Muffins and smoothies…

February 18, 2013 By in Baked Goods, Berries, Fresh and healthy, Fruits, Vegetables Tags: , , , , 36 Comments
2013-02-11_001

Does anybody know why i’m getting a little arrow on some of these pics???

Celebrating health with more muffins and smoothies…

One of my favorite sounds this time of year rang through the valley as I took these photos. Baby lambs calling for their mama’s and mama saying “for God’s sake I’m right here- Can’t I just go pee for thirty seconds on my own!”

Really though, they are so sweet… just like these muffins I had to make again. Here’s the GF version if you missed it.

I HAD to do it again. … with the all purpose flour, canola oil and white granulated sugar. As much as I love deviation- this is straight up followed. I even let them sit for twenty minutes before I buttered one and inhaled it in all it’s Morning Glory. They were good but not as good as in the bakery. That’s when you realize publishing a cookbook with your secrets won’t necessarily detract from your business.

Next is juicing…

Healthy mind-body smoothie-12

I’m not sure if the New Year juicing, fasting, GF cleansing has been plucked from popularity and you know I’ve had some dips already in the chocolate tin. Since I often get recycled magazines from the library I’m trending a little behind the beat anyway.  But if you could see me now I think I might be glowing.

2013-02-11_003

I’ve been reading about the positive impact of fruits and vegetables in the same blended drink. Sounds good except I don’t want to put my strawberries through the champion (old school around here) and my fibrous kale and carrots in the stand up blender (the one with a metal switch).

Healthy mind-body smoothie-5

So until I get something, if ever, a little more updated, then I’ll be pulling both units out. And this morning I had the time. Really it wasn’t so consuming.

I love juicing and I love smoothies and usually will crank both out for a week or two at a time. Because I have the attention span of a goldfish the thrill disperses quickly and I can’t justify a $500 bill on a new machine.

I juiced carrots, celery, kale and an orange. Poured this mixture directly into the blender and added a little spinach, berries, peaches, a frozen banana and my whey protein powder. Throw some flax or chia seeds in there and you will get an A++.

2013-02-11_002

Since I’ll probably do this for a few months , weeks, days, I decided to make up some packets. Two things that I still here my French cooking teachers say- “economy of motion… we must win the time”. This was his direct translation of gagnez le temp!… And “bien assaisoner”. Use the damn salt and pepper already (but that does not apply here).

I only made up three packets and they make about two servings each. Make them accordingly for yourself or family. But trust me the time it takes to pull out the peaches, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and frozen bananas (the going brown ones you already peeled and put in a baggie), reach a hand into each one, and put them all back… OR you could pull out one little baggie and plop it in the blender. You can always rinse out the baggie and reuse it

Healthy mind-body smoothie

You could of course also portion and prep your veggies for several days at a time too. This way when you pull out two machines- it’s not so bad. And if you have one of those Breville’s or Vitamixes, well hell – you’ve got it made.

You will literally start to glow at least on the inside when you see all this goodness your body will be shortly receiving. I’m just finishing my first glass now. Still picking the raspberry seeds from my teeth. The first sip was a little hmmm… I’m confused. A hint of greens and orange… berries. Do I like this? By the third sip. “I think so.” By the last bit. I love it and am  on for seconds. Or maybe I should wait a few hours so I don’t go into detox shock.

Here’s the official Macrina Morning Glory recipe:

Ingredients 
▪ 1/2 cup seedless raisins 
▪ 1/3 cup walnut halves 
▪ 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 
▪ 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
▪ 2-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon 
▪ 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 
▪ 1/4 teaspoon salt 
▪ 1 medium carrot, grated 
▪ 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated 
▪ 3/4 cup chopped pineapple 
▪ 3 eggs 
▪ 1/4 cup canola oil 
▪ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
▪ 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 
▪ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
▪ 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut 
▪ 1/3 cup coarse raw sugar

Have a lovely week,

Tschüß xx

36 responses

  1. Dear Wendy, all this looks so super delicious, I could bite into one of your Morning Glory muffins and devour it right now 🙂 I enjoy smoothies, too, but I am such a lazy bummer…what a shame.
    Have a lovely week and all the best form this side of the ocean 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  2. I need to get a juicer! Iv just hired a personal trainer and he keeps telling me to make smoothies. This looks like a great recipe and I can imagine it to be very filling aswell?!

