Category Archives: Drinks

Banana Milkshake (Vegan and Dairy-free)

This is probably the simplest recipe I have ever made.  It has just 2 ingredients !  I often make myself a banana smoothie after my morning run. It’s delicious, satisfying and very healthy. The past week has been quite hot, even in the morning. Not that I am complaining about the good weather, but when the temperature is up, I do get more tired after I run and I would be soaking wet.  So to quench my thirst and “refuel” myself, I turned my smoothie into an even cooler treat…. a milkshake ! I simply freeze the bananas before blending, how easy is that !

Makes about 2 servings

  • 4 ripe bananas 
  • 1 cup almond milk (I used vanilla-flavoured almond milk, you can use unsweetened if preferred)
  1. Peel and cut bananas into small pieces, put in freezer for about 3 hours or overnight
  2. Blend frozen bananas and almond milk together until smooth, serve immediately 

Banana Milkshake

 

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Strawberry Banana Quinoa Smoothie (Vegan)

Quinoa (pronounced as “keenwah”) is a seed that is harvested from the goosefoot plant. It is a great source of protein, fibre and many vitamins and minerals. You can eat it like a grain, use it in salads, stuffing, burger patties, or in this recipe, a smoothie! You have to first cook it, but it’s very easy to do.  

To cook quinoa

Makes about 2 cups

  1. Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under water (to remove bitter taste)
  2. Add 1 cup of water, cook on medium heat over stove
  3. Bring to boil, then turn heat down to low, cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes
  4. Remove cover, let sit for about 10 minutes
  5. Fluff with a spatula, let cool

To make smoothie

Makes about 2-3 servings

  • 2 ripe frozen bananas (cut in chunks and freeze)
  • 200 g fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup sweetened almond milk or other non-dairy milk

Blend all ingredients together until smooth,serve immediately. Enjoy !

Peppermint Mocha

I love my coffee. Not only because I need a little caffeine boost, I actually love the aroma of it. But it can get costly if I have to buy a coffee everyday, especially the fancy ones. Why not try making them at home! It maybe easier than you think! This peppermint mocha is just in time for the holiday season too!

Makes 2 servings
Total time = 10 minutes

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 2 -3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream and crushed candy cane for topping
  1. Heat milk in a non-stick pot over medium heat
  2. Stir in cocoa powder, coffee and sugar until dissolved, turn heat off
  3. Add peppermint and vanilla extract
  4. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane if desired

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Fall is definitely in the air now, weather is getting cooler, leaves are falling.  This is a perfect drink on a cold breezy day.  Just smelling the aroma of all the spices makes me feel warmer !

Makes 2 – 3 servings

    • 1+1/2 cups milk
    • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, preferably homemade
    • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
    • 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • Pinch of ground nutmeg
    • Pinch of ground cloves
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  1. Heat milk in a non-stick pot over medium heat
  2. Stir in sugar, coffee, pumpkin and spices
  3. Bring to a simmer, add vanilla
  4. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with more cinnamon 

Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and spices according to your own taste.

Blueberry Flaxseed Smoothie

I love blueberries !  They are so tasty and healthy.  You can eat them fresh or put them in muffins, pies, smoothies, jam, etc.  I also like to freeze some at  the end of summer, so I can still enjoy them during the winter months.  I have added some ground flaxseed in this recipe.  Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega fatty acids and fibre.  It makes a great nutritious drink after my workout. 

Makes 2-3 servings

  • 200 g fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup vanilla flavour Greek yoghurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

Blend all ingredients together,  serve immediately

Mocha Shake

I am a fan of coffee and chocolate. This is just perfect for me !

Makes 2 servings

  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 ice cubes
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients in blender.  Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.  Enjoy!

Mango Smoothie

Making fruit smoothies is an excellent way to give the picky eaters their vitamin needs and of course for their busy moms too!

Makes 2 to 3 servings

  • 200 g fresh or frozen mangoes
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup mango juice 
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • Honey to sweeten if needed

Blend all ingredients together. Enjoy!

Kale Smoothie

This healthy smoothie is packed with nutrients and taste!

Makes about 3-4 servings

  • 100 g fresh kale leaves
  • 100 g fresh or frozen mangoes
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 3 tablespoons honey

Blend everything in a blender and that’s it !

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow

This will sure warm you up on a cold snowy day.

Makes 2 servings

2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups of milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15-20 mini marshmallows

1. Heat milk in pot or microwave oven
2. Stir in cocoa powder and sugar
3. Add vanilla extract
4. Add marshmallows on top. Enjoy!