STRAWBERRY KEFIR SMOOTHIE

     These past few mornings I've been drinking a delicious strawberry smoothie made with kefir.  Kefir is a lacto-fermented beverage that supplies beneficial probiotics, enzymes, minerals, rapid hydration, and enhanced digestion to people.  It is so easy to make too!  I have to yet built up a taste for drinking it straight up though, so I like to blend it into this delicious smoothie.  Kefir is even easier than yogurt to make, so don't be timid, try it!  Just stir in the cultured powder and let it sit on your counter.  

HOMEMADE KEFIR

1 litre organic whole cow or goat's milk (raw if you have access)

1 packet kefir starter

Pour the milk into a glass Mason jar.  Add kefir starter, screw on the lid and shake.  Set at room temperature (70-75*) for 12-48 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator.    Can last for several months in the refrigerator.  

STRAWBERRY KEFIR SMOOTHIE 

(adapted from "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin http://astore.amazon.ca/prasada02-20?node=6&page=2)

300 ml organic kefir or yogurt

1/2 Tbsp organic extra virgin coconut oil

1 Tbsp organic flaxseed or hemp oil

1 Tbsp unheated local honey

1 Tbsp organic hemp nuts

1 cup organic frozen or fresh strawberries

2 Tbsp organic goji berries

1 Tbsp organic greens powder

Method:  Blend all ingredients and enjoy.

GREEN SMOOTHIE

Even though I try to make sure I serve my son vegetables often, he doesn't always eat them.  Rather than fret over this I've decided to transform them into something I know he will consume - juice.  If there is one thing that can lure this kid into doing most things he generally does not want to do, it is juice.  So here is a recipe for a smoothie that includes beets, carrots, and kale, along with some sweets like apple and banana.  Yum!  Here is a picture of my wee one drinking his smoothie in his stainless steel bottle and straw.  Don't mistake that look on his face for disgust, he genuinely enjoyed it and asked for more.

GREEN SMOOTHIE FOR MY SWEETY

2 organic apples

2 organic carrots

1/2 organic beet

3 small leaves of organic kale

1 organic banana

1/2 tsp organic spirulina powder

Method:  Juice the apples, carrots and beet.  Pour into a blender along with the banana and spirulina.  Blend and enjoy!

Carrot Banana Smoothie with Fresh Ginger and Spirulina

This carrot juice smoothie was a great way to start the day.  I love juicing because it is an easy, delicious way to get more veggies in me and my toddler!  Lately I've been making my own yogurt because I am trying to avoid buying food in plastic containers that are not recyclable plastics #1 and #2's.  It is so easy, especially with the handy yogurt machine my sister picked up for me at Value Village for $1.99.

CARROT BANANA SMOOTHIE with Fresh Ginger and Spirulina

1 organic banana

1/2 cup fresh organic carrot juice

1/2 cup organic yogurt

3/4" organic fresh ginger root

1 tsp organic spirulina

Method:  Juice the carrots and ginger together and blend with the banana, yogurt and spirulina.