One of the things I really look forward to in late Spring and all throughout the Summer is the abundance of fresh and exotic fruits and vegetables available. I have already started taking advantage of all the fresh fruit that is overflowing at my local fruit and vegetable shops. This time of year is also great for me because I crave more fruits and vegetables in my cooking and for snacking, so it helps in making good healthy choices. Smoothies are a good snack or even lunch obviously because of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that fresh fruits and vegetables contain and because a good smoothie will leave you feeling full for hours. But let’s not go crazy here, because drinking your fruits and veggies can be more caloric than just munching on fruits and veggies. The reason is that many people go crazy on adding additional sweeteners, adding too much milk or yogurt , and the addition of toppings like whipped cream. I try to stay away from adding these ingredients as much as possible unless I need more vitamins or calcium for my daily intake. The point to this is to keep a healthy snack-drink-dessert just that healthy and low fat. So today I have another fruit smoothie recipe it’s a Banana Pear Smoothie With a Twist (or two).
Where do the twists come in? from the Almond milk (home made) and from the Matcha. Matcha you say?, that’s right I told you guys I am really enjoying experimenting with this favorite ingredient of mine. Using almond milk gave the smoothie an additional flavor that ordinary milk would not have. Also almond milk has 90 calories in 1 cup as opposed to full fat milk having 146 calories in 1 cup. The flavors of the pear,banana, almond milk and Matcha came together quite well. It was a delicious thick and velvety creamy drink that left me full for a few hours , which was perfect to quit the hunger pangs hours before dinner time. So here’s the recipe and hope you enjoy it too!
1 large green Concorde Pear
1 small banana
pinch of Match green tea
1/2 cup or 118 ml Almond milk
Honey, to taste (optional)
Blender
1. Peel and core pear, then cut into small chunks. Peel and slice the banana. Add both the pear and banana to a blender. Next add the pinch of Matcha and as much honey as you like. Then pour in the almond milk, put the lid on the blender and blend.
2. Blend until the fruit has blended into a smooth thick mixture. If you would like a thinner smoothie feel free to add as much almond milk as you like.
For a cooler version:
Add some ice cubes to the ingredients and then continue to blend.
I am excited to tell you that I will be participating in Natasha’s (Five Star Foodie) May smoothie & shakes 5 Star Makeover, check it out!
Wow wonderful combo with awesome clicks… looks yumm yumm..
Refreshing smoothie..love the color and your photography :)
Wow, this is terrific! Homemade almond milk and matcha sound so wonderful and I also love the pear addition here. Thank you!
wow, that's a fantstic smoothie! extra points for using almond milk. nut milks are so healthy and are often overlooked, plus they can be homemade easily as well. i'm in a smoothie mood, so i'll be sure to give this one a go. thanks!
Yummy, that sounds really delicious. I love matcha :) And almond milk.
There is a food chain in South Africa called Kauai that make the most delish smoothie, the 'Gem'. It has almonds, bananas, coconut and honey in it – quite similar to yours. I've tried recreating it but have failed (so far) – but never thought to use almond milk – what a great idea! Might be time to try again… :-)
love almond milk this is a wonderful blend!
Great combination…Love the add of the green tea:)
Going to follow your advice on the almond milk. Save any calorie I can this summer.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for the award and I will post it on my blog asap. This drink sounds amazing. I will certainly try it in the future. I love to have smoothie for my breakfast or light lunch. It's seems like a better option for weight control also for healthy matter.
I came to this blog by accident, but I found very interesting. Greetings to all who visit here.
How unique! Never would have thought of this combo, nice – like the almond milk too!
Ooh, more matcha! I like your twists :)
Wow, that would be a great drink to have right after a gym session. :)
What a cool and refreshing drink… I'd love one just about now! Love the little “twists” – sounds delicious!
I like your smoothie recipe, love your interesting twists!
I made this today and it was delicious! Very nourishing, with an extra zing! Thank you for the superb recipe, and I love the twists!
I can't tell you how perfectly delicious this looks and sounds… mmmmm!! love the colours too :)
Thank you all for your comments :) Glad my somewhat strange combo sounds good to you guys.
@Rudy-That sounds really good, I'll have to try that too.
@Liv Wan- Yes you are correct, it will be a good way to kick off a healthy summer.
@Bob- Great to hear it!! Hope you make it often:)
Delicious can't wait to try…
I came to this place by chance, but I found very interesting. Greetings to all the people who visit this page… Kuzey Güney