Iced Berry Sport Tea

This tea reminds me of the trendy berry flavored iced tea available coffee shops. The sports drink adds a subtle hint of sweetness and added electrolytes for an energizing kick. 

Ingredients: 

48 ounces water 

2 berry flavored tea bags (I have used Twinings Berry Fusion and Wild Berry) 

1-2 decaf green tea bags 

8 ounces natural sport drink such as Body Armor or organic Gatorade 

optional- cut up lemons and oranges 

Directions: 

In a medium to large pot, boil the water, turn off heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 10-15 minutes, remove the tea bags and allow to cool. Add the tea a large container, pour in the sports drink, and add fruit slices (if desired). Chill and serve. 

 Makes 7 cups, seven servings 

Serving Size: 1 cup Calories 10 Protein 1 g Carb 2 g Fiber 0 g Sugars 2 g Fat 0 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 3 mg

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Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

This smoothie combines a few simple ingredients to make a delicious high protein shake that works great as quick breakfast or pre/post workout snack!

Ingredients:

1/2 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 cup milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
2 scoops collagen peptides (I use Vital Proteins brand)
1 tablespoon peanut powder (I use PB Fit brand)
4-5 ice cubes

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour into glass and serve immediately

Makes 1 serving

Serving Size: 1 shake Calories: 196 Protein 24 g Carb 20 g Fiber 2 g Sugar 10 g Fat 4 Saturated Fat 4g Sodium 366 g

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Recipe ReDux Post # 72 Stone Fruit Smoothie

The Recipe ReDux for June is "Super Stone Fruit" where we were encouraged to develop recipes incorporating stone fruits like peaches, plums, apricots and plums. I happened to have a bunch of peaches and plums on hand, since they are family favorites, so this was a perfect time to create a recipe using them.  It's been so hot here in Los Angeles that a smoothie seemed in order and I had never tried these fruits in one so I was interested to see how it would come out. I started with an easy base of vanilla Greek yogurt, added plum, peaches and a little almond milk as well. To increase the healthy fat and protein I threw in some almond butter too.  It came out delicious- tangy, sweet and refreshing. Its a great alternative for breakfast, a snack or dessert!  I hope you will give it a try along with all the other stone fruit creations made by the recipe redux group.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped plums
1/2 cup chopped peaches
6 ounces of vanilla Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk (I used vanilla unsweetened almond milk)
1 tablespoon almond butter

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for a minute until a smooth consistency is reached.

Makes one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 317 Protein 21 Carb 41 g Sugar 31 Fiber 3 g Fat 10 g Saturated fat 2 g Sodium 181 mg

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Recipe ReDux Post # 70 Pina Colada Smoothie

The May Recipe ReDux theme is “probiotic coctails and gut health mocktails” and the challenge was create a new version of a trendy beverage with a probiotic twist.  There couldn’t have been more perfect timing in place for this request because I have been dreaming of pina coladas for weeks since returning from a wonderful vacation in Maui last month. I was excited to create an everyday, non–alcoholic smoothie version of pina colada. So I tried my luck at combining just a few simple ingredients in a blender with some ice and the results were delicious!  The Greek yogurt provides a healthy dose of protein and probiotics and works as a nice base for the recipe. This is a great smoothie for breakfast or a post workout snack.  I hope you will try it out along with the rest of the creative gut friendly mocktails from the Recipe ReDux crew!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup light coconut milk
1 cup pineapple
1 6 ounce coconut flavored Greek yogurt (I used Chobani_
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
4 ice cubes

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for a minute until a smooth consistency is reached.

Makes one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 290 Protein 13 Carb 39 g Sugar 31 Fiber 2 g Fat 11 g Saturated fat 4 g Sodium 52 mg

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Recipe ReDux Post # 58 Family Friendly Sangria

The Recipe ReDux for May is Cocktails and Mocktails for May Celebrations and it couldn't have come at a better time.  Gabby's class breakfast fundraiser was on May 5th and the theme was Cinco de Mayo of course!  So... we decided to develop a mock "family friendly" sangria for the occasion.  Instead adding table sugar were relied on that natural delicious favor of the fruit juices and the cut up fruit and it came out delicious. The kids and parents were hooked and it is so easy to make and looks pretty too.  We hope you will give it a try and asked check out the other tasty beverages from the Recipe ReDux crew!

