Blueberry Almond Butter Maca Smoothie - Boost the Mood

Blueberry smoothies seem to be a staple in just about every smoothie shop you enter, and for good reason - most everyone loves a blueberry!

According to Dr. Greger of NutritionFacts.Org, one should be including at least one serving of berries in their diet per day.  And with a fiber-rich profile, blueberries and their Vitamin C and Manganese content seem to be a good one to add.

Add in a handful of greens, banana, a spoonful of almond butter and a few teaspoons of one of the newest superfoods on the market - Maca - and we have another certified Super Smoothie.

Are you familiar with Maca?  A cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru, maca has been revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.  Maca, however didn't cross my radar until I did a little research on menopausal symptoms.

After a few sleepless nights along with a hot flash or two I took to the internet for natural perimenopausal symptom relief, and time and again maca came as a suggestion. Maca, it seems, helps to balance hormone levels and to control the amount of estrogen in the body.  According to a study in the International Journal of Biomedical Science, maca proved to balance hormone levels, relieved symptoms of menopause, and actually increased bone density in the study participants.

Good enough for me to try... And with its slighty earthy and mildly nutty flavor, maca seemed the perfect addition to one of my favorite smoothies including almond better. I've grown to love the combo so much this smoothie hits my blender 4-5 times a week, and the rest of the family asks for it as well.

And the symptoms?  I have to admit I didn't have many before, but I've not had any more hot flushes (or flashes), I'm sleeping well, and not a single night sweat to report.  I'll have to keep up with it as my age keeps aging and will definitely keep you posted.

I'll be researching more on maca and will let you know what I learn.

Cheers my friends!

Kim 

Blueberry Lime Detox Cooler

Three weeks of vacation - pure, wonderful, indulgent vacation - has left me in somewhat of a food coma and ready for fresh, revitalizing foods.  Which brings me directly to today's Blueberry Lime Cooler recipe.  

Light and refreshing, I've prepared this minty drink for the last three days and have found it an ideal "get me going" drink on sluggish jet lagged mornings.

Filled with antioxidant-rich blueberries, protein and vitamin rich spinach, digestion enhancing mint and a bright squeeze of lime, this cooler is easing by post vacation blues and helping me transition to the slightly chillier end of summer mornings.

Blueberry Lime Detox Cooler
A get you back on track nutritious drink that sets your morning off in the perfect direction.  Light and refreshing, it's a great way to start the day!

1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 handful organic spinach
1 Tbs oatmeal
1 Tbs goji berries
2-5 leaves organic mint
juice of 1 lime (more if desired)

Place all items into your blender and blend until smooth.  The mint leaves usually bring quite a bit of flavor, so adjust to your taste by using more or less - we use between 3-5 leaves, I love a nice minty drink! 

Add more water if smoothie it too thick.

 

Apple Pie Smoothie - Vegan Recipe

National food days... who decides them?  I mean seriously, how is today, April 13th, simultaneously National Fruit Cocktail Day, National Hummus Day AND National Apple Pie Day?  I simply don't get it.

Nonetheless.  This morning I made Liv one of her favorite smoothies, something she dubbed an "Apple Pie Smoothie" way back when she was little.  And don't you know, today just happens to be National Apple Pie Day?

So it seemed fitting to share this creamy, vegan Apple Pie Smoothie recipe with you to include you in our coincidental celebration!

Creamy with Liv's favorite frozen banana, this simple concoction of apples, almond milk, almond butter, cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg sweetened with a splash of pure maple syrup brings the essence of apple pie to your cup.  But without the sugars and fats of the real thing.

Join us as we toast National Apple Pie Day and sip our pie before heading out to start the day.

Anti Inflammatory Tropical Turmeric Smoothie and Bowl

Oh what I wouldn't give for a day or two on a tropical island right about now.  A few swaying palms, a hammock strung between them, and someone serving me frosty drinks with a touch of coconut...

Well, I may not be able to swing the hammock, but the drink?  I've got us covered!

Frosty and sweet with island pineapple and luscious mango, this smoothie brings not only a bit of an escape, but a few health benefits along with it.

Last month Mom's doc prescribed turmeric for joint pain and inflammation, and we've been working all angles to get more turmeric into her diet. Her knees and hips have been giving her trouble lately with chronic pain and we're up for trying anything to bring a bit of relief.

Recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to fight inflammation and chronic pain, turmeric dates back some 4,000 years to Southern India and Indonesia where history shows its use medicinally as well as as a beauty aid, spice and in the worship of the Sun Gods.

