December 26th. Well, now what? For the last two months it seems like holiday festivities have consumed a large part of my brain. And though New Year's Eve awaits us, today, a large sigh of relief exits my lips.
Today I woke to what feels like the day after a big, joyful party. I feel a little tired. (OK, a lot tired, actually) A bit sad. And a bit blissful, still tipsy on all the happy moments that happened over the past few days.
And yes, I checked off a few things on my 39 Ways to Have the Best Winter Ever list.
So this morning, I started slowly, easing myself into work and made a revitalizing Vanilla-Berry Smoothie. Sweet and creamy, with accents of almond, walnut and a dash of cayenne too. Get my recipe and I share some holiday pics..
This smoothie saved the day more than a few times over the holiday rush..
Blend. Enjoy. Energize.
On Holiday. Bits and pieces from my holiday.
Plenty of resting..
Plenty of twinkly lights..
Plenty of "relaxing while the kitty snoozes" time..
Plenty of movies. (Way to much crying in the theater since we saw Les Miserables and The Impossible.) Both wonderful...
Plenty of vegan hot cocoa and mochaccinos...
..more twinkly lights..
...more hot mugs of bliss...
..brunching and shopping and more...
Smoothie Break. And it seemed that whenever there was a hungry pause in the day, I whipped up a mini smoothie. This berry-vanilla smoothie was our holiday energizer. We served with a side of sprouted grain toast + either almond butter or spicy hummus and fennel seeds sprinkled on top.
So I decided to start today with a larger version of it. Perfect for my sleepy morning mood.
Antioxidants, fiber, (I added protein powder too.)
Two versions below. One made using Vega's Energizing Smoothie Powder. One without it.
Vanilla Berry Smoothie (version 1)
1 banana, frozen
½ cup raspberries, frozen/organic
½ cup almond milk, vanilla
2 tablespoon walnuts, raw
¼ cup ice
pinch of cayenne (optional) - add during blend + as garnish on top
Vanilla Berry Smoothie + Vega (version 2)
1 banana, frozen
½ cup raspberries, frozen/organic
½ cup water
¼ cup almond milk, plain
2 tablespoon walnuts, raw
½ cup ice
1 scoop Vega Vanilla-Almond Energizing Smoothie Powder (adds sweetness, flavor and nutrients.)
pinch of cayenne (optional) - add during blend + as garnish on top
Blend and serve with a dash of cayenne over top. Some walnuts and raspberries as garnish too.
notes:
* any non-dairy milk can be used.
* for a thicker smoothie, use less liquid.
* Vega's powder is quite sweet, so if you use it be sure to use plain non-dairy milk and balance it out with enough water and ice. If it tastes too sweet, add more plain liquid or ice.
* Any frozen berry can be used! Try strawberries or blueberries if you'd like.
* You could also use another vanilla protein/nutrient powder if you'd like. Or none at all.
* The banana adds the natural sweetness. If you are not using Vega and would like your smoothie sweeter and thicker, add in another ½ banana. (For sweetness, make sure to use a vanilla/sweetened non-dairy milk.)
with Vega powder added..
optional spicy cayenne on top..
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday too!! For more healthy, happy winter ideas and recipes check out my -> 39 Ways to Have the Best Winter Ever list.
Alex Wegner says
i cried my eyes out when I saw les mis too! It was such a good movie, amazing actors!
It feels wierd that people on opposite sides of the world can be having very similar experiences.
I'll be on the lookout for vega powder, what is it base of it?? Looks delicious for a smoothie.
Christie says
we just made the smoothie with vega and added a tinyyyy pinch of cayenne. this is so delicious! our smoothies have gotten so boring with the same old, same old. i hate walnuts and raspberries but this is delectable. thank you!!!
Allie B. says
I have this smoothie by my side right now! I found vega on sale at my local Whole Foods, I substituted the frozen raspberries for frozen strawberries, and I left out the cayenne but added a little vanilla extract. It took a little work, being that my blender is far from the very best, but it was well worth it! It's so delicious, and I love the nuttiness the walnuts add. Thank you!
Kathy Patalsky says
It just adds a hint of heat. Slight. Cayenne can have a stimulating warming effect on the body. It is optional! It doesn't really change the flavor, it just adds a mild spicy accent.
Danae Potter Johnson says
I have noticed you really like cayenne. What makes it good on smoothies?? It sounds weird to me but does it really enhance the flavor?
Diana @ Eating Made Easy says
Great combo! I've been experimenting with different types of smoothies lately - currently I'm obsessed with green smoothies!
John Hartil says
Would try this anytime of the year
Rebecca Mead says
Thanks for this - can't wait to try it as soon as I get some of the Vega powder. Loved the photos of your kitties - and noticed the laptop docking station. Is that an apple product? Looking for one for myself and haven't been able to find one like that. Thank you...
Heather McClees says
Great recipe! I have tried all the flavors of Vega and the Vanilla Almondilla is my FAVORITE of the Energizing blends by Vega. This is an awesome idea of how to use it so I'll have to try it!! I also love Vega One protein powder in the new French Vanilla flavor too. These macchiatos look amazing and a recipe from you for these would be fantastic!:*)
Erica says
Those macchiatos look so pretty! I love the chocolate drizzle on top!