Wild Blueberry & Cacao Superfood Smoothie

Good morning sweet ones! In an effort to adhere to my “blogging schedule,” my intention is 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 run down 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.

• Blueberries are anti-inflammatory & packed with antioxidants & phyto-flavinoids, as well as high in potassium & vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors & nutritionists.

• Cacao powder is also a top source of antioxidants, it contains an abundance of magnesium & iron, & is a concentrated form of dietary fiber. Coconut oil is said to have a variety of profound health benefits, such as: improving your heart health, boosting your thyroid, increasing your metabolism promoting a lean body & weight loss, & supporting your immune system. It also is known for it’s antibacterial, antifungal & antiviral properties.

• Chia seeds are a total powerhouse & are said to have 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain, 5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones, 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas, 3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries, 3 times more iron than spinach, & copious amounts of omega 3 & omega 6, which are essential fatty acids. They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form.

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