Lover's Lane Smoothie

Hello Lovelies!

Did I catch you with that awesome title?  I have been concocting this amazingly delicious chocolaty smoothie!  This one took about 3 times to get it just right.  I was so grateful yesterday for finding my mission in life I woke up as excited as I would be for Santa Claus or Chanukah Harry!!  I was ready for this smoothie to ROCK.  And it did!!!  This is so freaking delicious.  There are four things you need to know about this smoothie.

1.  This Smoothie is Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan and has no Refined Sugar.

2.  It's a dessert smoothie.  Meaning I wouldn't make this your breakfast.  Because of the raw cacao content and the use of dates and coconut water, it's a tad bit sugary then other smoothies I make. Perhaps serve as a snack or even a dessert.  If the idea of chocolate sounds too rich, I suggest a dessert shot!  And if you want, this is something I did not do, but if you want to serve these as a happy hour treat, then add 1-2 Tbsp. of your favorite alcohol like gluten-free Vodka or gluten-free Spiced Rum.  

3.  It is a green smoothie-what's a green smoothie?  For those of you who don't know-It's a smoothie with vegetables in it!!  So not ew!! So good, you don't even taste it!  And it's so uber chocolaty.  Don't let this scare you at all.  Please trust me on this!  I would not steer you wrong.  You will LOVE this!  And while you are indulging on a smoothie with only the most natural ingredients in it, you can feel chocolate sin while bringing in Mother Nature's best veggies at the same time.  Win Win!

4.  Benefits:  Ah the use of Superfoods.  What are superfoods?  Superfoods are those foods make by our Planet that supposedly have natural healing powers.  It is truly incredible how much better your body will feel by adding in super foods daily to your diet.  I'll be doing a post on super foods soon to educate my lovelies!  Maca Root, Coconut Butter, Chia Seeds and Raw Cacao were used in this smoothie.  

-Peruvian Maca Root Powder (organic) is the most potent Maca Root Powders, made from pure lepidium Peruvianum Chacon Maca Perennials grown more then 10,000 feet above sea level in the high Andes Mountains of Peru.  This Superfood of the Incas is a nutrient-dense ancient medicine that has been prescribed for centuries by holistic Native American Healers.  It's properties are to Enhance libido and fertility in both men and women, Increases athletic energy, stamina and endurance, improves mental clarity, focus and eyesight sharpness  Provides faster muscle recovery time and helps the body heal itself, treats menopausal symptoms and boosts the metabolism and supports the immune system.  It also balances your body, relieves stress.  

-Raw Cacao are the seeds directly from the South American Evergreen Tree, and is used to make Cocoa, chocolate and Cocoa Butter.  It's in it's purest form.  It is 100 percent chocolate with zero sweetener and zero dairy.  This seed has been used in Mexico and Central South America for centuries for it's healthful powerful Anti-Oxidants and energizing properties.  Cacao in it's raw, unprocessed state is filled with beneficial nutrients.  Raw forms are filled with Iron, Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Zinc and Potassium.  Raw Cacao promotes the release of Neurotransmitters, which promote a positive outlook and bodily rejuvenation, and releases feel-good hormones.  Raw Cacao raises levels of Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and acts as an antidepressant that can help reduce symptoms of PMS.  It also stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which produce a pleasurable sensation.  It also acts as a mild mood booster.

-Coconut butter is known to be one of the healthiest fats you can get besides avocados (which is also in this smoothie).  Coconut butter is rich in Lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.  It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.  It's packed with healthy fats so you feel full longer.  It's full of essential Amino Acids, Calcium and Magnesium.  It will provide better skin, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and can even ween you off artificial sugars.  It helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.  It works as a skin moisturizer (the oil).  It penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to strengthen the underlying tissues and helps to keep connective tissues strong.  It helps with skins softness and elasticity, naturally.

-Chia seeds are a great Omega-3, is higher in antioxidants then Blueberries!  And has a whole lot of fiber to keep you naturally regular.  This seed was used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans.  This seed provides sustained energy and has numerous medical benefits.  It is a valuable source of Alpha-Linolenic Acid, an Omega-3 essential fatty acid that helps support normal cardiovascular function and fiber which helps support normal functioning of the digestive tract and can have a positive effect on Cholesterol.  If you have trouble remembering this seed at the market, just think of those Chia Pets that were advertised back in the 80's.  Every time I take out my Chia Seeds, I start to sing the song from that commercial!  Cha, Cha, Chia!

LOVER'S LANE SMOOTHIE

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 Tbsp. Coconut water (Use the organic kind, it is more natural then your processed brands)  Try Harvest Bay.

2 Tbsp. Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 Cup Unsweetened Hemp Milk

1 heaping Tsp. Coconut Butter (use a small dining spoon for measurement)

1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder

1/4 Cup Avocado (ripe)

2 Dates (which ever ones you can find) Remove the pits.

2 Tsp. Rosewater extract (can be found on amazon-if you can't find this, try Lavender extract organic but if using Lavender extract start with only 1/4 at a time and taste it.  Lavender is strong)

1/2 Tsp. Vanilla extract (organic)

2 Tsp. Maca Root Powder

1 Cup Sliced Cucumber (prefer frozen cucumber)

1 Tsp. Chia seeds

Raw Cacao Nibs-for garnish

3 ice cubes

What my crazy kitchen looked like!  No one said cooking or baking was a neat experience.  It's quite messy, but so fun!

DIRECTIONS:

-Add it all into the Nutribullet or a high speed blender-adding the liquid last and blend.  Then after blended add the ice cubes, and blend again.

What your mixture will look like.

No need to dice your cucumbers.  Just some slices will do in 1 cup as pictured above.  Some of those are frozen and some are not.

-Cucumber Tips-I slice mine and freeze them for up to 6 months.  But when I made this last version I used half of my slices frozen and half of them not frozen.  If you use all frozen cucumbers prepare to use additional water so that the blender can break it down.

-Happy Hour Tip-If you want to add in some liquor I suggest 1-2 Tbsp. of Gluten-free Vodka such as Tito's or a Potato Vodka or Gluten-Free Spiced Rum.  If 1-2 Tbsp. is too little and you need a stronger kick, add some more!

-Add the raw cacao nibs last, as it is a garnish

Shot version.

GOODIE TIPS: 

-Raw Cacao vs. Cocoa Powder-Cocoa powder does not have the benefits that Raw Cacao does.  Raw Cacao is in it's purest forms holding all the benefits and nutrients.  Cocoa powder is the artificially processed version of Raw Cacao.  I made the switch a long time ago.  It's amazing.  It's expensive, but lasts for at least 8 months plus.

-Rose Water-I bought mine on amazon.com

-Vanilla Extract-Organic kind please.  This frees you from artificial chemicals and additives our bodies cannot digest.

-Avocados-make sure they are ripe!  You can stick with non organic Avocados, because they are protected by the skin, they will not be so harmed by the bad things added to these fruits.

-Cucumbers should be organic-No GMO's or additives or injections in those babies.

-Superfoods can be bought at your local or chain health food store, amazon or Vitacost.  They are expensive, but again I will tell you I have had mine since July!  It's now March.  They last.

-Frozen cucumbers can be a great snack!! Try it! 

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Enjoy! xx Julie

www.goodiegoodiegluten-free.blogspot.com