As the holiday season sets upon us, we are constantly being tempted by an array of sugary delights just waiting to be devoured. While there is nothing wrong with indulging in culinary delicacies this time of the year, the plethora of sugar-saturated treats can be overwhelming at times. Why not make your favorite holiday flavors into a smoothie for a nutritious spin? Here is a list of our favorite go-to smoothie recipes that are guaranteed to get you into festive spirit without sending you into a diabetic coma.
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1. Eggnog Smoothie
Can Christmas even be celebrated without eggnog? Made out of whole milk, eggs, cream and sugar, eggnog is not exactly a health food. However, preparing it as a smoothie can help you to get rid of some of its more fattening properties while still savoring the delicious flavors that only come but once a year.
HereÕs a recipe that will make your smoothie taste like the holidays.
Ingredients
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1 cup yogurt of choice
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2 ripe bananas
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1 free-range egg yolk
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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_ teaspoon cinnamon
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_ teaspoon nutmeg
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Dash of ground cloves (optional)
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Splash of white rum or bourbon (optional)
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Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Directions
Add ingredients to your blender in the order listed above. Mix well for approximately 30 seconds. Garnish with nutmeg and enjoy!
Note: The USDA says in-shell pasteurized eggs are perfectly safe to consume without cooking. If you still have reservations about eggs, you can tamper them before adding them to your smoothie.
2. Peppermint Mocha Green Smoothie
Your holiday cooking will be incomplete without some variety of peppermint beverages! HereÕs a simple and healthy smoothie we love.
Ingredients
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2 frozen bananas
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1 handful spinach
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder
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3-4 drops peppermint extract
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2 peppermint leaves, torn (optional)
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1 _ cups almond, coconut, or milk of choice
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Crushed candy cane or chocolate pieces for garnishing
Directions
In the order listed above, combine ingredients in your blender (except for the garnish). Mix on high for 10-20 seconds, possibly more depending on your blender strength. Serve with crushed candy cane pieces and peppermint leaves for garnish!
3. Healthy Apple Cider Smoothie
This particular recipe not only provides an excellent taste befitting the holidays, but its preparation ensures that all of the vitamins and minerals of the apple are preserved. No added sugars or juices, just pure appley goodness.
Ingredients
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1 large, organic Gala apple, cored. Do not peel!
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1 large, organic Red Delicious apple, cored. Do not peel!
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_ cup water
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_ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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_ teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)
Directions
To your blender, add the water and lemon juice, then add the apples and cinnamon. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until the ingredients begin to look smooth and creamy. It is recommended that you serve the smoothie immediately as it may lose its flavor and separate if you let it set for too long.
Looking for and smoothie and juice bars in Wilmington? The Co-op offers a rich variety of holiday beverages made from the freshest healthiest organic produce! Gift cards to the Co-op make excellent gifts for the smoothie lovers in your life!