Soothing Spinach Soup

You won’t believe how creamy this soup is. It is Plant-Based and so healthy, delicious and “creamy” without the cream! Full of fresh spinach,a potato  and a bit of cashew creme ( oh yum) It’s sure to become one of your favorites and simple to make.   
Approx 5 Cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup of cashews
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1-2  russet potatos peeled and  cut into pieces
• 3 bay leaves
• 3-4 cups tightly packed spinach (washed, dried, stems removed) 
• 3-4 cups cups organic vegetable broth

 1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

TO PREPARE:

1. Place the cashews in a small bowl and cover with 1 cup water. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes. Transfer the cashews and their soaking water to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy; this may take several minutes. Set aside.

2. In a soup pot, combine the broth, potato, onion, garlic and bay leaves and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer until the potato is very tender, about 15 minutes. Add the spinach and 1 cup water. Cover and cook over medium heat until the spinach leaves have wilted, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. Remove and discard the bay leaves.

3. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or food processor, working in batches if necessary (do not overfill the blender), and puree until smooth. (Alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until smooth.) Pour the soup back into the pot. Whisk in the cashew cream ( your desired amount) lemon juice, pepper, and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot.

 
This soup heats up well so you can enjoy it for a few days!

inspired by: Forks Over Knives

Green Tea Smoothie

A quick “pick me up” with a daily dose of antioxidants !

Ingredients:

2 cups of room temperature brewed green tea

2 Tablespoons of honey ( optional) or 1/2 frozen banana

2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger root

1 tablespoon hemp hearts

4 cups of frozen or fresh mango peeled and chopped

1 handful of baby spinach

2 cups of ice cubes ( or crushed)

Instructions:

Place your ingredients as listed in order into a blender ( like a Vitamix).

Turn blender on medium until ingredients are started to incorporate.

Slowly turn blender to high and blend for 30-45 seconds.

Pour into a chilled glass for a more refreshing experience!

Lisa’s Berry Blast Smoothie

In a world where fast food often prevails, I believe in the power of nourishing our bodies with wholesome ingredients. That's why I've concocted this delicious blend packed with goodness to keep your health, heart, mind, and body happy and your taste buds dancing! This is also in my daily rotation!

Lisa’s Berry Blast Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lg frozen ripe banana

• 1 plus cup frozen mixed (or single) organic berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate etc)

• 1/2 cup plain Greek low fat yogurt or plant based or 1 tbsp of nut butter ( all optional)

• 1 Brazil nut

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ground flax meal, or hemp hearts ( or a mix of all)

• 1 scoop of protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (more to desired thickness)

• Ice cubes (optional, if using fresh berries)

• Sliced almonds and goji berries for topping

Instructions:

1. Preparation: I prefer my fruit frozen for smoothies, thick and cold. They are more of a meal when the right ingredients are added. If you're using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly. Peel the banana and break it into smaller chunks.

2. Blend: In a blender, combine all the ingredients: mixed berries, banana, Brazil nut, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts, protein powder ( nut butter) and almond milk.

3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed ( you may have to use your tamper as the thicker it is the longer it will take to blend) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Serve: Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses ( I keep a reserve in the freezer) and serve immediately. Top with a few whole frozen or fresh berries , almond slices, goji berries, granola etc. Delish!