Chai Pumpkin-Spice Avo-Banana Smoothie

This is a significant birthday for my dear husband.  It is a "longevity" marker, and if I say that we have been married going on 45 years and married young, you likely can guess his age?  He has been taking a class from the local ElderCollege about Age Reversal with a focus on Ayurvedic (Indian) wellness and longevity.  So, we have re-introduced butter (as in "Ghee", clarified butter) into our was-vegan life, and lots of exotic herbs and spices (eg., Turmeric, Ashwagandha, etc.)  I thought that a sort of "chai" smoothie would be lovely for the morning smoothie (and he has a meeting, so it will give him a boost before he goes off to that and should keep him energetic, sharp as a tack, and not hungry until lunchtime).  Here it is (recipe for two people):

Put the following ingredients into a Vitamix, or in batches into a less workhouse blender:

1 ripe Avocado
2 C. non-dairy Mylk + Filtered Water (you decide how much of each)
2 frozen Bananas
3 T. Maple Syrup, or more to taste OR/AND 1 packet of Sweet Leaf Stevia (to taste)
2-3  tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 tsp. Turmeric Powder
1 tsp. Ashwagandha Powder
(A cup of icy chai tea might be a great addition-- I haven't tried that yet)

Blend until smooth and silky like a really great Pumpkin Pie custard!  If a spoon stands up in it and you would like it a little thinner, then add more Mylk or Water.

Click HERE to scroll other luscious Smoothie recipes containing Avocado

Sweet Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Thickalicious, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

When I was a child, pumpkin pie (with whipped cream or ice cream) was a dessert that my Grandma Sanders always contributed to the holiday meal.  Since I continue to love pumpkin pie but can't make pie crust to save my soul (perhaps fortunately), this lovely sweet pumpkin pie smoothie is a great tribute to that great tradition!

Ingredients:

1/2 C. Rolled Oats (Gluten-free variety, if you are wheat-sensitive)
1 T. ground Chia Seed (Grind in the Coffee Bean grinder)
2 cups Almond Milk
1 cup frozen Banana chunks
1/2 cup Ice
3/4 cup canned organic Pumpkin (unsweetened)
2 organic Mandarin oranges, segmented, seeded if they have seeds
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
1+ tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice or a mix of Cinnamon/Nutmeg to suit you

Method:

1. Put the Oats and the Chia Seed into the blender carafe first and then pour in the Almond Milk, letting the Oats and Chia soak for 15 minutes or longer.  Their rehydration really helps with digestibility.
2. Put other ingredients in to the carafe and spin up for as long as it takes to produce a nice silk-blended smoothie.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Here are the other 6 Christmas Smoothie Recipes for you to sample!

Cranberry-Apple, Green Grape and Chia Christmas Smoothie

Cranberry Lassi with Coconut Milk, Cumin, Chia and Ginger Smoothie

Mandaringo-Ginger Smoothie

Christmas Cake Smoothie

Luscious Eggless Nog Smoothie

Chocolate-Mint Smoothie

Smoothie of the Week: Pumpkin Howl

courtesy of JillWellington at Pixaby

Pumpkin Howl is just a real scary name for a delectable 'pumpkin pie' type smoothie. I think you'll love it:

Put the following in your blender canister:

• Meat and Liquid from one Young Thai Coconut (or 12 oz of Coconut Water)
• 1/2 C. of canned Organic pumpkin puree
• 4 soaked dates (pit removed) or Stevia to taste or Maple Syrup to taste
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon or as desired)

(makes enough for two adult portions)  

Bwahahahahahah