fruit smoothie frozen bars

2 org. bananas

2 c. org. strawberries

1/2 c. org. mango

1/4 c. org. blueberries

1/2 c. org. unsweetened almond milk

Blend/Emulsify until smooth.

Pour into popsicle molds.

Freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight.

This recipe makes 6 large treats!

cauliflower wings & blueberry-oat-flax waffles (gluten free, vegan)

Vegan Wings & Waffles

Belgian Waffle Mix

1 c. soy flour

2 c. oat flour

1 T sugar

½ t salt
1 T flax/2 T hot water (flax egg)

1 T baking powder

1/2 c almond milk

carbonated water

2 T olive oil (you can season your griddle with 1, but add at least one to your batter)

1 t vanilla flavor

blueberries & maple syrup

Cauliflower Wings Batter

soy flour, corn flour, flax, hot water, vinegar, almond milk, soda, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, onion powder

Use soy flour or corn flour for dusting pieces after dipping them into the batter. Fry until golden brown.

You can pre-bake your cauliflower pieces but it is not necessary to achieve a tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside vegan wing that is oh-so-delicious!

product review: shred emulsifier

I call it the budget friendly Vitamaster. It’s a product endorsed by Dr. Ian Smith and Kimberley Locke. For those that do not know him, he’s a health and wellness psychologist who was the featured nutritionist from the show Celebrity Fit Club. He’s an author and is often a guest on many shows: Dr. Oz, The Doctors, Rachel Ray, etc. If you do not know Kim, she is a former contestant of American Idol "Band of Gold" notoriety and of course Celebrity Fit Club.

Enough plug-ins, here we go!

After a week of struggle with UPS and the delivery, it finally arrived. Opening the box was an adventure. This bad boy is huge! The base is enormous. The contents include: owner’s manual, quick start guide to ‘slim down’, and a recipe book.

If it can make a smoothie, fine and delicate it’s a winner for me! Let’s go! It has a powerful motor housed in the base. It's as loud as a Mack Truck, but it's a beast. I love it so far. I will post more recipes as I continue to learn more about my latest product purchase.

Berry Blast Smoothie

8-10 oz almond milk

2 T Vega One All-in-One Nutrition Shake

2 T ground oats

½ c mixed berries (strawberries/blueberries)

½ c frozen banana

½ t vanilla extract

***

 Green Blast Smoothie

½ banana

½ pear

2 T ground oats
2 T Vega One All-in-One Nutrition Shake

1-2 celery stalks

¼ t ground cloves

8-10 oz almond milk

1 bunch of greens (kale or spinach)

meal replacement

A year past maintenance and folks are likely wondering why am I talking about meal replacement. It is simple. I get a little bored with my snack options. I am a lover of desserts, but would rather have a healthier alternative. I need to infuse more fruits, berries mostly, into my daily nutrition.

A few years ago I discontinued use of meal replacements. The ones I did stock reached expiration. However since, I occasionally picked up a packet here and there, but nothing major. I was always a fan of Spirutein and Hemp Pro. 

Going forward, I paid a visit to my favorite vitamin supplement site, and discovered a special for the new year on meal replacement/fitness powders. I found my old trusted Hemp Pro at a fabulous price. I also spun my wheels a bit looking for an additional plain and chocolate variety. The plain is a base that can be flavored to my taste. You can never go wrong with chocolate. The brand of choice is VEGA. It is plant-based. I have tried the plain with strawberries, blueberries, banana, and a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. Delicious. 

I will try the chocolate. I have great expectations for it, like adding peanut butter, banana, and perhaps a couple of Tablespoons of oat powder. The serving size for VEGA is a huge scoop measuring approximately to 4 Tablespoons. That is a little aggressive for me to start. Two tablespoons is more my frequency. 

Many independent contractors approached me to try their meal replacements. I am not a fan of a lot of protein without a fiber content. Plus the price point must be friendly. I am very much aware that many of these companies are mostly multi-level marketing businesses, driven for-profit and prize. I am not here for that.

blueberry muffins

this recipe will make 1/2 dozen

1 cup fresh blueberries (if frozen, fold as is to avoid coloring your batter)
1 cup AP flour
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 T baking powder
1/2 cup baking splenda or sugar
1/4 t salt
1 jumbo egg
1/4 cup rice milk
1 T vegetable oil
1/2 stick of butter softened
1/2 cup sour cream

Soften butter, then cream sugar with butter. Add oil, sour cream, milk, and egg. Combine dry ingredients then gradually add to wet ingredients. Fold in blueberries. Fill six paper lined muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Yummy!

Blueberry Muffins

protein yogurt fruit bars

*This recipe is designed for the 6 count Tupperware Mold or equivalent
1 cup of frozen fruit or berries
1/2 cup banana
1/2 cup of Plain Yogurt
3/4 cup of Soy Milk
3 pkgs sweetner (depending how sweet you like it)
1 T of Lemon Juice

1) Add all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
2) Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for about 4 to 6 hours or until set.
3) If you find them difficult to remove from the mold, dip the bottom of the popsicle mold in warm water for about 5 seconds and they should come out nice and easy.