Friday, February 18, 2011

Bhan-made Breakfast

Spring cleaning began in earnest with this week's pleasantly surprising mega-thaw here in the Sconnie Nation. First up: my soul. Sunshine, song birds, and dry sidewalks did more to motivate me than setting too many and unrealistic New Years resolutions.

I've enjoyed this berry smoothie every day this week. It's an exhilarating jewel toned color, nutritious, and over easy. Easy to make, easy to clean up, easy to transport. 

Control the quality of your ingredients and save $2.50 or more a day by making these at home instead of buying them at a coffee shop.


the shoes and music
various (heels or boots) and NPR

the damages
a blender
cup measure
drinking glass (pint sized)
straw

the ingredients
1 c frozen triple berry blend ($8 for 16 oz at Super Target; makes ~8 servings)
1 c skim or soy milk
splash of water

the preparation
Use the dry measuring cup to scoop 1 cup of the frozen berry and add this to the blender. Add milk until you reach the 2-cup line on the side of the blender. Measure out 2 T - about a palm-full - of the flax seed and add that, too.

Pulse for a moment. If the mixture doesn't seem to catch in the blender blades, add a splash of water. Continue pulsing until all berries are blended with the milk. Pour into a cup and enjoy!

tips and techniques
Keep the blender clean during the week by simply rinsing thoroughly in hot water immediately after use. Alternately, add a pump of dish soap and hot water, blend on high, and rinse.

2 comments:

  1. I love smoothies! I know flax seed is good for you, but what specifically does it help?

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  2. From wikipedia,

    -- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (these stimulate blood circulation; help rebuild strong muscles by breaking down fibrin, which causes clotting and scar tissue; alleviates stiff joints, depression, and anxiety; reduce tumor growth in cancer patients and risk of heart disease or severity of infarctions)

    -- composed of basically 100% fiber, which is good for digestion and appetite satiation

    You can find inexpensive organix flax seed at any natural foods store, either in a pouch near the grains and cereals or potentially (tho less probably) in the bulk grains section.

    Refrigerate the pouch after opening; a bag will last you up to 3 months in the fridge.

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