mango matcha green smoothie

In keeping with the green theme…here is a shamrock inspired Mango Matcha Green Smoothie!

Mango Matcha Green Smoothie ~vegan~

I feel like I’m late to the matcha party, but I just discovered it since being pregnant and giving up my morning cup of jo.  Matcha is a powdered form of green tea.  It is the only form of green tea that uses the whole tea leaf giving it more antioxidant power than traditionally brewed green tea.  The most famous pholyphenol found in matcha is EGCG (epigallo-catechin-gallate), which shows promise for lowering cancer and heart disease risk.  Matcha does contain caffeine, but far less than a cup of coffee.

Matcha is usually mixed into hot water or steamed milk for a morning drink, but I blended it into a smoothie!  I found matcha powder at Whole Foods in the tea section.   The one I bought was slightly sweetened.  If you have unsweetened matcha, try blending in a few dates if needed for sweetness.

mango matcha green smoothie
 
Print
Makes 2 smoothies
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 cups milk of your choice (soy, hemp, almond, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons matcha powder
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • handful of baby spinach leaves
Instructions
  1. Blend and enjoy!

 Mango Matcha Smoothie ~vegan~

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend!

chocolate peppermint macaroons

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner!  I have zero Irish in my background however, since marrying into an Irish family I guess it’s time I put forward some Irish spirit!  Since you won’t find me making corned beef and cabbage, here is my first attempt at something festive, Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons!  

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

(As I’m writing this I’m wondering why are mint flavored foods part of St. Patrick’s Day anyway?  Is it the green that comes to mind with mint?) 

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

These macaroons are totally easy to make and unlike traditional macaroons, they are 100% vegan!  (gluten free too!)  Weighing in at under 100 calories each, these little cookies are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth!

Recipe adapted from Rawmanda.

chocolate peppermint macaroons
 
Print
Makes 18 cookies
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup old fashioned oats or oat flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2½ tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. In a high speed blender such as a vitamix, pulse oats until a powdery flour is formed.
  2. Transfer to a medium bowl and add coconut flakes, maple syrup, peppermint extract and melted coconut oil. Mix until well combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
  3. Tightly pack dough into a tablespoon sized scoop and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake on 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
  5. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 81 Fat: 5 Carbohydrates: 8 Sugar: 4 Fiber: 1 Protein: 1

Chocolate Peppermint Macaroons ~vegan, gluten free~

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