PFMs in the Kitchen: Minty Fresh Smoothie

My selection of morning "breakfast" smoothies varies with the ingredients that I have on hand or just what I'm in the mood for. Either way, I admit to being a green smoothie addict who is slowly getting the hubby to jump on the bandwagon. This concoction uses up the fresh mint that you may have growing like crazy by this time of year...and the other greens make it super-energizing. Let's not overlook my personal star of the show- the banana. Not only is it sweet, but it gives me the iron, potassium, and happiness boost (true, see below!) that I need to greet the day. Inspired by a recipe from the Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, this serves two.

You need:

1 frozen banana

2 apples, cored

2-3 kale leaves

3-4 romaine leaves

1 lemon, juiced

1/2 lime, juiced

2 to 4 tbsp fresh mint leaves

3 cups filtered water

How to:

If you don't have a Vitamix, just put everything in the blender except for the leaves, kale, and mint and mix on high until smooth. Then add the rest of the ingredients in and blend till you have a brilliant green smoothie. Sometimes I also put in a scoop of spirulina powder for an extra boost of protein. xoxo Becca

image via Natural Living Forum

PFMs in the Kitchen: Medjool Date Balls

I first made these about a year ago when I was following a vegan diet (in case you're just tuning in, I've been a pescatarian my entire life.) These sweet round treats are so quick, easy, and tasty that you may never need to eat a piece of cake again. Well...maybe. My dad recently brought over the BEST medjool dates I've ever had. Cue the drool. Immediately I thought back to this recipe...and it was time to whip up a batch again!

You need: 

1 1/2 cups medjool dates, pitted

1 cup raw walnuts

2 tsp raw cacao nibs (optional but so yummy)*

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup almond butter

shredded coconut

How to:

Grind up the walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add in the dates, cacao nibs, and cinnamon. Keep grinding until it's all blended up. Add the almond butter and pulse until it becomes a sticky gooey paste. Now scoop out about a tablespoon of the goods with your fingers and form it into a ball. Then roll into a plate of dried shredded coconut to coat them. You will be tempted to try one right away (and you can!) but trust me that they are even more magical after you refrigerate them. They will firm up a bit and can last for a week sealed in a container in the fridge. Seeing as you will want to eat them for breakfast, snack, and dessert- they probably won't make it that long! Recipe gives you about 12-14 balls.

*Organic Raw Cacao Nibs are easy to find at a health food store, and they are known as a superfood that will increase energy and enhance health. Cacao has a rich supply of antioxidants, and they are high in fiber. I sprinkle these in smoothies, oatmeal, and sometimes even in my coffee. They add a bit of chocolate flavor and subtle crunchy texture to this recipe. Oh and they are vegan.