HEALTH

 

OK, warm smoothies kind of sound gross, we agree. But hear us out—there's a way to get *all* the benefits of your fave frozen drink in the form of something hot and toasty (think: more apple cider and hot cocoa than pina colada). Blend up one of these recipes tomorrow morning to pair with your usual weekday breakfast for a healthy sip to keep you warm while you're walking to class or waiting for the bus.

Warm Hot Chocolate Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk 
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup yogurt
Optional: protein powder, banana, handful of spinach, PB

Directions:

1. Whisk together almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a small saucepan and heat until almost boiling.

2. Combine milk mixture with other add-ins in your blender and blend until smooth. 

PB Banana Hot Chocolate Smoothie 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk, warmed up 
1 very ripe banana
2 Tbsp peanut butter (try the natural kind for less sugar)
1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions: 

1. Add all ingredients into your blend and blend until smooth. Reheat if necessary.  

Warm Apple Pie Oatmeal Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk 
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1 apple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1-2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. Mix all of the ingredients in your blender and let sit for at least ten minutes so that the chia seeds can soak.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour into a small saucepan and heat on the stove until it's the temperature you prefer. 

Warm Gingerbread Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 
1 Tbsp nut butter
1-2 Tbsp molasses
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. The night before, put all the ingredients in your blender (but don't blend!). Just stir them to let soak. You don't *have* to do this but it helps soften the oats so they blend better the next morning.

2. When you're ready for your smoothie, blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour into a small saucepan and heat until it's the temperature you prefer.

Have you ever made a warm "smoothie"? Share in the comments below! 

by Amanda Tarlton | 12/6/2016