Purple Smoothie

She is a beauty, i'd say! Speckaly (no, it's not a word) and yummy. Nom nom nom. And of course I had to take a picture because we had these beautiful flowers which my dad gave to my mum for their anniversary conveniently placed behind my shot.

And because I really like purple! My room is purple, don't cha know.

What's in it you ask? Well...a little bit of this and a little bit of that!

More precisely? Blueberries, blackberries, milk, acai/pomegranate V8 juice, a banana, oat bran, and flax seed.

Yay purple!

Cantaloupe Melon Milk

This might be one of the prettiest drinks I've made. I love the soft orange colour of the cantaloupe melon, and during the summer they are at their peak--great taste and not too expensive. This morning I purchased a baby cantaloupe from an organic farmers market, for $1!

The sweet cantalope melon is surprisingly healthy and so refreshing it makes for a great beverage addition to shake up your normal drink routines.

My family gave it rave reviews, but for my sisters taste, she preferred the drink strained of any melon pulp. Its great either way in my opinion.

Ingredients:

1/2 cantaloupe melon*

1 1/2 c milk

1 Tbsp honey

*Note that the size of the melon will dictate the size of the drink.

Directions:

1. Remove seeds of the melon with a spoon. Scoop the melon out of the skin into a bowl and freeze for 1 hour until solid. Cover with plastic wrap if freezing longer.

2. Put the milk and honey into the blender and add the frozen melon. Process until smooth.

Makes approx. 1L

Simple Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte

Now, I don't know how all of my Starbucks friends will feel about this one. I imagine this latte is not as authentic and amazing as their barista styled concoctions, however Leah (a barista herself) taught me how to make it so it must be legit, and this one has it's advantages! It's delicious and easy and cheap, plus like the Starbucks version, it is caffeinated.

When I am in a coffee phase (which actually isn't often... sometimes coffee hurts my belly), this latte makes a satisfying morning treat.

I just love waking up to the smell of coffee, don't you? Relaxing before work with a newspaper and coffee? Delightful.

Ingredients:

(per 1 latte)

1/2 c skim milk (adjust to your coffee preferences--less if you need more coffee flavor, and more if you only want a hint of coffee)

1 tsp sugar--can also use flavored syrup (if desired)

hazelnut coffee, brewed

cinnamon and sugar, mixed

a handheld milk frother (available for around $10 at your local supermarket)

Directions:

1. Pour the skim milk and sugar/syrup into your favourite mug and microwave until very warm.

2. Using the handheld milk frother, froth the milk until there is a light and airy consistency at the top of your drink. (At least 10 sec) TIP: Don't touch the milk frother to the bottom of the mug, as for some reason this prevents proper frothing.

3. Pour brewed coffee (very gently) down the side of the mug, as to not ruin the foam, and fill mug.

4. Top with cinnamon and sugar and voila!

Baby Pun'kins and Mulled Cider

I went to the market today after church and bought these baby pumpkins (affectionately dubbed pun'kins):


Kinda inspired by the adorable pun'kins I taught in Sunday school this morning:)

"Okay Max, it's Jehova and YAH-way, not Jehova and HIGH-way. Nice try though."

So in the spirit of the fall weather and all that it brings (adorable pun'kins of all varieties), I did not hesitate in making my room even more 'fall-ish.'

See?


Okay. Okay. So it probably doesn't look 'fall-ish' at all. But I'm workin' on it! Next project is a fall leaf collage. I'm thinking that once the leaves are nice and colourful, I will find a few pretty ones (not too difficult) and then dry them out in one of my over sized textbooks. (I knew those things would come in handy one day!) Then, once the leaves have fully dried out, you can make a collage with them! On a canvas, on a poster, which ever.

And to go along with this crafty endeavor, a hot glass of mulled cider should do the trick. Here is my recipe:

Julia's Mulled Apple Cider

Hot and spicy, this mulled cider will have you craving more all season long. Bring a thermos-full to work and share it with your friends. Or package up the spice mix in small baggies to give as gifts (for any occasion) with instructions on how to make it.

Ingredients:

Amounts can change depending on how much you are making, but I would suggest making a large batch, and cooling it in the fridge for later; rather than having to make each glass separately.

