Better than a Frosty ChocoChiaCardaNutty Smoothie

I have made this smoothy too many times to count the past year, either for breakfast or for a middle of the day fast liquid lunch or snack in between working out and running errands!  It is full of everything wonderful and wonderful tasting...I really can't get enough of this stick-to-your-ribs silky, delicious meal in a blender.

I make sure that I have a constant supply of peeled, ripe bananas in a tupperware container in the freezer on hand at all times!

Its a great way to use any coffee leftover in the pot from that morning.

The Cardamon: This peppery, citrusy spice is native to the evergreen forests of India.  It is traditionally used in Indian savory dishes, and also in Ayurvedic medicine.  It is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Related to the more commonly known spice Ginger, Cardamon is also known for its healthy-digestion promoting properties.

Cardamom is native to the evergreen forests of India. This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine, but it has also made its way into Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for mouth ulcers, digestive problems, and even depression. Some of the health benefits of this peppery, citrusy spice are now making their way into modern studies. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-cardamom/#sthash.QpGXzo9M.dpuf

Cardamom is native to the evergreen forests of India. This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine, but it has also made its way into Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for mouth ulcers, digestive problems, and even depression. Some of the health benefits of this peppery, citrusy spice are now making their way into modern studies. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-cardamom/#sthash.QpGXzo9M.dpuf

  

Serves 2

Gluten Free

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk, Hemp Milk, Soy Milk, or Organic Skim Milk
4 ice cubes
2 Frozen Bananas (or non-frozen, just add more ice if they are not frozen)
 1/2 cup non or low fat plain or vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup of creamy almond butter (I prefer roasted)
2 dates (pits removed of course! don't want any broken blender blades)
1 tablespoon of Cocoa Powder or Dark Chocolate Nibs
1 teaspoon of Chia Seeds
splash of coffee if desired
1/4 tsp of Cardamon
1 scoop of your favorite protein powder

Put all ingredients, in order listed, in your Blender or Vitamix, and blend until smooth and creamy but not too long, you want it to be frosty cool! (going too long in the Vitamix can actually warm it up!).  Now you're ready to take on the day with a little extra chocolate-y bounce in your step.

Coming up next: Rainy-Day Northwest Dinner

Cranberry Flax and Rosemary Crusted Steelhead

Gluten Free Pumpkin Corn Bread Muffins

Wild Mushroom Hazelnut and Endive Salad

Local Steelhead from the Rogue River

More backyard pumpkin goodness making the house smell like the North Pole's Bakery

Chanterelles from the damp woodlands of Ashland, tossed with Rosemary and Truffle Oil.....mmmmmm......a great topping for a fresh green salad with hazelnut vinaigrette