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“More Peas Please!” Green Smoothie

More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple PieThis month I had the challenge from Stonyfield to come up with a green smoothie. I’ve made plenty of smoothies with green stuff in them. But I wanted to try something new.

As I was pureeing peas for my six month old it dawned on me that peas are quite sweet. They would be the perfect green component to a smoothie!

It also just so happens that my oldest just got an expander…and could hardly chew while she adjusted to it. I was feeding her soft food like yogurt and applesauce.

But she wasn’t eating many vegetables. I could have pureed some for her, but she’s not a big fan of that. So I gave them to her in a smoothie!

This is my “More peas please!” green smoothie. It will have your kids begging for peas.  The peas give it a nice bright color (my daughter said it looks like a mint shake). Then I add some pear and honey for extra sweetness. This is perfect for spring and St. Patrick’s Day!More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

If you need an extra boost of fruit flavor you can add a few strawberries, blueberries or cherries. It will change the color a bit, though.

As with all of my smoothies I like to use them to boost nutrition. That is especially true when I have a child not able to eat their normal diet.

I use full fat yogurt. I like the Stonyfield whole milk plain yogurt. Then I add egg yolk, gelatin and sea salt to the mix.

You can make the smoothie fresh or prepare it the night before. Then just grab it out of the fridge for an easy breakfast. You can also pour it into popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat (this really works well to give nutritious food to sick or picky kids).

My daughter can be very picky when it comes to smoothies. But she drank this whole thing without complaint.

Are you struggling to get your kids to eat something green? Give this smoothie a try. Your kids will be begging for more peas please!

If you don’t tolerate or are allergic to peas (like my son) you can use another mild green vegetable like green beans. If you want to use greens like spinach be sure to cook them first to eliminate oxalates.

More Peas Please Green Smoothie | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

"More Peas Please!" Green Smoothie
Serves 1
A sweet and fruity green smoothie with peas.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/4 cup frozen peas (thawed/rinsed under hot water)
  2. 1/2 cup full fat plain yogurt
  3. 3/4 - 1 medium pear
  4. 2 Tbsp. honey (or maple syrup)
  5. 1 egg yolk (optional)
  6. 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  7. 1 - 2 tsp. collagen (optional)
  8. 2 Tbsp. strawberries, blueberries, cherries or raspberries (optional - for extra flavor)
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until well combined and smooth.
  3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or in popsicle molds in the freezer.
Notes
  1. This can be made with coconut milk or coconut milk yogurt if you are dairy free.
  2. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
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I am working with Stonyfield to blog about the yogurt. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Bars

These quinoa bars are a great alternative to granola bars. They are soaked and gluten, dairy, egg and nut free.

Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Granola bars are so delicious! But not everyone can tolerate oats. Not to mention it’s good for everyone to have variety in their diet (help avoid those allergies!!).

So I came up with an oat free bar made with quinoa. This is another simple, soaked bar that kids love.

First the quinoa is soaked. Then it is cooked. Then mix and bake the bars. Each step takes very little hands on time. 

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I actually made two versions of quinoa bars. One with and one without coconut oil. In the end I liked them somewhere in the middle! There is a little bit of coconut oil to help bind the bars. But not so much that they are oily when you hold them.

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Bars | Just Take A Bite

No refrigeration.

So they are not as easy to eat on the go like the crunchy granola bars.  But you can always pack them in a mini cooler. I would even pack them in my daughter’s lunch box since it has a cooler.

The texture of the quinoa bars is great for  young children since they are so soft. They are also gluten, dairy, egg, nut and corn free. So they are suitable even for one year olds and those with allergies. I love having them on hand for an easy addition to lunches for my little ones still at home.

Great for nursing mamas.

Quinoa is great for boosting milk supply. So make a big batch and stock your freezer. Snack on one every day to keep your milk supply up.

Quinoa bars really pack a punch with nutrition from the flax seeds, quinoa and coconut oil. They have protein, starch and lots of healthy fat!

