This sounds terrible, but it’s really quite good–just in time for fresh cherries. Let me know what you think.
Cherry-Kale Smoothie
Ingredients:
• 2 medium size ripe bananas
• 1 cup of frozen pitted cherries
• 1 cup of kale
• 2 cups of water
• a handful of almonds
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GINGERED APPLE CIDER
Yield: 1/2 gallon
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 10 minutes
• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 2 tablespooons freshly grated ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star-anise pod
In a large saucepan over high heat, combine ingredients; bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat; let steep 20 minutes (longer if you like more intense flavors).
Pour through a coffee filter and discard solids. Reheat to desired temperature or cool to room temperature; then refrigerate.
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This makes a thick, creamy chocolate smoothie that tastes like a milk shake. I add flax seed meal for a nutritional boost. We think this is plenty sweet, but you may add a little Stevia if you think you need it.
But how healthy are these ingredients?
Almond milk is low in calories but high in vitamins and calcium. [Source: Nutritional Benefits of Almond Milk http://www.livestrong.com
Cocoa powder contains flavonoids linked to decreased blood pressure, improved blood vessel health, and improvement in cholesterol levels. Dark cocoa is best.
Bananas are high in potassium and fat and cholesterol free and a good source of energy due to being high in carbohydrates.
Flaxseed meal is a good source of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, Lignans and Fiber. [Source: Web MD http://www.webmd.com
Natural peanut butter is a very good source of monounsaturated fats, the type of fat emphasized for heart health and is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese. In addition, peanuts provide resveratrol, I am talking about peanut butter made from only ground peanuts with no added oils and sugars. [Source: The World’s Healthiest Foods http://www.whfoods.com]
Ingredients:
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 banana
• 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons flax seed meal
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Family Favorites from the Heartland 