after school drinks
May 25th, 2011 § 12 Comments
Though the title of this post may imply otherwise, please rest assured that – much to the relief of Jade’s pure, untainted liver – I do not pick her up from school and take her to the bar after stressful days of science tests and oral reports. Instead, every day after school, Jade gets a snack while she unwinds bit, and a few days a week I’ll also pull out the blender for something special. These are three of our favorite blended treats: All Fruit Smoothie, Peanut-Butter Banana Cream, and Cucumber Cooler. If you have little ones who need a pick-me-up after school (especially before starting homework), try one of these healthy drinks in addition to a small snack. Or, if you don’t have kids, make one anyway – it hits the spot!
The peanut butter smoothie looks soooo good. Especially with some soy milk and frozen bananas.
Ooh, never tried pineapple in a smoothie. I have found though that a handful of spinach can be thrown in for an extra healthy kick (and when you’re feeling sluggish and need a fiber boost) and the orange juice easily masks the taste. I’ll also add a chunk of firm tofu to get added thickness if ice makes it too watery. Cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla can give added sweetness too, without adding unnecessary sugar. :)
I just tried the cucumber cooler, sooo good :) I did make one small tweak – I added a couple tablespoons of plain greek yogurt to it. Came out thick and creamy. Only try it if you love masto khiar. Not for everyone’s palette.
MA
Nat – you should try it. Or I’ll make it for you. You’ll love it.
Lauren – I would have never thought of the spinach; I’ll give it a try next time I have some, thanks! And yum to the cinnamon…
Michael Amir – that sounds good, thanks for the idea :)
Micheal Amir?! You’re not fooling anyone!
I know all about MA… ;)
Thank you so much, Janae! I have been enjoying your blog since I discovered it a month ago. I tried this banana smoothie as a late breakfast today and it hit the spot. I added a couple heaping spoonfuls of ground flaxseed meal for some omega-3′s, and 1/2 tsp. cardamom (just for a hint of spice).
HI Kamila – What a good idea! I tried it this morning because I had a bag of ground flax in the fridge (which I had totally forgotten about), and I didn’t have cardamom so I used cinnamon, and yum! Delicious and even healthier, thanks!!! I am going to make a note in the recipe…
I am so happy it came out yummy for you, too! I was considering cinnamon or cardamom, but I’ve been on a cardamom kick lately (for some reason) and have been putting it in everything, from blackberry bread to oatmeal. :)
the cucumber one sounds so refreshing. i wonder if it would taste good with some mint or basil??
[...] happy to give it a new lease on life. Lately, that has largely been in the service of a delicious banana drink. Less chunky than a smoothie, it is silky smooth, frothy, and [...]
I love this cuke cooler idea – love the lime addition and will use sparkling water~ thanks !