How to Make A Naturally Turquoise Smoothie Bowl

While others search for the meaning of life, I search for new ways to make my entire life turquoise.  Life is short, I just want to have fun.

After spotting some gorgeous turquoise tinted smoothies on Pinterest my curiosity was piqued, but I'm not a big fan of adding food coloring so I kept my enthusiasm in check - until I realized those turquoise smoothies and smoothie bowls were all natural!  Turns out they get their aqua hue from Blue Majik, an algae powder.

Of course I needed to try this magic blue powder out for myself!

I did a little experimenting with Blue Majik and realized that the key to getting a turquoise smoothie is to limit the ingredients.  My usual go-to smoothie ingredients (greens, scoop of peanut butter, frozen peaches, chocolate protein powder) turned the smoothie murky.  Blueberries plus Blue Majik made a crazy blue-grey hue that looked kinda like drinking concrete.

To get the best color, I used only white(ish) or clear ingredients: almond milk, vanilla protein powder, sliced banana, ice and Greek yogurt for a creamy and delicious protein shake that tasted great but didn't muddy the color.  A few scroops of Blue Majik created a soft turquoise hue - I have no idea how some people get those VIVID teal smoothies.  That's either a whole bottle of Blue Majik or some generous photo-shopping because this pale turquoise was the richest color I could achieve. 

I rarely measure a smoothie - I just add my frozen fruit, some peanut butter, some almond milk, some yoghurt (if I have it), some greens and then whirl in my blender until it's the right consistency, adjusting as a I go.  But for this one I put together some super scientific measurements to make two smoothies or smoothie bowls. 

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 2 generous dollops of Greek yogurt
• A handful of ice cubes
• 1 cup-ish of almond milk 
• 1-3 scoops of Blue Majik (the scoop it comes with)

 

Blend until creamy (I used my Magic Bullet for this so it's a magic smoothie through and through, haha).  Smoothie bowls are so good for using up random odds and ends from the fridge and freezer - and pantry!  Along with some fresh fruit, I topped mine with some leftover unsweetened shredded coconut, chocolate granola (purchased in a moment of weakness), and cocoa nibs. 

So what the heck is Blue Majik?

Blue Majik is an extract of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), a natural algae.  Apparently it supports healthy joints and helps prevent inflammation.  It's nutrient dense and so it's all the rage as a superfood.  I'm just in it for the turquoise, if I'm being honest!  

If you're curious about this magic powder, just note that the spirulina I linked to is the exact one I used and it has a blue tint.  There are others that are green, so if you're shopping for this at local health food stores, double check that it's blue.

Does Blue Majik Taste Weird?

I read some reviews that said it can taste fishy if used in high doses.  I tested up to three little scoops into a pair of smoothies with no funny taste but that's likely because I use a vanilla flavored protein powder and there was a whole banana in there too.  I don't recommend drinking it in water because then it will really taste gross, but blended into a delicious smoothie you can't taste it at all.

So pretty, right?

We've been enjoying blue smoothies and smoothie bowls lakeside and it just makes me smile to look down at a smoothie that matches the water!  You know I love a good looking smoothie and I'm still really enjoying making these pretty smoothie bowls because they make me slow down and savor.  Now that I've learned the secret to the magic turquoise smoothie, I feel that my smoothie repertoire is complete. 

But I still have lots of magic blue powder left, so I am seriously tempted to add this Blue Majik to everything - turquoise cheesecake, turquoise poppy seed loaf, turquoise icing...  This article has some great ideas.  I can't wait until the next dinner party I host or potluck I'm invited to.  Turquoise everything!!!

How to Make a Layered Smoothie

Handy Hubby and I are smoothie OBSESSED.  In the summer months, it's an unwritten rule that we carry our smoothies out to the deck.  They're deck drinks.  In the winter, we still love a good smoothie but they're best enjoyed fireside, wearing thick socks and cozy sweaters.  Preferably under a blanket.  
 

To facilitate the smoothie obsession, we own three different blenders (because sometimes we want another smoothie while the first blender is still in the dishwasher - I kid you not), but I still pine for the Vitamix.  I've tried SO many different smoothie combinations, but I'm always on the look out for new smoothie ideas (pinned to both my "Breakfast + Brunch" and "Drinks" boards), although I rarely follow a recipe.  I like to make it up as I go and I mix it up a lot, depending on what's in the fridge and freezer - and how adventurous I'm feeling.  I've learned that smoothies are a great carrying agent for healthier fare like greens, whey protein powder, and flax seed.  I've also been getting pretty festive with my concoctions - I still salivate, just thinking about a pumpkin pie smoothie I made to help me get into the spirit of fall. 