Ingredients:

8 cups white grape juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup no sugar added cranberry juice

4 cups lemon sparkling/mineral water (without sugar added)

2 limes, sliced

4 clementines or 1 large orange, sliced

1 cup blackberries

2 small apples or 1 large, cut into ½ inch cubes (peel left on)

Directions:

Add all the above EXCEPT the sparkling water, to a large pitcher (or two depending on the size you have on hand).  Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.  Right before serving add the sparkling water, mix well and serve.

Makes 15 cups (liquid, not including the fruit garnish)

Serving size: 1 cup/ 8 fluid ounces Calories 97  Protein 1 g Carb  25 g  Fiber 0  g Sugars  25 g Fat  0g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 11  mg

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Recipe ReDux Post # 56 P B and B Smoothie

The Recipe ReDux challenge for March is "Spring Clean The Kitchen" -  meaning we needed to develop a recipe with what we have on hand already the kitchen. Well, I decided to try this one right before my usual trip to grocery store, meaning the time when I have the least food available. It was a Sunday afternoon, I happened to see some blueberries that were on their last leg in the fridge, so I knew they were going to be involved.  And, my daughter was concurrently whining for a snack so I decided to whip up a quick smoothie to tide her over until dinner. Combining the blueberries with some frozen bananas that I always keep some extra of, along with a scoop of peanut butter and milk worked great to create a peanut butter, blueberry and banana smoothie.  My daughter certainly drank it up and commented several times how "yummy" it was so I'd say this one was a winner.  Hope you will try it, along with all the other delicious recipes by the Recipe Redux group!

Ingredients:

½ medium banana (preferably frozen), sliced

½ cup blueberries

1 tablespoon peanut butter

½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)

( a few ice cubes- optional) 

Directions:

Add milk to blender and then the fruit. Blend on high for at least 1 minute, then add the peanut butter and blend for another 30 seconds -1 minute until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour and serve. Chill if not serving immediately.

Makes 1 smoothie, one serving, 

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 220 Protein 6 g Carb 33 g Fiber 6 g Sugars 18 g Fat 10 g Saturated fat 1.5 g Sodium 160 mg

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Gabby's Eats: Juice Cubes (well...Spheres!)

Being that we are in the throws of Summer and enduring the warm weather, which in Southern California (where we live) will continue easily into November (!),  it is super important to stay hydrated.  Water by itself can get a bit monotonous, namely for kids, but it really is a top choice because it does the job to naturally replenish to the body's fluids WITHOUT any added sugar, calories or other additives.

I was recently sent a fun package of goodies from The Cranberry Institute which included some cranberry juice, a lovely tumbler and a REALLY cool ice cube maker.  Well, not really ice cubes- ice spheres!!  It's called the Flamen Ice Ball Maker.  This handy tool is BPA free, dishwasher safe and creates 2 inch ice spheres which supposedly melt slower than regular ice cubes to keep your drink colder longer.  How cool, right? Literally ;)

Gabby and I decided we wanted to try out this intriguing tool right away, and what better way to liven up her plain ol' water than by making some juice cubes too put in her glass!  She is a big fan of cranberries so we used the cranberry juice that was sent to us. 

Basically, all we had to do was pour the juice in the mold...

Freeze overnight....

And voila- add the spheres to water and enjoy a hint of yummy cranberry flavor!  You can use any juice you like and also use a regular ice cube tray if you don't have a super fancy Flamen handy to make ice spheres!

A big thank you to The Cranberry Institute for the fun Summer care package-  our inspiration to make these delicious and refreshing juice spheres!

Enjoy! And, for cool cranberry news, research and recipes- check out the Cranberry Institute's webpage HERE!!