Years later Buddhist monks traveled great distances in search of the roots to dye their robs those familiar brilliant yellow/golden hues.  Evidence also shows medicinal use of turmeric as part of ancient Chinese medicine as an aid in digestion and for both the prevention and therapy of numerous diseases.

So what's the big deal with this golden hued root?  Research shows that curcumin, an antioxidant found in turmeric, works to promote a natural inflammatory response by molecularly inhibiting the expression of the COX-2 "pain" enzyme (1).  While curcumin extracts provide the most concentrated doses of the helpful antioxidant, we can supplement throughout the day with turmeric root in recipes for additional benefits and, as an added bonus, exotic flavors.

I'm by no means an expert on turmeric, but I can tell you mom has experienced slight relief since beginning her use of the root.  Power of suggestion?  Maybe.  But whatever the reason she's feeling a little better and we've all begun incorporating more turmeric into our diets (Note that curcumin is far better absorbed by the body when accompanied by a small dose of ground pepper) and enjoying so many new recipes in the process.

So, tropical and healthful?  This smoothie, or smoothie bowl, has it all.  Pineapple and ginger are wonderful for digestion and sweetness, mango brings even more of the lovely orange/golden hues, and a dash of coconut lends an essence of my beloved swaying palms.

Whether sipped with a straw or poured into a bowl and topped with your favorite smoothie bowl goodies (banana, chia, granola and goji top my list of favorites!), this Tropical Turmeric Smoothie is a welcome post workout refresher or as a bowl filled with goodies, a lovely way to start your day.

Smoothie turned smoothie bowl with the addition of toppings!  This one includes mandrin orange, banana, chia seeds, goji berries, granola and a sprinkle of coconut!

Orange Banana Matcha Smoothie

Zen ~ "A state of focus that incorporates a toghetherness of body and mind.  Zen is a way of being.  It's also a state of mind.  Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts."

~ Urban Dictionary

Oh how I could use a bit of zen in my daily life.  With multiple schedules vying for my attention, a dog wanting a walk, errands and household chores to be done, meals to be made and a husband asking if I want to go to lunch, my mind often finds itself overwhelmed and in desperate need of focus.  

And that's how I expect Rebekah, of Making Miracles, must feel sometimes as well.  Making Miracles with her own family as well as spreading love to others, Rebekah also finds time to keep her blog filled with recipes.  And it was those recipes I perused to fulfill this month's Blogger C.L.U.E. Assignment of "Healthy".  Piquing my interest??  Rebekkah's refreshing Orange Matcha Smoothie.

A new find for me in 2016, matcha simply exudes health.  Definitely not a new product as green tea dates back some 5,000 years and is described as "so precious it could only be of royal origins promoting health in mind and body." ~ The Way of Matcha, but new to my kitchen and I'm ever so happy.

Thankfully matcha now finds itself available to us common folk as well as those royals, and a quick click of the mouse will have Amazon sending you an organic Japanese version in under 48 hours.

But what makes matcha healthy?  First off -  antioxidants.  Lots of them, and some special ones at that.  Apparently in the antioxidant world, catechins make up some of the most powerful antioxidants, and one in particular - the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) - makes up some 60% of matcha's catechins.  Known for its cancer fighting properties, EGCg definitely fills that healthy bill.

In addition, matcha brings health to the mind with its calming yet focusing effects. Long used by Chinese Daoists and Zen Buddhists, matcha green tea allows one to relax while still remaining alert.  Known to enhance mood, improve memory and increase concentration, matcha shows a picture of health.

Covered during the last few weeks of growth the tea leaves are deprived of light, thereby causing a tremendous increase in chlorophyll production in the new growth and thereby bringing matcha is brilliant green hues.  With those high amounts of chlorophyll matcha adds detox abilities to its already amazing resume.  Removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body, matcha is more than just "zen".

Have I convinced you on matcha yet?  My husband actually convinced me weeks ago when he sent articles on matcha and proceeded to order an organic culinary (made for adding to foods, not for making tea) grade all on his own - not something he normally does.  But what to do with it?

Thanks to Rebekkah and my dad's orange crop (he dropped a Trader Joe's sized bag of the fruit on my doorstep a few days ago!) we now have a new regular smoothie in our repertoire.  Refreshing with bright orange and green tea flavors, the smoothie finds its creaminess from frozen banana.

Sighing as I slowly sipped, I closed my eyes wroking on the schedule for the busy day in front of me.  Feeling amazingly calm the schedule somehow seemed manageable.  

