Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Very much like spiced banana breakfast shake, this could be a simple and wholesome meal in itself, especially if you like savoring a full 16oz in one go :)

Now, I used soy milk and whey protein powder in this just for a boost, but, can leave it out. Frozen bananas are the key, in my book at least, to get the thick rich texture.

A few fresh strawberries from our garden was handy, so I used them for garnish and presentation here.

Instead of strawberries, either blueberries or chunks of mango (my favorite), or even raspberries(D's favorite) can be used.

This has become such a favorite with Ana, especially when I whip it up in no time at her request that it almost seems like she is taking it for granted. Well, no matter - what are mom's for, right?! And, since I don't have to shell out 5$ to 7$ for a tall 16oz., I am glad to make it at home in its simplest and most-satisfying form :)

Ingredients
1 pint freshly picked sweet Hood strawberries*
2 medium bananas, peeled and left in the freezer for about 30 minutes
1 Tbsp whey protein powder
2-3 cups soy milk (or skim milk)
1-2 Tbsp Agave nectar

*Or any kind is fine, just that Hood that we picked are incredibly sweet and juicy

Preparation
Simply combine the ingredients and blend, adjusting milk/soy milk to get desired consistency.

Spiced Banana Breakfast Shake

Banana is versatile and nutritious, as we all know. And, when I was growing up in India, we always had bananas at home to be eaten as a snack, or even dessert. There were at least half a dozen varieties of bananas I remember, each with distinct flavor, look, and size - from the small "manjal pazham" (yellow banana) to my favorite "nendran pazham" (i have no idea what the translation or botanical name for nendran is - I guess I could look it up...).

While I relish bananas as-is, I also like this simple shake which is low fat with a hint of spice. This thick, cold, and hearty shake with bold banana flavor and a hint of allspice and cinnamon is a great way to start the day.

This Spiced Banana Breakfast Shake is for this month’s Jihva for Ingredients - Banana. JFI was started by Indira of Mahanandi, hosted this month by Mandira of Aahar.

Ingredients:
2 large medium ripe bananas
½ tsp allspice powder
1 cup 2% milk
6 oz Yoplait™ low fat banana creme yogurt
cinnamon powder for dusting

Preparation

1. slice 1½ bananas and leave in the freezer for about 30 minutes
2. slice the remaining ½ banana for garnish
3. when ready to assemble the drink, combine the milk, yogurt, frozen banana slices and all spice powder in a blender and blend to a smooth drink
4. garnish with sliced bananas stuck through a toothpick and dust with cinnamon, serve cold

The quantity listed above makes about roughly two 8 oz drinks as in the picture.

watermelon margarita

I was debating whether this is worth a post here, as there is no real "recipe" to share, but, this drink fit so perfectly with yesterday's unusually warm weather that I decided to record it here:)

It was a long work week, an unusually warm Friday, and I had just come back from work, made dinner, then taken a long stroll to the park with my wee tot, so, I was aching for some restorative.

This watermelon margarita seemed like the perfect thing: "Amma's Juice" as my wee one likes to declare, and pretty close to the truth, actually; it has very little alcohol in it.

1 oz watermelon syrup*
2 oz sweet and sour mix
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz triple sec
1 oz tequila
8 medium ice cubes
* or some fresh watermelon, if in season

Blend all the above ingredients and serve cold :)

a cup of chai

On and off I write about how much I like a good cup of Chai. Brewed perfectly to taste. Black tea. With spices. Milk and Sugar.

This is not so much a precise recipe... but, just a general approach to the pleasures of Chai.

Per cup of Chai, I roughly use a tablespoon of strong plain black tea (loose leaf: orange pekoe, ceylon, darjeeling - whichever is handy) with 10 oz of water. About 2 tablespoon of whole milk. About 1 black cardamom pod, 1 clove, 1 green cardamom preferably crushed, a tiny piece of ginger crushed. About 1½ tablespoon of sugar, more or less, or honey.

Bring all except the sugar to a boil in a pan. Off heat, cover and let it rest a minute. Strain. Stir in sugar or honey. Add more milk, if preferred. Enjoy!

This Chai recipe is a bit different from how I like to serve tea. Brewing tea in a teapot, and serving with milk and sugar on the side is more of a ceremony, enjoyed on a lazy weekend. With some snacks preferably.

Chai is a pick me up. Made without much pomp and splendor. Just a simple cup to wash the blues away...