My Vitamix is truly a workhorse and a natural doctor in the kitchen. Just look at the color of this cold fighting smoothie which has blueberries, oranges, kale, apples, carrots, and even a little bit of red beet (for color). This was developed to boost the immune system of a sick child who had no appetite. The response upon the first sip, was “this is the best drink you ever made.” And, he drank the whole thing.

When kids are sick, they tend to refuse food, even homemade chicken soup. When I originally posted this, the boys were only 7 years old, bringing home colds. Today, the concern of a parent is even bigger, and it’s good to get pro-active and feed healthy super nutrition dense foods. 

That’s when my Vitamix performs its magic by taking whole foods and crushing them to a delicious, icy cold refreshing drink, delivering not just nutrition, but some needed quick energy.

Blueberries contained the most active antioxidants of any fresh fruit, thanks to their high levels of anthocyanins—one of the most potent antioxidants. Blueberries are also a brain food, so it’s a win all the way.

Kale helps clear congestion especially in the lungs.

Apple boosts the immune system, clears toxins through the liver,  aids in diarrhea and constipation (often a part of a cold virus.)

Carrots, rich is beta-carotene (Vitamin A). Aids immune system and lungs.

Beets – Aside from these healthy benefits, beets are high in carbohydrates. When children are sick, they don’t eat much, and beets can serve as energy fuel. I added a little bit of beets to this drink, more for color, as blueberries and kale together don’t look appetizing and kids see their food first. Make it look good. 

This cold fighting smoothie is dairy free. 

The benefits of a cold fighting smoothie with blueberries, orange and kale are enormous, but the main thing about smoothies is that they are not all created equal. This is completely free of any dairy products which may promote mucus, and are tasty enough for someone not feeling so well to enjoy.

So tell me what kind of winter has it been at your house? This cold fighting smoothie is not just for when kids get a cold. It’s a great preventative measure.

More Smoothies from Spinach Tiger

Vitamin C Smoothie and Tips for Treating a Fever

Two Green Smoothie Recipes

Low Carb Chocolate Smoothie with Avocado

Red Beet Smoothie

Carob Peanut Butter Carob Banana Smoothie

Print

Vitamix Cold Fighting Smoothie for Sick Kids with Blueberries, Orange and Kale

A smoothie made in the Vitamix with kale, blueberries and oranges, designed to boost the immune system and help with cold symptoms.

Course Smoothie

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1 orange peeled
• 1 handful kale
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 carrot
• 1 apple cut in half, core and seeds removed
• 3 cups of blueberries
• 1 small raw red beet peeled
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

• Place ingredients in Vitamix, and hit the smoothie button, or mix until all the ingredients are pulverized into a smoothie. Add more water if necessary.

The post Cold Fighting Smoothie for Sick Kids appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

Vitamin C Smoothie in the Vitamix

Vitamin C in the Vitamix! It doesn’t get much sweeter or prettier than bright orange to lift the mood, bring energy and help fight off a bad cold.

I found myself nursing fevers and colds for five days in a row, and not only was I determined to bring wellness front and center, I went to war staging a front line of healthy food like smoothies and bone broth so I wouldn’t catch whatever it was that brought continuous high fever and coughing.

After green smoothies, red smoothies and purple smoothies, we went orange.

What a mood changer orange is. The color alone lifted spirits and the taste of oranges, and strawberries is kid friendly and fun, while not having a processed juice anywhere in sight.

We all know that oranges are famous for Vitamin C, but did you know strawberries have almost the same amount, One cup of strawberries has 89 mg of Vitamin C.

Kids Love this Orange Smoothie

The good news is that kids love them, and they freeze so well.

The carrot is full of Vitamin A, and apples are all around healthy and go into just about every smoothie I make. If you don’t have oranges or want even more Vitamin C, add in frozen pineapple, one of the biggest health boosters around.

Here’s a funny video getting kids to help.

These fruits and veggies are exceptionally healthy, but a few of them have gotten a bad reputation for being high in carbs in our low carb world. This makes me a little crazy, because while I avoid processed carbs, I embrace whole food carbs, and especially fresh fruits and vegetables while the body is fighting off infection and viruses.

