Kiwi Yogurt Smoothie

Rich in anti-oxidants and fiber,this hairy fruit is packed with lot of healthy surprises.An equivalent serving of Kiwi has more Vitamin C than Orange and more potassium than a Banana.

Combined with a probiotic rich source as yogurt ,the kiwi fruit smoothie is an amazing formula to build excellent immunity and over all health.


Ingredients
2 very ripe Kiwi ,peeled and chopped
1 very ripe banana
1/2 cup chilled Organic vanilla soy milk
1 cup Organic vanilla fat-free yogurt(or 3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt )
2 tablespoon Pure Organic honey

Method
Add all the ingredients in a high power blender and blend until smooth on low power(do not over blend,crushed kiwi seeds can be bitter) .Serve cold.

Oikos Greek Yogurt Carrot Protein Shake

Remember my post about Organic Stonyfield yogurts and my advocacy for organic foods,I was elated again when offered a free sample coupons for Oikos Greek yogurt,that is fat free with 10grams of protein in a 4oz container and available in delicious flavors such as chocolate,honey caramel and blueberry.
If the store were I shop had chocolate that would have been my first pick,but since it wasn't in stock,had to settle with blueberry as my next best choice.The blueberry oikos Greek yogurt blended with carrots and whey protein yielded one of the most delicious fat-free shakes by far,a perfect finish after a light afternoon or evening meal or even a nutritious start of the day.

Ingredients
4 oz fat free(0%) Oikos Greek yogurt(if using plain add a tablespoon of agave nectar)
2 cups skimmed milk
1 medium carrot,peeled and halved(cut in smaller pieces if using a standard blender)
1/2 cup Whey or Soy protein powder(I used chocolate flavored)
1 cup fresh or frozen berries

Method
Blend all the ingredients in a Vitamix until smooth and frothy,keep cold until serving time.

Tuna Burger with Pine apple Relish,Plantain Fries and Berry Milkshake

The Ultimate Trio

I abstain from fast food burgers for all good reasons,but making one from scratch at home with better ingredients and flavors is an absolute pleasure of good food.I stumbled through Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes by chance at the library,one look through the book,was tempted enough to take it home and fix up at least a few of the of the tastiest combination of flavors ,that might just change my taste for burgers.
Bobby presents some fantastic twists to classic burgers,uses flavorful relishes and condiments to further enhance the taste of the beloved fast food.In addition the books had some tasty fries and refreshing shakes,to along for a completely satisfying meal.


Among the grilling guru's crafted tastiest recipes,the leaner seafood variety of Salmon and tuna burgers suited my palate perfectly.Although I did not completely stick with the original recipe,a lover of spices,had to add some more of the spicy ingredients and touch of greens to the burger.Also for the fries,shallow frying worked out well.The buns can definitely be store bought,since I never seem to find the right size hearty buns for my burgers,I choose to bake my own,even though it was 94F outside.On brighter side the steamy kitchen did quickened the rise of yeast in dough.The buns baked while the burgers cooked.The fries needed a close eye,the thin cut plantain can burn easily if ignored.

Recipe : Sesame Burger Buns
Make 3 large burger buns
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup of Warm water
2 teaspoon of sugar
2 teaspoon active dry yeast or 1 packet(1/4 ounce) of quick rise yeast

Method
Make the Dough
In warm water mix in the dry yeast and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes,until it gets frothy.
In a bowl combine the flours,oil,seeds(reserve few sesame seeds for topping the buns) ,salt along with the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough is tacky but not sticky and place in a greased bowl and cover. Allow to rise for an hour until double its size.
Shape and proof the buns
Get the dough out of the bowl,sprinkle some all purpose flour on the work surface and knead the dough for few seconds and divide in to about 3 portions. Set on a cookie sheet and finish shaping the remaining buns,place them about 1/2 inch apart from each other,sprinkle some sesame seeds on each of the buns. Cover with wrap and allow to rise for another hour.
Bake the Buns
Preheat Oven to 450F. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until crust turns lightly brown. Let cool on rack,Slice using a serrated knife. Assemble the buns with choicest veggies and greens .


Recipe: Tuna Burger,adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes
Serves 3
Ingredients
For the burger
1 pound fresh Tuna
2 green onions(green and pale green parts),thinly sliced
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove,finely minced
1/2 inch piece of ginger root,finely minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
1/4 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder
few leaves fresh mint,finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 whole grain sesame burger buns(as in the above recipe),split;toasted,if desired.

