Dragon Fruit Delight Smoothie Parfait

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Parfait

Every time I turned around, Dragon Fruit was everywhere on Instagram.  Except in my hands.  I was so wanting to try this fruit that I looked everywhere for months on end, but no luck.  Then I won a tropical fruit box that was filled to the brim with delicious fruit which I had never tried before or even seen in person.

And there it was... wrapped up so sweetly.  A single Dragon Fruit.

Buddha with Dragon Fruit

I actually jumped up and down with excitement.  Okay, actually I screamed like a little girl.  Out loud.  I'm sure my neighbors all heard me.

Anyway, I waited until the very last minute of ripeness to try this fruit.  Mark and I each took a taste and, to be perfectly honest, it was just okay.  It wasn't horrible mind you and had an okay taste factor, but perhaps I put too much into my pursuit of this interesting fruit and expected fireworks.  So I made us a couple smoothie parfaits with it and they were quite delicious. 

In any case, I finally got to try Dragon Fruit, and for that I am thankful.

Dragon Fruit Delight

Bottom layer:
1 1/2 cups strawberries
2 frozen ripe bananas
1 cup coconut water (adjust as needed)

Blend in high powered blender, pour into 2 glasses and set in freezer while making the next layer.

Top layer:
1 Dragon Fruit
1 frozen ripe banana

Blend well.  Remove glasses from freezer.  Gently pour or scoop onto the bottom layer of both glasses.  I garnished ours with chopped strawberries, coconut shreds and dragon fruit.

Enjoy!
Rocki

A&J Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam

Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam

The other day I was dreaming of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  So I created this thick and delicious healthy smoothie!  But instead of a P&J, this one is A&J -  without the bread.  Creamy almond butter and lick my lips blueberry grape jam.

I don't use too many nuts in my smoothies, but a little here and there is perfect for me.  Besides, it's kind of hard to create a A&J smoothie without them. 

A&J Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam
 
Jam Swirls
1 cup blueberries
1 cup red grapes
1 very small banana

Blend, pour into separate container and put in freezer while making next layer.

Almond Butter Layer
1 frozen banana
1 non-frozen banana
1 heaping TBS almond butter
1/2 cup water or milk of choice (adjust as needed)

Blend in powerful blender.  Alternate each layer in a tall glass as you wish and enjoy!

Peace☮
Rocki

Green Custard Smoothie - Raw & Vegan

Green Custard Smoothie - Raw & Vegan

Cherimoya - also known as the custard apple, and for good reason.  You can read more about this OMG! fruit in my Cherimoya Parfait recipe post.

I do believe that cherimoya is my most favorite fruit of all.  Well, right next to mangos, bananas, blueberries, watermelon... Anyway, it's in my top 5 at least, that's for sure. 


Green Custard Smoothie - Raw & Vegan

Custard layer:
1 small cherimoya - peeled and seeded
1/2 banana
water - enough to blend with (amount varies due to fruit size)

Blend, pour into separate container and set in freezer while making next layer.

Green layer:
1 frozen banana
1 non-frozen banana
2 handfuls baby spinach
1 tsp Matcha Green Tea powder (optional)
1 Tbs flax meal (optional)
1/2 cup water - adjust as needed

Blend in powerful blender.  Alternate each layer in a tall glass as you wish and enjoy!

Peace☮
Rocki

Buddha and my Green Custard Smoothie

Strawberry Mint Swirl Smoothie - Raw and Vegan

Strawberry Mint Smoothie

When I have a little extra time in the mornings I enjoy being creative with my smoothies.  I love to do layers with different fruits and greens, from simple to elegant.  This one was rather simple in looks, but the taste had a definite WOW factor!

Strawberry Mint Swirl Smoothie Mint

Cream Layer:
2 cold ripe bananas
3-4 mint leaves
1/4 cup hemp milk (or milk of choice)
1 tsp Matcha (optional)

Blend all ingredients, pour into a separate container and put in freezer while making the next layer.

Reddish Pink layer:
1 handful strawberries - about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 small beet
1 small frozen ripe banana

Blend all ingredients.

Alternately pour each layer in a tall glass and give a little swirl after each layer.  I topped mine with mint and a few nibbles of my fudge brownie, which is completely optional.

Peace☮
Rocki

Becoming Raw Book and Rocki's Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

Becoming Raw Book and Rocki's Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

If you're new to raw or thinking about becoming a raw vegan, I highly recommend this book: Becoming Raw.  This is one of the first of several books I bought when Mark and I started on our raw path almost 2 years ago.  I keep this informative guide book in my kitchen and still reference it - and learn something new each time.

While this is not a recipe book, it does have a few in there.  But in short, it is a complete book filled with science-based raw vegan nutrition from A to Z - and much more. This easy to read book is packed full with a wealth of information and truly is an "essential guide to raw vegan diets".