I confess to a few years of my life being afraid of oranges and carrots. That’s so silly! Beyond silly, as the only orange food anyone should be afraid of comes in a box and in a bag and you know what they are.

So do indulge, especially when you’re sick, and make sure you read up on how to treat a fever, your own and those in your care. After doing some research on treating fevers, I thought I’d pass some helpful information on. (I’m not a doctor, just passing on some helpful tips; do consult your physician).

What the Experts Say about Treating a Fever (What Not to do)

I’ve listed a few good articles and videos regarding fever, but wanted to quickly share a few important tips.

• Do not go old school and use cold rags, ice packs or a cold bath, which may actually interfere with the body’s ability to regulate itself, unless directed by a physician.  Ice packs may cause chills and shivering which could increase the fever.
• Use a lukewarm bath or tepid water. There is still information out there that will advise on ice packs, etc. Please consult your physician regarding this.
• Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16 years old.
• Never delay in calling your doctor’s office for advice.

Treating a Fever

What the Mayo Clinic says about Fever

Why Do You Get a Fever

Treating Fever in Children from Web M.D.

How to Use a Digital Thermometer Video

What to do and Importantly, What NOT to do Video

While there may be different treatments for fevers, we can all agree that it’s important to hydrate and take vitamin C. Smoothies without dairy products are great for colds, flu, and viruses. It’s not easy to get kids to eat when they are sick, but they will usually drink a fruit smoothie. Bright colors are appetizing, which makes this Vitamin C smoothie so appealing.

More Smoothies from Spinach Tiger

Low Carb Chocolate Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Carob Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Two Green Smoothies

Red Beet Smoothie

Build Your Immune System with These Foods

Blackberries (Blackberry Salad)

Guava

Papaya

Broccoli (Broccoli Salad)

Cauliflower: Cauliflower Recipes 

Kale (Kale Salad)

Lemons (Lemon Budino)

Pink Grapefruit

Grapefruit

Wishing you and your family the very best in this difficult time.

Print

Vitamix Recipe: Vitamin C Smoothie with Orange, Apple, Carrot

Vitamix Recipe for Vitamin C Smoothie with oranges, strawberries, apple and carrot

Course Smoothie

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 12 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 2 naval oranges with skin removed
• 2 carrots
• 1 apple
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup coconut water or water
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients together in Vitamix until the consistency is that of a smoothie. All fruit will crushed, and there should be no pulp. Add more water or ice as needed.
• Serves 2

The post Vitamin C Smoothie and What the Experts Say about Treating a Fever appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

I do want to have a word with you about unsweetened cocoa powders. I was absolutely blown away when I did a taste taste of various cocoa powders.

My two favorite cocoa powders are Vahlrona dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder and Better Body Foods Cacao Powder.

Having said that, you can use any unsweeteend cocoa powder for this recipe. But if you ever get a chance, do your own blind tasting. One of the leading grocery brands is salty and bitter, usually hidden by mounds of sugar.

Low Carb Chocolate Smoothie Options

There are a few options with this low-carb chocolate smoothie. You can add a shot of cold espresso or cold brew for a mocha flavor (or for making this your morning fix).

You can also do what I do and add in collagen peptides. I like this brand I buy on amazon (affilaite). It mixes in seemlessly.

I like to add in Collagen Peptides (amazon) to my smoothies for healthy skin and hair, and for bones and joint support. Sports Research is my favorite brand for nutrition.

Why Avocado for Smoothies?

The avocado sets up you with good fat and will help to satiate you if this is breakfast. It’s also good for you, and adds the necessary creaminess making this almost milkshake like.

• Good Fat
• Creaminess

Pin This ↓

I’m sure there are endless possibilities with this low-carb chocolate shake, but I’m in love with it all by itself.

If you do decide to add in peanut butter or almond butter, makes sure it’s sugar free like this brand. (amazon) I would skip the coffee and pay attention to the calorie count. It can add up quickly.