For the Pineapple Relish
1 cup pineapple,finely chopped
1 dill pickle,finely diced
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
3 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

few tender kale leaves and baby kale for topping (or use other leafy green of choice)

Method
To make the relish,combine the pineapple,pickles,onions,lime juice,honey,cilantro and oil in medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors meld.

To make the Burger,cut the tuna in to large pieces and than coarsely chop in a food processor.Do not over process(or you can chop it by hand with a sharp knife)

Whisk together the mustard,dry spices,ginger,garlic and salt in a large mixing bowl.Add the tuna and green onions and gently fold to combine.Divide the tuna mixture in to 3 equal portions(about 5 ounces each).Form each portion loosely in to a 3/4 inch thick burger.Place on a plate,cover and let chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

To cook the burgers,heat the oil in a saute pan or griddle(non-stick or cast iron) until begins to shimmer.Cook the burger until golden brown on the bottom sides,about 3 minutes.

To assemble the burger,burger on the sesame bun with kale leave,top with relish and fresh baby greens.Serve immediately with the plantain fries and milk shake.


Recipe: Plantain Fries,adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers,Fries and Shakes
Ingredients
2 green plantains
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grate lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
2 tablespoon peanut oil

Method
Stir together the salt,lemon zest and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
Heat oil in a medium cast iron pan over medium heat.While the oil heats up,peel the plantains using a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom ends then peel the green skin off.Cut the plain in to 3,halve each of the three pieces in to thin slices.Now cut each strip lenghtwise in to about 1/8-inch-thick fries.
Shallow fry in batches,turning frequently,until golden brown,about 2-3 minutes.Remove using a slotted spoon on to a plate line with paper towels and season immediately with the salt mixture.Serve hot.

Recipe:Berry Milkshake
Ingredients
2 cups Frozen berries
2 cups skimmed milk
1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt
2 tablespoon Agave nectar

Method
Combine the milk and berry in a blender and blend for 10 seconds.Add the frozen yogurt and blend until smooth,about 30 seconds.Serve immediately,garnish with fresh strawberries,if desired.


My tough take on the ultimate trio from the scratch - warm toasty buns with a juicy burger and sweet tangy relish,crispy fries and an icy fruity shake,was a sure comforting end of a sizzling hot summer day.
I'm submitting the recipe to Yeast Spotting.

Berry Green Smoothie and meet our new love.

Swindled in bargain,I have had it with the "Ordinary",none were dependable for more than a year.Say Hello to the ,Robust, Capable, Reliable,befitting a health nut's cautious diet,just the companion I was looking for.A dream kitchen machine ,that can juice,cook,freeze ,blend and grind,with endless possibilities of whipping up good food fast,its the Vita-mix. The machine was in my wish list for long since I reviewed the Ice dream Cookbook,that mentions the amazing power of Vita mix to create a fresh and healthy home made Ice creams.Then Bharti's impressive review added to the desire while confirming the capabilities of the machine.And an equally impressive demo of the machine at Costco,also got someone keenly interested,Mr.Health nut.Glad we shared the same desire,brought the beauty home.Its been working wonders so far.The smoothies are the easiest ,just about any kind of fruit and vegetable can be blended to a tasty concoction.



The Berry Green Smoothie
Green is always associated with good health.All the green foods are the best nutritionally ,although not always favorable taste-wise.That's were the Vita mix makes the difference by perfectly blending the greens with the fruits,for an irresistible smoothie each time.Following is just one sample of green mixed with fruits and vegetable,one can use any combination of greens(like kale,chard,collards) with ripe fruits. A smoothie like such with fruits,greens and vegetables all in one,can deliciously fulfill the body daily need of vital nutrients.

Ingredients
Serves 3
1 Ripe Avocado,cored and peeled
2 cups baby spinach(can also use 4-5 leaves of Kale or collards)
1 cup frozen berries( I used cranberries)
1 Organic Apples,cored and diced
1 teaspoon ginger,freshly grated
few sprigs of parsley
1 cup cold water

Method
Rinse the greens in cold water.For Organic fruits just rinse under tap water.The guide in Vitamix recommends washing the fruits and veggies with specially formulated soap to wash away all the pesticides.
Cut as needed and blend all the ingredients together in the Vita mix from low to high speed until smooth,takes about a minute.



The smoothie is my entry for 5 star make over : smoothies and shakes

Pomergrante Plunge and Acai Berry Boost, super fruit smoothies

In response to consumer demand for healthier beverages packed with powerful nutrients, Tropical Smoothie Café today introduces its new menu category of Supercharged Smoothies that contain pomegranate, goji and acai (pronounced AH-SAH-EE) at all 250-plus franchise locations. These super fruits, known for their exceptional antioxidant and nutrient-rich qualities, will be blended into six new smoothie offerings.
Tropical Smoothie Café’s new Supercharged Smoothies menu includes such fun-sounding and flavorful treats as Island Intensity, a combination of ripe blueberries, strawberries and bananas loaded with acai; Get-Up-and-Goji, ripe and juicy peaches, oranges, bananas, yogurt and goji; and Pomegranate Plunge a mix of ripe bananas, strawberries, and cranberry juice with pomegranate.

