Wild Blueberry & Cacao Superfood Smoothie

Good morning, sweet ones! In an effort to adhere to my “blogging schedule,” I intend to share one new recipe over the weekend. Two if I am feeling ambitious. This weekend, I had hoped to publish two, but time got away from me. However, I wanted to honor my commitment to post a new recipe, so here it is, & it is my new favorite.

This smoothie was inspired by a Cacao Bliss Smoothie that was mentioned in the latest issue of Vegetarian Times. There was no recipe mentioned, just a rundown of a few ingredients (hemp milk, banana, cacao powder, almonds, coconut oil) that gave me enough inspiration to run with it & make it my own. I added a few extra “superfoods” to make it extra wholesome. So, essentially, this delicious smoothie is jam-packed with goodness & is delicious to boot! I mean…who doesn’t want to start their morning with chocolate?

WILD BLUEBERRY & CACAO SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

Author: Melissa, Honey Bee Vegan Recipe type: Smoothie Cuisine: Vegan Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup homemade almond milk

• 1 banana

• ½ cup frozen organic wild blueberries

• 1 Tbsp raw cacao powder

• 1 Tbsp organic virgin coconut oil

• 1 Tbsp soaked chia seeds

• ice cubes

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all ingredients in a regular or high-speed blender & blend until smooth. Top with extra goodies & enjoy!

And now for my “go-to” almond milk recipe. After reading all the scary stuff about carrageenan, which is a common additive in food & on every store-bought almond milk label I’ve studied, I have decided to stick to the source & only make it myself. It just takes a bit of foresight to remember to soak the almonds, & it is quite easy. If you buy the almonds in bulk at a health food store or the co-op, it can be cost-effective, too, & it tastes so much better. Sometimes I’ll make an unsweetened version if I will be adding it to soups or savory dishes, but when I know I will be using it as a smoothie base, I’ll add some natural sweetener & maybe some vanilla bean seeds if I have them on hand.

BASIC HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK

Author: Melissa, Honey Bee Vegan

Recipe Type: Drink

Yields: approximately 3 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 1cup raw & organic almonds, soaked overnight

• 3 cups pure water

• optional: 1 date & seeds from 1 vanilla bean

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth & creamy, approximately 3 minutes.

2. Strain liquid through cheesecloth or a “nut milk” bag. Reserve pulp to dehydrate & use as almond meal, make cookies, or discard. Will last for 2-3 days, refrigerated.

Enjoy your Sunday, my friends! xo