The CuGurt

The CuGurt
by Gabriel Constans

Cucumbers are rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium, and are believed to assist the function of the liver and kidneys. The CuGurt is an excellent lunch or evening meal.

Yield: 4 cups

2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 cup plain yogurt (soy, dairy, coconut or almond)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons miso
2 mint leaves, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried mint
1 cup filtered ice water
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into tall glasses and chill out.

Sunset on the Water

Sunset on the Water
by Gabriel Constans

Persimmons are rich in carbohydrates and potassium and have a wonderful blood-red color: Asian countries have grown them for years, although the United States now leads the world in production of these sugary fruits. This smoothie is the perfect accompaniment to sitting outside and watching the sun go down.

Yield: 4 cups

1/2 persimmon, peeled and seeded
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups filtered water
1 tablespoon brown rice syrup

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into clear glasses and watch the colors upon the horizon.

The Midnight Flame

The Midnight Flame
by Gabriel Constans

Guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush and keep you awake to finish those last-minute projects or term papers due first thing in the morning. To live dangerously, substitute double espresso for the coffee, and prepare to stay up all night watching the late movies with a friend.

Yield: 4 cups

1/2 cup chocolate syrup
3 frozen bananas*
1 tablespoon protein powder
2 cups strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon mint syrup
1 small brownie
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into coffee or tea cups and swig away.

*To freeze frozen bananas, peel and chop the bananas, seal in plastic bags and place in the freezer until frozen.

Eggnog Fog

Eggnog Fog
by Gabriel Constans

Eggnog, originally from Great Britain, is now a favorite winter drink for the holidays throughout much of the world. It has a distinct taste that one either loves or loathes.

Yield: 4 cups

3 cups eggnog
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 banana
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Pour into tall glasses or mugs with a touch of cinnamon on top.

Spice of Life

Spice of Life
by Gabriel Constans

“They” say variety is the spice of life. This holiday drink has all the colors of falling leaves and a perfect blend of sweetness and spice to get you in the spirit. Dates, originally from the Middle East, are a good source of energy and a great sweet to use instead of candy.

Yield: 5 cups

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup roasted cashews
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup firm tofu
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 cups apple juice

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on high speed for 45 seconds.

Pour into your favorite mug, add a candy cane or two, serve and sing.

More Amore

More Amore
by Gabriel Constans

If there is indeed a true aphrodisiac, this is it. Chocolate and strawberries – what a treat! For a truly romantic and adventurous experience, drink one smoothie out of a single glass together with two straws, then take another full glass and use your imagination.

Yield: 5 cups

3 cups chocolate milk (dairy, soy, almond or rice)
10 large ripe strawberries (fresh or frozen thawed)
2 small bananas
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato
by Gabriel Constans

In addition to being one of Grandpa Jerry’s favorite recipes for the holidays, sweet potatoes are very rich in niacin. And Grandpa’s not the only lover of sweet potato!

Yield: 4 1/2 cups

1 cup chopped, cooked sweet potato*
2 cups orange juice
1 banana
1/2 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup light brown sugar

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into mugs or bowls and serve up healthy sweetness.

*Bake sweet potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, or until soft.

Kiwi’s Down Under

Kiwi’s Down Under
by Gabriel Constans

The raspberry hits you strongly at first, then a nice aftertaste of kiwi and almond kicks in to finish it off. Kiwis, identified worldwide with New Zealand, are high in vitamin C. They help maintain healthy gums and teeth, as well as aid in digestion.

These New Zealand rugby players just drank a pitcher of Kiwi’s Down Under.

Yield: 4 cups

2 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 ripe banana
1 cup raspberry juice
1 tablespoon almond butter

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Pour into tall glasses, drink up and head for the nearest rugby field.

The Tingler

The Tingler
by Gabriel Constans

For your next New Year’s Eve or Winter Solstice celebration, make a resolution with this bubbly, non-alcoholic crowd-pleaser.

Yield: 5 cups

1/4 cup filtered cold water
3/4 cup boysenberry juice
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
3 small bananas
1/4 cup firm tofu
8 fresh or frozen strawberries
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup cashews
1 cup sparkling mineral water

Place all the ingredients, except the mineral water, in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Add the mineral water, and blend on low speed for 5 seconds.

Pour into champagne glasses and raise a toast.

Drinking in Land of the Buddha

Drinking in Land of the Buddha
by Gabriel Constans

Gautama Buddha once said, “Desire is a trap, Desirelessness is liberation.” Obviously he had never tasted a smoothie, or he would have said, “Desire is freedom, and the best desire of all is for smoothies.” Over the last few years, many Buddhists have been known to be secretly converting to Smoothism. This is a simple, satisfying meal, which, like Buddhism, is nourishing and easy to digest.

Yield: 5 cups

1/2 cup filtered water
1 cup coconut milk
1 banana
1/2 cup shelled, unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 pineapple, peeled and chopped

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on low speed for 45 seconds.

Pour into small bowls, serve and discover true enlightenment.