1 qt apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
20 whole black peppercorns
3 cloves
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
the zest from 1/2 of a lemon, or orange or from 3/4 of a lime
5-6 thin slices of fresh lemon or orange or lime

1 crock pot/slow cooker (if available)

Directions:

1. Place cinnamon, peppercorns and cloves into a saute pan at a low heat, just until you start to smell the aromas. This bring out the essential oils in each.

2. Plug in crock pot and set to a medium heat. I like to use a crock pot because I can heat things and walk away; the stove is not so forgiving.

3. Pour apple cider, spices, and sugar into the crock pot and stir gently.

4. 5 minutes later stir in the zest. Place lid on the crock pot and allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes. 25 minutes before serving, stir in fruit slices.

5. Pick out the cloves and peppercorns or strain the HOT apple cider in a fine mesh strainer but be very careful if you choose that method.

6. Serve in mugs with the cooked fruit slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish. Would also be nice with whip cream and a caramel drizzle.

Now, excuse me while I go 'mull' over my homework. A task that has not been attempted yet this evening. It's not my fault that I'd rather be making crafts and cider than reading 200 page articles ;)

DAVIDsTEA

I would like to introduce you to a lovely little store that I stumbled across today.

The names Tea, DAVIDsTEA...


And oh my goodness I'm in love.

For those of you who have never been, let me just paint a little picture for you:

Imagine, every kind of tea you can think of, all stored in silver streamlined containers, awaiting your sniffer. (That's right, your nose!) Each tea, seasonal, and traditional, is available for a good smell. You can capture the essence of these teas in one wiff, believe me. The robust fragrances reveal exactly what is hidden in each tea. There are no pathetic tea fillers here! Everything is so rich and bright, that you will have no idea your only smelling tea. As the fragrance fills your body you can almost taste the aromas. The seasonal maple, cinnamon, and fruity teas all smell like fresh desert, and promise to taste just as good. (Minus the calories!)

If that doesn't make you want to check out DAVIDsTEA, then you must not be a tea drinker. Or you're bonkers. I had about 20 different teas out on the counter, narrowing down the choices; they all smelled so amazing! And honestly, after drinking a glass of my final selection: "Secret Weapon" white tea, I can honestly say that the tea tastes like it smells.

Check out the description of it:

Kick-start your immune system

This blend just might give you the edge you need to stay healthy this fall. It’s a white Bai Mu Dan, so it’s naturally high in immunity-enhancing antioxidants. Plus it contains licorice and goji berries, a Chinese wonderfood reputed to have 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. The best part? The almonds and cocoa nibs. They don’t fight colds, but they make this an amazingly tasty weapon of choice.

Also available at DAVIDsTEA, are mugs, infusers, tea pots, and more. I bought a really adorable, sage colored mug that came with an awesome infuser. I can keep the infuser to use over a tea pot, or just place it over the mug, and voila-- tea time!

Safe to say, no more Starbucks for me!
Click here to find a DAVIDsTEA near you! (Or order online.)

Photos all courtesy of http://www.davidstea.com/

Fizzy Raspberry Purree with White Wine

Here is yet another recipe for wine in combination with fruit. (Apparently I really like white wine this summer!?)

This one is a winner because the raspberry fruit is pureed with lime, orange juice and sugar, and is therefore completely incorporated into your beverage. Sweet eh?

The fizz adds just a little sparkle.

The recipe is loosely measured, so play around with your ingredients depending on how many drinks you are preparing. Any leftover puree you can save in the fridge to pour over hot waffles or pancakes. Mmmm...delicious!

Ingredients:

1 box fresh raspberries (or any other berry that you would prefer)
1 lime (zest and juice)
1/4 c orange juice
1/8 c sugar
*clear soda (sprite, spritz up, etc.)
*white wine

* amts. are according to your own discretion, depending on the size of the cup. I would use a ratio of 2 wine: 1 soda.


Directions:

1. Puree raspberries, lime zest and juice, orange juice, and sugar with a hand held immersion blender. Pour about 1/8 cup into the bottom of each glass and top with white wine and soda.

Watermelon Blueberry Protein Smootie

When people feel like they are getting sick, some take Cold FX, some take echinacea, some sleep. I, on the other hand, eat. Feed a cold, my mother always told me. And so I do.