    Like

    Reply

    • We love smoothies. Usually more in the summer when it’s warm for 5 minutes here. But for some reason we’ve already been on a kick. Probably the new year thing. You can just use a blender and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

      Like

      Reply

  3. Oh I’m so coveting a vitamix after having seen it at work. I’d be smoothying and souping everyday if I did! I have a good blender that has to be washed in 5-6 parts. I love making my own soups but this really really does my head in! I used to blend some morning smoothies with oats, frozen fruit and yoghurt. I actually bought my berries frozen because we really don’t get great fresh berries here for long here. Keep up the good work! I’m simply trying to make sure I eat lots and lots of fruit and veg and drink lots of water (and not eat too many muffins – although your Morning Glory a la Macrina are very healthy looking…)
    😀

    Like

    Reply

    • I like the idea of oats – I might trying soaking them and some almonds for smoothies. God that sounds healthy. Is now a good time to mention I ate four chocolate bars in the last four days.
      I’m not totally clear on the vitamix for say kale or lemons. Does it just munch up the whole thing?

      Like

      Reply

      • Not sure I’d put the pith in depending on what taste you’re looking for, but yeah, basically the Vitamix is great, because it makes the whole of the orange drinkable (the bits you’d normally eat anyway) unlike a juicer, which leaves you with the membrane or whatever that stuff is called. Kale I’ve not tried but on the same vein, I’d say yes.
        One chocolate bar a day… you could do a lot worse 😛

        Like

  6. Juicing is something my husband and I are really interested in doing…but need to invest in a good blender or juicer to do it. I have heard so many great things about it and would love to do a vitamin packed drink every day as a meal replacement.

    I love your lamb story…too cute!

    Like

    Reply

    • Do I remember you saying you watched “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead”. That will make you want to run out and get one like yesterday.
      I think we juiced everyday for 2 weeks (that’s a long spell for me) after watching that last summer.

      Like

      Reply

      • Yes, I did watch that and it was very motivational. Another thing to check out is greensmoothiegirl.com (i think that is the right name…just google green smoothie girl). She has great recipes for all kinds of juicing and smoothies.

        Like

  7. I’ve been wanting a Vitamix! For some odd reason, I’m scared of juicing at home. I keep thinking it’s going to taste like liquid salad. I love the combo of fruits and vegs you used for your shake. Throw in a few of these muffins and I think I could enjoy healthier eating!

    Like

    Reply

  8. This looks too healthy for me *laughing – thanks for coming back with a normal recipe of those muffins – did banana and coconut muffins this week – so this is next on the list .. the frozen fruit package – great idea for smoothie – I love smoothies in any form and shape .. but I must admit that I have never tried a vegetable one. Don’t even have a blender good enough for smoothie or maybe I have .. thanks for the more .. normal recipe.

    Like

    Reply

      • Never had banana, coconut milk and dark chocolate muffins before – they were so good – have to post the recipe. And they were so easy to do. How is the VISA business going???

        Like

      • A little crazy making. Hubby is a champ making the most of the time – a lot of trumpet practicing and music writing…But we just thought he’d be here by now. Still no interview scheduled.

        Like

      • But you’re married .. and you’re American … so what is the problem. Really feel sorry for you both. Even if he keeps himself busy with music – isn’t not where you both want to be.

        Like

  9. I love fruit smoothies! It’s probably cheating, but I’ll buy packages of frozen fruit (no sugar added) and just use those.
    I don’t know why you are getting that arrow. When I click on it, it takes me back to the top of your page, it seems to be a back to the top of the page arrow.

