Last year I purchased a Vitamix – one of the few kitchen toys on my wish list – and since then I have religiously made morning juice cocktails. I have done green smoothies, berry smoothies, carrot and coconut water drinks – you name it. But a few months ago I hit on the “macadamia nut milk smoothie” which has become my morning “must have” rituals.
I love the combination of nuts which satisfy my hunger, and fruits which give me both slow and quick energy. As I tend to do some form of exercise most mornings, I benefit from this mix of energy, and the combination of ingredients has not led to any upset stomach incidents either.
My smoothie was inspired by Kelly’s suggestion to make strawberry cashew milk (I *think* this is the recipe link she recommended) as well as Whole Living’s recipe for a vanilla macadamia nut smoothie. Although I use a Vitamix, I think this would work with any blender as macadamia nuts are so soft. Just make sure if you are not using a high-speed blender like Vitamix that you let it whizz away for a while (I think 2-3 minutes). I also change out the “second” fruit (always keeping a banana for texture). I have made it with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, homemade cherry plum compote – you name it. You can use water as your base liquid, or instead I use coconut water for the added electrolyte lift. Finally, and optionally, add some flaxseed. If you add ground flaxseed the smooth creamy milky texture will be replaced with a little graininess – but I am okay with that as I target the Omega-3 uplift that flaxseeds give (a natural anti-inflammatory).
Enjoy – and let me know if you make it and how you get on!
Morning Macadamia Nut Smoothie
1 banana
1 and 1/2 cups coconut water (or just plain water)
a teaspoon of honey (I use raw or Manuka)
1/2 a teaspoon of vanilla essence
1/4 cup plain raw macadamia nuts
*fruit of choice—I use about 5 strawberries, or 1/4 of frozen blueberries, or some pineapple – whatever I have to hand
**tablespoon of ground flaxseed (optional but I like the added omega 3)
Whizz up in your blender until smooth and creamy. Tastes miraculously like a milk shake. So delicious and satisfying!