The carb count comes from the cocoa powder and milk. Cashew milk is 8 carbs; unsweetened almond milk is only 2 carbs,. Another option is Fair life whole milk at 6 carbs a cup. You decide what milk to use.

Did you know you can PEEL AN AVOCADO?

Yes, go to this post, How to Peel an Avocado I wrote and find out how easy it is.

More Smoothies from Spinach Tiger

• Vitamin C Smoothie and Tips for a Fever
• Two Green Smoothie Recipes Kids Love
• Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
• Red Beet Smoothie (kids love, so do teens)
• Blueberry Protein Smoothie Bowl

Print

Keto Rich Chocolate Smoothie

A low-carb, keto friendly high fat chocolate smoothie with avocado. Dairy free. Diabetic friendly.

Course Blender Drink

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 6 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk iced cold I use cashew milk
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 tablespoon Vahlrona unsweetened cocoa Order Here
• 1 tablespoon granulated powdered erythritol Order Here
• 1/4 avocado
• Collagen Peptides Optional Order Here
• 1/4 cup cold brew coffee or shot espresso optional
• whipped cream garnish optional

Instructions

• Mix in blender.
• Top with whipped cream if desired.

The post Low Carb Chocolate Smoothie with Avocado (Keto Friendly) appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

Blueberries are my favorite fruit next to apples. You can be assured that if you visit, you will find blueberries in the freezer and apples in the fruit bin. I rely on these for healthy snacking.

A Blueberry Banana Smoothie is a low calorie, nutrient dense snack.

Bananas are quite an opposite fruit of blueberry, yet when paired together give you the best of both fruit worlds. Banana uniquely adds a creamy texture to just about everything. I have a friend who puts some banana in his butternut squash soup. No kidding.

The best way to make smoothies is to freeze the fruit. In this case, freeze the blueberries and bananas, and use some fresh orange to brighten it all up.

I use a Vitamix, but you can use a very strong blender as long as it has the power to crush the fruit into liquid. We love our Vitamix because it is built to last a life time.

I’ve been telling you about my Every Other Day Diet lifestyle. This fits perfectly, as it’s low cal, and a great sweet pick me up. You can add non-flavored protein powder to make this a complete meal.

More Smoothie Recipes from Spinach Tiger

You May Like this post: Dairy Free Smoothies from Spinach Tiger

Print

Blueberry Banana Smoothie (dairy free)

Low Calorie, Easy Snack or Breakfast, using frozen fruits, banana, blueberries, orange.

Course Smoothie

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1 cara cara orange peeled
• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup water may need more
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

• Start with 1/2 cup water. Put in first. You may need to add more.
• Put ingredients into Vitamix or super blender.
• Makes two servings

Notes

You can add in some frozen or fresh spinach to boost the nutrient density.

The post How to Make a Blueberry Banana Smoothie appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

I’m way too often behind the trends, but I don’t usually just catch up, I run to the front. 

Take smoothie bowls for instance. I thought I was pretty cool with my regular popular smoothies that everyone loves here and on youtube. The red beet smoothie is my number one post almost every day for two years pushing out over 800 other recipes. This means you like to start your day healthy, and you probably have a Vitamix or a Nutribullet.

So, if you’re love smoothies but never thought of eating them, let me introduce you.

Smoothie bowls are great if you like to eat your breakfast instead of drink it.  You can add in nuts and some fruit there is something very satisfying about chewing. Don’t think you only need to eat this at breakfast. This can be a dessert or a late night healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and your belly.

Blueberries and walnuts are powerful brain foods, but everything in this smoothie bowl is good for you and life giving. Take whatever fruit you have and start creating. I added in a cara cara orange and half of a banana, and this was a such a good flavor combination, I had I everyday for a week.

I’ve found two ways to do smoothie bowls, using protein shakes or yogurt. For the protein smoothie bowls, I use the Vanilla Premier Protein and for the yogurt smoothie bowls, I use Stonyfield Organic Vanilla yogurt, which can be purchased whole milk or low fat. You could use a plain yogurt, but you may need to add some sweetener.

