vitamix

DIY – Almond Butter

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

I decided it was time to pull out my Vitamix and use if for more than making smoothies.  I wanted to make my own almond butter and almond flour (still working on perfecting this).  It was super easy!

I just love my Vitamix - favorite kitchen tool

I just love my Vitamix – favorite kitchen tool

I got my non-roasted almonds from BJs.  I think about $10 for the bag.

All Natural Whole Almonds from BJs - very affordable

All Natural Whole Almonds from BJs – very affordable

I added 2 cups of Almonds into my Vitamix with the tamper in place.

2 Cups of Almonds in Vitamix with tamper - apparently I need to do a better job of getting the water spots off the vitamx.

2 Cups of Almonds in Vitamix with tamper – apparently I need to do a better job of getting the water spots off the Vitamix.

I turned the Vitamix onto 1 and quickly turned it up to 10 and then moved it to High (use your tamper to push down the almonds) – it is very quick – you will hear the Vitamix start to churn hard as the Almonds release their oils – which helps create the Almond Butter.  This should be done between 1 – 3 minutes no more – listen to your machine so you don’t burn it out.

Here is what it looks like in the Vitamix:

Almond Butter in the Vitamix

Almond Butter in the Vitamix

And the final product in its container.

Finished Almond Butter - yum!

Finished Almond Butter – yum!

I used a nice heaping tablespoon in my pre-workout shake along with 4 ozs of unsweetened almond milk, 4 ozs water and 1 scoop of Chocolate Sun Warrior protein mix.  I put all ingredients into the Vitamix – delicious (and made for a great workout)!

Enjoy!

An oldie but a goodie

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

Sorry I’ve been gone for awhile…the end of 2012 was a bit crazy both from a work and personal standpoint. So to get me back in the groove – thought I’d pull out and oldie but a goodie smoothie recipe – the Cinnamon Roll Smoothie!

This has got to be my favorite smoothie – it really tastes like a cinnamon roll. My favorite cinnamon rolls or what we call them – sticky buns are from Harner’s Bakery at The West Shore Farmer’s Market in Lemoyne, PA (I go for the mini stickies with nuts – can you say YUM!!)

So here is the recipe for a healthier version (and trust me I get the real thing every once in a while):

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

  • 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened and organic) (I use Trader Joe’s)
  • 1 cup coconut water (I like Zico – make sure it is the natural – no sugar added)
  • 1 scoop of protein mix (I use Prograde Vanilla) (http://ryanlee.getprograde.com/protein-powder.html
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch sea salt (I use Himalayan Sea Salt)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1-2 pitted dates
  • 1 tablespoon pecans (I usually add a bit more too)
  • Stevia to taste (I used 1/2 a packet)
  • 2 ice cubes (optional)

Put ingredients into VitaMix or a Blender  and mix until smooth.  Pour into a nice tall glass and enjoy!

What do you think?

PS:  My breakfast drink of choice this weekend!

I think I’m in love…

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

with my Vitamix blender! I broke down and purchased my Vitamix a couple of months ago. However, I never had a chance to open the box and try it. About a week ago, I finally opened up the box and reviewed the menu book. I got excited all over again as to why I made the purchase in the first place.

Today, I finally used it. First of all it is easier to keep clean then a blender. I had some fruit that I just didn’t feel like eating…so I put a cup of water and about a cup of chopped fruit in the vitamix…and in about 90 seconds or less…I had a nice, shake (as the consistency was more like a shake than juice). Yummy!

This will be my ‘go to’ appliance for my morning / afternoon protein shakes!