Super fruits such as pomegranate, goji and acai have their roots in ancient civilizations, typically eaten for their health and medicinal benefits.

* Acai – a berry from the rain forests of Brazil with an abundance of antioxidants. The fruit has been used for thousands of years to boost energy and vitality, strengthen the immune system and provide a host of vitamins.


* Goji – this tiny fruit from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet has been used for centuries for its 18 amino acids, concentrated beta carotene and 21 trace minerals. It has 500 times the vitamin C of oranges and has been known to aid in weight loss.

* Pomegranate – native to the Mediterranean region, the fruit has been used for its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits as well as a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin. Regular consumption of pomegranate also has been known to lower blood pressure.

Recipe courtesy Tropical Smoothie Cafe`
Pomegranate Plunge

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup Pomegranate arils
1/2 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
1 ripe Banana
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.


Acai Berry Boost
1/2 cup acai juice
1 ripe Banana
1/4 cup Pomegranate arils
1/4 cup blueberries
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water


*one can skip the sugar to keep the smoothie low in sugar or can also use other sweeteners like stevia(liquid 3-4 drops) or Agave nectar(1 tablespoon)

Method
Blend all the ingredients to a smooth consistency.Serve

The fruity delights are my entry for Sanghi's Fall in love food event,focusing on fruits this month.

About Tropical Smoothie Café
Established in Destin, Florida in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, toasted wraps, gourmet sandwiches and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ranked 127 out 500 and rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, the concept currently has over 270 locations in 33 states with four locations in India. Plans call for more than 300 locations by the end of 2008, and an additional 100 by the end of 2009. For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com or call 888-292-2522.

Silk Heart Health Soy Milk......Strength in every pour. And a free Silk GiveAway.

The light and smooth taste of Silk Soy Milk is making me reach for it more often;I'm afraid it has become addictive,the proven health benefits entices me even more.

Silk's Heart Health Soy milk is made from nature's perfect Soy protein and cholesterol reducing plant sterols.It has the goodness of milk and then some more essential nutrients that make it a no cholesterol ,no saturated fat food with good source of omega 3s and antioxidants.Recent study has shown 3 servings of Silk Heart Health per day for four weeks ,can lower the cholesterol by 7%.

Silk Banana Dates Smoothie
To get the best taste of the Silk Heart Health Soy Milk enjoy it cold.Ideal with the morning cereal or in smoothie for a nourishing start of the day or anytime guilt-free snack.Silk is also a wholesome substitute for dairy milk ,can be used in baking or cooking with some tips in mind.

Recipe
Serves 2

Blend together 2 Cups of cold Silk Heart Health Soy Milk with 1 Ripe Banana and 2-3 Soft Dates until smooth .Serve.





Here is your chance to get the smooth taste of Silk for free.Leave a comment on this post.Please check back the post at the end of the week, one winner selected by the Random Integer Generator will take the 3 free coupons(Valid only in US).

Updated October 19th : The lucky winner is the number 3,Organic.Congrats!.Please mail me your address.

Chobani Greek Yogurt.Eggless Cherry Muffins and Pomegranate Smoothie

Savor the day. Be passionate about your work. Open your arms to family, friends, and to life itself.Chobani Greek Yogurt is more than just a delicious, protein-rich snack. It’s a celebration of the vibrant Mediterranean spirit.
- AgroFarma,Inc.

AgroFarma, Inc.,a NY based dairy product manufacturer founded by Hamdi Ulukaya, recently introduced a delicious new product called Chobahi Greek Yogurt.Creating true Greek yogurt is an art. It uses a centuries old technique that originated in Europe and includes taking something away and not adding anything. In fact, Greek yogurt is not heavily processed or enhanced with preservatives or sweeteners. A unique straining process where the whey is removed results in great tasting yogurt that is pure, clean, and simple, and has a rich, thick,and creamy texture.
AgroFarma, Inc., located in the rolling hills of Upstate NY, produces Chobani Greek Yogurt.There,a team of yogurt makers with more than 40 years of experience has made it its mission to produce the highest quality, all natural Greek yogurts.

