Dear Winter,
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with you. You see, your snow is pretty and on some days
it’s nice to curl up with a good book while you whirl around outside; that’s when I like you. But this year, I think you’ve been going a
bit too crazy.
I don’t meant to be cruel, but I’m completely done with
you. I’m done with your freezing
temperatures, buckets of snow, and bleak days.
Please go away, and soon. I do
believe it’s high time for your friend, Spring, to take over.
Consider the smoothie I’m sharing today as a going-away
present. The theme for the month’s
Recipe ReDux was beverages, and I thought it would be perfect to create
something that reminded me of warm weather and sunshine. I think that if you taste how good this
smoothie is, you’ll realize how wonderful the warm seasons are. Maybe then you’ll give Spring and Summer a
chance to shine.
I really hope I’m right.
This smoothie I’m offering you, it’s very good. I call it a Brownie Smoothie, and I promise
you it tastes even better than it sounds.
I started by making a batch of super chocolate-y
brownies. They tasted amazing and were
packed with protein, thanks to the yogurt I added to the batter. But once the brownies were baked, I decided
to do even more. I really wanted to
offer you something good, Winter.
And good this smoothie is.
I hope you accept my peace offering, Winter. As you sip this refreshing smoothie, please
consider raising your temperatures, brightening the sky, and decreasing the
amount of snow you drop of us humans. I
speak for anyone living in a cold climate when I say it would mean a lot.
Much Thanks,
A girl who is completely and totally tired of you (in the
most respectful way)
Chocolate Brownie
Smoothie
Brownies:
- 2 (5.3 oz) containers of Greek yogurt (300 g total) (I used vanilla flavored, but any flavor that pairs well with chocolate will work)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup special dark cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
Smoothie:
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries (or frozen strawberries, frozen raspberries, frozen banana, or another frozen fruit that pairs well with chocolate)
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 1/3 cup baked brownies (from recipe above)
Preheat oven to 350F.
In the container of a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all
ingredients for brownies. Blend until
mixture is completely blended and smooth.
Make sure the oats have broken down completely. Grease an 8x8 pan (or a loaf pan, for thick
brownies) with cooking spray and pour brownie mix in. Spread into an even layer. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until
brownies are firm. Once fully baked, let
brownies cool completely and then set aside.
Rinse blender or food processor quickly, and then measure frozen fruit
and milk into the bowl. Blend quickly,
until a smoothie-like consistency is reached.
Add brownies and blend again until incorporated. Top with crumbled brownies, if desired. Recipe makes 1 large smoothie or 2 small
ones, with leftover brownies. You can
use leftover brownies to make more smoothies or you can just eat them on their own.
This looks delicious! And I agree with you, Spring couldn't come quick enough!
ReplyDeleteOver here in Scotland, it's been ridiculously mild actually, as if Winter just decided to pester you guys for the entire season (maybe we forgot to invite him/her?) Either way, it still hasn't been nearly enough sunshine, but hope fully soon....soon the temperatures will rise again! :D x
I saw chocolate and brownies and I was hooked immediately! Love how healthy the brownies are too yet they look so decadent! NEED more brownie smoothies in my life asap :)
ReplyDeletethis looks amazing. great brownie recipe.
ReplyDeleteBrownies in a smoothie....be right back wiping drool off desk ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you - these freezing temperatures have got to end! Not enough tea or coffee can keep me warm here in Chicago. Nothing a couple brownies can't solve though... :)
ReplyDeleteThis one does exactly what it says on the tin and helps to boost your daily energy. Liz Swann Miller's Red Smoothie Detox
ReplyDelete