Those of you that know me, know that my interests are all over the place!  I seem to “doodle-bug” here, there and everywhere!

I read on Facebook about the health value of honey and cinnamon.  In checking it out, I learned that there are a number of studies that confirm their medicinal and health contributions.  So I decided to find ways to get more honey and cinnamon into my daily diet. I realized that it would be very easy to use honey and cinnamon on my toast instead of butter.  Another good toast topper is coconut oil with cinnamon sprinkled on top.  I wondered how the honey would work as a sweetener in other things.

That very day I had some strawberries that needed to be used.  So I created a smoothie using about 1 cup sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and about a 1/3 cup of fruit juice.  What a yummy drink it is!   That blast of cinnamon makes it quite perky.  Since strawberries have been plentiful recently, I’ve made it a number of times since, and each time it tasted terrific.  

Speaking of smoothies, I’ve had a lot of fun making them with various fluids such as almond milk, coconut milk, coconut water, Trader Joe’s mango lemonade (delish!!!) and their Lemon Ginger Echinacea drink. I also have discovered acai juice which has a wonderful taste.  Since you only need a half cup or less in the smoothie, a $7 quart of juice can last through the week.

Another recent smoothie concoction included 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 avocado, 1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 cup acai juice.  It is about the best smoothie I ever made or tasted.  But it makes a lot,  You can adjust the recipe  downward and it would taste just fine. I think honey and cinnamon would be great in this drink.

If you want your smoothie to be extra creamy add half an avacado or a whole one if you want.  It changes the texture from beverage to creamy delight!  Sometimes it’s so thick I have to eat it with a spoon!

I like experimenting with a variety of fruit, juices and veggies in my smoothies.  A big handful of raw spinach goes a long way in pumping up the nutritive value.  I don’t have a juicer but if I did, you can be sure I’d add carrots, beets and other colorful and nutritious ingredients.  Sometimes I’ll add protein powders for extra value.  I like the ones available at Trader Joe’s – especially the chocolate one.

I’d be interesting in learning your favorite smoothie recipes and discoveries.  I make them several times a week for breakfast or lunch and am always interested in finding a new yummy one to add to my growing collection.