Yes, I know the title of this post sounds kind of strange, but I will explain!
This past summer I invested in a NutriBullet, and it has been a terrific addition to my kitchen, and for better healthy living. After having the NutriBullet now for several months, I have played around with different recipes and concoctions for smoothies, and have pretty much now settled on a favorite. I've also learned a couple of things along the way that works for me. I will share those too.
First I try to gather all the ingredients for the smoothie in one place so I don't forget anything. Since I make a smoothie every morning for breakfast, I have my routine down pretty good.
Let's get started by adding into the cup the greens that I am using, which is usually kale. Spinach can be used, but after trying both, my preference is still kale. I usually add about 2 cups kale, or enough to fill the bottom 1/3 of the NutriBullent container.
Then I had about 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries.
And this is why I call my smoothie the Berry Box Smoothie. I keep a tub with a lid in my freezer in which I place frozen berries and fruits that can be kept all in one place. When I find fruit on sale, such as strawberries, bananas, pineapple, (and during the summer blueberries and raspberries), I then combine a mixture of the frozen fruit in my fruit tub, which are then very handy to measure out and scoop into my smoothie cup each morning.
I simply flash freeze berries and fruit separately, after washing them, and then when completely frozen, I add them to my berry tub.
Some days there are frozen blueberries in my scoop, and some days there will be more pineapple, and some days more raspberries or strawberries. It all depends on what my scoop brings out for the smoothie that day, and I find that a mixture of any of these fruit go rather well together.
It is a great help to the budget too. Finding fresh fruit in the winter is harder to do. So by freezing fresh fruit throughout the summer when it is on sale, I have a great supply of frozen fresh fruit for my smoothies during the winter months.
Next I usually add a bit of yogurt. I buy yogurt when I can find it on sale. (I have not yet gotten brave enough to try to make my own.. yet!)
Next I add in about 1 tbsp chia seeds, and 1 tbsp flax seeds. Both of these help to "gel" the smoothie together, as well as add extra fiber and omega 3 for your daily needs.
So here is the flax seed and chia seed. Some people use nuts, and other types of seeds in their smoothies. I have tried different things, and have settled on using the chia seeds and flax seeds. They seem to add the best texture and flavor to my liking.
Then I added a fresh banana broken into thirds on top of that mixture, along with about 1-1/2 cups milk. I like to use almond milk when I have it, but it so happened that today when I was snapping pictures of the smoothie, all I had was regular whole milk.
Then I always add in some orange juice. I don't quite know the "scientific" reason why, but if I don't add orange juice into the mix, the smoothie just tastes like something is missing! It really brings all the flavors together in a great way.
Last but not least, I also usually add some vanilla extract, about a teaspoon or so.
Now it is time to whip this baby into action!
You can see how all the liquid falls to the bottom and now, the kale is on top. This is a good thing. You want the berries all crushed first before the kale (or your greens of choice).
Now I've started the Nutribullet, and it is whizzing away. It takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the mixture to a smoothie texture.
Now, the NutriBullet has finished, and it is time for the taste test!
A perfectly lovely green smoothie! So fast, easy, and far far more nutritious than what most people consider a "breakfast" meal! I usually share this smoothie with my daughter. So far my son and husband, while they say they like the smoothies, prefer to continue with their bacon and egg breakfasts, lol!
So here is the recipe ... with ingredients approximated because I find that I use whatever I have on hand each day.
About 2-3 stalks kale, washed (can flash freeze very nicely!)
About 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit which can include: blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, strawberries, melon, pineapple, apples etc.
1/2 cup yogurt
1 small banana (I usually have fresh bananas, but do freeze some too when they are on sale)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flax seed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup orange juice
Blend all together in whatever blender you have. Drink and enjoy!
I have found that traditional blenders leave little pieces of kale and fruit that, while they aren't terrible, certainly more of a smooth smoothie texture is achieved with the NutriBullet, or other similar blenders. I've heard that the VitaMix is the best blender out there especially for smoothies, and have watched videos online about them, and also watched a demonstration at Costco about them. They seem like pretty amazing blenders, but for the $350 to $400 + price tag on them, I am quite content with my $70.00 NutriBullet! It comes with extra cups, as well as a milling blade that will blend nuts and grains into a fine powder.
Whatever blender you have though, you most likely can make do, by just experimenting with your favorite greens, fruit, milk, and juice, and see what works for you!
This past summer I invested in a NutriBullet, and it has been a terrific addition to my kitchen, and for better healthy living. After having the NutriBullet now for several months, I have played around with different recipes and concoctions for smoothies, and have pretty much now settled on a favorite. I've also learned a couple of things along the way that works for me. I will share those too.
First I try to gather all the ingredients for the smoothie in one place so I don't forget anything. Since I make a smoothie every morning for breakfast, I have my routine down pretty good.
