Jackfruit Smoothie

I lived in Thailand for almost 2 years. One of the things I miss most is the exotic fruits such as lychees, mangosteen, and guava.

Another favorite fruit of mine is jackfruit. The husk is similar in appearance to durian, but tastes a ton better. While wandering the local grocer, I noticed that they had some jackfruit available as pods that I would need to cut up myself. So I picked up a single 17 pound pod (the smaller of the two available).

Cutting it up turned out to be a bit of a challenge. I watched a video and then spent an hour or more carving up the pod. But the results were worth it (though, if you can get a partially-carved pod, that will definitely be easier).

Watermelon Smoothie

This is late in the season, but during the summer I would make this smoothie periodically.

Tools

• Fine-weave strainer (fine enough to catch small seeds)
• Professional blender with jar
• Second blender jar or a bowl
• Rubber scraper

Ingredients

• Lime juice from 2 medium limes
• A watermelon (I usually employ a small seedless watermelon)
• 1/2 to 1 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 5 heaping tablespoons cane sugar (or more or less to taste)
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder

Black Currant Smoothie

I love this time of year. All sorts of exotic fruits start to show up in the store (although, only at my special market which is more like an upscale farmer's market...regular stores don't tend to carry these seasonal items).

One of Pineapple's favorites is black currant. The store also carries red and golden currants, but we prefer the flavor of the black currants.

Lingonberry Lemonade Smoothie

I, Pickles, am always on the lookout for new flavors. While browsing through our local supermarket, I discovered that they had lingonberries available in their freezer section, so I picked up a bag. These berries are tart, but have a nice flavor when sweetened a bit in a smoothie

Tools

• Fine-weave strainer (fine enough to catch small seeds)
• Professional blender with jar
• Second blender jar or a bowl
• Rubber scraper

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1-2 medium lemons (depending on desired tartness level)
• 2-3 tablespoons lingonberries
• 1/2 to 1 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 5 heaping tablespoons cane sugar (or more or less to taste)
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder

Directions

1. Add 1-2 inches of water to the blender jar
2. Add the lingonberries in the blender jar
1. There will probably be enough to create a single layer of berries on top of the water
3. Blend for a few seconds; long enough to break up the berries.
4. Set the blended berries aside
1. If you are using a second jar, just set it aside for later
2. If not, pour the blended berries into the bowl then rinse out the blender jar (to remove any remaining seeds)
5. Add the cane sugar to the blender jar. Historically, I would pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. Lately I have been using less sugar. Lingonberries are tart, though, so a little extra sugar can help compensate. Adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
6. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I prefer to use 4 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that clumps in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 3 scoops from this powder.)
7. Add the avocado.
8. Optional: if you find this smoothie to be too tart, add the honey.
9. Add the lemon juice
10. Strain the blended lingonberries into the blender
1. Place the strainer over the mouth of the blender jar
2. Pour the blended lingonberries into the strainer
3. Using the rubber scraper, push down on the berries to help move the juices through the strainer
1. You don't need to exert much force
2. I find scraping across the bottom of the strainer (i.e. through the pureed berries) is pretty effective
3. You will end up with a thick paste of mostly seeds when you are done
4. Rinse the rubber scraper
5. Scrape the exterior bottom of the strainer with the scraper to get the last of the juices into the blender
11. Add about 250-500 milliliters of ice. Add less ice if you want more potent flavor.
12. Add water (or the mixture from step 6.2) until the fluid level is about an inch below the top of the ice.
13. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
14. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 12 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
15. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. I slice the lemons off-center 3 times so that I get 4 lemon chunks which I squeeze by hand through a strainer into the blender. I will also use my fingernails to scrape the insides of the lemons to dislodge more pulp. I then pick out some of the pulp from the strainer (avoiding the seeds) and toss it into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 14.1.

Avocado

1/2 of an avocado will get you a smooth texture, but you may find the smoothie is not very satisfying. Using an entire avocado will make the smoothie far more satisfying.

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Blueberry Lemonade Smoothie

Blueberries have a more-delicate flavor to them than grapes or strawberries. I found that they are easily overwhelmed by lime. Consequently, lemons work better for this paring than limes do.

