Chocolate Love

Excerpt from Luscious Chocolate Smoothies: An irresistible collection of healthy cocoa delights.

Xocoatil was the Aztecs’ word for “chocolate”. They called it the “bitter drink” and considered it a gift from the Gods. The cocoa bean has been cultivated for the last 1000 years and recorded as early as 2000 BC.

Cocoa was first introduced to Europe when Cortés brought the beans to Spain and offered them to the Emperor in the early 1500s. By adding Cinnamon, heat and sugar, they improved the bitter taste. The discovery of cocoa by the Spaniards was so provocative that they kept its existence a secret for almost a century until it was smuggled by monks to France. By the 1650s it had crossed the channel to England and the North American colonies of the English and the Dutch.

Good for the Heart

Cocoa powder and chocolate contain rich sources of polyphenol antioxidants, which are the same beneficial compounds found in fruits, vegetables and red wine that may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It is believed that damage done in the body by free oxygen radicals is linked to heart disease and other maladies connected with aging. There is some research that indicates that antioxidants in the blood stream help eliminate free radicals, thus reducing the risk of developing heart disease. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants, per 100 grams, then prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, kale, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, plums, alfalfa sprouts, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries, onion, corn or eggplant.

Audrey’s Amore

3 cups chocolate milk (dairy, soy, or rice)
10 large ripe strawberries
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. Chill for five minutes, pour into tall glasses and serve naked (literally or figuratively).

Yield: 5 cups

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.

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.

Cold Comfort

Cold Comfort
by Gabriel Constans

Garlic is truly the patient’s best friend. It helps cleanse the throat, sinuses, nose, and lungs. It has been used to ward off werewolves, vampires, and “the evil eye,” and has been praised as a cure for every calamity imaginable. Some people believe that if you eat or drink enough garlic, you will live forever: Of course, you may live alone, due to its strong smell.

Yield: 3 cups

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 ripe bananas
2 cups apple juice
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 cup soft tofu

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

Pour into short glasses and drink a wee bit at a time. Cold Comfort has a strong kick.

Strawberry Strut

Strawberry Strut
by Gabriel Constans

Clasp this drink in your hand and truck on down to your favorite hot spot to “strut your stuff.” With the added oxygen your body receives from the strawberries, you’ll have all the extra energy you need.

Yield: 4 cups

2 cups almond milk
20 fresh, ripe strawberries
1 small European or Japanese plum
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons honey

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

Pour into tall, short, large or small cups and feel the rhythm.

Cantaloupe Waltz

Cantaloupe Waltz
by Gabriel Constans

The waltz is a gliding, turning dance that overcame hostile opposition to dominate social dancing from 1750 to 1900. It involves six even steps and full turns as slowly or swiftly as the music will take you. Famous early proponents were Johann Strause and Josef Lanner.

Cantaloupes are said to alleviate some allergies, reduce bladder infections, relieve bursitis, and prevent memory loss.

Yield: 5 cups

1/2 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and sliced
1/2 honeydew, peeled, seeded, and sliced
2 cups filtered ice water
1 1/2 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried mint
8 ice cubes
3 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
10 fresh strawberries

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.
Pour into champagne glasses and glide.

The Unthinkable

The Unthinkable

The recipe for The Unthinkable was classified as TOP SECRET by the U.S. government for the last fifty years, but it has now been revealed for your personal pleasure and right to know, by a former member of the NSA. Make sure the lights are off and the blinds are drawn when you concoct this classified formerly secret smoothie.

Yield: 5 cups

2 cups filtered water
1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1large nectarine, peeled and sliced
2 frozen bananas (thawed and sliced)
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup kiwi-strawberry juice (or equivalent fruit)

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

Pour into tall glasses and serve quietly. You never know who may be listening.

by Gabriel Constans

Psychedelic Visions

Psychedelic Visions

Psychedelic Visions is for all spiritual seekers who still don’t own the video of Fantasia and refuse to meditate or exercise. Like the Voluptuous Violet, this smoothie was kept a secret for many years in the interests of public safety. Reactions to this visionary concoction range from “Tart!” and “Kicking” to “Kinky” and “Sweet”.

Yield: 5 cups

4 large mushrooms (shitake, oyster, or white), diced
4 large strawberries
1 large banana
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup boysenberry juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice

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

Pour into tall glasses and drink with the Grateful Dead.

Excerpt from Great American Smoothies: The Ultimate Blending Guide for Shakes, Slushes, Desserts, & Thirst Quenchers by Gabriel Constans

Smokey Bear

Smokey Bear

From Great American Smoothies: The Ultimate Blending Guide for Shakes, Slushes, Desserts, & Thirst Quenchers
by Gabriel Constans
(One of the first books of smoothies published in North America.)

Except for the polar bear; most bears are dark in color and are usually peaceful and timid unless disturbed. If you happen to surprise a bear, especially a mother with cubs, you have two choices. One, slowly back away and act like you don’t exist; or two, offer it a Smokey Bear smoothie. This is one of my favorites – cool, refreshing and filling.

Yield: 4 cups

3 cups soy milk
3 tablespoons carob powder
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup firm tofu
2 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons honey

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

2. Place the smoothie mixture in the freezer for 5 minutes, until chilled.

3. Pour into tall glasses, serve, drink your fill and go into hibernation.

Mom’s Apple Pie Smoothie

Mom’s Apple Pie

From Great American Smoothies: The Ultimate Blending Guide for Shakes, Slushes, Desserts, & Thirst Quenchers
by Gabriel Constans

A traditional all-American non-traditional drink for the world. For a Father Knows Best (not really), The Cosby Show, Modern Family treat, try this mother.

Yield: 3 cups

2 baked apples (bake at 350*F for 10-15 minutes or until soft)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup brown rice syrup or honey
1 1/2 cups filtered water

1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds.

2. Pour into tall glasses and serve your mother.