 The boys, who love smoothies and you may see on my smoothie videos, love the yogurt smoothie bowls, but not the protein bowls. If you love protein shakes you’ll, you’ll protein smoothie bowls and same goes for yogurt.

Tips for Smoothie Bowls

• Use frozen fruit and use equal amounts to yogurt or protein shake. Reserve a little bit of fruit to add for garnish.
• Use very cold protein shake. If you are using a premixed protein shake, put it in freezer for ten minutes, or add a little bit of ice. If you mix your own protein powder, use water and ice equally.
• You can use Greek yogurt which is thicker, but a bit more tart.
• Add in nuts. I recommend walnuts as they are a brain food and go so well with a few slices of bananas.
• Put your fruit into the blender with just a little bit of yogurt or protein drink, enough to crush the fruit. Then slowly add in remaining ingredients.
• If your bowl is not cold enough or thick enough, add in ice for the protein bowl and yogurt for the yogurt bowl. You may need to play around to get the right texture for your taste.

So tell me, are you on the smoothie bowl band wagon. I discovered them on instagram, where I would love to connect with you.

If you like healthy recipes that fill you up and make you happy, you’ve come to the right place. Please subscribe and enjoy many more to come.

Popular Smoothies with Videos

Spinach Kale Smoothie

Red Beet Smoothie

Cold Fighting Smoothie

Fever Reducing Smoothie and Tips for Reducing Fever

Print

Blueberry Banana Smoothie Bowl

Brain Power Smoothie Bowl with blueberries, banana, oranges, walnuts, high protein.

Course Smoothie

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• banana divided
• 1/2 orange without peel or pith
• 1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt for yogurt option or
• 1 cup vanilla protein shake
• walnuts

Instructions

• Mix frozen berries, banana, orange in blender. You may need to add some liquid from protein drink or yogurt to get it going.
• Once the fruit is smooth enough, gently add in yogurt or protein drink. You want the smoothie to be thick enough to eat with a spoon.
• Pour in bowl.
• Garnish with fruit and nuts

Notes

Greek yogurt works best because it’s so thick, but I use regular yogurt. I’m just careful when I blend.
I use Premier pre-made vanilla protein drinks when I’m going in that direction.

The post Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie Bowl appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

After several pumpkin spice latte trials, here’s what I learned.

• You can make a healthy pumpkin spice latte, by trading sweeteners for stevia and not using any of sugary flavored syrups. My recipe uses maple syrup or the stevia option with canned pumpkin.
• You can choose your own milk. I use whole milk,  but you could sub with coconut milk. I used whipped cream for the topping because it makes a prettier picture, and at 25 calories, I’m good with that, but you can skip the whipped cream.
• You could use chai tea or coffee instead of espresso.
• You can be full on Paleo with coconut milk and maple syrup.
• You can spike it with some Maple Crown Royal, or bourbon by adding that to the coffee. I like this idea. A lot.
• You can make this very kid friendly, by just making steamed pumpkin milk, which was delicious, even for this grown up.
• You can your own pumpkin pie spice.
• You can have this for dessert instead of pumpkin pie, but if you want pumpkin pie, I have you covered.
• You can go totally carb/keto by using heavy cream.
• Fall is a wonderful time for flavors, comfort, sweater days and pumpkin spice latte.

So tell me are still on the pumpkin train or ready to get off? I have about six more weeks in me. It’s sort of pumpkin day every day and then it’s over.

If you have a favorite pumpkin recipe go here and leave it in the comments.

Follow me on facebook; I’m going live from time to time.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice and My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Print

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Three ways to make Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Course Coffee Drink

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso or coffee
• 1/2 cup milk steamed
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or 1 teaspoon powdered erythritol.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• whipped cream optional

Instructions

• Make espresso
• Steam milk. This can be done either with espresso machine or heating milk first and frothing in blender or magic bullet.
• Mix pumpkin puree and maple syrup (or swerve), pumpkin pie spice and microwave for 45 seconds.
• Add this to the steamed milk and stir well.
• Pour espresso. Add in steamed milk. Add whipped cream (optional)
• Garnish with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or freshly ground nutmeg.

