Month: September 2019

 

This has become my new favorite and my morning go-to! It’s high in fiber and iron and has ZERO cholesterol. And of course, it always taste better in your favorite insulated cup! Part of why I love this smoothie so much is not only because it’s delicious, but because the sweetness of the dates and cocoa satisfy my sweet tooth so I never have a craving to snack mid-morning. Also, the banana, hemp hearts and greens are filling so I’m not crashing with hunger right at noon. And when I start my day with this smoothie, I have zero brain-fog! Need any more reasons to give this a try? Read on…

Hemp hearts have become my new favorite thing and I’m looking forward to experimenting more with them! They are easily absorbed into the body’s system and are hypoallergenic. They contain omega-6 which can reduce inflammation and they may help people suffering from eczema, arthritis and muscle pain. They also support healthy hair, nails and skin. And that’s just the benefits of the hemp hearts! Check out what the rest of this smoothie has to offer!

I’m also new to dates. I have a weird thing with dried fruits… raisins, prunes, etc. I think it’s a texture thing. I’m not sure but I just can’t eat them. But after ready about putting them into smoothies, I was curious, gave them a try and now I am hooked! Dates contain three powerful antioxidants… Flavanoids which help reduce inflammation and can help reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer. Carotenoids which promote heart health and Phenolic acid which can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Almond butter is a good source of the healthy monounsaturated fats our bodies need. These fats are associated with lowering the risk of heart disease and offers antioxidant action from Vitamin E and helps lower cholesterol.

Bananas… another confession. I’ve NEVER liked them and I would never grab one and eat one. But I know how healthy they are and love them in this smoothie because the banana flavor is very mild. Bananas can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals and can reduce appetite by slowing stomach emptying. Bananas are contain fiber and resistant to starch, feeds your friendly gut bacteria, and we all know a healthy gut is uber important! Did you know that eating a banana several times a week may reduce your risk of kidney disease by up to 50%?

The calcium in spinach can help strengthen your bones and vitamins A and C, fiber, folic acid, and other nutrients fight against colon and breast cancers. Spinach also helps to lower damaging protein levels in the blood and can protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.

Kale is very high in nutrients and very low in calories, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there. It’s super high in Vitamin C and a great source of Vitamin K, an important vitamin that is involved in blood clotting.

I promise that no one will complain that it’s healthy because it takes like a chocolate milkshake… smooth, creamy and decadent! Now it’s probably taken you more time to read the benefits of this smoothie than it takes to make it so grab your blender and get to it!

Chocolate Covered Banana Smoothie
Serves 1

1 cup water
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
5 dates, pitted
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon almond butter
1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups loosely packed spinach & kale salad greens
6 ice cubs

1. Add the water, hemp hearts, dates, banana, almond butter, cocoa powder, spinach and kale to the Deluxe Cooking Blender. Secure the Lid, then turn the wheel to the Smoothie setting and press START.
2. When the timer beeps, press CANCEL. Remove the Lid, add the ice and re-secure the Lid. Turn the wheel to the Smoothie setting and press START.

Enjoy!

SHOP MY KITCHEN!

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Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Colleen Finley is an independent advanced director for Pampered Chef. She earns a commission by linking to products she uses and trusts. If you purchase a product through her website link, your cost will be the same, and Colleen will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us enrich lives, one meal and one memory at a time!

Have you ever felt left out? Or watched the cool kids do something you can’t do? That’s how I’ve felt for the last several years watching everyone flash their Pumpkin Spice all over social media. I often wondered what I’m missing out on and if it’s really as good as everyone says it is.

Well, it is. They are all correct. And now I’m one of the cool kids!

One of the reasons I hadn’t tried the PSL yet is that I try not to consume any caffeine. But then I became a HUGE fan of the Detoxinista blog and she posted her PSL recipe and when I read that I could make it caffeine-free, I was so excited! I based this recipe on hers.

Confession: as I make this today to try it out, it’s 88F outside. Not really Pumpkin Spice weather! But I made almond milk this morning and Sundays are the days I get to hole up in my kitchen and meal prep and test recipes. Plus, in another month when it’s chilly out and we have a roaring fire going, I will cuddle up on the sofa with this in hand and I’ll be a happy pumpkin-spice filled gal!

I made it with 1-cup almond milk and no coffee. You can use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup coffee or 1-cup coffee. It’s entirely up to you and your preference. And blending it in the cooking blender while it heats creates this super smooth and frothy decliciousness.

Here are the directions to make your own PSL in the Deluxe Cooking Blender!

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Makes 1

1/2 cup almond milk (mine was unsweeteend)
1/2 cup brewed coffee
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon almond butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish

1. Pour the almond milk and coffee into the Deluxe Cooking Blender.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Secure the lid and turn the wheel to select CUSTOM HEAT. Adjust the temperature to 150F and press the wheel to confirm. Adjust the wheel to select 3:00 cook time and press the wheel to confirm and start.
4. When the blending cycle is complete, remove the lid and pour into a mug. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice on top.

Enjoy!

SHOP MY KITCHEN!

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Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Colleen Finley is an independent advanced director for Pampered Chef. She earns a commission by linking to products she uses and trusts. If you purchase a product through her website link, your cost will be the same, and Colleen will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us enrich lives, one meal and one memory at a time!

Sometimes there is just something about a sauce can go with anything… dipping bread into it, served over spiralized veggies… this is one of them. Adapted from Rachael Ray’s You Won’t Be Single For Long Vodka Sauce, this recipe utilizes Pampered Chef’s Deluxe Cooking Blender. No more watching your stove or your sauce. Just sit back, smell the amazing aroma and imagine all of the ways you’ll use this sauce.

Silky Smooth Vodka Sauce
Makes 7 cups

1/2 cup cashews
water
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ghee
2 garlic cloves
2 shallots
1 cup vodka
1 cup vegetable stock
32 ounces San Marzano peeled tomatoes
1 6oz can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
20 fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the cashews in a 1-Cup Prep Bowl, cover with water and set aside.
2. Heat the oil and ghee in the 8″ Nonstick Fry Pan. Using the Food Chopper, finely chop the garlic and shallots and add to the Pan. Saute 2-3 minuets or until soft.
3. Meanwhile, add the vodka, stock, tomatoes and their liquid and tomato paste to the Deluxe Cooking Blender. Add the shallots and garlic. Lock the lid, select the Sauce setting and push start.
4. When the time beeps and the display reads ADD, gently remove the Lid.
5. Drain and rinse the cashews in the Easy Read Measuring Colander. Add the cashews, water and basil to the Blender, replace the Lid and press start.
6. When the cycle is complete, remove the Lid and taste. Add salt and pepper as desired.
7. Serve over pasta, spiralized vegetables or as a dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

SHOP MY KITCHEN!

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @slicedicedish on Instagram and hashtag it #slicedicedish and please leave a review in the comments below!

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Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. Colleen Finley is an independent advanced director for Pampered Chef. She earns a commission by linking to products she uses and trusts. If you purchase a product through her website link, your cost will be the same, and Colleen will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us enrich lives, one meal and one memory at a time!