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Recipe Redux Post # 43: PB Cookie Dough Smoothie in a Bowl

February’s Recipe ReDux is “Break Out of Breakfast Boredom” and we were encouraged to share how we “wake up our breakfast” calling upon our creativity in the kitchen.  I have made many smoothies recipes before but I have never made a “smoothie in a bowl “ version so this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity.  The key concept to smoothies in a bowl is that they are thicker, which means it is best for you to serve them in a bowl and eat them with a spoon!  Frozen banana is one of my mainstays for a smoothie base so I used a large sized one, combined with less milk and added oats to thicken things up.  Adding some peanut butter, vanilla and a touch of brown sugar gave the smoothie an amazing flavor reminiscent of cookie dough!!  Topping it off with chocolate chips makes for pure heaven. I hope you will give it a try and also check out all the other awesome breakfast recipes from the great Recipe ReDux crew.

Ingredients:

1 large frozen banana, cut into chunks  

½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk which works great)

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 packed teaspoon packed brown sugar

1/4 cup oats
a pinch of salt

1- 2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Blend all of the above ingredients for 30 sec-1 minute on high speed until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour into a bowl and serve with a spoon.

Makes 1 smoothie, one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 390 Protein 9  g Carb 61 g Fiber 7 g Sugars 23 g Fat  14g Saturated fat  3.5 g Sodium 170 mg

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Recipe Redux Post # 39 Pumpkin Pecan Smoothie

October Recipe ReDux is “Nutty Nut Day." October 22^nd happens to be National Nut Day, which is right around the time we post our recipes, so we were challenged to develop and “share a healthy nut-filled recipe”.  Being that it is still VERY warm here in Los Angeles, and no Fall weather is in sight,  a smoothie sure sounded good to me!  But I still wanted to go with an Autumn theme in spirit, so I combined the simple flavors of pecans,  pumpkin, dates, pumpkin pie spice, and used a banana/almond milk base to make this smoothie.  This drink is reminiscent of pumpkin and pecan pie but it still refreshing at the same time!  I hope you will give it a try and also check out all the other nutty themed recipes from the great Recipe ReDux crew.

Ingredients:

½ large frozen banana, cut into chunks  

1 large mejool date (pitted and preferably previously soaked for 15-30 minutes in warm water to soften)

½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk which works great)

1 tablespoon pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, and not pumpkin pie filling)

1 tablespoon chopped pecans

1-2 dashes of pumpkin pie spice 

Directions:

Blend all of the above ingredients for 30 sec-1 minute on high speed until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour and serve.

Makes 1 smoothie, one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 180 Protein 2 g Carb 32 g Fiber 4 g Sugars  21g Fat 7 g Saturated fat 0.5 g Sodium 90 mg

An InLinkz Link-up

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Gabby's Eats: Blueberry-Nana Pineapple Smoothie

I honestly think that Gabby is one of the only kids in the world who is not super jazzed about consuming smoothies.  I mean, huh?  What kid wouldn’t love a frosty milkshake-esque blend of fruits and milk/yogurt?  Mine, that’s who! It’s not that I think she needs to consume smoothies all the time…. Gabs eats plenty of fruits and veggies, but it would be fun every so often to whip up some yummy combinations for her to have as a cool refreshing treat, that is also great for on the go.

One particular day, after I picked her up from school AND when we actually had plenty of nice fruit in the house, I threw out the idea to make  a smoothie as a snack.  Gabby was open to the challenge and I let her choose the fruits.  Banana, blueberry and pineapple were her picks and that must be a genetic thing because her dad loves this exact combo!

The flavors came together wonderfully and Gabby really enjoyed it too, which was a big win! We hope you will try this fruity, refreshing and easy to make smoothie as well!