The post Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, Paleo Option, Boozy Option appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

When I asked if I would be willing to recreate this protein smoothie for AllWhites Egg Whites  I said yes. Smoothies are very popular here at Spinach Tiger. I know you like them, because two of them always make it in the top ten.

That tells me that many of you out there are looking for healthy and quick choices, and you like using your blender.

This recipe also solves a problem for me and I hope for you too.

I work out three to five times a week.  Two of these are boot camp type workouts, and I am always looking for the right thing to eat post work out. My trainers tell me it’s very important to have a combination of protein and carbs within the first hour after working out, or else you’re hungry all day.

I was very attracted to this recipe for the combination of high protein from the egg whites and peanut butter and the healthy carbs from the banana. The egg whites are pasteurized so no worries about eating raw eggs.

Aside from post workouts, high protein smoothies are the perfect breakfast or lunch to keep energy up and calories down, especially in the upcoming holiday season.

One of the ways I manage to get through the holidays with very little casualty is to trim way back on off days, week days, and make sure I don’t starve myself before attending a gathering. You know what happens then, right?

This is also a great breakfast drink for school age kids, especially for kids who have to get the super early buses.

This is very easy to make in just a few minutes in your blender One of the things I do is keep bananas peeled and frozen, because this helps to keep smoothies ice cold. You can always add a little ice, but I found that the frozen  banana makes the smoothie creamier. Carob is used in this recipes as alternative to chocolate as it doesn’t contain caffeine. Look for it in the health food section.

This might be your first time considering AllWhites® and there are some benefits to consider.

AllWhites® 100% liquid egg whites is a convenient, fat-free, cholesterol-free and low-calorie alternative to regular eggs – ideal when it comes to fueling your fitness goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They’re a lean source of protein and can be used in any recipe that calls for eggs. AllWhites®  Egg White products are:

• 100% liquid egg whites with no yolk

• Naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free

• Located in the refrigerated dairy section

• Can be a healthy alternative to recipes that call for eggs

• A lean source of protein that’s easily kept on hand

• 0 PointsPlus® value per serving on the Weight Watchers® program

The AllWhite Egg Whites Site has a weight management page to help you with recipes and a fitness page.

For More information see:

AllWhites Egg Whites Favorites

AllWhites Egg Whites on Pinterest

AllWhites Egg Whites on Facebook

So tell me, do you make smoothies in the morning and have you ever considered using egg whites.

Print

Carob Nut Banana Smoothie

A high protein smoothie made with AllWhite egg whites, carob, peanut butter and banana.

Course Smooth

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup AllWhites® egg whites
• 1 banana small, cut into pieces (frozen is best)
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1 Tbsp. dried carob powder*
• 2 Tbsp.reduced fat peanut butter

Instructions

• Mix on medium speed and serve immediately.

Notes

Freeze the banana in advance. Peel first. This will make a creamier, colder smoothie.

More Smoothies at Spinach Tiger

Beet Smoothie

Kale Spinach Smoothie

Fever Reducing Vitamin C Smoothie

Cold Fighting Berry Smoothie

Kombucha Smoothie

The post Carob Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

It’s  that time of year where we put away the eggnog and reach for the Vitamix or Nutribullet.

These are all dairy free, vegan and I shouldn’t have to say this, naturally gluten free and Paleo. In other words, they fit into almost everyone’s diet plan.

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to get back on track.  These are all dairy free, vegan, and it’s suggested that you use organic fruits and vegetables if possible, especially the berries and apples.

I know you love smoothies because these five smoothies have been viewed at Spinach Tiger over 178,000 times. Some have extraordinary traffic because there is not a lot of competition, but the ones with fewer views are just as good.

The Red Beet Smoothie is extremely popular and has been viewed over 500,000 times and the video over 78,000 times. . This post also discusses the 10 benefits of beets.

I would be so grateful if you’d subscribe to my youtube channel. This year we dabbled; next year we aim to put at least one new video every week.

This post for smoothie recipes without yogurt gives you two green smoothie recipes.