Lately, though, I've been wanting to up my smoothie game.  After seeing some gorgeous layered smoothies on Pinterest, I wanted to give it a try!  There's a little trick, but otherwise it's actually really easy to make these multi-colored smoothies.

Here's the secret: pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes after pouring each layer.  You don't want the layers to be frozen solid, you just want them to morph into a slushier consistency to prevent the different colors from bleeding together.  Here's how I knew they were ready for the next layer: I shook the glasses a bit and if the smoothie sloshed around in the glass, it wasn't ready.  If it only jiggled a little, it was firm enough.  

Because of this extra step, layered smoothies are a tad more time consuming so they're not practical for a speedy workday morning, but for a lazy afternoon snack or Sunday brunch they're perfect!  Hubby and I loved how each layer had a subtle but distinct flavor, but you could definitely create wildly different layers for a unique taste experience.  The best part is how pretty they are, which I swear makes food even tastier.

Here are the three smoothie variations I layered together - I kept it very simple.  These measurements made two 16 oz. glasses, with a tiny bit left over for the chef.  Because I was making three mini-smoothies, I used my Nutri Bullet Blender, which was perfect for the job.

Layer One:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Two:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen peaches
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 banana
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Three:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 tbsp flax seed

Sixteen other bloggers are sharing their smoothie recipes too, check them out: Simple Green Smoothies, Orange Carrot Smoothie, Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie, Peach Cobbler Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, Simple Strawberry Smoothie, Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie, Chamomile Blueberry and Peach Smoothie, Pineapple Spinach Smoothie, Lavender Smoothie, Green Detox Smoothie, Winter Citrus Smoothie, Chocolate Pea Protein Smoothie, and Tricks for a Healthier Smoothie.

This post was sponsored by Wayfair, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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DIY Vanilla Infused Vodka with Blood Orange Sparkling Beverage

Here's a deliciously simple drink idea: DIY vanilla infused vodka with Aranciata Rossa San Pellegrino, which boasts a juicy hit of blood orange.  It's pink, so it's perfect for Valentine's Day, but it tastes like summer in a glass - like a creamsicle.  Drool.  (This isn't a sponsored post, I just really enjoy San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages because they're sweet and carbonated, but not as cloying as soda - although I fully admit I might be swayed by the cool history and vintage-inspired branding).  

Making my own vodka infusion was something I had been wanting to try for awhile and it turned out to be so simple!  Now I'm eager to try different variations.

How to Make Vanilla Infused Vodka

Supplies:

• Mason jar (might I suggest the, now ridiculously priced, blue ball jars?)
• Empty bottle (these are cute)
• Coffee filter
• Funnel (I used my Melitta cone brewer)
• 2-3 vanilla beans/pods  

Step One:

Pour the vodka into a clean mason jar, plop in some vanilla pods (2-3 for almost 750ml of vodka), and twist the lid tightly.  Seriously, that's it!  I photographed the smaller blue ball jar but ended up using a larger mason jar so that I didn't have to break the vanilla beans.  A mason jar ensured that I could easily retrieve the vanilla pods - they would have been difficult to fish out of a narrow bottle.  You could also pop them right into the vodka bottle and decant later, but I didn't want to infuse my entire bottle.  Some folks break open the pods or scrape out the insides but as I understand it, that can produce a gritty tasting vodka.  You really just want the oil from the pod to infuse the vodka, so leaving them whole will produce the best results. 

Step Two:

Place the mason jar in a cool, dark place for 7-10 days.  Peek into the cupboard obsessively, everyday, to check on the development.

Step Three:

Open the mason jar, remove the vanilla pods (trust me, it's easier than having them flop around), and strain the vodka through a clean coffee filter into an empty bottle.  This removes any gritty bits that have been shed by the vanilla.

I love what a soft golden hue the vodka picks up.  And it's so tasty - now I want to try adding pears and figs and all kinds of deliciousness. 

Vanilla Vodka with Blood Orange Sparkling Beverage

A glass of San Pellegrino, a splash of the vanilla infused vodka, a couple of ice cubes plus a slice of blood orange and all of a sudden Wednesday is looking a lot better.

This is the perfect drink for "Valentine's Day," "Galentine's Day," or "I'm Going to Drink at Home on the Sofa Because Who Wants to go out into That Madness Day?"  Cheers!

P.S. Curious about the oddly specific numbers on my tumblers?



Handy Hubby and I were married at City Hall in Toronto but held our brunch reception at a swank hotel.  We stayed there the night before our wedding (we flew to Greece immediately after) and the hotel gifted us these glasses - the number is our room number!

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