Ingredients:

½ medium banana (preferably frozen), sliced

½ cup blueberries

¼ cup cubed pineapple

½ cup milk (we used unsweetened almond milk which works great)

optional protein boosts- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt or 1 Tablespoon nut butter (will add about 4-5 grams protein each)

Directions:

Add milk to blender and then the fruit. Blend on high for at least 1 minute, until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour and serve. Chill if not serving immediately.

Makes 1 smoothie, one serving, or 2 small child/snack size

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 140 Protein 2 g Carb 33 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 20 g Fat 2g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 90 mg

Serving size: 1/2 smoothie Calories 70 Protein 1 g Carb 17 g Fiber 2.5 g Sugars 10 g Fat 1 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 45 mg

Gabs Shot:

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Recipe ReDux Post # 27 Kicked Up “Cleansing” Lemonade

Every time I have tried turmeric in a dish it never seems to taste right so I just gave up on it and stopped using this spice all together. I was reintroduced to it when I checked out a fancy juice place and tried a citrus blend that had turmeric in it and I actually liked it a lot!  In fact, I decided I wanted to replicate that drink at home but just never got around to it. The Recipe ReDux challenge for October is fittingly titled “Spooky Spices” where we were encouraged to use spices that intimidate us in the kitchen. This challenge was the perfect opportunity to try turmuric and conquer my fear of using it and it worked!!  This fresh, delicious drink is a nice combo of sweet and spicy, plus the turmeric gives it a beautiful golden hue. Not only does turmeric add a nice color, but it has been the focus of a many health related studies which are discovering it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits too!  I am not one to drink juice too much because I would rather eat whole fruits and veggies, for less calories , less sugar and more fiber. But this drink is a nice way to treat yourself in a reasonably healthy way.  I use the title “cleansing” lightly because I think the jury is still out on juice cleanses and more research in that area needs to be done.  For now, I will just enjoy this from time to time and hope that it is indeed rejuvenating to my body.  So try a sip and check out these other Spooky Spice creations by the talented Recipe Redux group!

Ingredients:

2 cups hot filtered water

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons honey

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Heat the water to just before boiling in a small sauce pan.  Stir in the honey until dissolves.  Sprinkle in the tumeric, ginger and pepper and mix well.  Chill and serve.

Makes 2 cups, two servings

Serving size:1 cup   Calories 70   Protein 0  g Carb 19 g  Fiber 0   g Sugars   17 g Fat  0 g Saturated fat  0 g Sodium 10 mg

Also, please don't forget to vote for the Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe that my daughter and I entered in a contest to win $30,000 for her school!  Click HERE to see her cooking video and to vote! We need votes everyday until October 29th!!!

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Recipe ReDux Post # 22: Banana Almond Chai Smoothie

The May RecipeReDux theme is “Cooking With Tea”  with our goal being to create “tea-inspired healthy dishes”.  I have never used tea in recipes before and have been wanting to try using chai tea so I figured a smoothie would be a fun way to go.  It worked out great and the chai flavor was a nice, subtle way to spice up the average smoothie.  So get one brewing n’ blending, and check out the other awesome recipes incorporating tea from the awesome RecipeReDux group!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk ( or milk of your choice)

1 chai tea bag  (I used zhena’s gypsy tea,decaf caramel chai- amazing!)

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium frozen banana, cut into chunks.

Directions: Warm the milk in a saucepan to before boiling and add tea bag.  Remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes or more. Then remove tea bag and cool the “milky tea” mixture in fridge.  (You can do this overnight to have the milky tea ready to use in the morning).  Add the milky tea, banana chunks, almond butter and vanilla extract to a blender and process until smooth.

