The title was my feeble attempt to link the two [unrelated] topics in one post:
- the smoothie recipe that I promised on Monday... Go Get 'Em Smoothie
- a very fun holiday gift guide
But really, this is a breakfast that I would definitely make for myself if I were to be heading out the door for a day of Christmas shopping (*if, being a key word, since I have not yet experienced any days of gift shopping- other than for myself, as of late).
Ever since receiving this fantastic cookbook- Nigella Express, I have kept frozen bananas stored in my freezer for those days when I need breakfast in a hurry, or on the go... or when we're out of everything else. It is extremely easy, healthy, and "ultradelicious" (as it states in the book). You can find the recipe here, or even better, watch the lovely Kitchen Goddess herself, right here!
* A couple of smoothie notes...
- The book offers a kid substitution that is not included in the above link- replace espresso powder with a TB of peanut butter, for extra protein, minus the caffeine boost.
- Feel free to bump up the espresso quantity, if a 1/2 tsp doesn't quite do it for you (note the 1/2 TB in the picture).
- It's a smoothie! Add whatever you'd like- protein powder, wheat germ, flax seed...
Now, onto the holiday gift guide!
One of my very favorite blogs (Elleinad Spir), and friends (Danielle), reached out to the gals of several of her daily blog reads, and asked them what the number one item was on their wish list this holiday season. I love this idea, because we typically see holiday gift guides that are compiled with others in mind (for the teens... for the men... for the toddlers). Not this one! No siree. For US!!
PDF
This is so fun! I need a Go get 'em smoothie!!
ReplyDeleteYummy!! I used to be a regular breakfast person and have slipped for some reason! Gah! I think I am drinking too much coffee and it is cutting my appetite! Anyway, I am absolutely going to try this!
ReplyDeleteYUM! I can always use a good smoothie recipe ;)
ReplyDeleteThe idea of freezing bananas is genius! I always tell myself I'm going to start making smoothies and I've never actually done it. Thanks for the inspiration. I love the item on your wish list, Torrie! I have a pair and LIVE in them during rainy days. They definitely change my attitude toward heading out in the rain.
ReplyDeleteAbout your comment yesterday, we weren't visiting family. I wish we had family there, it would be fun to go often! Gabe actually had a conference there and I tagged along. So it was much more of a vacation for me and more work for him. He always seems to get the shaft. Haha.
xo
Valerie
Yum! For a while Bonham loved smoothies in the morning. It was great because I could sneak all sorts of stuff in there....but I think he burnt out on them :(
ReplyDeleteTorrie-I am a HUGE smoothie fan. Actually both my husband and I love them. When I drink one in the mnorning I literally don't need anything until like 1pm! I love adding greek yogurt, almonds, walnuts,and flaxseed. When in season we use fresh berries otherwise we buy frozen ones in bulk and they work well. I even add grapes or apples or mangos if I need to use up those fruits. Anything goes! And I am ordering your notecards from the last post. I think it might help me (and the nanny)stay organized with what to cook and what to buy. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Torrie-I found you through Danielle's blog (love her to death) and yours is pretty awesome cakes too. I love Nigella (in fact our dog is named after her) and Nigell Express was one of my favorite cookbooks of hers. She just seems so real and enthusiastic, it's contagious.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! And I love that it's items that YOU want.... not items to get other people ;)
ReplyDeleteMmmmmmm. I could have a smoothie every day!
ReplyDeleteI am always up for a great smoothie. I used to be a regular at smoothie kind in college but since then I just make my own and this recipe sounds delish! P.S. Got a great giveaway for ya this week at KB!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear about other recipes you try from my current favorite cookbook. Obsessed with it!
ReplyDeleteSuzie@ cupcakemonkey,
ReplyDeleteAs I sit here with coffee in hand, I am thinking you are right with coffee cutting the appetite. I could live off of coffee all morning...if I could only keep it hot! :)
That is a good idea. I've been thinking about putting together a gift guide and I think I'll involve some fellow bloggers in the process as well! Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeletemmm i could really go for a smoothie right about now. have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for recipe! I will start freezing bananas immediately. You're officially on my blog roll. :)
ReplyDeleteBestie, you just need to drink it faster! :)
ReplyDeleteNow I'm totally craving a smoothie. Sounds so good right now (with the peanut butter and the espresso!)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Working on a little south bay guide for you and your upcoming visit. =)
Thanks Estelle!!
ReplyDeleteSO nice, and I can't wait!
Speaking of smoothies, have you tried coconut milk/coconut water? It's very subtle, but adds just a hint of coconut and has tons of potassium. Just in case you run out of bananas... :)
ReplyDelete