Blueberry banana power smoothie

We're one week into January, and I'm still writing 2013 for the year about half of the time.  Old habits die hard, right?  Here's hoping that I'm fully aboard the 2014 train by the end of this week month.

Speaking of old habits, how many of you made resolutions to change those old habits or adopt new ones?  I made quite a few, wrote them down, and even signed the paper like it was a contract with myself.  Holds me accountable, and I hear I can be quite a stickler :)

In addition to my usual goals of treating others well, keeping up with my faith, eating healthy (most of the time) and exercising, I made a few new ones.  My favorite recent addition is "print more pictures."  Not only do the frames in our apartment need updating, but we have taken so many great photos in the last year that won't be seen hiding on the hard drive.

Whatever your resolutions, you deserve a pat on the back for making them.  Change isn't easy but it can be so satisfying and rewarding, so kudos for taking the initiative!

Fast Friday: Strawberry banana protein smoothie

Being a baker, cook, and food blogger is so much fun.  For reals.  So.Much.Fun!  I'm able to create, eat, and share with you things that I enjoy and love so dearly.  So, thanks for giving me a place to do those things and for reading :)

But I feel that there are a few misconceptions I should clear up about my life as a food blogger.

First, while many think Matt is "the luckiest guy ever" to have a wife who loves cooking (BTW, he is - ha!), he's also required to be very patient.  Normal meals involve cooking, plating, and eating, but there's one additional time-consuming step in our household: photographing the food.

Poor Matt lingers beside me as I hover, pivot, and mumble about the lighting while trying to get the perfect shot.  It's not unusual for us to reheat then-lukewarm food in the microwave when it's finally time to eat.  #iamashamed

Peanut butter banana protein smoothie

Do I have your attention?  Thought so ;)

Technically this couldn't be considered a milkshake because there is no ice cream in the mix (don't go! stay!  you'll see...), but you'd surely never know considering how thick and creamy this breakfast was: banana peanut butter smoothie for the win!

I had another recipe ready for today but my gut told me that it was imperative for you to hear about this cool breakfast treat.  The heat and humidity have been downright oppressive and what a better way to start your day with a refreshing (and, healthy, to boot!) smoothie.

Seriously, look how thick this concoction was?!  And this was after it patiently sat through a photo shoot and warmed just a smidge from its original ice cold state:

Go green!

In the spirit of this new month of June and its already-sweltering temperatures, it seems appropriate to feature the second most popular recipe on this site: a cool refreshing green monster smoothie!

Perfect for any time of the day, really, and an especially satisfying post-workout dinner when all you want is an ice cold milkshake but know you need a little more nutrition to fuel your body.  The sweet banana and smooth and slightly salty peanut butter are an out of this world combination with milk and oats... and don't worry, you won't be able to taste the spinach at all!  It's just there for some vitamins and that pretty green color :)

Speaking of milkshakes, what's your favorite flavor?  Are you a traditionalist with a classic vanilla or do you prefer something a little more on the wild side?   From Red Robin (who makes the best milkshakes, by the way!) I always get vanilla.  But, from a place like the Milkshake Factory, I love the Orange Creamsicle and Mint Chocolate Chip flavors.  Furthermore, I've been dying to check out the new burger hot spot, Burgatory, because I hear their milkshakes are epic!!  I'm going to see if I can convince my future in-laws who will be visiting this weekend to go there so I can try a Milk & Cereal or Campfire S'mores 'shake :)  Like I said, I love my milkshakes.

Top o' the morning to ya!

Feeling green?  Good for you!  It's that one day a year when people everywhere seek even the tiniest bit of Irish heritage in their family backgrounds so they can join the celebration, too.  Even if there's no O' or Mc in your last name, get your Irish fix in the kitchen and be festive anyway.

I started my day off with a very green smoothie.  Not one of the famed green monster smoothies (though I highly recommend it if you've never tried one), but a banana oat smoothie with a touch of green food coloring.  In the mix:

• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 banana, cut into thirds
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Three drops of green food coloring (optional)

In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  Add food coloring to blended drink and pulse until desired color is reached.  Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap, store in refrigerator overnight for consumption in the AM.

This was a champion's breakfast -- smooth and sweet and so filling and satisfying.  I know it'll get me through the 10:30am hunger pangs all the way to lunch.  And that touch of green was exactly what I wanted/needed to put a bounce in my step for the day ahead.  Not technically Irish, per se, but who says adults can't have silly (yet extremely nourishing) breakfasts, too? :)  If you're looking to make your day Irish through and through, here are two recipes to help you on your way.

Traditional Irish soda bread.  Plump chewy raisins in an aromatic loaf, perfectly delicious on its own but even better with butter (shocking, no?). At room temperature or toasted, this is always a hit with guests, friends, and coworkers.  If you love rye bread, this is going to knock your socks off.  However, if you're not so keen on the anise flavor, cut back on the amount of caraway seeds that you add and you'll still have a loaf of sweet and dense bread to enjoy.

And, the winner of your votes that I featured on Monday, Irish beef hand pies.  High five to my past self for freezing four of these little nuggets for later enjoyment.  I'll be warming up one tonight for a no hassle dinner.

Have a great jolly St. Patrick's Day!  How will you celebrate?  Perhaps with the first Shamrock Shake of the season? :)

One Year Ago: Irish soda bread

Green monster smoothie

Last week I was having lunch with a friend and discussing our daily Internet reads (ranging from food and shopping, to Martha Stewart crafts and weddings), and she mentioned a Green Monster smoothie that she had recently seen here and tried.  I love smoothies, but don't make them as often as I'd like.  I usually reserve making them on the weekend since I have a habit of being a sloppier cook in the morning and getting my breakfast all over my clothes.  Woops.  Cereal is the way to go, my friends.  Anyway, I had never heard of a Green Monster smoothie, so she showed me the website:

me: "It's so green and pretty.  What's in it?"
Becca: "Baby spinach, peanut butter, a frozen banana, milk, oats-"
me: "Wait, spinach?"
Becca:"But it doesn't taste like spinach.  It's good!  I had one and felt really full and healthy for the whole morning."

Hmmm, this is worth a try.  I had some spinach left in the fridge and the other ingredients around as well.  Why not?  If all else fails, I'll make myself some super delicious (and not quite as healthy) French toast dripping with syrup.  Mmm :)

And holy crap did I enjoy it!  Honestly, I thought I'd have to suppress my gag reflux to get this down.  It is with the Girl Scout's honor that I can say I proudly and willingly drank the entire thing and even went back for seconds (two total glassfuls).  I couldn't taste the spinach at all, but the peanut butter and banana really stood out to me and a hint of the vanilla from the protein powder came through as well.  I really really recommend this!  I had it for breakfast around 9:15 and was totally satisfied... until I saw the clock at 12:42 and remembered I had quiche in the fridge that I'd made the night before.  Time for lunch! :)  (Thanks again, B!)


Green Monster Smoothie
-adapted from Iowa Girl Eats

2 handfuls of baby spinach
1/4 cup old fashioned oats (or quick-cooking, if you have those instead)
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1 banana, unpeel and wrap in plastic and freeze for a few hours or overnight
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (optional)
Handful of ice cubes (optional)

Slice frozen banana and add to a glass pitcher (or pitcher of stand blender), along with spinach, oats, protein powder, peanut butter, and milk.

Mix with immersion blender until smooth.

Add ice, if you want to thin the mixture a bit, and blend until smooth.  I didn't add ice because I thought the smoothie was the perfect consistency already (and I was getting hungry/curious).  Pour into glass and enjoy!