Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Piña-vocado Smoothies from Kathy Patalsky's 365 Vegan Smoothies

Piña-vocado Smoothie - 365 Vegan Smoothies
Tuesday Morning Instagram!
Smoothies... our go-to fuel when we need to hit the road fast.  Easy to pop into a blender, easy to fill with that rainbow of fruits and veggies, and in a word, good.  Since my kids were wee ones I've counted on the smoothie or blended juice to get in the greens they won't eat and to help fuel their day with plant-based ingredients.  But after time I'll admit my smoothie repertoire tends to get a bit repetitive.  Until now.

We've talked about of blog mail in the past, and last week a box popped open to reveal my very own copy of 365 Vegan Smoothies by the esteemed Kathy Patalsky.  I've long been a fan of Kathy's blog, Happy. Healthy. Life, and I'm now a fan of her Smoothie Book.  With 365 plant-filled recipes she's single-handedly breathed a breath of fresh air into our days.

Opening her vibrant book, I got all the way to recipe number 6 before finding the recipe to I wanted to post, the Piña-vocado.  Featuring frozen pineapple and banana, it was the addition of my beloved avocado that stopped me in my tracks and had me heading to the blender.  Topped with a sprinkle of tropical coconut, the kids gratefully accepted their snack on the run.

But we didn't stop there!!  Since receiving the book we've experimented with new tastes almost daily and in the process we've increased our rainbow of fruit and veggie by leaps and bounds.  For example... the Spicy Cantaloupe Cooler brings a lovely hue of orange which contrasts with the Blueberry Island Kiss that transported us for a few moments to a sandy beach in the islands.


Bananas
Spotted bananas... prized by smoothie makers and bakers everywhere!!  Can't use them fast enough?  Peel, slice into 1-inch rounds and freeze.  (slice into a zip top bag, then spread flat in the freezer for easier use)
But Kathy doesn't stop with just fruited versions.  The Almond Butter Morning shake has become a favorite of mine bringing a dose of protein to the cup with a balanced blend of protein, fat and complex carbs that keeps me fueled for hours.

And 365 Vegan Smoothies isn't just for vegans, it's plant-based foods that will help you blend your way to health and wellness all year round, and is perfect for anyone with a penchant for smoothies.  I think Kathy sums it up best:


"Creating and drinking a tall, frosty, beautiful smoothie is an act of pure bliss.  You start by gathering a few of your favorite healthy ingredients.  Then after a quick swirl in a blender, those ingredients spin into brand new delicious creations.  I look at smoothies as a daily boost.  In one colorful glass you are getting a wide rainbow of nutrients."

With a chapter on "Smoothies 101" Kathy covers all the smoothie basics including kitchen tips, equipment and ingredients.  The pages then take the reader through smoothie themes including Detox Smoothies to start the year of right, and then moves on to Energizing, Slim-down, Calming, Healthy Digestion, Heart Health, Anti-aging and even Beauty Smoothies.  Each recipe includes a full summary of the smoothie's nutritional profile and Kathy goes on to explain the benefits of the included ingredients.  What more could a smoothie-maker want??

Oh... what about pretty pictures??  I'm a sucker for a book with beautiful photography, and while not every smoothie has been photographed, the book is splashed with eye-candy and brilliant colors.

Our thanks to Kathy for sharing her book with us, and for bringing new life to our blended drinks.  We're on a goal to keep up our rainbow every day and with her smoothies we're well on our way.

Piña-vocado Smoothie - 365 Vegan Smoothies

Piña-vocado Smoothie
Kathy says, "Take a mini detox-motivation vacation with this swoon-worthy, sunny smoothie, which features tropical banana, bromelain-rich pineapple, and electrolyte-rich coconut water ice cubes to help you revive your body and satisfy your taste buds.  A nice dose of fiber from the banana and pineapple helps you detox from the inside out."
Liv says, "Thank you for something different!!  Yes!!!"

1 cup orange juice
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/3 cup mashed avocado
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup coconut water ice cubes
1 tsp shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
2 tsp chia seed (our addition - optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend from low to high until frosty smooth.  Enjoy!

Liv Life Note:  Make too much??  Don't toss this precious smoothie... freeze into popsicle molds for a later use. 

Note:  Liv Life received a copy of 365 Vegan Smoothies for the purpose of review, however all thoughts and opinions are our own.  We only put our stamp of approval on products we truly support and this book is one of themThis post contains Amazon Affiliate links to the cookbook, and we appreciate your support!

21 comments:

  1. Love the coconut water ice cubes, avocado and chia seeds! Sounds like a nice resource for smoothie inspiration!

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    1. The book is a fabulous resource!! And we're having a blast working our way through it. The kids are ever so thankful for something new!! ;)

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  2. This smoothie sounds delicious. I love avocado, but have never tried them in a smoothie. I need to try this!

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    1. We use it often Sandi... it brings a nice creamy smoothie, and you'd never know it's there if you didn't know it already!

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  3. I've got all the ingredients on hand for this except the banana. I'm going to pick some up tomorrow and make this! It looks super-refreshing!!

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  4. Love the banana and avocado together! Never thought of that before!

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    1. Creamy, creamy, creamy!! And frosty... kids love the combo!

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  5. Oh yum! What a perfect way to start the day!

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    1. It really was... the kids made a second batch to make into popsicles!

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  6. I love everything about this smoothie!

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  7. Oh, I bet the banana and avocado combine to make the most wonderful texture. This sounds like a fantastic way to start one's day!

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    1. Thanks Adri!! the combo is one we return to often... perfect start to the day!! Or... end to the night.

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  8. I love adding avocado to smoothies! I'll have to give this one a try soon. :)

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  9. How is it I never thought to freeze leftover smoothie! What a great idea!

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  10. I never freeze leftover smoothie....I actually feel a little silly now knowing I dump it down the drain!

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  11. This sounds delicious Kim and I bet it sticks with you all morning too!

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  12. Frozen pineapple chunks and ripe bananas overflow in my freezer. Ripe bananas are a staple in every single one of my smoothies!

    I never thought to add avocado to smoothies, but I'm going to have to try it - Looks amazing! Bet it tastes amazing, too. This smoothie books sounds like such an excellent resource. I'm always looking for new smoothie recipes to try!

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  13. It is amazing! I tried it and now it's beenough added to my list of favorites :) I used almond cocount milk in place of coconut water though.

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