Good morning lovely friends! I am just popping in real quick today to share my Recipe ReDux post for the month! Aren't you glad it is the weekend! I absolutely love my Saturday and Sunday mornings. They always start so peacefully and breakfast always includes something fancy like pancakes or waffles (or French toast!). Since I get to eat lunch at home on the weekends, I usually make a smoothie on one of the days. I wish I could make more killer monster meal smoothies, but I don't have access to a blender in school right? Haha. Now I know smoothies are a little to "cold" for some in these winter months, but I don't play by seasonal rules with my foods and eating. Smoothies are good all the time, all year round! But before I get to carried away, let me share this months theme with you all!
February’s theme: Beverages Are Hot - That which is served in a mug, glass, or stein is becoming just as interesting as what’s on the plate. New cocktail-only blogs are emerging. Pinners are cooking with their Keurig K-cups. Hot beverages have gone way beyond hot cocoa. Beverages are in! Whether you’re serving something hot or cool, kid-friendly or happy hour worthy, show us your healthier drink.
(Smoothie and snow! Yes, please! If I can handle it (the girl who hates the cold the most!), you can too!)
So, yea beverages are HOT. But I chose to do cold! Like I said, smoothies are good all year round. You can find wonderful frozen fruit at the grocery or use winter fruits like oranges, apples, persimmons, etc. For veggies, which must always be included I like to add frozen cucumber, raw beets, and of course greens! You can use spinach, dark beautiful kale, chard, etc. You can also freeze you greens in baggies and give your smoothie even more frozen creaminess! Then I always have my add-ins like protein power, cocoa powder, cinnamon, extracts, super-foods, what have you.
My favorite fruit to add in to smoothie is berries! Full of antioxidants and wonderfully sour and sweet. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. The 4 berry champs! But for this smoothie I had strawberries on hand so in they went! Hopefully this will brighten up your gloomy winter days and make you feel like spring is just around the corner...(hopefully!)
Strawberry Refresher
Ingredients: (serves: 1 large smoothie)
+ ¾ Cup Frozen Strawberries
+ ½ Cup Cut-Up Frozen Cucumber
+ 3 Cups of Spinach (or your favorite greens!)
+ 2 TB of Chocolate Protein Powder (optional, can use cocoa powder instead)
+ ½ Tsp Coconut Extract
+ ½ Cup of Water (or more depending on your blender and how think you want it)
+ 2 TB of Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (save 1 TB for topping)
Directions:
+ In a blender, add the strawberries, cucumber, greens, coconut, extract, protein, and water. Blend Blend Blend.
+ Pour and top with additional coconut. Serve and enjoy!
Check out all the other ReDux members awesome beverages in the link below! We got a good mix of hot and cold, so you have some choices!
So tell me:
Smoothies in the year-round?
What is your favorite smoothie add-in? I just received some Amazing Grass and Spirulina from two different giveaways and I can't wait to try them out in my smoothies!
See you all on Monday! XOXO
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, Ricki Heller’s Wellness Weekend, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays!*
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Deborah Smikle-Davis
Hi Rebecca,
As a smoothie lover, this strawberry refresher sounds refreshing and delightful! I can't wait to try this combination of ingredients--especially with chocolate! I must say that I have not been including chocolate in my smoothies. Maybe it is time for me to shake things up a bit and add some! Thank you so much for sharing this healthy and delicious recipe on the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Blog Hop! I appreciate it!
Strength and Sunshine
Chocolate is a must!
Moira @ hearth and homefront
I just started adding cucumbers into my green smoothies, but I love the subtle flavor they add! I'm going to have to give this one a try this week 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
I think it adds such a fresh clean taste!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
I have choosen your post for one of the featured post of the week for Real Food Fridays. Please continue to share your great recipes with us. thanks so much.
Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Marla!
Amari @ Eat Chic Chicago
This looks really nutrient-dense! Do you freeze your own cucumber or purchase it frozen somewhere? Also, what exactly is coconut extract? I don't think I've ever used that before. Does it give the smoothie a really strong coconut flavor?
Strength and Sunshine
I just cut up a cucumber and freeze it. I but my coconut extract from Frontier Naturals (just search it online and buy it through Vitacost.com). It will only be strong if you use a lot, just like vanilla extract, etc.
Marla
very healthy recipe. i love smoothies - they are simple and a whole meal in one. Thanks for sharing Real Food Friday. Have a wonderful healthy day!
Strength and Sunshine
They can be a meal! A super healthy one at that 🙂
Laura@Fit Running Mama
It's been a super cold winter here in Chicago but I am still loving my green smoothies! I need to try putting cucumber in them!
Strength and Sunshine
Cucumber is awesome! It makes it so creamy and refreshing!
Heather @ The Soulful Spoon
Great recipe and right up my alley!:) Enjoy your weekend<3
Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Heather 🙂
Megan @ Meg Go Run
I love smoothies/protein shakes but I tend to only do them in the summer. I have more time to make them then and also fruit is cheaper in the summer- where I live, anyway!
Strength and Sunshine
If you have trouble getting fruit, just freeze huge batches during at the end of the summer for the coming months!
Becca from ItsYummi.com
I'm allergic to all coconut products, but that smoothie sounds great! It was a fun #RecipeRedux challenge!
Strength and Sunshine
You can skip the coconut altogether and still have a great smoothie! This actually wasn't one of my favorite ReDuxs, haha! I like cooking something more involved. Beverages and drinks aren't my thing 😉
Marina @ Lazy for Diet
In spite of the fact that at me behind a window it isn't so cold, I didn't do smoothie already very long. I think, I should be wrapped in a plaid and to dress warm socks what to try them!
Strength and Sunshine
What ever works, haha!