apple pie smoothie ~vegan, gluten free~

The Apple Pie Smoothie!  

Tastes just like apple pie a la mode, but much healthier for you!

IMG_3822

Last weekend we extended our Big E vacation to include apple picking (along with the rest of Massachusetts, the place was packed!)!  But not to worry, the trees were dripping with sweet, ripe fruit!  Varieties of apples I have never even heard of before!  One of our new favorites was called the “Liberty” apple, super crisp, slightly sweet and a little tangy!

Apple Pie Smoothie ~vegan, gluten free~ Tastes just like apple pie a la mode, but healthier for you!

After a day of walking through the orchards, visiting farm animals and going on hay rides we got back in our car with loads of apples!

Apple Pie Smoothie ~vegan, gluten free~ Tastes just like apple pie a la mode, but healthier for you!

So, guess what’s in store for you?  

Yup, you guessed it…apple recipes!!!

apple pie smoothie ~vegan, gluten free~
 
Print
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1.5 cups almond milk
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 dates, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons pecans or walnuts
  • dash cinnamon
  • dash nutmeg
  • additional add-ins: ground flax seeds or chia seeds
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until creamy!

Apple Pie Smoothie ~vegan, gluten free~ Tastes just like apple pie a la mode, but healthier for you!

pomegranate lavender iced tea

A double dose of antioxidants, brewed lavender black tea and pomegranate juice make a powerful pair!

Pomegranate Lavender Iced Tea ~ A double dose of antioxidants!

In the hot summer months we tend to forget about drinking tea for optimal health.  Tea of all kinds, green, black or white all have extremely high amounts of antioxidants making it one of my favorite superfoods…superdrink I guess I should say!  Tea contains polyphenols, which is an antioxidant that protects our cells from damage and stress.  While green tea contains more polyphenols than black tea, regular consumption of black tea may lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.

I brewed Earl Grey black tea infused with lavender flowers for more of an aromatic flavor however, you can use any tea you prefer!  Added citrus fruit, berries and apples give this iced tea an added dose of flavor and nutrients!

pomegranate lavender iced tea
 
Print
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 teaspoons loose tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar or your preferred sweetener (optional)
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • ½ orange, sliced
  • 4 strawberries, halved
Instructions
  1. Boil water and steep tea for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea leaves or tea bags, stir in sweetener and place in the refrigerator to cool. Once cooled, stir in pomegranate juice and fruit. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Pomegranate Lavender Iced Tea ~ A double dose of antioxidants!

For an adult version, add a little sweet summer red wine to the mix!