Let's get started by adding into the cup the greens that I am using, which is usually kale. Spinach can be used, but after trying both, my preference is still kale. I usually add about 2 cups kale, or enough to fill the bottom 1/3 of the NutriBullent container.
Then I had about 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries.
And this is why I call my smoothie the Berry Box Smoothie. I keep a tub with a lid in my freezer in which I place frozen berries and fruits that can be kept all in one place. When I find fruit on sale, such as strawberries, bananas, pineapple, (and during the summer blueberries and raspberries), I then combine a mixture of the frozen fruit in my fruit tub, which are then very handy to measure out and scoop into my smoothie cup each morning.
I simply flash freeze berries and fruit separately, after washing them, and then when completely frozen, I add them to my berry tub.
Some days there are frozen blueberries in my scoop, and some days there will be more pineapple, and some days more raspberries or strawberries. It all depends on what my scoop brings out for the smoothie that day, and I find that a mixture of any of these fruit go rather well together.
It is a great help to the budget too. Finding fresh fruit in the winter is harder to do. So by freezing fresh fruit throughout the summer when it is on sale, I have a great supply of frozen fresh fruit for my smoothies during the winter months.
Here I have added the fruit from my scoop into the cup.
Next I usually add a bit of yogurt. I buy yogurt when I can find it on sale. (I have not yet gotten brave enough to try to make my own.. yet!)
Next I add in about 1 tbsp chia seeds, and 1 tbsp flax seeds. Both of these help to "gel" the smoothie together, as well as add extra fiber and omega 3 for your daily needs.
So here is the flax seed and chia seed. Some people use nuts, and other types of seeds in their smoothies. I have tried different things, and have settled on using the chia seeds and flax seeds. They seem to add the best texture and flavor to my liking.
Then I added a fresh banana broken into thirds on top of that mixture, along with about 1-1/2 cups milk. I like to use almond milk when I have it, but it so happened that today when I was snapping pictures of the smoothie, all I had was regular whole milk.
Then I always add in some orange juice. I don't quite know the "scientific" reason why, but if I don't add orange juice into the mix, the smoothie just tastes like something is missing! It really brings all the flavors together in a great way.
Last but not least, I also usually add some vanilla extract, about a teaspoon or so.
Now it is time to whip this baby into action!
You can see how all the liquid falls to the bottom and now, the kale is on top. This is a good thing. You want the berries all crushed first before the kale (or your greens of choice).
Now I've started the Nutribullet, and it is whizzing away. It takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the mixture to a smoothie texture.
Now, the NutriBullet has finished, and it is time for the taste test!
A perfectly lovely green smoothie! So fast, easy, and far far more nutritious than what most people consider a "breakfast" meal! I usually share this smoothie with my daughter. So far my son and husband, while they say they like the smoothies, prefer to continue with their bacon and egg breakfasts, lol!
So here is the recipe ... with ingredients approximated because I find that I use whatever I have on hand each day.
About 2-3 stalks kale, washed (can flash freeze very nicely!)
About 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit which can include: blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, strawberries, melon, pineapple, apples etc.
1/2 cup yogurt
1 small banana (I usually have fresh bananas, but do freeze some too when they are on sale)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flax seed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup orange juice
Blend all together in whatever blender you have. Drink and enjoy!
I have found that traditional blenders leave little pieces of kale and fruit that, while they aren't terrible, certainly more of a smooth smoothie texture is achieved with the NutriBullet, or other similar blenders. I've heard that the VitaMix is the best blender out there especially for smoothies, and have watched videos online about them, and also watched a demonstration at Costco about them. They seem like pretty amazing blenders, but for the $350 to $400 + price tag on them, I am quite content with my $70.00 NutriBullet! It comes with extra cups, as well as a milling blade that will blend nuts and grains into a fine powder.
Whatever blender you have though, you most likely can make do, by just experimenting with your favorite greens, fruit, milk, and juice, and see what works for you!
Have you ever had one of those moments where you stood in the kitchen - hungry as an elephant - and not sure WHAT you could come up with in just a few?
Well, that was the case with me about a year or so ago. In fact, it was just my husband and I at home who were hungry. Our kids were at a 4-H event, and I had not planned a meal, because I thought we would just eat some leftovers. However, the hubs decided that he didn't want the leftovers I was planning on, and my hopes for a quick easy meal were dashed.
He was standing in the kitchen, and I was too, and we couldn't decide what to do. Part of me just wanted to find the closest restaurant, and be done with it. But... the other part of me thought... well, what could I come up with on the fly?
So after a quick perusal of my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, I was still not inspired by anything. There was some leftover corn from an earlier meal, and a small bowl of beans. I had hamburger meat that could be quickly thawed.
So, I thought to myself, I will just throw some ingredients together and see what happens.
