do not over blend!  it should be chunky
mix together all ingredients 
salt and pepper to taste
top with favorite toppings, avocado and cilantro are musts!

If you have a food processor, follow same recipe and just pulse chop each ingredient