But you can't settle for unhealthy food; you have to indulge in nature's vitamins, like fruit for example. Today my remedy of choice: the blueberry. I can literally eat an entire pint of blueberries in like 5 minutes. (In case you were wondering). And I don't feel guilty at all because I know how good they are for me.

Check out this blub I found online:

The dye that is released from the blueberries' skin may well be the most valuable nutrient the fruit has to offer. The pigments in blueberries and also in red crops such as cherries, plums, and red cabbage are powerful antioxidants. They have been determined to be a much-heralded chemical warrior against heart disease and also cancer. Blueberries actually have the highest antioxidant capacity because of their large anthocyanin concentration.

Antioxidants in our food can save us from virtually everything. Most of our health misfortunes are due to the perversity of oxygen. Our cells are perpetually besieged by toxic forms of oxygen which have been proved to have fierce destructive powers. So far scientists have linked destructive oxygen reactions to at least sixty different chronic diseases, as well as to aging itself. Oxygen free radicals can attack DNA, the genetic material of cells, causing them to mutate, which is a step on the path to cancer.

One of the great revelations of the last few years, according to a massive and growing body of evidence, is that you may be able to eat your way out of this dilemma insofar as the boundaries of human life span and genetics allow. You can supply your cells with antioxidant food compounds that strike down, intercept and extinguish rampaging oxygen molecules and even repair some of their damage.

So, while enjoying the many health benefits of the blueberry, you can endulge in this refreshing power smoothie that is sure to boost your bodies immunity into high gear.

Ingredients:

3/4 c fresh blueberries
3/4 c watermelon
3/4 c milk
1 banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 c oat bran
1/2 c vanilla yogurt
3 ice cubes


Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a blender on high until smooth.

Fruity Sangria

Well! Is it not finally the season for fruity, and fun cocktails? I think so!

Growing up I looooved having drinks that looked grown up and fancy, but (not to worry) I enjoyed the moctail version. There is just something really special about enjoying colourful, decorated beverages, drinking out of a glass which is only used for fancy occasions, and using a pink straw, and/or umbrella. (You know the kind I'm talking about!)

Now that I'm (relatively) older, my tastes have matured along with me but I still love the feeling a fancy drink brings. If you're the same way, you will love this recipe for Fruity Sangria.
Not familiar with Sangria? Here is a quick run-through:

Sangria is a wine punch typical of Spain and Portugal. It normally consists of:

• red wine
• chopped or sliced fruit (often orange, lemon, apple, peach, berries, pinapple; ocasionally melon, grape, or mango)
• a sweetner such as honey, sugar, or orange juice
• a small amount of added brandy, triple sec, or other spirits
• carbonated soda, in some recipies
• and ice

This Fruity Sangria is combined with tropical and local fruit which, if given time to sit, incorporate exciting flavors into your drink.


Not into the alcoholic version? No problem! Skip the wine and replace it with white or regular grape juice, apple juice or grapefruit juice.

Ingredients:

For one glass.

In terms of amounts, you can use as much of as little of any ingredient as you would like, these are just rough guidelines.
1/2 can sparkling soda (I used Spritz UP)
2 slices lime
1/4 banana, sliced
1 slice orange
3-4 ice cubes
White wine, to fill the rest of the glass

Directions:

1. Assemble fruit in the glasses (or a large pitcher if you want to make more) and pour in your sparkling soda, ice, and finally, the wine.

2. Allow the drink to sit for a little while (I waited 30 minutes) so that the fruit can flavor your sangria. If you aren't patient like that, and I don't blame you, you can enjoy it immediately.

Chocolate and Protein for Breakfast

Did you know that if a person eats protein for breakfast, they will stay fuller, longer? Its true! AND if you been cramming for an exam but find that in the morning of you are completely drained...protein is the solution! Eggs and toast will work, but if you need something on the go, or are like me and crave chocolate in the morning, this milkshake is perfect.

And those little flakies you see on the top? That's your fiber...oat bran! I know people who practically eat this stuff as cereal and swear by it! (Too much info? Ahh well.) You can buy it in your local bulk store for much cheaper than the grocery.

Ingredients:

3/4 c milk
1/2 c vanilla yogurt (I use Activia)
1 scoop vanilla/chocolate protein powder
2 scoops vanilla/chocolate frozen yogurt
2-3 Tbsp. Chocolate Nesquick powder
1/4 c oat bran
1 banana

Directions:

1. Blend Ingredients.