Perhaps it was the additional focus and concentrating power of the tea, or maybe it was just the fact I was home alone with a puppy on my lap and a fabulous smoothie in front of me... whichever, it was that Matcha Smoothie that put me into a zen state of mind.  You'll find me sipping another tomorrow.

Now join me as we focus on the rest of our Blogger C.L.U.E. Group to explore even more healthy offerings from around the world!

  

   

Apricot Muffins by Azmina from Lawyer Loves Lunch

   

Broccoli Stalk Feta Salad by Stacy from Food Lust People Love

   

Citrus Shrimp by Lauren from Sew You Think You Can Cook

   

Couscous with Chicken and Vegetables by Sue from A Palatable Pastime

   

Ginger-Citrus Grilled Salmon by Kathy from A Spoonful of Thyme

   

Irish Seafood Cocktail by Kate from Kate's Kitchen

   

Massaged Kale Salad by Anna from annaDishes

   

Mediterranean Chopped Salad by Christy from Confessions of a Culinary Diva

   

Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad by Christiane from Taking on Magazines

   

Orange Banana Matcha Smoothie by Kim from Liv Life

   

Red Lion Inn Swordfish by Lea Ann from Cooking on the Ranch

   

Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower (with a kick) by Debra from Eliot's Eats

   

Sophie's Chopped Salad by Rebekah from Making Miracles

   

Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing by Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

   

White Bean Chili by Lisa from Authentic Suburban Gourmet

   

Winter Salad of Roasted Beets, Avocado and Grapefruit by Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Don't want your smoothie in a cup?  Turn it into a Smoothie Bowl topped with extra goodies like sliced banana, frozen blueberries, granola, seeds and nuts.

2015 Year in Review - Liv Life Top 10

Summarizing 02015 for a girlfriend, the year didn't seem to be one I wanted to recap.  She asked if I really wasn't going to write our annual Christmas Letter, something I've done with zeal for as long as I can remember, and I shook my head no.  Memories filled with emotion, hospitals and loss flashed through my head as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

But further reflection warmed my heart as I recounted successes experienced by my kids, the kindness of friends, warm days on the beach shooting sunsets, puppy kisses, and the love of my family.

And then there's Liv Life and the blog world I'm ever so thankful for.  Friends from around the world who touch my life with frequency and share my passion for food warm my heart even more.  Touching the life of people I've never met with a new recipe or health tip, or perhaps opening someones eyes to a new way of eating continues to ignite my passion to share.

While a holiday card didn't make it into the mail this year, I did take a peek at our 2015 stats out of curiosity and found this year's focus different than in years past.

Admittedly my focus on food and ingredients changed to a more healthy and mostly plant-based style last year, but we still brought tempting treats as well as a cocktail or two.  Amazingly, those cocktails and treats weren't the overwhelming popular posts as in prior years.  This year the posts that "went viral" included Green Tea and Marinated Sweet Peppers.  Gone were the Strawberry Margarita Tequila Shots, though the Margarita Roundup did have quite a run near Cinco de Mayo.
I'd like to think there is a healthy trend in the food world, but perhaps it's simply the change in my focus.  In any case, I can't thank you all enough for supporting Liv Life and continuing to feed my passion.  Each and every comment touches my heart and inspires me with renewed love and ideas.

So Cheers to a new year - hopefully one filled with health and happiness for all. And now we bring you the Liv Life Top 10 in 2015!

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11 ~ Vegan Vanilla Crispy Belgian Waffles

I know I said 10... but these Crispy Belgian Waffles sit at 11 and rank up there as on of our favorite recipes ever.  Oft requested by Liv and her girlfriends, I simply had to share again!

10 ~ Coconut Sweet Potato Soup with a touch of Lime 

A recent post that seemed to pique interest as the 2015 weather turned chilly, this sweet potato soup sings with a touch of lime.  Silky smooth with coconut milk, this warm weather soup transports you to the tropics when you close your eyes.

 9 ~ Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ice Cream... always a favorite in the Liv Life household and this coconut version is no exception.  Dairy-Free so everyone can enjoy - but your non dairy-free friends will never miss the heavy cream.  

8 ~ Grilled Corn California Mexican Quinoa

A homework project turned new favorite meal... I've never been so thankful Liv chose to take Spanish as when she needed a dish from a "Spanish speaking country" for her final project.  Putting our heads together we added some of our favorite ingredients including avocado, quinoa and lime, and then topped it all with a our favorite Lime Crema for the win.  And the bonus??  She got an A on the project.