Reason to treat oneself with Chobani
Protein
Derived from the Greek word chopani meaning “shepherd”,Chobani Greek Yogurt offers more than twice the amount of protein found in other major U.S.brands.One serving of Chobani Greek Yogurt can deliver up to 34 percent of an adult's daily protein requirement.Chobani is a smart choice for the South beach ,Atkins dieters or those on low or no meat diet.

Calcium
Chobani is an excellent source of calcium,each cup completes 20 percent of an adult’s recommended daily needs.Calcium rich yogurts if eaten regularly, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the thinning and loss of bone mass that affects 25 million Americans as they age.And can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Probiotics
Chobani has 5 live and active cultures(Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, as well as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus, and L Casei.) that boosts immunity by regulating lymphocytes, as well as antibodies within the body. Studies have also shown that probiotics help improve digestion, combat lactose intolerance and constipation, and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon, reducing carcinogens.

Organic
The company uses organic farming practices to preserve the environment with a focus on producing high-quality and all-natural yogurts. All of the products are made with milk that contains no artificial hormones,preservatives and added sweeteners and the manufacturing facility is HACCP certified to ensure safety and quality,thus completely suitable for all ages.

Part of Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean diet emphasizes an abundance of food from plant sources, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It also directs people to eat minimally processed foods, while increasing their intake of low/nonfat,dairy products, to maximize health benefits. In addition, the Mediterranean diet calls for an emphasis on lean sources of protein, and limiting the consumption of red meat. Research has shown that the people of the Mediterranean region enjoy longer and healthier lives with fewer incidences of chronic disease

Flavors
With 8 different flavors including - Blueberry,Peach,Pineapple,Strawberry,Honey,Pomegranate,
vanilla and plain,all available in Non Fat, 2% Fat and 10% Fat, Chobani has a yogurt for everyone.

Thick ,rich and fruity ,all the fruit flavored varieties with bits of real fruits are as good as desserts themselves.One can also use them in baking or whipping up smoothies.The plain variety is also great for baking and for enriching and enhance the texture of dips and salads dressings.


Plain Non-fat Chobani with crunchy granola and fruit ~ Perfect start of the day


Plain Non-fat Chobani in Eggless Cherry Muffins ~ Delicious!

Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup non-fat plain Chobani Greek Yogurt
2 tablespoon low fat organic milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey or 1/2 cup brown sugar or 2 tablespoon Agave nectar
2 tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup cherries (fresh or dried ,I used fresh),chopped
Method
preheat oven to 400 F.
Line the muffin tray with parchment cups.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl combine the yogurt ,milk,with honey, oil and vanilla extract. Mix wet mixture with the dry ingredients . Stir in the cherries until combined.
Spoon batter into each prepared muffin cup. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.Serve warm.
Makes about 6 medium muffins

Pomegranate Chobani Smoothie ~ Luscious!


After tasting the samples of Pineapple and pomegranate,We couldn't wait to try the other flavors.By happy chance we found a variety pack at the Costco.Chobani is also available in these other stores.

Rose Berry Banana Soy Smoothie : Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Most of us know a loved one who had suffered from breast cancer. Just past week my aunt's friend was diagnosed with this horrible condition, I know 2 of my courageous friends who are breast cancer survivors. Listening to there stories makes us tremble yet they did not need sympathies ,but our awareness about this crippling condition and importance of its early detection to survive.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) ,an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure.
Many blogs\sites are going pink this month for the cause.Check out my side bar for the Breast cancer awareness events in the blog sphere
Sameera raised her awareness through a heartwarming short story here.

Learn more about Breast cancer and donate for the cure

For my pink smoothie the Ingredients are
1 cup Soy milk
1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/2 frozen or fresh strawberries or raspberries,chopped
1/4 cup frozen or fresh blue berries
2 tablespoon Rose syrup(Roohafza or any other brand)
Dried nut and fruits for garnish.

Method
Blend the fruit with the milk and yogurt until smooth .Stir in a tablespoon of rose syrup. Pour in the serving cups, swirl remaining rose syrup on top of smoothie and garnish with chopped dried fruits and nuts. Serve chilled.

This simple quick healthy smoothie is off to Jen's Power of Pink Challenge.

Flax Blueberry smoothie

Mixing 2 super foods,blueberry and flax in a smoothie, makes this drink super good for you.
Flax Blueberry smoothie

Ingredients you'll need are:
3/4 cup fresh Organic blueberries
1/2 ripe banana
1/2 cup Organic vanilla soy milk
1 cup Organic vanilla fat-free yogurt(or 3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt like Okios or Chobani)
2 tablespoon flax seed meal
2 tablespoon Pure Organic honey

To make the Smoothie
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and serve cold.