I'm including my smoothie recipe in this post since I do have it pictured.  That would be rude of me if I didn't ;)

Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

2 handfuls baby spinach
1 peach (or 1 cup frozen)
1 large frozen banana
1 Tbs dried coconut shreds
1 piece peeled turmeric (approx. 1")
1 Tbs flax meal
1 Tbs maca powder
3/4 cup coconut water (adjust as needed)

Blend in a powerful blender and enjoy.

Peace☮
Rocki

Green is the New Orange - Raw Vegan Smoothie

Green Smoothie - raw, vegan and gluten-free

Want a quick, nutritious and tasty way to start your day?  Try my Green is the New Orange smoothie.

One of the ingredients in this green smoothie is Matcha green tea powder.  Matcha is like no other green tea as you are ingesting the whole leaf and is 10 times more nutritious than other green tea's. You can drink it straight as a hot tea, add to smoothies or other recipes.  It has a very green, earthy herbal type flavor and aroma.  I love it and can drink it straight, but if you're not into greens, you may want to add sweetener to it.

The health benefits of Matcha are numerous and some are:
*Rich in nutrients
*Energy Booster, but *not* like caffeine - it is subtle, does not cause the jitters and provides 4-6 hours of mild steady energy
*Powerful Detoxifier and Antioxidant
*Boosts metabolism and burns calories
*Calms and relaxes while keeping you alert

It is said that over a thousand years ago Monks in Japan would drink Matcha tea during long meditation to keep them alert yet calm. This is due to Matcha is rich in L-Theanine.  But not all Matcha tea's are the same. I use Organic Ceremonial Grade which is a high grade quality powder - do your research.  One final note - if you're new to Matcha, start with 1/2 tsp for about 1 week then 1 tsp per day max - in my opinion.  I drink it almost every day and can definitely feel the benefits.

Green is the New Orange

2 handfuls spinach
1 tangelo
1/2 cup mango
2 bananas
1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
1 Tbs flax meal
1 tsp Matcha

Blend until smooth and creamy, pour into mug and enjoy!

Peace☮
Rocki

Raw Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl

Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Smoothie

I love carrots! Especially organic carrots.  Not just because they're clean, but they are also sweet and oh so tasty.

What steered me in this direction, to make this delectable smoothie creation, is the color orange.  Ever turn I made there it was - orange.  From carrots to fruits, clothing to flowers, the cool motorcycle I was behind and even my big knife with the orange handle.  So I took the hint and went from there.

Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl

Gooey Crumble:
2 dates
small handful walnuts
pinch of cinnamon

With fork and knife, or hands, crumble together in the old fashioned way.  This is fun and gooey. Set aside.

Smoothie:
1 super large organic carrot or 2 average size
2 frozen bananas
1/4 cup hemp milk (or milk of choice. adjust as needed)
a few shakes of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

Blend smoothie ingredients until creamy. It will be somewhat thick, but if you want it thinner, add some water a little at a time until you've reached the desired texture. 

Put a little of the gooey crumble at the bottom of bowl, mug or dish of choice - this is for when you've finished the smoothie, you can enjoy the last little bits.  Pour into dish. Stick gooey crumble on side of dish and lick fingers - this is so while you're enjoying the smoothie you can take a pinch, dip it in the bowl and pop it in your mouth.

Say it with me: mmmmmmmm!

Peace☮
Rocki

p.s.
If you want more of my recipes sooner than later, I post on IG (Instagram) daily.  While I do post regularly here on my new blog, sometimes life takes over and IG is quicker.  However, plans are to post more often here :)

Raw Vegan Coconut Fruit Smoothie Bowl

Raw Vegan Smoothie Bowl - Coconut Fruit

I love smoothies for breakfast and my favorite is green smoothies - the greener the better.  However, a thick and creamy fruit smoothie bowl is always fun to eat from! 

One thing I absolutely love about creating smoothies is that there is a *ton* of options.  Just think about all the fruit, greens and veggies that are available to you and the numerous ways you can interchange them to create a new smoothie each and every time.  I LOVE eating this way - it's not only nutritious and delicious, but fun too!

Okay, let's get to the recipe for my smoothie bowl and then it's into the studio I go - then class this afternoon.

Raw Vegan Coconut Fruit Smoothie Bowl  
serves 1 healthy portion or 2 small servings

1 cup coconut milk
2 large frozen ripe bananas
1 Tbs flax meal
1 Tbs maca powder
2 tsp chia seeds
coconut water as needed in case too thick (or plain water is fine)

Put all ingredients into your vitamix/blender, except the chia seeds.  Blend until thick and creamy.  Depending on fruit size and blender, you may need to add a little coconut water.  While blender is running, add in chia seeds just long enough to mix in. 

Pour into serving bowl(s) and top with fruit of choice - I topped mine with star fruit, strawberries, dried coconut shreds and more chia seeds.  Set in fridge or leave on counter for about 10-15 minutes for chia seeds to absorb (this will thicken it) or eat immediately and enjoy this delightfully delicious and nutritious breakfast smoothie.

Just because you eat and live a raw vegan lifestyle doesn't mean it's boring.  Stick around awhile or come back often and you'll see why I say that.

Peace,
Rocki