Using my leftovers, and some easy grabs from the pantry, I came up with this soup that my husband declared the best ever! In fact, he told me to write down the recipe right then and there so I could recreate it again. And I have. Many, many, many times. This soup has been our "go-to" recipe when we need something "on-the-fly". It is fast, easy, filling, and generally makes everybody very full, happy, and contented. It has become our family's favorite comfort food of all times.
So, here without further ado is my recipe for "On-the-Fly Soup". I have not taken pictures of the process of making it because - just like its name - I am usually making it when minutes count, and stopping to take pictures while I make it usually just isn't possible. But, I do have a picture of the end result of this amazing, fabulous, and quick soup :)
Well, that was the case with me about a year or so ago. In fact, it was just my husband and I at home who were hungry. Our kids were at a 4-H event, and I had not planned a meal, because I thought we would just eat some leftovers. However, the hubs decided that he didn't want the leftovers I was planning on, and my hopes for a quick easy meal were dashed.
He was standing in the kitchen, and I was too, and we couldn't decide what to do. Part of me just wanted to find the closest restaurant, and be done with it. But... the other part of me thought... well, what could I come up with on the fly?
So after a quick perusal of my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, I was still not inspired by anything. There was some leftover corn from an earlier meal, and a small bowl of beans. I had hamburger meat that could be quickly thawed.
So, I thought to myself, I will just throw some ingredients together and see what happens.
Using my leftovers, and some easy grabs from the pantry, I came up with this soup that my husband declared the best ever! In fact, he told me to write down the recipe right then and there so I could recreate it again. And I have. Many, many, many times. This soup has been our "go-to" recipe when we need something "on-the-fly". It is fast, easy, filling, and generally makes everybody very full, happy, and contented. It has become our family's favorite comfort food of all times.
So, here without further ado is my recipe for "On-the-Fly Soup". I have not taken pictures of the process of making it because - just like its name - I am usually making it when minutes count, and stopping to take pictures while I make it usually just isn't possible. But, I do have a picture of the end result of this amazing, fabulous, and quick soup :)
ON-THE-FLY SOUP
1 pound hamburger meat, cooked
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 quart canned tomatoes (or two cans crushed tomatoes)
2 cups fresh, frozen or canned corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes
2 cans diced potatoes (canned, dehydrated or your own cooked ones, whatever you've got!)
1 cup carrots (frozen, canned, dehydrated - whatever you've got!)
2 cans Ranch-style beans (any kind of canned beans can be substituted)
1 can beef broth
1 can cream mushroom soup (I make my own, but you can use canned)
1/4 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp taco seasoning, or to taste
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (you can also use cilantro cubes if you don't have fresh)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Cook the hamburger meat in a large stockpot, draining off fat. Add in minced garlic. Pour in crushed and Rotel tomatoes, corn, potatoes, carrots, and beans. Add in cream mushroom soup. Then I usually mix the beef broth in the empty soup can and add that in. Stir to combine well. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, and let soup simmer about 10-15 minutes. When Velveeta has melted, add in taco seasoning, and finely chopped cilantro. Let simmer another 5 minutes or so, and remove from heat. Can be served with a big dollop of sour cream and cheddar cheese, if desired.
Incredible, delicious, and far better than the fare any fast food restaurant could supply, and we never even had to leave home!
We have a King ruling in our house, and when King Simba found out that Princess Annie had been getting a lot of publicity, he wasn't too happy about it. In fact, he made quite a big deal about it. He jumped in front of my computer where I was working, and demanded that I take some pictures of Mr. King Simba!
His favorite place is really to snuggle up with me especially in the mornings as I drink my coffee. He cozies up into my big fuzzy housecoat and begins his musical purring.
The love language of cats is when they are all taken care of, being petted and loved and surrounded by warm loving arms. Such is the case of our King Simba.
He loves to find new places to sleep, but in the morning before he finds a cozy spot, he always jumps into my arms as I drink my morning brew. We both wake up together!
I find it interesting that cats only think in terms of "what can YOU do for ME?" and dogs think in terms of "what can I do for YOU?" LOL. King Simba is no exception to the cat rule. If he is not happy, no one in the house is happy. He will tear stuff up, race up and down the halls, attack you if you walk by, and cry like a baby if there is "something" in his little world that is not right.
Of course, looking at this picture it is hard to imagine that such a beautiful creature could ever be capable of such nonsense, but 'tis true! He will interrupt my work schedule at the computer, sit on the desk in front the screen, and lounge on top of the printer to ensure that I see him, and his needs get met first!
We all love him dearly, but one thing is for sure. He loves us because of what we do for him, not just because we exist. If his needs aren't taken care of, he lets us know. But once his needs are met, he is a very happy contented fat little soul!
