Wednesday, November 5, 2014

What I Ate Wednesday, with a Sunshine & Light Orange Kale Smoothie

orange kale smoothie

Well, it's November and the weather is completely unpredictable, A light dusting of snow the other day, rain today. All you can do is cozy up whenever possible with a bowl of steaming soup or a comforting warm meal.

Unless you've got the heat pumped up and you're making a smoothie, of course. I made this quick and simple Sunshine & Light Orange Kale Smoothie this week, Now and again I realize I could be eating more fruits and vegetables. That's where smoothies come in handy - you can pack in fruits and veggies and still feel like you're getting a bit of a treat. This smoothie is perfect for those rushed mornings or for a pre- or post-gym pick-me-up. It's on the sweet side, because that's how I like my smoothies. That makes it safe for those who aren't quite ready for a super-green smoothie yet! The recipe follows.



One evening I didn't feel much like cooking, but I had a big bag of Brussels sprouts and another big bag of broccoli (both from Costco), so I simply mixed them together with a few cut-up potatoes, doused the whole mix in olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted it for about half an hour. I also cut some extra-firm tofu into triangles and stirred in some bottled teriyaki sauce, along with garlic powder. That went in the oven too. Not fancy, but still a hot and enjoyable meal.


On the weekend, when the kids were living on a diet of which 90 per cent was Halloween candy, I made red lentil soup and tofu "pizzas" for lunch. I told them they had to eat the soup if they wanted to return to the Halloween candy again. So they did. Not happily.


The next day I had the soup again for lunch, along with leftover pizza with vegan Daiya cheese that my husband had made for dinner the night before. I also had a green iced tea. I try not to keep them in the house too much, because I drink them constantly when I do.


Another night's quick meal was penne with a stir-fry of broccoli (from the big bag again) and frozen mixed veggies. I used lots of minced garlic and Bragg's liquid aminos for the "sauce."


I baked up some of these donuts one day. They are gluten-free and vegan. The kids had them for an after-school snack. Although they noted that they aren't much like Tim Hortons donuts, they liked them anyway. The kids said the donuts remind them of this Staple Maple Cake that I sometimes make.

What's the weather looking like your way?




Sunshine & Light Orange Kale Smoothie



by Joann MacDonald
Keywords: smoothie vegan nut-free raw

Ingredients (1 large smoothie)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 banana
  • handful of chopped kale
  • 2 Medjool dates, chopped
  • handful of frozen strawberries
Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a blender! Enjoy!

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14 comments:

  1. ah yes, we're living with the 90%-Halloween-treats diet here too. At least my son has smoothies and I can throw in healthy stuff to compensate! We have typical Melbourne spring weather now, which is gorgeous one day then cold the next (yesterday I was in summery clothes and barefeet, today I'm rugged up in layers and thick slippers!)

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    1. My kids have eaten their way through most of the Halloween candy now. I'll be glad to see the end of it. Spring sounds lovely. ;) And bare feet? What a dream...

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  2. I am just north of you, so our weather is about the same. Its making me sad but Christmas is on its way! I really want to make my own homemade donuts although getting just one donuts from Tim's might be a better idea than making a whole pan to have in my house :)

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    1. Yes, I guess we have to start Christmas shopping!

      But it's a whole pan of HEALTHIER donuts, so you can eat them ALL! ;) That's my logic anyway.

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  3. I love roasting veggies - especially in the fall - when brussel sprouts and root veggies are plentiful. your food photos are absolutely appetizing!

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    1. Roasted veggies are so tasty!! Thank you so much! Jo

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  4. Oh yum! I just roasted brussels last night, so I'm right there with you on roasted veggies. Now I need to catch up on your blog! It's been so long.

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    1. I see how busy you are with your business Ruthie. Producing all that lovely embroidery. :)

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  5. Great smoothie recipe! I never tried adding dates before and I can't wait!

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  6. I am also a big fan of smoothies to get in some fruits and vegetables. I'm more likely to make them in the spring and summer, but I tend to get more veggies in during the colder months.

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    1. I need to look at some new smoothie ideas for winter, to keep me motivated! :)

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  7. I am definitely going to try that smoothie!

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