Makes 1 full size smoothie or 2 snack size

Serving size: the entire recipe Calories 250 Protein 6 g Carb 33 g Fiber 6 g Sugars 16 g Fat 12 g Saturated fat 0  g Sodium 180 mg

Serving size: 1/2 recipe, snack size Calories 125 Protein 3 g Carb 16.5 g Fiber 3g Sugars 8 g Fat 6 g Saturated fat 0  g Sodium 90 mg

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Recipe ReDux Post # 20: All Natural Hot Chocolate That Tastes Amazing

“Beverages Are Hot” is the February Recipe ReDux theme and the challenge was to create a fun, new “healthier drink”.  Well I know hot cocoa is nothing new but an all natural, clean and simple hot cocoa is hard to come by in my opinion, so that’s what I decided to make.  Most of those commercial packets you tear into to make this warm, sweet and tasty beverage have over 10-15 ingredients, many of which are FAR from natural!! How about one with THREE ingredients, a decent dose of fiber, antioxidants and no added table sugar that’s super easy to whip up? I say that’s a score!! I used dates as the sweetener, good quality cocoa powder and almond milk to make it non-dairy as well. So make some of this delicious, chocolatey and semi-guilt free delight and check out the other innovative drinks the Recipe ReDux folks are serving!

Ingredients:

8 ounces milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

2 mejool dates (pitted, soaked in warm water for 15-20 min to soften, and skins removed)

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for 1 minute until smooth. Warm in a saucepan or microwave* and serve. For more decadence you can add whipped cream! *A note about microwaving liquids- BE CAREFUL, some safety tips are listed HERE http://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/jw/superheating.htm

Makes One Serving

 Serving Size One 8 ounce hot chocolate Calories 150 Protein 2 g Carb 30 g Fiber 4 g Sugars 25 g Fat 3.5 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 180 mg

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Strawberry Banana Snack Smoothie

A fruity, refreshing and easy to make mini-smoothie!

½ medium banana
2 large strawberries
½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk which works great)

Cut the banana and strawberries into chunks and freeze. Once frozen, put in blender with milk and blend on high for 30 sec-1 minutes until a smooth mixture is formed. Pour and serve.

Makes 1 smoothie, one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 80 Protein 1 g Carb 17 g Fiber 3 g Sugars 9 g Fat 2g saturated fat 0 g Sodium 90 mg

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Non-Dairy Watermelon Smoothie

A quick and easy great summer smoothie recipe, non-dairy, gluten free and low in fat too!

Ingredients:

1.5 cup frozen watermelon cubes
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (Almond Breeze)
1.5 teaspoons honey

Directions

Put 1 cup of the watermelon cubes and 1 cup of the almond milk in a blender and blend on high speed until a smooth slush forms. Add the rest of the watermelon and the honey, blend for another 30 seconds or so, pour and serve!

Makes 1 serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie (whole recipe) Calories 130 Protein 2 g Carb 25 g Fiber 2 g Sugars 20 g Fat 3.5 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 180 mg

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Cucumber Water

A refreshing way to perk up ordinary water without any added calories!

Ingredients:

6-8 cups water
One medium-large cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
Ice cubes
Lemon or lime wedge (optional)

Directions:

Combine all of the above in a large pitcher, chill and serve

Makes 6-8 servings

Serving size: 1 cup Calories 0 Protein 0 g Carb 0 g Fiber 0 g Sugars 0 g Fat 0 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 0 mg

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Ridiculously Easy Berry-nana Smoothie

This quick and easy smoothie is a great way to incorporate some fruit into your day. You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to give it an extra boost if you like.

Ingredients:

½ large banana, frozen
½ cup blueberries
1/3 cup light coconut milk
A few ice cubes (optional)

Directions:

Throw all of the above ingredients into a blender and blend on high until smooth.

Makes 1 serving

Serving size: 1 small smoothie Calories 150 Protein 1 g Carbs 30 g Fiber 4 g Sugars 16 g Fat 4 g saturated fat 3 g sodium 25 mg

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Piña Colada Smoothie

Take a sip of this and be swept away to the Tropics minus the price of a plane ticket! Packed with protein and carbs, this is a great way to start the morning.

Ingredients:

1 frozen banana
1/3 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4 ice cubes

Directions:

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for a minute until a smooth consistency is reached.

Makes one serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie Calories 260 Protein 12 Carb 45g Sugar 36 Fiber 4 g Fat 5 g Saturated fat 4 g Sodium 78 mg

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