This the most requested drink in our family, and has been viewed over 150,000  I use kale and spinach, and I have made this countless times, because we love it. The green smoothie video  has almost 10,000 views on youtube. 

This Berry Cold Fighting Smoothie was created to help a sick child and was viewed over 4,000 times since April. There is now a VIDEO. on youtube.

This  Kombucha smoothie is unique in that it uses kombucha, a fermented tea. It has been viewed over 3,100 times since late January.

This  Vitamin C Fever Fighting Smoothie was viewed over 3,000 times since April. I just had this one this morning to help with my bout of the flu. There are some good tips in this post about how to handle a fever. Video Coming.

So tell me, are you getting ready to boost your immunity, get healthy, maybe lose a few pounds or just start eating more real foods and do you have any great  diary free smoothie recipes?

Please SUBSCRIBE to my COOKING channel. I really appreciate it and wish you good health in this new year.

The post My Favorite Smoothie Recipes without Yogurt appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

The Spinach Tiger crew will be there for all three events, all three days. Elixir  Sweeta and the Grand Tasting, because every event has its own charm and appeal.

Thursday: Elixir, the Cocktail Event of the Asheville Wine and Food Festival

Elixir is taking place Thursday night, August 21st, and has all the elements of a smashing event, including lots of liquor, mystery, intrigue and a competition.  Local bartenders will be showing off their mixology talent, crafting cocktails with liquors from North Carolina distilleries. Live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres will engage the senses and the appetite, as the excitement builds and a winner is chosen. Just like Prohibition,  drinking at a secret location enhances the desire to imbibe. The undisclosed Asheville location will be announced to you 48 hours before the event, once you purchase your ticket, along with directions and the secret knock.

If you would like a guided tour  to Asheville’s favorite neighborhoods and landmarks, you can purchase an additional ticket for just $20 riding LAZOOM’S purple bus, which they promise is side-splitting fun.

Friday Night: Sweet, the Dessert Event of the Asheville Wine and Food Festival

Sweet is exactly that, a feature of sweets, pastries, and chocolate taking place on Friday Evening, August 22 from 8 to 10 PM at the Grove Arcade, downtown. Local bakers will be heating up their ovens all day to serve you confections, while wineries, brewers and distillers will further the evening’s pleasure. Is there anything better than red wine and chocolate, while you browse the local shops of the Grove Arcade, strolling to live music. Go home full of sugar and sass and dream about the next day’s Main Event at the Grand Tasting.

Sweet Tickets: $45

Saturday: The Grand Tasting, the Main Event of the Asheville Wine and Food Festival

The Grand Tasting is the main event on Saturday. We are so looking forward to the one event we know will make us close our eyes and sing a little as we taste our way through Asheville’s cuisine.

Notice the word wine comes before food in the Asheville Wine and Food Festival and for good reason. They are promising hundreds of wines from local and international wineries. This is reason enough to want to purchase a ticket. Accompanying wine, there will be local beer breweries, regional distillers, and then more food from the talented chefs, artisans and food producers than you can probably eat.

Located at the U.S. Cellular Center, amidst the food and drink, there will be cooking demonstrations, an amateur wine making competition, and the Asheville Scene Chef’s Challenge finale. For the past several weeks, chefs have competed at various locations, narrowing down the competition leading to the finale. The winner will be named Asheville’s Wine and Food Festival Best Chef, an honorable and proud achievement.

Saturday, August 23, 2014
VIP 1-5 PM  $70
General Admission 2-5 PM $55
U.S. Cellular Center | 87 Haywood St., Asheville

Make the Most of the Weekend

The Asheville Wine and Food Festival is certainly enough reason to drive, fly or scoot over to Asheville for a long weekend. There are many local restaurants to get chummy with, including many charming outdoor cafes. You may want to make room to tour the legendary and magnificent Biltmore estate, as 8,000 acres play host to the Biltmore Mansion, Gardens, Winery, Hiking trails and so much more.

