Mandarin Vanilla Super Shake

Luc is still sick although seemingly on the mend and hasn't vomited for about 48 hours and his fever has broken. However, understandably he has no appetite and the only thing he would eat was a couple crackers in the last few days. He is uninterested in the usual bland sick foods and all he keeps asking for is milk and fruit. 

I didn't want to give him dairy while his tummy was still very sensitive, so I made this shake which is dairy-free but still creamy and a little fruity.  It was also delicious! Luc actually wanted to drink it and it stayed in him. We will be making this tasty shake, which is full of protein, iron, whole grains, and vitamin c, whenever we have mandarins on hand!
 

Mandarin Vanilla Super Shake

- 1 mandarin orange
- 1 half-pack (150 grams) soft tofu
- 1/2 cup ground rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp mandarin orange zest
- 1 tbsp agave nectar 


Grate the 1 tsp of zest off your mandarin orange, then peel and section. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor (I used a beaker and immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. 

Sunshine Smoothie

This is another oatmeal smoothie recipe that I've adapted from the Frugal Foodie Cookbook. I've been trying to incorporate cantaloupe into Luc and mine's diet (my husband however hates melons) since I learned that they are apparently another superfood. This fruit has concentrated levels of beta-carotene, folic acid, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium as well as some B vitamins and is antioxidant rich. This smoothie makes me think of summer...that lovely season where snowsuits don't have to be wrangled onto little squirming bodies. 

  
Sunshine Smoothie

- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ground into a fine powder in a coffee grinder or food processor
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup cantaloupe, diced
- 1/2 cup ice

Throw everything in the blender and blend until smooth and yummy. If it is a little too thick, thin with a little water or pineapple juice. Sweeten to taste if needed. 

Makes two largish smoothies

* p.s. Luc started cry after he finished his smoothie this morning because it was all gone!

PB &J Oatmeal Smoothie

This is my adaptation of a recipe from The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook. Everyone in our house loves smoothies and Luc especially goes nuts for them. The oatmeal in this smoothie, while it sounds weird, lends a nice texture and makes this smoothie really a breakfast in a glass. It also makes a great mess-free snack if you put it in an insulated cup for when you are on the go. I grind a couple cups of oats at a time and keep in a container in the cupboard, making this really quick to throw together. This recipe is suitable for babies over age one due to the inclusion of nuts and milk.

PB & J Oatmeal Smoothie

-1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ground fine in a coffee grinder or food processor.
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until yummy. Sweeten to taste with honey or agave nectar (it will vary depending on how tart your berries are). Makes 2 toddler servings. You can keep it in the fridge but you may have to thin with a little extra milk before serving as it thickens up a little.

Mango Lassi (Smoothie and Puree Versions)

 

Mango Lassi (Smoothie and Puree Versions)

A great Indian beverage/smoothie for toddlers, big kids, and adults. Alternatively, you make the same ingredients into a puree and introduce the same great taste for the younger set (8 months plus due to dairy and spices).

Lassi (Smoothie)

- 1 large very ripe mango, peeled and cubed (or use frozen cubed mango for ease - approx. 1 cup) 

- 3 cups plain yogurt (full fat for the munchkins)

- 1 cup milk (same deal)

- 1/2 cup water

- 1 tsp rose water (optional but I really recommend)

- 1/8 ground cardamon 

Blend until thick and yummy. Taste for sweetness (depends on your mango) and add sugar, agave nectar, or honey to taste. Serve with ice. 

Makes 3-4 servings

Mango Lassi Puree

- 1 cup cubed mango (fresh or thawed frozen)

- 1/2 cup full fat plain yogurt

- tiny sprinkling ground cardamon

Puree and serve. 

Both versions will keep refrigerated up to three days, but are not suitable for freezing.