Monday, September 22, 2014

Probiotic-rich Vegan Banana Chai Smoothie


Do you have belly troubles? You know what I'm talking about ... I'm not going to spell out all the digestive woes one could be confronting!

Over the past few years, I have hardly had to think about my belly's workings, thanks in large part to probiotics. What's a probiotic? Helpful bacteria that help your digestive system work its best. Since I started taking a probiotic supplement every morning, I haven't really had to give my tummy a second thought. And that's just how I like it.

The folks at GoodBelly sent me coupons so I could try their 12 Day Challenge. I was very excited to give their probiotic juices and shots a try. They are vegan, though not all of their varieties are gluten-free (some use non-gluten-free oat flour). Look for the green cap if you need it to be gluten-free.

Why a 12 Day Challenge? The folks behind GoodBelly believe that you need a little while (12 days) to give these helpful bacteria a chance to do their thing, so you can reap the positive results. Like I said, I have been taking a probiotic every morning for a few years, so I already had the good effects.

I really enjoyed trying different products and seeing how my family (particularly my sometimes fussy kids) would enjoy the flavors of the GoodBelly products. We really liked them.

Of course, just trying the juices straight wasn't enough for me. I had to mix them up into a recipe. This smoothie combines the probiotic goodness of GoodBelly with fiber- and potassium-rich bananas, protein-loaded hemp seeds, and one of fall favorites -- chai. To make this a quick breakfast, break ripe bananas into chunks and freeze them so they will be ready when you need them.

For gluten-free, use the fermented coconut water, if you don't need it to be gluten-free, you can use the Vanilla Chamomile shot.

Banana Chai Smoothie (vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free)
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
  • 1 serving of GoodBelly probiotic drink (fermented coconut water for gluten-free, vanilla chamomile shot if you don't need it to be gluten-free)
  • 1 banana, sliced and frozen
  • 1 cup brewed chai (I used a caffeine-free roobois version.)
  • 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seeds or hemp hearts (I used Bob's Red Mill.)
  • sprinkling of cinnamon

Preparation:
  1. Blend all ingredients, but cinnamon, until well combined.
  2. Sprinkle on cinnamon before serving.

Happy Cooking!
Kim

My new book,  Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Lunch Ideas (vegan, gluten-free, food allergy safe)


One of the best parts of blogging over these past several years has been meeting new people who have become friends. One of my friends, Shirley Braden from Gluten-Free Easily, recently introduced me to someone I hope will become a new friend. Sunny from And Love It Too writes a wonderful gluten-free and dairy-free blog that features lots of great recipes.

Sunny has been hosting a month-long feature of Healthy Lunchbox Ideas. I am flattered to be included among the many other fabulous contributors. I included a tip and a recipe in my post.

My tip is this: I compile a list of no-complaint lunches with my boys. This is an agreed-upon list that I feel comfortable sending, and my kids will eat. Each of these lunch entrees meets their need for lunches that not only taste good, but have an acceptable texture after sitting in a lunchbox for the morning and are cool enough to unpack and eat in front of friends without ridicule. This is a tall order with a middle schooler! 

Although I fantasize about adorable Bento box lunches as seen on Pinterest, our fare is much more straightforward. If I pack a lunch from the list (for example, hummus sandwich, sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwich, mac & cheese in a thermos, pizza, etc.) they agree to eat it and not to complain. So far, so good!

Chocolate Sunflower Spread for Lunch (vegan, gluten free, food allergy safe)
Chocolate Sunflower Spread


I don't often pack a treat, but once in a while I like to wow them. The Whole Grain Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan, gluten-free and food-allergy safe) that I shared on And Love It Too do just that!



Need some No-Complaint Lunch Inspiration?

Happy Cooking!
Kim

My new book,  Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.

Monday, September 1, 2014


Strawberry Hemp Milk (vegan, non-dairy milk)


I came up with the original idea to write Super Seeds, because I over the past few years, I've been using these little power-packed beauties to easily boost the nutrition in my everyday meals. Quinoa, flaxseed, amaranth, hemp seed and chia seed make it easier than ever for me to ensure that my family is eating well.

Last week, I told you about how to make basic hemp milk, using shelled hemp seeds (or hemp hearts) and water. In my house, we don't usually use straight hemp milk for drinking, but rather use it in recipes.

Non-dairy, nut-free strawberry hemp milk


One way that we've been enjoying our hemp milk is to turn it into Strawberry Hemp Milk. Inspired by a kids' favorite, "I'm Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed," by Lauren Child, where pink milk is served to three tigers, we wanted to make our own pink milk.

You can feel good about serving this pink milk to any tigers (or people) who might need a bedtime drink.

Strawberry Hemp Milk (vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free)
Makes 4 cups

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts)
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1-2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 cups strawberry slices
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • Ice (optional)

Preparation:
  1. Blend all hemp seeds and water thoroughly.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.
I shared this recipe at Showcase Your Talent Thursday!

Happy Cooking!
Kim

My new book,  Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.