Are you getting sick of granola bars? Switch it up and try quinoa bars. 

Simple Soaked Quinoa Bars Just |Take A Bite

Simple Soaked Series: Quinoa Granola Bars
Yields 20
An oat free granola bar made with soaked quinoa.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup quiona
  2. 3 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  3. 3 cups water
  4. 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  5. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  6. 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or butter
  7. 1 cup coconut sugar
  8. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  9. 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit, nuts, seeds and/or chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine the quiona, water and lemon juice.
  2. Let sit 24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the quiona.
  4. In a medium saucepan combine the quinoa and 3 cups of water.
  5. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  6. Turn off heat. Let quinoa sit for 15 minutes, covered.
  7. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. Let sit 15 minutes.
  8. Heat the oven to 350*F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
  9. Add the flax seed and coconut to the cooked quinoa.
  10. Let sit 5 minutes for the flax seeds to absorb liquid.
  11. Add the remaining ingredients.
  12. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
  13. Bake for 70 minutes.
  14. Let cool 5 minutes.
  15. Cut into bars.
  16. Place the bars upside down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  17. Return to the oven and bake 30 minutes.
  18. Let cool completely. Refrigerate to solidify.
  19. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for long term storage.
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Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Simple Soaked Series: Crunchy Granola Bars

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!Next up in my simple soaked series is a staple in my house – granola bars!  These are definitely a family favorite.

One batch of granola bars makes a big batch so you can stock the freezer for easy breakfasts and snacks.  The really great thing about them is that you don’t even have to thaw them! Just grab one out of the freezer and start eating.

Soaked Crunchy Granola Bars

I’ve made many different versions of granola bars over the years. But I haven’t always prepared them the right way.

This version of granola bars uses soaked oats to reduce phytic acid content and make them easier on your tummy.  The oats are first soaked and dried. You’ll have to do this step in advance, so plan ahead. Then all you have to do is mix and bake. Homemade granola bars are so easy to make.

They are also very budget friendly! No need to pay for a box. Just make your own granola bars for a fraction of the cost…and get sixteen at a time instead of six. Making your own also means you decide on the flavor. Add any dried fruit, nuts, seeds and chocolate chips you like.

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy!

Allergen Free Granola Bars

The other unique thing about this recipe is that it makes crunchy granola bars. I grew up eating crunchy granola bars (anybody else remember the green package of the oats and honey flavor?). I’ve always like them better than chewy.

But most homemade granola bar recipes make chewy bars. So I’ve created a crunchy version. My kids like this better than chewy as well. Making crunchy granola bars also means you don’t have to use any eggs. So they are naturally gluten, egg and nut free! They can also be made dairy free.

Easy Snack on the Go

Soaked crunchy granola bars hold up really well. There is no need to refrigerate them to make them stay together. You can easily pack them in a lunch or even toss them in a diaper bag when you’re on the go.

I like to make a big batch and wrap them individually. I store them in the freezer and take individual bars out as needed.

A crunchy granola bar pairs well with whole yogurt drizzled with honey, fruity yogurt, eggs or even a handful of crispy nuts. Add a piece of fruit and you’ve got a balanced, nutritious, ready in minutes breakfast.

Are you a crunchy or chewy granola bar lover? Give this crunchy granola bar a try. Your whole family will love it.

If you like granola bars but don’t tolerate oats, stay tuned…I’ve got another great breakfast bar coming your way!

Skip the boxed granola bars loaded with HFCS and non-food like glycerin and was. Homemade crunchy granola bars made with soaked oats are easy and healthy! 