Tools

• Professional blender with jar

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1-2 medium lemons (or 1 large lemon), depending on desired tartness
• 6 oz blueberries
• 1/2 to 1 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 8 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder
• Optional:1-2 tablespoons Honey

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender jar. I typically pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. You can adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
2. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I prefer to use 2 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 3 scoops from this powder.)
3. Add the avocado.
4. Optional: if you find this smoothie to be too tart, add the honey.
5. Add the blueberries and lemon juice
6. Add about 500-750 milliliters of ice. (I add until the ice level reaches the top of the Blendtec logo.) Add less ice if you want more potent flavor.
7. Add water (or the mixture from step 6.2) until the fluid level is about an inch below the top of the ice.
8. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
9. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 12 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
10. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. I slice the lemons off-center 3 times so that I get 4 lemon chunks which I squeeze by hand through a strainer into the blender. I will also use my fingernails to scrape the insides of the lemons to dislodge more pulp. I then pick out some of the pulp from the strainer (avoiding the seeds) and toss it into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 8.1.

I use less water and more ice in this recipe because grapes are mostly water so I do not need to add as much water to get the same fluidity in the final product.

Avocado

1/2 of an avocado will get you a smooth texture, but you may find the smoothie is not very satisfying. Using an entire avocado will make the smoothie far more satisfying.

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Seedless Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie

Pineapple doesn't like seeds in her smoothies, and I am not supposed to eat seeds, so I came up with this smoothie so that I can still get the berries I need without the obtrusive crunch and mouthfeel of the seeds. It takes a little longer to prepare than my other smoothies, but it's worth the extra effort.

Tools

• Fine-weave strainer (fine enough to catch raspberry seeds)
• Professional blender with jar
• Second blender jar or a bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1 to 2 medium lemons (or 1 large lemon) depending on desired tartness level
• 4-5 oz raspberries
• 1/2 to 1 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 8 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder
• Optional:1-2 tablespoons Honey

Directions

1. Put the raspberries in the blender jar (the smaller jar if you have 2 jars of different sizes).
2. Add water until just above the raspberries or they start to float.
3. Blend for a few seconds; long enough to break up the raspberries.
4. Set the blended raspberries aside
1. If you are using a second jar, just set it aside for later
2. If not, pour the blended raspberries into the bowl then rinse out the blender jar (to remove any remaining seeds)
5. Add the cane sugar to the blender jar. I typically pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. You can adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
6. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I prefer to use 2 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 3 scoops from this powder.)
7. Add the avocado.
8. Optional: if you find this smoothie to be too tart, add the honey.
9. Add the lemon juice
10. Strain the raspberries into the blender
1. Place the strainer over the mouth of the blender jar
2. Pour the blended raspberries into the strainer
3. Using the spatula, push down on the raspberries to help move the juices through the strainer
1. You don't need to exert much force
2. I find scraping across the pureed berries within the strainer is pretty effective
3. You will end up with a thick paste of mostly seeds when you are done
4. Scrape the exterior bottom of the strainer with the spatula to get the last of the juices into the blender
11. Add about 500-750 milliliters of ice. (I add until the ice level reaches the top of the Blendtec logo.) Add less ice if you want more potent flavor.
12. Add water (or the mixture from step 6.2) until the fluid level is about an inch below the top of the ice.
13. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
14. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 12 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
15. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. I slice the lemons off-center 3 times so that I get 4 lemon chunks which I squeeze by hand through a strainer into the blender. I will also use my fingernails to scrape the insides of the lemons to dislodge more pulp. I then pick out some of the pulp from the strainer (avoiding the seeds) and toss it into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 14.1.

Avocado

1/2 of an avocado will get you a smooth texture, but you may find the smoothie is not very satisfying. Using an entire avocado will make the smoothie far more satisfying.

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Grape Lemonade Smoothie

This particular recipe has some nostalgia for me. Growing up my family would regularly make Kool-Aid regularly. We had dozens of flavor packets in a drawer waiting to be used at our whim.

I've always loved experimenting with food and flavors, so, one day I combined a grape packet with a lemonade packet. Voila! An awesome new flavor!

