Charlotte Veggie

Freezing Extra Bananas & Banana Berry Base Smoothie

There was a time when extra overripe bananas meant the pleasure or pressure to bake. Once I made the banana ice scream recipe from the Vitamix cookbook, I realized that bananas were just as useful frozen as any other frozen fruit. This is an easy way to preserve those spare bananas without them sticking together! The wax paper + bag help keep freezer burn out too.

 

How To Freeze Bananas:

  1. Tear off a large sheet of wax paper and then tear into small rectangular pieces. No exact measurement needed here.
  2. Peel and break bananas into halves.
  3. Place on individual pieces of wax paper and roll each banana up.
  4. Store rolls in a sealable bag in your freezer for up to 6 months.
IMG_3532 IMG_3533 IMG_3536 IMG_3537

The below recipe is a great base for more complex smoothies. I almost always start with a liquid, greens, and berries and from there, go on to add other fruits, protein, and omega 3 sources. But even just on its own, this basic combination is a great starter green smoothie. You just can’t beat getting most of your servings of fruits, veggies, vitamins, micro- and macro nutrients in one glass!

IMG_4302

Banana Berry Base Smoothie

Makes 1 12-14 oz smoothie

 

Blend the following:

1.5-2 cups baby spinach

1/2 banana

1 cup frozen strawberrries (If using fresh, replace a 1/2 cup of the liquid with a1/2 cup of ice.)

1.5 cups water or nondairy milk of choice, plain or vanilla.

Optional: You can replace the strawberries with mixed berries or another berry. Add 1 tbsp nut butter for more creaminess and protein and or protein powder, hempseed, or other fruits.

For more green and non-green smoothie recipes, click here!

Recent Posts…

ABC Mango Vanilla Smoothie Pops

ABC Mango Vanilla Smoothie Pops

Your kids (and you!) can cool off with this frozen treat without a sugar crash and while getting oodles of good-for-you fruit, fiber, and vitamins in these Apple Berry Cinnamon Mango Vanilla Pops.   These *silicone pop making sleeves are much easier to pour your liquid into and unlike a popsicle, less drips and clean up. *(I originally [...]

{ 0 comments }
Unmasking How We Do Halloween

Unmasking How We Do Halloween

I thought long and hard about bringing you some fun, healthy Halloween sweet treat recipes, but I didn’t see how that would contribute to the cause towards less sugar consumption. If you peruse the internet or Pinterest, you will see all sorts of snacks like baby carrots made to look like fingers, ghost faces drawn [...]

{ 0 comments }
Pumpkin Spiced Cupcakes With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spiced Cupcakes With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’ve been to Trader Joe’s lately, you have seen that they are all about everything pumpkin under the sun! Incorporating the above 3 ingredients, I made the most amazing pumpkinlicious treat. Modifying a recipe I found, I created these moist, fluffy, decadent, but healthier homemade cupcakes. I omitted the chocolate chips, cut the sugar in [...]

{ 2 comments }