    Like

    Reply

    • Not cheating at all.
      That arrow pisses me off. It’s something with the photos I edit on my iphone. I THINK… but have not really looked into it. It doesn’t show up on the post when I’m writing it. Who knows….
      cheers…x wendy

      Like

      Reply

      • Wherever you think it (the arrow) may have happened, look for some area for adding a back to top of page prompt.
        Also,when totally frustrated I have sent an email about my problem to WP Support, and they have always solved my issue.

        Like

  10. Weekends here are filled with muffins and smoothies. FILLED!! Also, morning glory muffins were a big part of my quick breads station in the first term at school this year. So I will always remember them fondly/feel anxious when I make them…

    Like

    Reply

  11. Love the idea of bagging the portions for juicing. So practical and a time saver. That pix of the liquid rainbow is so beautiful. I need to get on the juice train.

    Like

    Reply

    • Thanks 🙂
      Watch ‘Fat Sick and Nearly Dead’. If you are a sucker like me it will motivate you to no end. Although, having said that… I love juicing but rarely, actually never, really fast on juice. It’s just in addition to real chewable food.

      Like

      Reply

  12. You’re positively glowing with vibrant good health, Wendy! So here’s my dilemma.
    Dear Wendy: I have a VitaMix. I use it often in the mornings for smoothies (with or without vegetables.) I do not own a juicer. My cupboards are full. I’m reluctant to buy a “gadget” though I realize a powerful juicer isn’t exactly that. Would you make a case for owning a juicer? (a close friend has been trying for months.) Should I cave? Signed, Bulging Cupboards, Oregon

    Like

    Reply

      • Wendy – I use my Vitamix to whir up ANYthing. It’ll make peanut or cashew butter, a perfectly smooth, silky soup of any vegetable. It handles any whole fruit (including orange and lemon) without leaving anything fibrous behind. It makes sherbets and ice creams, & some people use it for bread. It’ll take raspberry seeds and pulverize them so that you end up with a completely smooth smoothie. And I love that we’re getting the “whole” food in the process. I am so happy we went for it. But my friend makes a good argument that you can get more nutrition from a juicer because you can extract all the vitamins and minerals (essentially) while leaving the fiber behind, thereby eating a dozen carrots at a sitting rather than 2. I think I’ll probably just stick with what I have and add nothing new…and you may likely do the same. 🙂 But I still wonder….. 🙂

        Like

  14. —oh I am having “champion” flashbacks, I had juice of the day and lemonade of the day on my station at one of the restaurants, so we were pretty dang tight for awhile creatively speaking:) Love that thing, and even thought of getting one for the house, but it was so heavy and bulky! Splurged on a pricey vitamix and use it every single day literally, so I guess at least I am using it well. Usually for my breakfast and sometimes for soup. a few months ago, I was on a green juice kick for awhile, but not I am having a protein/coffee shake ( x2) everyday. Miss ya foodie friend! Your post reminds me to go back to green juice and this time around make those packets! The only real reason I was sticking to the mocha ones was because it was wayyyyy quicker. Let’s chat soon! Been on a photography learning kick and your pics are as always, amazing! xo jodi

    Like

    Reply

  15. Such beautiful colours in your vibrant smoothie. I’ve been juicing over the last month and a half in the effort to keep up my immunity as the cooler months (slowly approach.) there’s something so wonderful about the colours in your rainbow smoothie there and it’s true (you do feel) incredibly invigorated and yes, there is that glow. I’ve found the vegetable or fruit scraps to be a fantastic base for cakes and muffins too. It’s a great way of minimizing food waste and getting all that fiber too.

    Looks like you’re getting ready for those warmer months ahead and soon!

    Like

    Reply

  16. Pingback: What happens when the freezer door is left ajar? #1 « Chez Chloe

Thoughts, Comments, Questions ?