Green Smoothie

Most weekday mornings either myself or Jacob (depending on who has to be at work earlier that day) will whip up a big smoothie for us to share. It's a quick breakfast that can be taken on-the-go, but the thing I love most about these smoothies is that you start you day off with SO MANY good things entering your body. 

I also love that you can make these smoothies ahead of time and freeze or refrigerate them for another day. And, they're so versatile! You just need a few items for the smoothie base, then you can add whichever fruits, vegetables, and other things that you already have on hand.

This smoothie was actually a bit different than our usual, but I was in the mood to take pictures and figured it would suffice just fine.

Orange juice.

Next, fruit. Usually, this consists of two bananas and a peach (or berries if we have any on hand). This time around I had watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries, and a peach.

Kale was the green for today, we typically use spinach but were out when I made this smoothie.

For a little extra substantial-ness, oats and raw almonds. Sometimes chia seeds if we have them on hand.

A splash of almond/coconut milk for a smooth and creamy consistency. This can also be substituted with yogurt or regular cow's milk.

And ice!

Blend, add ice, repeat.

The final product. Not quite as green as usual, and not quite as pretty as usual, but still tasted great. If you don't believe me, try making one yourself. You won't be disappointed and you'll feel great all day for it!

Green Smoothie Recipe:

Makes 2 very large (meal size) smoothies

- 1 cup orange juice

- 2 cups fruit, chopped

- 1 cup packed greens

- 1/2 cup yogurt, almond milk, soy milk, or cow's milk

- 1/3 cup oats

- 1/4 cup nuts

- 4-5 large ice cubes

Directions:

- Blend!

- Serve in a mason jar for best results.

* Note - if using frozen fruit, you can leave out the ice. I usually use fresh fruit so I add some ice to give the smoothie a little extra thickness and to make it cold.

Vegan Strawberry Rhubard Apple Crisp

I stopped at a little road side stand a few days ago and came home with these treasures:

I had plans already in mind for the rhubarb and strawberries. Since my pie crust making abilities are lacking, pie was out of the question. What else to do with this amazing combination of spring delicacies? Crisp! Crispy, buttery, oat filled crisp!

But first, the process.

The actual crisp part consisted of old fashioned oats, sunflower seeds, coconut butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon.

But before the crisp goes on, the fruits get a little citrus and sugar dusting.

Mix up all the crisp ingredients (only your bare hands will do for this).

and spread it evenly on top.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and pop it in there for 25-30 minutes.

The crisp will come out golden, well, crispy.

If you're trying to stay with the vegan theme, serve with some coconut ice cream (found at most health food stores). If not, serve with any kind of dairy filled ice cream or whipped cream of your choice. I topped mine with a little drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkle of sugar. Divine!

Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb Apple Crisp Recipe:

Serves 6

- 2 cups strawberries, trimmed and cut into large chunks

- 2 cups rhubarb, trimmed and cut into small pieces

- 1 cup apple (granny smith or golden delicious work best), cut into small pieces

- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

- 1/4 cup flour

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup coconut oil

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

- Place cut up strawberries, rhubarb, and apple in a lightly oiled baking dish. The one I used was a size smaller than a 9 x 13 pan.

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

- Mix together the oats, seds, flour, and sugar.

- Add the coconut oil, vanilla, and cinnamon.

- Use your hands to mix everything together. The mixture will be crumbly and slightly moist.

- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the fruit.

- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the oats are golden and the fruit is soft and cooked through.

- Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or plain!