A few months later we found a new kind of Kool-Aid packet on the shelves at the store: Purplesaurus Rex. We bought some, prepared it that evening, and found that it tasted surprisingly familiar. After some thought we realized it tasted exactly like my grape-lemonade concoction. Interesting! We didn't need to pay a premium for that new flavor. 😁

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1 to 2 medium lemons (or 1 large lemon), depending on desired tartness level
• 1-2 cups grapes
• 1/2 to 1 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 8 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder
• Optional: Spinach

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender. I typically pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. You can adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
2. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and grapes.
3. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I prefer to use 2 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 2 scoops from this powder.)
4. Add about 500-750 milliliters of ice. (I add until the ice level reaches the top of the Blendtec logo.) Add less ice if you want more potent flavor (or add more grapes).
5. Add a handful or two of spinach, if you want.
6. Add water (or the mixture from step 3.2) until the fluid level is about an inch below the top of the ice.
7. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
8. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 6 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
9. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Grapes

With this recipe, feel free to try this with different kinds of grapes. I recommend seedless grapes. I've used standard red table grapes, black grapes, and even moon-drop grapes (Pineapple queried "Is there mint in here?").

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. I slice the lemons off-center 3 times so that I get 4 lemon chunks which I squeeze by hand through a strainer into the blender. I then pick out some of the pulp from the strainer (avoiding the seeds) and toss it into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 8.1.

I use less water and more ice in this recipe because grapes are mostly water so I do not need to add as much water to get the same fluidity in the final product.

Avocado

1/2 of an avocado will get you a smooth texture, but you may find the smoothie is not very satisfying. Using an entire avocado will make the smoothie far more satisfying.

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Spinach

The spinach is mostly for color, fiber, and nutrients. If you add a lot of spinach the smoothie will start to taste like grass. However, a little spinach will improve the nutrition of the smoothie without altering the flavor much.

Pineapple Limeade Smoothie

Pineapple loves this smoothie recipe. So does her mother and sister. I like it but I don't love it. Whether or not you like it is entirely up to your own tastes.

Ingredients

• Lime juice from 1 to 2 medium-to-small-sized limes (or 1 large lime), depending on desired tartness level
• 2 Pineapple Spears (cutting instructions below)
• Optional: 1/4 pineapple core
• 1/2 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 8 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• Ice
• Water
• Optional: desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder
• Optional: Spinach

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender. I typically pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. You can adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
2. Add the avocado, lime juice, and pineapple.
3. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I prefer to use 2 or 3 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 2 or 3 scoops from this powder.)
4. Add about 500-750 milliliters of ice. (I add until the fluid level reaches the top of the Blendtec logo.) Add less ice if you want more potent flavor.
5. Add a handful or two of spinach, if you want.
6. Add water (or the mixture from step 3.2) until the fluid level is about an inch above the 1-liter mark.
7. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
8. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 6 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
9. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Cutting Pineapple

When getting pineapple, you should consider how big the pineapple is, how green it is, and whether or not it is canned. A canned pineapple will have a "tinny" flavor, and it seems to aggravate my immune system.

The greener the pineapple is the better. If the husk of the pineapple is yellow or orange then it may have started ferment or possibly rot. If the coloring of the pineapple stays in the yellow and orange range you are fine; it will likely add significant sweetness to the smoothie at this point. However, portions of the flesh start turning gray then the pineapple is rotting and should be thrown out; the flavor will not be good. For example, in the photo in step 4 below, notice the coloring of the flesh-side of the skin; this pineapple is bad and I threw it out the next day.

After purchasing a pineapple I try and carve it soon thereafter. I employ the following process so that I can minimize the work needed while still refrigerating the pineapple.

1. I cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and throw those pieces away.
   
2. Looking at the top downward, I quarter the pineapple.
   
3. I slice out the core from each quarter and put it in a separate container. The core adds some fiber but sometimes it doesn't blend perfectly.
   
4. I take each quarter and slice it lengthwise into 3 spears or wedges
   
5. I carve off the husk/skin and throw the husk/skin away
6. Depending on the size of the pineapple I slice the spears in half so they will fit into a storage container.
   
7. Put the storage containers in the fridge to slow the ripening process.

When I prepare the smoothie I just grab 2 spears (or 4 chunks if I followed step 6) and toss them in the blender.

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lime Juice

When preparing the lime juice, I try to use the lime pulp as well. I slice the limes off-center 3 times so that I get 4 chunks of limes that I squeeze by hand directly into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 7.1.

