2 Quick and Easy Smoothies!

Recently my pregnancy cravings have left me wanting smoothies and I am not sure why. Luckily, happened to have some ingredients around to make two different frozen treats!

Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie


1 ripe frozen or fresh banana
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder (next time I will try chocolate syrup...see below)
1/2 cup of milk (I used skim)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I used vanilla flavored)
Handful of ice

Makes one smoothie.

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.  Note: I used the cocoa powder and thought the smoothie was a bit gritty so next time I am going to try chocolate syrup. You can also replace the cocoa powder with protein powder.

Adapted from Make and Takes.


Fruity Smoothie

1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruit juice (I used cranberry apple)
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup of frozen strawberries
1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
Optional: 1-2 tbsp of honey

Place juice then the rest of the ingredients in a blender and then blend until smooth.  Makes one smoothie.

Warm Butterbeer

Okay, I’ll admit it: I am a Harry Potter fanatic. When I saw a Pinterest recipe for a Butterbeer latte, I knew I would try it, especially since I had all the ingredients on hand. With a couple of modifications, it resulted in a foamy, sweet concoction, similar to a caramel steamer. Yum!

2 T butter 

2 T brown sugar

1 cup milk or soy milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/8 tsp cinnamon

In a small saucepan, bring butter and sugar to a boil until caramel forms, about 2-3 minutes. Whisk in milk, vanilla, and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and pour into coffee mug. 

Cold-Day Wassail

Wassail, a warm, spiced cider drink, has a long tradition of providing holiday comfort. According to some accounts, wassail was once an Old English luxury – not many could afford the concoction of expensive spices and wine. During the holiday season, rich landowners would prepare large quantities of the drink and the poor townspeople would come “a-wassailing” for a Christmastime treat.

        Other accounts describe a wassailing ceremony wherein crowds would gather around cider-producing trees, singing and drinking to the health of the trees to ensure a plentiful autumn harvest.

        While wassail is typically associated with the yuletide season, I find the aromatic flavors soothing on any cold day. Of course, it’s best when shared with friends and accompanied by laughter.

1 can orange juice concentrate, thawed

½ can lemonade concentrate, thawed

3 cinnamon sticks

2 cups sugar

1 tsp ground cloves

½ gal. apple cider

4 c. water

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or crock pot until heated through. Simmer slowly for a deeper flavor. 

Bailey's Hot Cocoa

Warm up this fall with some Bailey's hot cocoa!

4 tbsp baking cocoa
4 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup water
2 cups milk
1 cup brewed coffee
1/2 tsp vanilla
Bailey's (optional)

In a saucepan stir together the cocoa and sugar. Mix in the water and then bring to a boil. Stir in milk and coffee and heat through. Add vanilla and stir. Top off each cup with Baileys if desired. Makes two cups.