I really need to get on a smoothie wagon! I know they are healthy and the rave right now but for some silly reason I forget. No more procrastination, now that I have two amazing books devoted entirely to smoothies which were written by two fabulous fellow food bloggers. They are just delicious whether they are fruit based, surprisingly great veggie based, tea or coffee based, and some that are just a decadent yet healthy dessert.
I will tell you all about these two books shortly and I will share with you the recipe I first sampled. If falls under the coffee category but I would have this for dessert to: the Maple Walnut Coffee.
Blend: The Basics gives tons of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your smoothies, including how to wash fresh produce, flash-freeze fruit, make sure your smoothies come together as quickly as possible without sacrificing their artisanal flavor (including info on how to put together a “smoothie kit”), and much more!
Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lovers, Summer Volume 1 is a compilation of 25 summer and fall-themed smoothies such as Gingered Apricot, Minted Strawberry Melon, Vanilla Fig, and Concord Grape + Greens. (Look out for more BLEND volumes coming soon!)
BLEND has been a labor of love for Faith Gorsky of An Edible Mosaic and Alyssa Brantley of Everyday Maven, two smoothie-obsessed food bloggers whose common interest in artisanal smoothies and shared desire to elevate smoothie-making has kept them up countless nights. For the last year and a half, they’ve been developing recipes, photographing them, and of course, refining the flavors until they were just perfect.
BLEND smoothies have a balanced flavor profile, whether it’s achieved through just a few super fresh simple ingredients, or a well-thought out combination of a pinch of spice and a dash of extract. You probably already have many of the pantry staples on hand, and if not, they can all be easily found in any health food store, as well as most regular grocery stores. Not only are all BLEND smoothies made with clean, easy-to-find ingredients, but they are also dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan (honey is used in some) in most cases.
You can purchase both books together or individually at SimplyArtisanal.com. Blend: The Basics is $7.99. Blend: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lovers, Summer Volume 1 is $9.99. Or get both e-books can be purchased as a bundle for $14.99.
I chose to make the Maple Walnut Coffee from BLEND The Basics and Summer Volume 1. Now I can pretty much guess that Faith was the main author of this recipe. I have followed her blog for a long time so it feels like her. And like all her recipes I was not disappointed. I love iced coffees and I could tell this recipe would have a really nice earthy and sweet flavor from the dates, oats and walnuts…all favorites. It was very satisfying and better than I had expected. Only thing is I might just skip the Stevia entirely next time.
Make sure to check out the other sample recipes the authors have made available to everyone.
Maple Walnut Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons walnuts
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats old-fashioned or quick-cooking
- 3/4 cup 185 ml plain, unsweetened almond milk
- 1 packet or 1/2 tablespoon instant powdered coffee
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 packet stevia
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Medjool dates pitted and coarsely chopped
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the walnuts and oats to a blender and pulse until they form a powder.
- Add all remaining ingredients (except the ice) into the blender and process until smooth.
- Add the ice and pulse until pulverized.
- Transfer to a serving glass; serve immediately.
I haven’t had instant coffee for a long time, but it’s interesting to use it with oats, walnuts etc!
What a great book by two lovely food bloggers who I cannot speak more highly of; (much continued success both of you) true!
I don’t think I have ever made a smoothie at home and Double Pear sounds so healthy as can be as a food BLOGGER too!:)
Cheers! Joanne
Thank you Evelyne for sharing these great books with us!
I can’t get enough smoothies, especially in summer. The Maple Walnut coffee looks amazing.
I want to make so many of the recipes from Faith’s and Alyssa’s book. Your smoothie is making me crave one right now. Good luck to all the giveaway participants!
Hi Ev! I really like this article; thanks for posting it. I don’t remember the last smoothie I had, but I am sure it was one from Booster Juice. You know I love coffee, so from these books I’d try the Black Forest Coffee smoothie! 🙂
Very surprised to see two cookbooks dedicated to smoothies-
Do I have to say I’m a blogger? I think you know I’m one already. 😛
The last smoothie I had was something my brother made. I’m not sure what was in it to be honest. Banana maybe?
Thiese books sounds wonderful and that maple walnut coofe yu,,yé I am a big fan of smoothies. Last one I had was mango.
What a unique smoothie…love the combination of ingredients…I would never have put them together myself, but it sounds like a wonderful concoction. I’m a big fan of Faith’s too, to I know this must be an excellent cookbook!
What a lovely flavour combo! In fact all of them sound great. Love the recipe!
A very tasty drink! I love the flavours.
i’ve always wanted to try figs so the vanilla fig would be something i would have to try. the almond joy sounds delicious, as well.
This sure sounds delicious and healthy…a great way to start a day.
Thanks for sharing this recipe from Faith and hope you are having a fantastic week Evelyne 😀
My pleasure Alyssa and Faith.
Thank you so much for your fantastic review, Ev! Alyssa and I both appreciate it so much.
I am so happy that you enjoyed the Maple Walnut Coffee smoothie!! Lol about guessing that I was the main author of that recipe! 😉
I would love to try the fig-vanilla! It sounds delicious! What a great book!BLOGGER.
Wow! Maple walnut coffee sounds like the best mug to wake up to! This smoothie recipe book looks and sounds incredible! The last smoothie I enjoyed was a mango smoothie I had earlier today.
::BLOGGER::
Thank you so much Evelyne! So glad you are enjoying the books and smoothies and we hooked you on the smoothie bandwagon 🙂
I would love to drink smoothies regularly. I’d try the Black Forest Coffee smoothy first.
Isn’t Faith wonderful!? I’m so excited about her new book!! 😀