Butternut Squash landed in my Blender
Yes, I went out on a limb with this one but if I didn't try this I'm sure someone else would and I'm a good guinea pig for tasting weird food or just combinations that others find weird?
Also, even the slightest TWINGE of SPRING and FLIP FLOPS and I whip out that blender faster than you can say s-m-o-o-t-h-i-e!
It's hard enough as it is convincing some "veggie haters" to try something new so I really wiped away the cob webs and cleared the dust out of my mind to come up with something different beyond roasting or making a soup (which by the way coconut and roasted butternut squash soup with a touch of Thai flavors sounds really good right now!). Hmmmmm. I know what I'm doing later.
Here's what I say, "Give it a try, at least once, if it tastes nasty, it goes in the sink or sometimes it can be used as compost?"
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHT
You say Kuh-fer I say Kee-fur, but my handy dandy food lover's companion says it's pronounced: Keh-feer. You choose. I don't think the police will stop you if you say it incorrectly and who am I to judge, So it sort of sounds like a type of cheese but this drinkable yogurty beverage (Originally from Camel's milk now from the Cow) that I found a couple of years ago goes mainly into my smoothies.
Why bother? I dunno, it's something NEW and I get bored easily, is that reason enough? Kidding, sort of. Seriously, it's good for you nutritionally speaking. Kefir claims to be a good source of probiotics and you can read an entire article->(Here's a previous article I contributed to if you'd like to LEARN more about Kefir). It's gotta be better than those things called Danimals.
Buying: Try to buy PLAIN, don't worry we'll pep it up with flavor! Most grocery stores are carrying it now but you'll be sure to find it in a health food store in the refrigerated section, most likely next to the yogurt or milk because it comes in a bottle.
Look what I did so it doesn't taste like you're drinking SOUR CREAM!
Recipe
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) roasted butternut squash, cubed *see NOTE below
- 4-6 oz kefir (plain-I use Lifeway Brand)
- 3-4 ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Medjool date, chopped
- Honey or Maple Syrup to taste (optional)
*NOTE: See this recipe for roasting squash directions.
Methods:
Doesn't get easier than this: TOSS ALL INGREDIENTS IN THE BLENDER! Press BLEND and once all ingredients become smooth, you'll pour it in a glass!
GENERAL SMOOTHIE TIPS: I always play with my smoothies.
1) If you like a slushier/thinner consistency: Add more ice.
2. If you like a creamier consistency: Add more kefir and/or a tablespoon or so of greek yogurt.
3. Not sweet enough? . Perhaps add another date or some honey/maple syrup
You might also like:
Berries + Bananas = Bliss in a martini glass
PB & J Frenchtoastwich (another use for almond butter)
Maple Glazed Butternut Squash and Arugula Salad (another recipe using butternut squash)