Fruit and Veggie Drink

I can't really call this a smoothie.  I didn't put enough ice or amount of liquid in there to make it true to a smoothie form.  It definitely is not juice either.  I'm not sure what to call it except for one very tasty concoction that I sucked down in about two minutes flat.  No brain freeze either! 

I suppose I will just refer to it as a Fruit and Veggie Drink.  That's easier to say than Mango-Berry-Banana-Carrot-Spinach Drink.  That seemed just a bit too much to try to roll off the tongue.  This recipe is very sweet but has some nutritious, raw veggies in there.  It has no added sugar.  Did I mention it was delicious? Because it is! 

I don't know what possessed me to make it.  I just wanted to drink my snack instead of spooning out my usual go-to items like yogurt and almond butter. I literally had no plan.  No recipe.  I just looked around my kitchen for available ingredients.  I threw them into my blender and this is the end result.  

So I'm sharing it here before I forget - You'll thank me for this one!  And you're very welcome!



Fruit and Veggie Drink
(Serves 2 - or one for now, one in the fridge for later)

3/4 cup of crushed ice
1 ripe mango - peeled, seed removed and flesh scooped out
1 banana - peeled
1/3 cup of blueberries - rinsed
1 cup of raw, fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup of raw carrot slices
3/4 cup of dairy or non-dairy liquid (I used 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup of organic, whole milk) - you could certainly use almond milk or coconut milk if dairy isn't your thing!

Place the ice at the bottom of your blender.  Then add the mango flesh, banana and berries.  I packed 1 cup of spinach leaves into a measuring cup and tossed them into the blender.  Then I added the carrot slices.  The cup of dairy liquid (or coconut or almond milk) goes in last.  I used a combo of 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream and 3/4 cup of organic, whole milk. 



Now blend for about a minute or two.  I pressed several settings on my device - Stir, Mix, Crush (to make sure my ice didn't stay chunky).  You'll have to follow your instincts as far as what your machine can do.

When everything is well incorporated and liquified, you are ready to pour.  Mine filled up two tall 16 ounce glasses. 



Yes, I realize it doesn't look very pretty.  But I promise you it tastes amazing and refreshing!  It is very filling too.

This one is a keeper so I will continue experimenting with fruits and veggies as drinks.   If I can create another amazing recipe like this, I will be sure to share it here. 

Cafe' Creamy Mocha - Made My Way :-)

I used to frequent a certain coffee chain drive-thru quite a bit.  There, I admit it.  You know it's bad when you go through any drive thru and your daughter (three years old at the time) says, "getting coffee mommy?"  Thank goodness I have stopped that habit.  My wallet and my waistline are more grateful!! 

But who says you can't have yummy drinks at home?  It's much cheaper and faster when you consider it doesn't require a car and gas to get there!  Here is my new way of having a Cafe Mocha without all the preservatives, sugar and calories! 



My Way Cafe' Creamy Mocha
(Serves 1)

8-10 oz of brewed hot coffee of your choice - I like Newman's Own Organic Medium Roast
2 Tbsp of half and half organic creamer (Or use non-dairy coconut milk or almond milk)
2 Tbsp of Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips - these are allergen friendly and taste wonderful!
pinch of ground cinnamon - optional



Put all your ingredients out on the table.  Brew your coffee the way you normally do.  (I have a Keurig so I do it the lazy way~!  :-) 

While your coffee is brewing, pour your 2 Tbsp half and half cream (or non-dairy substitute) into a small bowl.  Add in just 1 Tbsp of the Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips.  Heat in the microwave for 10-20 (Mine was ready in 15 seconds.  You may need less or more time depending on your machine's heat.)



Stir your chocolate and cream/milk together until it looks like chocolate syrup.  Like this (pictured below):



Check on your brewed coffee. Is it done?  Immediately after it's done brewing and still piping hot, add in the remaining 1 Tbsp of the Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips.  Stir so the chocolate melts within your brewed coffee.  Now add in your heated creamy-chocolatey syrup you just heated.  Add in your pinch of cinnamon if you like.  Mix well with a spoon.  It will look something like this:



You can top it with some heavy whipping cream or a strawberry slice if you want to get fancy.  I personally left it as is.  I couldn't wait to drink it - the smell was so enticing. 

Mmm, mmm, good!  Now that's an amazing cup of chocolatey coffee!  Just look at my face.  You can tell I'm just soaking it all in..... Lol!



Please consider making your own coffee and drink treats at home.  That's the only way you'll know what's truly being put into it.  You know it will be better for you too! 

Next time I will experiment with iced coffee and other drink concoctions that are good for the warmer months since spring is now upon us.  I'm determined to keep it healthy and make it myself.