This is one of his glaring looks at me. He is letting me know that he is NOT happy with the fact that I am working, and not cuddling with him.
Very deep in thought - who knows what goes through the mind of a cat intent on his own personal needs!
Introspective thoughts. I have to watch him in a mood like this. My hand on the mouse could be the next plan of attack!
Okay Mr. King Simba.... come on over here, and snuggle - after all, we both know that I won't get any work done until we do!
Often I hike through the woods with Annie, our German Shepherd/husky mix. Many times while we hike along, the chipmunks and squirrels constantly badger her. Now, I don't understand the language that chipmunks and squirrels speak, but Annie seems to be able to communicate with them just fine, lol!
Some time ago we were hiking through the forest when Annie spotted the chipmunk first, and then when I followed her gaze, I saw the chipmunk also. This chipmunk sat up on a high pine tree limb and began badgering Annie. I couldn't understand a word of it, but Annie was so upset by the exchange that the following ensued:
She stopped with her ears up, and listened carefully...
At first it seemed like she was going to just ignore the chatter...
But then something that silly chipmunk said pushed her over the edge!
My poor photography skills were unable to catch the quick movements of the chipmunk as it moved around from tree to tree while Annie and I stood there. I was listening, and not understanding any of it, but Annie apparently did, and it must have been quite offensive because...
Annie pulled me towards the tree, and we got just a bit closer to the tree where the chipmunk was....
Annie was on high alert now as the chipmunk was just a stone's throw from us and had come down the tree with its tail waving and chattering crazily.
Then Annie yanked at her leash, and before I knew it, we were under the tree the chipmunk was hollering at us from. However, suddenly the chattering ceased and I wondered why... and realized it was because the chipmunk was no longer in the tree...
Oh no! Annie found the hole the chipmunk had run into and she began sniffing and digging like she had found gold.
As Annie dug into the hole, I tried to pull her away, but she would have none of it.
Soon she was able to almost stick her whole head down into the hole.
Oh what a sad face it was! Covered in dirt, after digging frantically to no avail, she was not happy to show me her lack of results of finding that chipmunk.
After several more minutes of looking at the hole, we finally decided that the chipmunk had found its way out somewhere else, because... the chattering started again!
What! That crazy escape artist chipmunk, I could just hear Anne saying!
We made our way to the tree where the chipmunk had come out on, and sure enough - found another hole!
But since the sun was setting, I told Annie that we were going to have to just leave the chipmunk for now. Annie sadly looked at me and then rested her nose on the tree trunk as if to see... ok Mom. I'll obey, but I'll be back, you silly little chipmunk! Just you wait and see!
As we left the little chipmunk behind, his silly teasing chatter continued. Oh the games that chipmunks play with dogs, if only we could understand just what they are saying, it t'would be something! :)
Some time ago we were hiking through the forest when Annie spotted the chipmunk first, and then when I followed her gaze, I saw the chipmunk also. This chipmunk sat up on a high pine tree limb and began badgering Annie. I couldn't understand a word of it, but Annie was so upset by the exchange that the following ensued:
She stopped with her ears up, and listened carefully...
At first it seemed like she was going to just ignore the chatter...
But then something that silly chipmunk said pushed her over the edge!
My poor photography skills were unable to catch the quick movements of the chipmunk as it moved around from tree to tree while Annie and I stood there. I was listening, and not understanding any of it, but Annie apparently did, and it must have been quite offensive because...
Annie was on high alert now as the chipmunk was just a stone's throw from us and had come down the tree with its tail waving and chattering crazily.
Then Annie yanked at her leash, and before I knew it, we were under the tree the chipmunk was hollering at us from. However, suddenly the chattering ceased and I wondered why... and realized it was because the chipmunk was no longer in the tree...
Oh no! Annie found the hole the chipmunk had run into and she began sniffing and digging like she had found gold.
As Annie dug into the hole, I tried to pull her away, but she would have none of it.
Soon she was able to almost stick her whole head down into the hole.
Oh what a sad face it was! Covered in dirt, after digging frantically to no avail, she was not happy to show me her lack of results of finding that chipmunk.
After several more minutes of looking at the hole, we finally decided that the chipmunk had found its way out somewhere else, because... the chattering started again!
What! That crazy escape artist chipmunk, I could just hear Anne saying!
We made our way to the tree where the chipmunk had come out on, and sure enough - found another hole!
But since the sun was setting, I told Annie that we were going to have to just leave the chipmunk for now. Annie sadly looked at me and then rested her nose on the tree trunk as if to see... ok Mom. I'll obey, but I'll be back, you silly little chipmunk! Just you wait and see!
As we left the little chipmunk behind, his silly teasing chatter continued. Oh the games that chipmunks play with dogs, if only we could understand just what they are saying, it t'would be something! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpeg)
Social Icons