Simple Soaked Series: Crunchy Granola Bars
Yields 16
A crunchy granola bar made with soaked oats.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 cups rolled oats
  2. 1 1/2 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, yogurt, whey or kefir
  3. 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  4. 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  5. 6 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil
  6. 1/3 cup honey
  7. 1/3 cup maple syrup
  8. 1/2 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
  9. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  10. optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit, chopped nuts, seeds or chocolate chips; 1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Combine the oats and the soaking liquid.
  2. Cover and let sit 24 hours.
  3. Rinse and drain the oats.
  4. Spread the soaked oats on a dehydrator tray and dry for 8 hours (this can also be done in an oven at the lowest heat setting)
  5. Allow the dried oats to cool.
  6. Heat the oven to 325*F. Grease a 9x13 pan.
  7. Crumble the dried oats into a large bowl.
  8. Add the coconut, flax seeds, sugar and salt to the oats. Gently mix.
  9. Heat the butter, honey and syrup in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
  10. Add the butter mixture to the oat mixture. Mix well.
  11. Add any optional add-ins.
  12. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
  13. Bake for 30 minutes.
  14. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut into bars.
  15. Allow to cool completely before removing the bars from the pan.
  16. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
  1. The granola bars can be kept in the refrigerator to stay fresh longer. They can also be stored in the freezer for long term storage. There is no need to thaw granola bars.
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Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Now that we’ve learned why it’s important to properly prepare grains and how to use some common whole grains it’s time to share some simple soaked recipes. I’m starting out with sweet bread.

One of things I bake most often is sweet bread. It is perfect for breakfast, a snack or along side a big bowl of soup. Plus we all love it.

Sweet bread is a great medium for adding lots of healthy fat like butter and coconut oil to your diet. We like to really pile it on! I love a bit sea salt on top as well for a great salty sweet combination. 

A basic sweet bread recipe is the perfect starting point for many varieties of bread. You can keep it simple. Or you can create various flavor combinations by adding dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, spices and chocolate chips.

The great thing about this sweet bread is that it is soaked for easier digestion and nutrient absorption.  So you can feel good about serving it to your family.

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My kids LOVE sweet bread. I need to start making double batches so some of it can actually make it to the freezer.  We go through these two loaves in a couple days. It makes a great addition to lunch boxes for school…again piled high with butter.

If you manage to get some of your bread in the freezer it makes an easy no-prep breakfast on busy mornings. Just grab it out of the freezer, top it with butter or coconut oil and pair it with some eggs, bacon, yogurt or raw milk. Breakfast is served in no time.

This bread can also be used to make amazing french toast.  Dip slices in a dish of beaten eggs and milk and fry it in butter. Then top it with maple syrup or honey and you have a special Saturday morning breakfast.

This recipe is for gluten, dairy, nut and corn free bread. If you tolerate gluten you can make it with whole wheat, spelt or kamut flour.

No matter how you serve it or what you add to it sweet bread is delicious.  Try this base recipe and then get creative making flavors your family loves. 

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple Soaked Series: Sweet Bread
Yields 2
A basic sweet bread recipe that is soaked and gluten/dairy/nut/corn free.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups any combination of gluten free flour, stirred together to remove any clumps
  2. 3/4 cups total soaking liquid (2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, yogurt or kefir + enough water or milk to equal 3/4 cups)
  3. 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, butter or organic palm shortening
  4. 3/4 cups coconut sugar or cane sugar
  5. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  6. 1 tsp. cream or tartar (or baking powder)
  7. 1 tsp. tapioca flour or arrowroot (omit if using baking powder)
  8. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  9. 2 eggs
  10. optional: 1/2 cup add-ins: spices, nuts, fruit, dried fruit, chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine the flour and the soaking liquid.
  2. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  3. Grease a large and a medium loaf pan. Heat oven to 350*F.
  4. Add the melted fat and the dry ingredients to the soaked flour. Mix.
  5. Add the eggs. Mix.
  6. Stir in any add-ins.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 50 minutes.
Notes
  1. This bread freezes well.
  2. This bread can be made with whole wheat/splet/kamut/einkorn flour in place of the gluten free flour.
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In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Basic Grains: Amaranth

Basic Grains Amaranth | Homemade Dutch Apple PieThe final grain I am highlighting in my basic grains series is amaranth. If you are new to baking and cooking with alternative grains you may have never even heard of it.