Avocado

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Spinach

The spinach is mostly for color, fiber, and nutrients. If you add a lot of spinach the smoothie will start to taste like grass, but a little spinach will improve the nutrition of the smoothie without altering the flavor much.

Strawberry Limeade Smoothie

Here is another delicious smoothie creation. While on a family vacation, I was bored with their standard smoothie options, so I started requesting that the waiter bring experimental fruit combinations. One of my requests was for a strawberry limeade smoothie, and I loved it. The rest of the family members there ordered the same combination and continued to reorder it for the duration of our trip. Instant success!

Although I love my vanilla lemonade smoothie, I often want other smoothies as well. So, together with Pineapple's discerning tongue, I created the following strawberry limeade smoothie.

Ingredients

• Lime juice from 1 to 2 limes, depending on desired tartness level
• 15 average-sized strawberries
• 1/2 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 8 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• Ice
• Water
• Desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder (optional)

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender. I typically pour until the pile of sugar covers the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec. You can adjust this to your own preferred sweetness level.
2. Add the avocado, lime juice, and strawberries.
3. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I use 2 scoops from this brand.)
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 2 scoops from this powder.)
4. Add about a 750 milliliters of ice. (I add until the fluid level reaches the top of the Blendtec logo.)
5. Add water (or the mixture from step 3.2) until the fluid level is about an inch above the 1-liter mark.
6. Set aside an additional glass/cup with cold water.
7. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 6 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
8. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Blender

I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar professional blender like a Vitamix will work. 

Lime Juice

When preparing the lime juice, I try to use the lime pulp as well. I slice the limes off-center 3 times so that I get 4 chunks of limes that I squeeze by hand directly into the blender.

Washing Hands

Before I work with food I wash my hands with soap and dry them using a paper towel. Any time I do something which might contaminate my hands--such as interacting with non-food-related items--I rewash my hands. I use paper towels because they are inexpensive and more sanitary than hand towels.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 7.1.

Avocado

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Vanilla Lemonade Smoothie

I started experimenting with making smoothies using a high-powered blender. I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar machine like a Vitamix will work. This particular smoothie is one of my first successful creations. I'll be sharing several other smoothies in future posts.

The vanilla used in the smoothie makes a big difference in the flavor. A vanilla extract suspended in glycerin will taste much better than one suspended in alcohol. For instance, Trader Joe's Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract works well, but I'm not sure they sell it any more. Villa Vanilla produces a "Vanilla Super Extract"--which is a 5X vanilla concentrate--that works well, but I cannot find it online (the label is black).

If you use an alcohol-based extract (e.g. Kirkland Signature Vanilla Extract), the smoothie may end up dominated by the alcohol flavor. In that case you may want to let the smoothie sit for a few minutes after pouring it into serving cups so that some of the alcohol can dissipate.

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons, depending on desired tartness level
• 1/2 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 6 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• 3 tablespoons vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free)
• Ice
• Water
• Desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder (optional)

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender. I typically pour until the pile of sugar until it reaches the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec.
2. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder 
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I use 2 scoops from this brand.) 
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 2 scoops from this powder.)
4. Add ice up to the 1-liter mark.
5. Add water (or the mixture from step 3.2) until about an inch above the 1-liter mark.
6. Set aside an additional glass/cup with water.
7. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 6 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
8. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. However, I also strain out the seeds, because I cannot eat them on my diet. I only keep the lemon pulp when I can separate it from the seeds without trouble.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 7.1.

Avocado

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Isn't Vanilla a Seed?

On my diet I am supposed to avoid eating seeds, especially because I have found that I am sensitive to at least some nuts and most seeds--I get flu symptoms or rashes. However, vanilla flavoring is derived from the seeds of a vanilla plant.

What gives?

Most seeds are designed by nature to survive digestive tracts so that they can sprout somewhere else. Consequently, they contain chemicals which loosen the digestive tract and cause the food to move through more quickly.

Vanilla extract does not contain vanilla seeds. Vanilla seeds may or may not have the protective properties that other seeds possess. I haven't tried vanilla seeds so I haven't been able to see if they have an inflammatory effect on me.  Regardless, vanilla extract does not seem to generate an inflammatory response in my body, so I am fine consuming vanilla.