Inspiration and a Tropical Guava Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

It's hard to beat the sunsets in Hawaii.

This summer, we returned to paradise for our family vacation - on the island of Maui (or at least it's as close to paradise as I've been so far!). With our oldest son leaving for college this week, family time has been especially precious, as it is hard to predict how many more family vacations we will be able to share together. I know things will never be the same. We won't see him as often. Our family dynamics will change. Life will be different. But it's all good. It's the cycle of life.

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The Importance of Buying Local {Guest Post at Kelapo Coconut - Strawberry Lemonade Fizz}

Strawberry Lemonade Fizz

Today, I am honored to be guest blogging about The Importance of Buying Local on Kelapo Coconut's blog, We're Coconuts!. Stop by to read about why I decided to join a CSA ("Community Supported Agriculture" group) this summer, and to get the recipe for this frothy homemade Strawberry Lemonade Fizz, the perfect drink for a hot summer day, using fresh strawberries that are currently in season.

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Green Tea Smoothie Recipes {Guest Post}

 A Frosty Peach Green Tea Smoothie

Smoothies are a regular breakfast item in our house, usually consisting of a variety of fruits, coconut yogurt, and some almond or coconut milk. However, I'm always looking for new ways to make these smoothies even healthier.

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Dairy-Free Mango Smoothie or Lassi

Today, I finally made my first trip to Patel Brothers, a giant Indian super-grocery store. It was the size of a super-size American supermarket! I knew going through the aisles would take some time, especially since there are so many Indian ingredients, products, fruits and vegetables I'm not familiar with. Fortunately, I have taken a few Indian cooking classes, and visited other local Indian grocers over the years, so I am comfortable with many Indian herbs and spices, lentils, and traditional Indian foods.

The one item I really wanted to get while at Patel Brothers were mangos. I had just cut open four mangos this morning, sorely disappointed to find that all of them had black or brown spots in the flesh, so I was desperate to replenish my mango supply. As I came across the produce aisle, I spotted cases of Ataulfo and Tommy Atkin mangos. Without a thought, I picked up a case of the Ataulfo mangos (that's 18 mangos!), which have a nice silky, smooth texture, versus the Tommy Atkin mangos which tend to be more fibrous. 

Ataulfo Mangos have a nice silky, smooth flesh with very little fiber

Now that I had a case of mangos sitting on my kitchen counter, I had to figure out what to do with all of them. One of the first recipes I wanted to try was a Mango Lassi. Ever since I spotted Melissa Clark's recipe for a Mango Rose-Water Lassi in the New York Times, I've wanted to try making one at home. Traditionally Indian Fruit Lassi's are made with fruit, yogurt, sugar and ice, similar to a fruit smoothie, so I knew I would like it as would my kids. I just needed to make it dairy-free due to a dairy allergy.

Whether you call this refreshing beverage a Mango Smoothie or Lassi, you won't be disappointed.  Enjoy it for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Dairy-Free Mango Smoothie or Lassi

Mangos are a good source of vitamins A and C, both important antioxidant nutrients, as well as potassium and fiber. Mangos are also rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidant compounds, which are believed to protect against breast and colon cancers. I used 1/4 cup of coconut milk for a thick Lassi; if you prefer a thinner beverage, just add more coconut milk.

Whether you call it a Mango Smoothie or Lassi, this makes a perfect start to the day!

Printable Recipe  

Ingredients:

• 1 mango, cut up (Ataulfo preferably, or other variety that is less fibrous)
• 3/4 cup So Delicious Plain Coconut Yogurt
• 1/4 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1/4 cup ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in blender. 
2. Blend until smooth.

Sources:
National Mango Board: Mango Nutrition
Self Nutrition: Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Mangos
Natural News: Mango Prevents and Halts Growth of Colon and Breast Cancer Cells
Nutrition and You: Mango Fruit Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Anticancer Ingredients: Mangos

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Spiced Apple Cider and Chai Tea Recipes

Chai Tea

With a bit of a break between Christmas and New Years, it seemed like the perfect time for a warm cup of Spiced Apple Cider or Chai Tea.  I love warm spiced beverages as they provide pure and simple comfort.

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The Beginner Green Smoothie

I have to admit that the idea of drinking something green really doesn't appeal to me.  So, when I was given a green smoothie to try for breakfast recently, I was hesitant to say the least.  Visually, I wasn't sure I could get past the idea of drinking something green.  But, my kids were with me and we all  decided to try it at the same time (it was like a "dare" or "challenge").

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Coconut Water

Image by soumit via Flickr

Coconut water is all the rage recently. Not to be confused with coconut milk or cream of coconut (which comes from the "meat" of a mature coconut), coconut water is simply the clear liquid in young coconut when it is cracked open. My current favorite is Vita Coco's Coconut Water with Peach and Mango, which can be found at Whole Foods, and increasingly in supermarkets. 

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More Smoothie Recipes {Yummy Fruit Smoothie}

My kids love smoothies.  They're a great way to pack in lots of nutrients in an easy to digest form.  Smoothies are so versatile.  Basically, all you need are your favorite fruits (berries, mangoes, peaches, use your imagination!), yogurt (if you want extra protein), and a liquid (coconut water, orange juice, almond milk).  

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Soothing Smoothies {Mango Coconut Smoothie}

My poor friend "B" is suffering from mouth sores, just over a week after her 1st chemo treatment.  Chemo can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including a sore mouth and trouble swallowing.  That's why smoothies are great -- they're soothing, smooth, nutritious, and go down easy.

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