Amaranth is one of my favorite grains for baking.  I grind the whole grain to make fresh flour. Then I usually use it for about half of my flour mixture.

Not only is amaranth great as a flour, it can also be used as the whole grain. It cooks very similarly to oats and can be used as an oatmeal substitute.

Amaranth is also similar in texture to quinoa when it cooks. It can be used in place of quinoa in your favorite recipes. The grains are small and have a little bite to them. They remind me of really tiny grains of rice.

Serve amaranth as a breakfast porridge, a warm side cooked in broth, in place of noodles or even in a cold salad. Warm it with milk and maple syrup for a rice pudding type dessert.

Like other grains Amaranth must be soaked for 24 hours to eliminate most of the phytic acid content. Then it cooks quickly for easy use in your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you are like me and don’t tolerate grains in their whole state very well be sure to try a small amount of amaranth first to see if your body handles it.  I just assumed I’d do well with whole grain amaranth since I use the flour with no problems all the time. But that was not the case.

If you are looking for more variety in your diet or need another gluten free alternative give amaranth a try. 

Basic Grains Amaranth | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Basic Grains: Amaranth
Serves 4
How to soak and cook amaranth
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup whole amaranth
  2. 1 cup warm water
  3. 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  4. 1 - 1 1/2 cups water or broth
Instructions
  1. Combine the amaranth, warm water and lemon juice.
  2. Let sit for 7-24 hours (24 is best)
  3. Pour the soaked amaranth in a medium saucepan.
  4. Add one cup of water or broth.
  5. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid is absorbed/the grain is cooked - about 10 minutes.
  6. Add extra liquid if necessary.
Notes
  1. This can be served as a porridge (like oats) with honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, butter, coconut oil, milk, yogurt, fruit, nuts and/or flax seeds.
  2. This can be a savory side dish (like rice) using broth and seasoning.
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Basic Grains: Rice

Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple PieNext in my basic grains series is another common one – rice. It is a dietary staple for so many cultures.

Rice has one of the lowest phytic acid contents of any grain. So if you forget to soak in advance, go with rice.  That being said if you do plan ahead it still helps to soak rice. It will break down the phytic acid it does contain and create a really soft and easy to digest starch for your meal.

Many people assume that using brown rice (the “whole grain” version) is better. But for many that is not the case.  I rarely use brown rice because it is harder to digest. For so long I didn’t think I tolerated rice…until I switched to white rice.

Although white rice does not have much in the way of nutrients on its own, it does provide a simple starch for energy. It is also a great medium for other nutrient dense food like butter, coconut oil and broth.  So combined they create a balance of nutrition and energy (I learned how important that is when reading The Nourished Metabolism).Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

A word of caution – as odd as it sounds rice is a pretty common allergen (my son has been rice free for about a year now). So if you eat a lot of rice because you are gluten free, make sure you aren’t eating it every day in order to avoid creating an intolerance or allergy.

Rice can be used in so many ways. It is great as a breakfast porridge with cinnamon, raisins and maple syrup. It makes a great side dish cooked in broth. Rice works well in soups. It is also a great base for things like stir fry, meatballs, stroganoff and tacos.

Let’s not forget that rice even works as a dessert in rice pudding!

One of the best things about rice is that it is so cheap! Bulk up a meal with rice to stretch  your meat and veggies without stretching your wallet. A simple meal for pennies is rice cooked in broth. Add a little butter or coconut oil and you have a perfect balance of protein, starch and fat that is easy on the tummy. Not to mention it tastes great! It’s even a good meal for when you are sick.