7 ~ Almond Butter Chia Protein Balls

 Trying to heal while in the hospital with "hospital food" falls into the "not gonna happen" category.  So, when dad spent a few days recovering from knee replacement surgery last summer we brought in most of his food.  Tops on the list?  These protein balls he and his roommate dubbed "Awesome Balls"!

6 ~ Blueberry Banana Almond Smoothie

Blueberries, Bananas and Almond Butter... who knew the combo brings a concoction so heavenly no one will know it's healthy?!  A new Liv Life favorite, I feel good fueling Liv with antioxidant-rich fruits and a decent dose of protein.

5 ~ Not-so-classic Margarita Round Up

Ahhh... the classic margiarita!  A favorite of mine since my college days, but does it always have to be "classic"?  Apparently not - and we've brought 10 not-so-classic versions to tempt you.

3 ~ Classic Brownies with Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

Classic Brownies, a treat most people (especially me!) can't resist.  But how does one get that shiny crust on top??  We've got the secret with this classic recipe!

2 ~ Marinated Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers

 Simply marinated and then tossed on the grill, this easy appetizer ranks as a favorite just about everywhere we go.  Dipped into a zesty Balsamic Garlic Vinaigrette these cute little guys are practically irresistible.

1 ~ Green Tea with Ginger and Mint

 Who would have guessed a Green Tea Detox Drink would rank as our number one viewed post this year?  But with restorative health benefits, I can totally see why.  Lovely on a hot day but also perfect after a late night with perhaps a bit too much imbibing - Green Tea, Mint and Ginger are number one in our book.

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And there you have it!  Our 2015 year in review... and not such a bad year when I look back at these recipes that have become regulars in our kitchen.  Our heartfelt thanks for visiting Liv Life, and here's wishing you a wonderful and healthy 2016.

Cheers to you! 

Blueberry Banana Almond Smoothie

Blueberry and banana... simply one of life's perfect combos, and one we've been blending to morning smoothies for years.  Be it an addition to a plethora of fruits, creamy with yogurt or milk of some sort, or just blended together for a creamy frozen treat, we never tire of the pair.

But today we added almond, and oh my heavens, I have a new favorite.  Already creamy with almond milk, I attempted to boost Liv's protein even more with a scoop of almond butter, and the addition elevated the smoothie to pure decadence.

Almost more dessert tasting than healthy morning starter, Liv's comment of, "Mom... Yes. You totally win!" as she sent a snapchat to her friends had my heart swelling.

While we used almond milk for our version, any milk will do, and I can only imagine a carton of creamy vanilla yogurt would be a delightful addition.  Blueberries, banana and almond butter... who knew?

Blueberry Banana Almond Smoothie
Creamy and filled with blueberry banana goodness, a scoop of almond butter gives this a milkshake taste.
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1 cup almond milk (we use unsweetened Silk original)
1 cup organic blueberries
1/2 to 3/4 cup frozen banana (about 1 medium)
1-2 Tbs almond butter
1 Tbs maple syrup (optional)
Dash cinnamon

handful ice

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy.  If the mix is too thick add additional milk or a little water.

Garnish with a blueberry or two and enjoy! 

Arugula Apple Detox Drink

Years ago (like over 25...) my husband mentioned "I wish we could just take a pill for all of our nutritional needs... it would make things so much easier."

Apparently bachelor guys in the Air Force may not have the time or desire during pilot training to really cook, and may perhaps end up eating Lean Cuisine type meals over and over and over for nearly a year.  Hence... the idea of a pill isn't so bad.

Me??  Growing up with a dad in the restaurant business (Dad had the Windjammer in Tiburon, CA if you happen to remember it) spoiled me rotten, and I found the idea of living on a pill somewhat appalling.  As such I've spent these 25 years showing my husband that food is a good thing, it can not only be nutritionally sound but also tasty, satisfying and fun.

I'm happy to say he's come around, and I actually laugh as he works with me to plan our vacations around researched restaurants.  He's done wonderfully well enjoying and looking forward to food until an issue about a year ago.

Last Christmas we gifted ourselves one of those super powerful blenders and began blending up all sorts of tasty drinks.  Until my husband began blending, that is.  Reverting to his old ways, he felt that the more he put into one blended drink, the healthier it was, and it didn't matter how it tasted.

And trust me... it didn't taste good.  The color of mud and with essence of grass clippings, he stuffed so much "healthy stuff" into the drinks no one else could - or would even try to - get them down.

Back to basic training, I've been working to show him that certain flavors work better together, and that perhaps stuffing an entire day's nutrition into one blended drink might not be the optimal idea.  He grumbled at first, then muttered, "Fine... see if you can do better."

