Smoothies at This Time of Year???

                                     When they're this good, absolutely!

I know, I know, it's time to get ready for hot chocolate or cider and pumpkin, well...everything.
I love smoothies, but I'm very picky when it comes to the ingredients. When they're this wonderful, I have them all year long.

Who thought of that name "smoothie" anyway?  I've often thought it was a rather silly word, like veggies. I don't know why. I just thought I'd throw that out there.

As always, buy organic. It is especially important for fruits such as berries.  If you peel a mango, it's not as bad.  Just make sure you "victory wash" EVERYTHING, organic or not.  Victory wash (calm down, you know I'd explain) is a citrus based wash that you soak produce in.  You can also use white vinegar mixed with water (4 parts water to 1 part vinegar).  I have to say though that I prefer the vegetable/fruit wash from ECO. 

Also, when you freeze your own fruits and vegetables, first spread them out on a parchment lined tray and freeze.  When frozen, remove from the sheet, bag and stick back in the freezer.  This way, they freeze individually and you can just remove what you need.  If you throw them in a bag and freeze, you wind up with a solid blob of produce that you can't get apart.  You know you've banged a bag of strawberries or two against the counter. (sorry, that just

This first recipe changed my mind about turmeric.  I've always taken it in supplement form because I'll admit I'm not a fan. I've tried to be a fan. Nope, just can't get the hang of it.

Let's all Mango Tango 

               photo above
Adapted from Lakewinds co-op

1 cup almond milk, or your choice of milk                          
1 frozen sliced  banana
1/2 cup frozen diced mango
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
2 Tbsp. raw organic honey (or your choice of sweetener) To Taste
1Tbsp. coconut oil
!/4-1/2 tsp. turmeric, or to taste (you'll have to trust me on this)
1/4 -1/2 tsp. ground ginger, or to taste (or 1" or more fresh ginger, grated)
1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon, again to taste
dash salt

 Mix all ingredients in a high speed blender.  Adjust amount of milk if it's too thick or frozen.
Again, start small with the spices.  I like to add them this way because everyone's tastes are different. Remember, you can add more, but you can't take it out. Serves 2.

Great as a frozen pop too!

This next one is so simple, but very satisfying

 Strawberry  Milk and Honey Smoothie 

(there's that word again)

1 cup soy milk, or use your favorite

1 cup frozen sliced strawberries
1 tsp. pure vanilla
honey to taste or your choice

Just blend it, no big whoop.  Lovely as an afternoon snack. Great as an alternative to junk food when the kids come home from school. Make it really a treat with a little coconut cream whip!