No matter how you like to use rice it’s best to properly prepare it. Then add some nutrient dense components and dig in! What is your favorite way to serve rice? Basic Grains Rice | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Basic Grains: Rice
Serves 4
Basic soaked rice.
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Ingredients
  1. 3/4 cup organic white or brown rice
  2. 3 cups warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, whey, kefir or yogurt
  3. 2 1/2 cups broth and/or water for white rice, 3 1/2 cups for brown rice
  4. 1 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil
  5. seasoning to taste (optional - salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs)
Instructions
  1. Combine the rice, warm water and soaking agent in a medium bowl.
  2. Cover and let sit 7-24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the rice.
  4. Place the rice and the broth/water in a medium saucepan.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (white rice) or 60 minutes (brown rice).
  7. Add extra liquid during cooking if it gets too dry.
Notes
  1. This works well as an oatmeal replacement. Simply add any sweetener, milk, dried fruit, nuts, fat, flax seeds, etc. you like to the cooked rice.
  2. White rice is lower in nutrients, but easier on digestion. It is also great for energy when combined with the nutrient dense components like broth, fat, etc.
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Basic Grains: Oatmeal

Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple PieWhen it comes to grains it doesn’t get more basic than oatmeal. It is a breakfast staple for so many.

But oatmeal may be one of the things causing digestive distress and vitamin and mineral deficiencies for many.  This is especially true if your oatmeal comes from a packet with flavorings or if you eat granola out of a box. They don’t have any nutrients to begin with.

But even if you cook plain oats you’re likely to have problems. Ever feel gassy, bloated or really full after eating oatmeal? There’s a reason.

Oats are one of the highest phytic acid containing grains. So if you are not preparing them properly oats are really hard on your body and do more harm than good.

I learned this the hard way. I used to eat store-bought granola every single day…for years. As you can  imagine I also had years of digestive problems. Now I don’t tolerate oats at all, even properly prepared.

That being said, oats are a very budget-friendly and healthy breakfast if you take the time to soak them. Honestly, oatmeal is one of the easiest breakfasts to make. You soak the oats one morning. Then the next morning they cook in five minutes!Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 3

I love that you can add so many things to a bowl of oatmeal to bump up the nutrition:

  • butter
  • coconut oil
  • raw milk or cream
  • coconut milk
  • yogurt
  • gelatin
  • cinnamon
  • fresh fruit
  • dried fruit
  • nuts
  • flax seeds
  • nut butter

You can even add probiotics and cod liver oil!

You can make a big pot of oatmeal one morning that will last all week. Then all you have to do is warm it and add new flavors. You can create all sorts of fun combinations like peanut butter banana, cinnamon raisin, strawberries and cream and chocolate chip!

My three year old loves oatmeal. It’s a special treat for him when I make it. He always claims any leftovers. My six year old, on the other hand, can’t do oatmeal. The texture is too much for her oral sensory issues. She does love granola and granola bars, though. Experiment and see what your kids think. You can adjust the liquid content to give it a different texture. Adding extra milk or water makes it more like cereal and not so thick.

Oatmeal for breakfast is great for filling bellies and giving a healthy dose of carbohydrates for energy at the start of the day. Add the nutrient dense components and pair it with some eggs or bacon and you’ve got a powerhouse breakfast.  It’s even gluten free.

If you’re like me and don’t tolerate oats you can replace oats with teff, rice or quiona.

Have you been eating your oatmeal without soaking it for years? Now’s the time to get started preparing it the right way and get the most out of your oats.Basic Grains: Oatmeal | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 2

 

Basic Grains: Oatmeal
Serves 2
Basic soaked oatmeal.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup oats (old fashioned/rolled oats)
  2. 1 cup warm water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, kefir, yogurt or whey
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  5. 2-4 Tbsp. coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey (optional)
  6. gelatin, cinnamon, dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, butter, coconut oil, yogurt, milk to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine the oats and warm water plus lemon juice in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 24 hours (or longer).
  2. Put soaked oats in a medium saucepan.
  3. Add the water, salt and sweetener.
  4. Cook over medium heat about five minutes, until liquid is absorbed and oats are cooked through.
  5. Add optional ingredients to pot or to individual bowls.
  6. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
  1. To reheat leftover oatmeal place it in a saucepan with a small amount of milk or water and heat until warm.
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In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review

A Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie is a fun way to start the day. I’ve got the the scoop on this new product – the good and bad.Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review | Homemade Dutch Apple PieI recently joined the Stonyfield Clean Plate Club!  My first assignment as part of this great group is to sample the new Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie and tell you all about it. How fitting since I just finished my simple smoothie series!

