It's the season for cranberries, apples, and...well, it's always the season for smoothies around here! And they all go together wonderfully, of course! The kids really like this one, and we never have leftovers, even when making a large amount.
I know not everyone is a big fan of cranberries, especially raw cranberries. They're quite tart. Add all the sugar it might take you to like them, and you've kind of taken out some of the health factor there! Cranberries are so good for you! They contain fiber, vitamin C, phytonutrients (that may help fight several types of cancer) and are a great source of antioxidants. Something interesting about cranberries, from
101 Foods That Could Save Your Life...cranberries have antiadhesion properties. These properties help prevent certain bacteria from sticking to cells in our bodies; this is how consuming cranberries helps with fighting UTIs, as well as other things. Make you want to go out and eat some? With this smoothie, you probably won't even need a sweetener, as the apples, bananas, and blueberries add plenty of natural sweetness. If you do, though, a little squirt of agave or honey should do the trick.
Try it out and see what you think!
CranApple Smoothie
Makes about 32 oz, about 4 servings; decrease ingredients for less
2 bananas
1 cup blueberries, frozen
1 cup cranberries, if frozen, thaw a bit first
2 apples
Bunch spinach or kale
Water (1-2 cups, depending on preference)
Optional: Add chia gel or ground flaxseed. Add squirt of agave or honey if too tart.
Start with 1 cup or so of water. Add more if too thick.
Blend.
Enjoy.
2 comments:
I had always questioned whether I would like kale in smoothies. After trying this, I'm hooked! This smoothie was fantastic! I've made it two days in a row. I made a batch tonight to take for my students to try tomorrow (they were curious about what I was eating today).
I made only one change. I replaced the blueberries with blackberries simply because that's what I had in the freezer. Also, just a note on bananas for anyone who doesn't already do this: I freeze bananas if I see them on sale or if i have some that are turning. They're perfect for smoothies.
That is awesome, Jodi! So glad you're taking some in for your curious kids! :) (Just a note, there might be some separation with the smoothie after sitting overnight. It should be just fine after giving it a good shake, though!)
And I'm glad you liked the kale in the smoothies! I have some other recipes, if you're wanting to try more! http://ourgrowingfam.blogspot.com/search/label/green%20smoothies My kids just LOVE knowing that there are greens in there and you would never guess without seeing them go into the blender. ;) For the longest time, Aiden would see spinach and get excited and shout "smoothies!!!" Haha!
We love freezing all kinds of fruit, too. I do the same thing as you mentioned - if the bananas are turning faster than we're eating them, we freeze them for smoothies (or muffins!) later on. We do this with all kinds of fruits that need to be eaten or tossed - great for smoothies! :) Thanks!!
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