So I did.

Enter the Arugula Apple Detox Drink.  Just 7 ingredients plus ice, yet bringing a few superfoods together to provide a super healthy, one has an enjoyable green drink.

After a weekend of indulging I often find the need to fill myself with healthy ingredients, and I find this green drink a nice way to start the day, or perhaps to finish a day off.

But... best music to my ears?  

"Honey... can you make that blended drink you made the other day??  You know... the one that didn't taste like grass clippings??"   My work here is done. 

Piña-vocado Smoothies from Kathy Patalsky's 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.

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.

Coconut Mango Pops with Blueberries

Summer... it's meant for leisurely days by the pool with a cold popsicle in hand, isn't it??  We spent years buying rainbows of store bought pops, but when the kids smiled at me with lips dyed red and blue my heart always felt a little sad as I had purposefully served my kids some sort of chemically food dye.  Hence... we started freezing whole fruit smoothie recipes and we've never looked back.

This week these pops have come in particularly handy, though they weren't consumed lounging leisurely by the pool.  As I mentioned in the last post, this past week brought a nasty stomach bug that now has me trying to refuel my girl with nutrients, and as soon as her stomach could again hold food her first request was a mango pop.

Made with potassium rich coconut water, these pops work to replenish fluids better than sports drinks, and while I'd love to get Liv to sip on coconut water alone, she's not really a fan.  So in the pop it goes.

Sweetened with mango and banana I also tossed in whole blueberries for a little texture (frozen blueberries are a favorite snack in the Liv Life household) and they look pretty to boot.  Frozen, the pops go down slowly and are perfect for helping refuel after a stomach bug.

All fruit, no additives or yucky dyes, you'll want to keep extras on hand.  Today??  We're all healthy again and I have 3 girls leisurely lounging by the pool... their first request?  Coconut Mango Pops.  Bring on the summer San Diego sun!

Spicy Strawberry-Banana Mango Slushers

Being a food blogger has its perks.  For example, when my friendly FedEx Guys drops an unexpected package at my doorstep on a hot spring weekend morning when we were just packing up for a few hours at the beach.  Dropping my old magazine like a hot chili pepper, the new cookbook from Melissa's Produce, The Great Pepper Cookbook, immediately took its place in my bag and I spent an enjoyable day lounging by the waves with one of my favorite activities... cookbook reading.

Feeling a little left out after Liv's schedule had me missing what sounded to be a fabulous event introducing the book at Melissa's Headquarters (you can read about it at Barbara Cook's), receiving the book had me giddy from the first page.

Melissa's Produce, the largest variety distributor of fresh and dried peppers, brings this new cookbook filled with pepper-packed recipes appealing to everyone form the heat-averse to the ultimate chile-head.

Beginning with the Scoville Scale (Wilber Scoville developed a test to determine the "hotness" of peppers) then moving you through various varieties of fresh and dried peppers, the Great Pepper Cookbook then brings some 140 pepper recipes on pages splashed with gorgeous colorful photos.  From breakfast and brunch to sandwiches, salads and soups and on to main entrees, sides and desserts, peppers have a place at every meal and the choice of "hotness" is up to you.

While I can personally vouch for the Mexican O'Brien Potatoes and the Tomato, Cucumber and Grilled Corn Salad, it was this Spicy Strawberry-Banana Mango Slusher that took the prize for our favorite recipe... so far.

My husband, the above mentioned "chile-head", can't seem to get enough heat in his food.  Making salsa for the family he usually forgets to check if the pepper he is using is hot and simply adds the whole thing or two, occasionally making it so hot no one else in the family can eat it and he gets a bowl to himself.

Hence, this spicy slusher seemed the perfect morning wake-up for him, and I loved serving it, watching him grab the smoothie without looking and the surprise on his face when after a few sips his beloved heat filled his mouth.  Melissa's book had called for a fresh Manzano pepper, which I unfortunately didn't have on hand, but the idea to spice it up was set and a simple grind of my pantry staple, crushed red pepper, made a wonderful substitution.  Next time I'm out I'll be on the lookout for the Manzano which is said to be round and about the size of a walnut, but until I find one, crushed red pepper brings a nice spice to this special smoothie.

As for  The Great Pepper Cookbook... if you are a pepper fan this book is a must have.  Bringing a little spice or simply a pepper flavor into the average dish, I've got enough pages turned down to keep me busy for months.  Next up?  Guajillo Chile Zucchini Bread... stay tuned!!