If you’ve been around here long you know that my newest little one is very sensitive (if not allergic) to dairy. Which means I couldn’t try the OP Smoothies myself.

But my family sure has been enjoying them!

My daughter says they taste like milkshakes.  She really loved the chocolate.

My son can only have limited dairy, so I let him try a very small amount of the strawberry smoothie. In his three year-old description: “Yum! It tastes like strawberry.”  He was sad when I told him he couldn’t have any more.

My husband says they are “easy to drink and not too sweet.”  The not too sweet part is a big bonus for my family! Normally any kind of store bought yogurt tastes sickeningly sweet to us.Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie Review | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

My first choice when it comes to smoothies is always to make them myself.  Put raw milk, coconut milk and/or yogurt, strawberries and a bit of honey in a blender. In two minutes you’ve got a nutritious smoothie with no strange ingredients.

But there are seasons and events in your life when  you need easy…as in grab it out of the fridge easy. Like when I had morning sickness…these smoothies would have been handy for my family (and myself!!). OP smoothies would also be great for when you are on vacation.

There are a few things I love about the OP Smoothies:

  • No artificial flavors
  • No artificial colors
  • Real fruits and vegetables added (to the strawberry flavor)
  • Probiotics
  • Lots of vitamins and minerals
  • Organic ingredients

There are also some things that I don’t like as much:

  • Low fat milk instead of full fat/only 2g of fat in a whole smoothie
  • Erythritol – I had to look this up. It’s a sugar alcohol that is hard to digest. I wish they had stuck to all plain cane sugar.
  • Milk protein concentrate – Another ingredient that I’m not really sure what it is. I assume that is where the protein boost comes from.
  • Natural flavor – This seems to be in every organic product but it can have many sources. If it is so natural I wish companies would just say what it is! It’s important for those with allergies.
  • Carob bean gum – Any kind of gum can be hard on the digestive system.

    Photo Credit: Stonyfield Organic
    Photo Credit: Stonyfield Organic

The new Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie tastes great. It doesn’t have any artificial ingredients. Plus it is very convenient. I love that.

On the flip side, the smoothies contain a few questionable ingredients (things I wouldn’t normally let my kids have). Plus they are unbalanced in their protein/fat/starch ratio. If I were drinking one I’d definitely pair it with extra starch and fat, like a piece of sourdough bread with lots of butter and even some sea salt.

I personally don’t think we need large amounts of protein. So a smoothie that boasts protein isn’t a huge draw for me. But balanced with some other nutritious food it can be a great addition to your diet.

A Stonyfield Organic Protein Smoothie would be a nice treat once in a while for a lunch. It comes in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate to please any taste buds.

If you need a quick protein boost in your snack or a simple breakfast option when you can’t make something at home, try a Stonyfield OP Smoothie.

I am working with Stonyfield to blog about the OP Smoothies. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Simple Smoothie Series: The Health Nut

Simple Smoothie Series: The Health Nut || Homemade Dutch Apple PieThe final smoothie in this series is packed with nutrients and has no added sugar. So I call it the health nut.

Dates and fruit add a touch of sweetness while flax seeds, avocado, egg yolks and vegetables provide critical fats, vitamins, minerals and omega-3’s.

The health nut is a very mild smoothie. There are no strong flavors that overpower. It is perfect for kids.

