Tag Archives: Ziploc Freezer Bag

Sunrise Green Smoothie

Blenderized, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Green Smoothies, Pureed, , , , , , , , , , ,

This makes for a great eye opener but It’s refreshing any time of day.

Sunrise Green Smoothie
Sunrise Green Smoothie

1 cup water

1cup romaine lettuce

1 cup fresh spinach

thin slice of fresh lemon (including the peel)

4 frozen pineapple cubes (or 4oz frozen pineapple)

2 frozen mango cubes (or 2oz frozen mango)

1 Stevia packet (or more to taste)

  1. Placed all into the Vitamix container in  the order listed and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
  4. Blend for 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached.  Use the tamper if needed to push the ingredients into the blades.

Food Tip:  Any of your favorite greens will work in this smoothie.  Spinach and romaine lettuce are good starters for the novice green smoothie drinker because the fruit masks the taste of the greens.  As you get more accustomed to the taste, try removing the Stevia and some of the fruit.  That will retrain your palate into not always needing food to be sweet to taste good.

Time Tip:  As with my other smoothie recipes, I save time by pureeing the fruit and freezing them in ice cube trays.  No need to separate large chunks of frozen fruit. Also, I can add exactly the desired amount of fruit keeping the flavor just like I like it or give me option to change it up a bit.

Money Tip:  Buy your greens at a food warehouse such as Costco or Sam’s Club.  As soon as you open the bags, fill  gallon-sized freezer bags, label and date them, then put them straight into the freezer.  Use up the fresh greens in the refrigerator then begin using the frozen greens.  No more tossing half of your greens in the trash 3 days after you bring the home and running out to by more.  No waste ALWAYS means more money in your pocket.

Whole Grain Pancakes

Breakfast, Pureed, , , , , , , ,
Whole Grain Pancakes
Whole Grain Pancakes

½ cup all purpose flour
½ cracked wheat or whole wheat flour
¼ cup oat flour
¼ cup quinoa flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tsp double-acting baking powder
1¼ cup of milk (any kind)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons melted butter

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  1. Combine dry ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Combine eggs and milk in the Vitamix container and secure lid.
  3. Select Variable1.
  4. Turn machine on and blend for 3 seconds.
  5. Turn machine off and remove lid.
  6. Add in dry ingredients and secure lid.
  7. Select Variable 1.
  8. Increase speed to Variable 3 and blend for 10 seconds.
  9. Turn off machine and remove lid.
  10. Add the melted butter and secure lid.
  11. Select Variable1.
  12. Increase speed to Variable 3 and blend for 5 seconds.
  13. Set the batter aside for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken (liquids take time to soak trough the brand of whole grains).
  14. Pour batter directly from the Vitamix container onto an electric griddle preheated to 350 degrees or a standard griddle over a medium to medium high heat.

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Food Tip: The combination of flours makes these pancakes light and full of flavor. Maple syrup adds the finishing touch but you won’t want to use much. They are also great straight out of the toaster plain. The whole grain flours are a great source of fiber and protein.

Money Tip: Homemade pancakes take a little more time and effort than pre-made batters but they are far less expensive (not to mention they taste so much better). Frozen prepackaged pancakes may be a quick grab but they are even more expensive than the pre-made batters (Again, taste is an issue).

Time Tip: Pre-grind a portion of your whole grains into flour and keep on hand for quick addition/substitution to your favorite recipes. Making these pancakes with a mixer takes a lot longer and pouring directly from the Vitamix container saves time on clean up. Keep the leftovers (if there are any) in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-5 days but trust me, they will not last that long. You can also double the recipe and freeze the extras in stacks of 4 in a Ziploc Freezer bag.