Celebrating the first night of this event, Elixir,  I am bringing you a Blueberry Old Fashioned Cocktail made with blueberries which I hand picked, and spiced cherry bitters. You can choose to substitute with blackberries, or any mix of berries and use any bitters you like, but do use a good bourbon. I made these in a mini-version, celebrating a new way to sit at the bar and try sips, in the same way shared plates allow for bites. The blueberry old fashioned accompanied this most recent, blueberry cream cheese sweet corn taco.

Print

Blueberry Old Fashioned

Summertime Old Fashioned make with blueberries and spiced cherry bitters

Course Cocktail

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Angela Roberts

Ingredients

• 2 oz Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons blackberry or blueberry simple syrup see below
• 8 blueberries
• a dash of the vanilla syrup
• a dash of spiced cherry bitters
• a teaspoon of sugar
• 4 -6 frozen blueberries
• a squeeze of lemon
• splash soda water

blueberry simple syrup

• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

• Put everything in the shaker with some ice, give it a good shaking, then pour through a strainer to take out the berry pulp.
• Then added a few frozen blueberries to float on top, along with a strip of lemon peel.
• Pour 3/4 of glass.
• Add splash soda water.

blueberry simple syrup instructions

• Heat water, sugar, blueberries together to a boil. When water is at a boil, add diced strawberries, and simmer until the strawberries are very soft. Take through a sieve. Store in refrigerator.

Stay tuned for a recipe to celebrate Sweet.

The post Blueberry Old Fashioned Celebrating Elixir appeared first on Spinach Tiger.

This Vitamix Give Away is the biggest give away I’ve been involved in and something you don’t want to miss out on.

I know I’ve told the story of the day I received a Vitamix for my birthday and the disappointment I couldn’t hide,  because I thought I was getting an iPhone. A few months later, I was laughing at myself, because the Vitamix is the most powerful worker in the kitchen.

The Vitamix changed our life and has made eating healthier and fresher a whole lot easier. Now I’m hoping to do the same for one lucky reader.

You might be like I was. I had to be convinced that the Vitamix is NOT really a blender; it’s a long term workhorse that does so much more. The Vitamix crushes apples, greens as hearty as kale, raw beets, oranges, and ice in such a way that all you have left is a smooth drink, no pulp, no mess, and super easy clean up. No more buying six tons of vegetables for one little drink. No more worrying that your kids don’t eat any veggies. Did you know you can even make hot soup or a frozen dessert right in the Vitamix? And, did I mention cocktails?

My top two Vitamix recipes are smoothies, and both are on the first page of google. That means people love them. These recipes strike the right balance between great health and good taste, so I decided to share the links of some of my best Vitamix recipes. Please make sure you enter by using the Rafflecopter below.

Seven Vitamix Recipes to Inspire You (Every Recipe is Paleo Friendly)

Red Beet Smoothie (made with RAW red beets and includes 10 health benefits). My number one Vitamix post and always in my all time top five.

Two Recipes Green Smoothies  made withe kale and spinach, also a post in my top five. I’ve given you two variations of what is our most popular drink in our home, especially among children.

Vitamin C Smoothie – Orange, Strawberry, Carrot

Cold Fighting Blueberry Smoothie

Creamy Garden Tomato Soup made with everything that was in my garden.

30 Minute Health Soup my personal favorite go to and part of how I restored my health back after pneumonia last year.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Pecans an amazing Autumn treat, but one you can make all year.

Thank you for stopping by. As the week goes on, I will be bringing you a few more Vitamix recipes.

The Vitamix Give Away Details

The giveaway goes from Tuesday, March 4th to Friday, March 14th and is for anyone, no matter where you live. If you are outside of the U.S. you will receive an amazon gift card for the Vitamix. There are several blogs involved in the giveaway. Please make sure you check off all the entries for Spinach Tiger. I greatly appreciate that, and please remember to leave a comment in the comments section telling me what you would most like to make with a Vitamix. 

Enter to win through the rafflecopter below and get to know some new and exciting bloggers. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Whole Family Strong and all participating blogs of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on March 14, 2014. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.

The post Vitamix Give Away and My Most Popular Vitamix Recipes appeared first on Spinach Tiger.