I used yogurt for probiotics, but this smoothie works just as well without any dairy products. You can use coconut milk or water to get the correct consistency. Then add a powdered probiotic.Simple Smoothie Series: The Health Nut | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

This smoothie does require a little bit of forethought. You should soak the dates in warm water for a bit before using them. The dates plus the soaking liquid will help sweeten the smoothie better that way. I just put the dates and water in the blender the night before and add the rest of the ingredients in the morning.

You can adjust the amount of dates and fruit to your liking to make the smoothie sweeter if desired.

This smoothie is great as part of your breakfast or lunch or even for a mid-day snack. Pour some in a travel mug with a straw and sip on it throughout the day when you need a little pick-me-up.

A smoothie is a great way to add nutrients to your diet with little effort. This health nut smoothie is a delicious way to do it.Simple Smoothie Series: The Health Nut | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

 

Simple Smoothie Series: The Health Nut
Serves 1
A simple, nutritious smoothie with no added sweeteners.
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Ingredients
  1. 3-4 dates, pitted, soaked in 4 Tbsp. warm water
  2. 1 small or 1/2 medium apple
  3. 10 -15 grapes (red or green)
  4. 1 medium stalk celery
  5. 1/2 medium carrot, peeled, cut in chunks
  6. 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt, kefir, coconut milk yogurt, milk or coconut milk
  7. 1 egg yolk
  8. 1/4 avocado
  9. 1 Tbsp. flax seeds
  10. 1/4 tsp. sea salt
Instructions
  1. Soak dates in warm water over night or at least 3 hours.
  2. Combine the soaked dates (with liquid) and the remaining ingredients in a high powered blender.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
  1. You can soak the dates in the blender.
  2. The egg yolk, flax seeds and avocado are all optional, depending on your tolerance.
  3. You can substitute cucumber for the celery.
  4. You can substitute cooked squash or pumpkin for the carrot.
  5. You can add 2 Tbsp. soaked nuts if you tolerate nuts.
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Simple Smoothie Series: True Blue-Berry

Simple Smoothie Series: True Blue-Berry || Homemade Dutch Apple PieToday I’ve got a smoothie that is sure to please everyone.  Who doesn’t love blueberries?!

This true blue-berry smoothie gives a double shot of flavor with both whole blueberries and blueberry juice.

A blueberry smoothie is great for really little ones because you can leave out the sweetener and it still has a lot of flavor. Just be careful how you serve it so it doesn’t get on everything!

If you or your kids are adventurous you can also add a few pieces of roasted beets. A little goes a long way in terms of changing the flavor. But it also adds a lot of nutrition. If you don’t tell your kids it’s in there they might not know. It won’t change the color.

You can also easily add elderberry syrup to a blueberry smoothie for extra immune system support.

If you are dairy free you can leave out the yogurt and add a bit of powdered probiotics instead. The smoothie will taste great without the yogurt. Or you can add some coconut milk for texture.

Every summer we load up on fresh Michigan blueberries while they are in season and freeze them. Then all winter long we can have delicious smoothies like this, knowing we’re using fruit from the peak of freshness.

If you do not have a blueberry stash in your freezer you can get frozen organic blueberries at the store. They are a better option than any fresh berries you find in the winter since it is not blueberry season.

Blueberries are my favorite fruit…and a blueberry smoothie is my favorite flavor. What’s yours?Simple Smoothie Series: True Blue-Berry || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Simple Smoothie Series: True Blue-Berry
Serves 2
A healthy smoothie bursting with blueberry flavor.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  2. 1/4 cup pure blueberry juice
  3. 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt or coconut milk yogurt
  4. 2 egg yolks
  5. 2 Tbsp. honey
  6. 1/4 tsp. sea salt
  7. 1 Tbsp. roasted beet (optional)
  8. 2 Tbsp. elderberry syrup (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
  1. To make this into popsicles simply pour the smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
  2. If you serving the smoothie to a child under one year of age leave out the honey.
  3. You can omit the egg yolks if you are allergic to eggs.
  4. The yogurt can be left out or replaced with coconut milk yogurt or coconut milk to make this dairy free.
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In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.