Hello November, what a wonderful time of year! I am always so thankful for the opportunity to visit with family and friends, enjoy fabulous (mostly healthy) food and soak up the spirit of the upcoming holidays. But, to be honest, things get crazy up in the Fisher house by mid-November. School and extra-curricular activities are in full swing, meaning band concerts, sports banquets, robotics competitions, community volunteer opportunities, and more – whew! Oh, and did I mention I am running the San Antonio Half Marathon (Nov 17) and Dallas Marathon (12/8)? Through all of this, I’m also keeping up with my CrossFit — some days I just feel like I’m barely hanging on!
Some days I’m barely hanging on!
So, when I start going crazy in the mom brain, I want to reach out and grab something immediately comforting for breakfast, something like Fruit Loops or cinnamon rolls or (still being honest here) my kids’ Halloween candy. But, I know starting the day off with a carbohydrate sugar bomb makes me feel even more tired and crazy, so I try to switch my focus to protein. Starting the day off with about 25 grams of quality protein just makes me feel better, perform better and curbs between meal snacking. But, sometimes the thought of eggs yet again (although I love them) doesn’t sound so appealing compared to something like my favorite dessert. . . . apple pie!
So, why not a smoothie with the flavor of apple pie a la mode? And, why not add a little caffeinated tea to help me tackle the day? Yesterday, I whipped up a Pick-Me-Up Apple Pie Smoothie that satisfied all my morning requirements – easy, sweet and protein-packed. I tried out the recipe in the Single Serve Travel Blender Hamilton Beach sent me to test for their #smoovember promotion.
Enjoying a smoothie straight out of the blender jar. Yay, one less glass to wash!
This little blender is pretty cool; you can mix up a 14-ounce smoothie and drink it straight from the jar. That means, if you’re in a rush, you can mix up your favorite elixir and head on your way, snippity-snap. You’re not going to spill any smoothie in the car or subway thanks to the tight-fitting lid with slide-shut opening. Plus, it’s so light and compact; I’d even consider packing it in a suitcase along with my tub of protein powder for a weekend getaway. At less than 20 bucks (at Target), this blender would make an affordable holiday gift for any fitness fan on your list.
Not only am I giving away one of these Single Serve Travel Blenders courtesy of Hamilton Beach and #smoovember, but I also get to treat one of you lucky readers to its super-sized sibling – the Smoothie Smart™ Blender. The 40-ounce capacity blender is perfect when I’m making more than one smoothie at a time. One of the neatest features is the 45-second smart blending cycle that is pre-programmed with the exact number of pulses and speeds needed to whip up the perfect smoothie. And, at the end of the cycle, it shuts off automatically – perfect for this easily distracted mom. Another perk, the no-mess spout means that my countertops stay clean when serving it up into glasses.
I’m including my recipe for Pick-Me-Up Apple Pie Smoothie, you’re going to love it – and you’re going to love it even more in one of these new blenders! You know, Hamilton Beach has been making blenders for over 100 years and they really know what works best! Don’t forget to enter my giveaway at the bottom of the post.
Pick-Me-Up Apple Pie Smoothie Recipe
- 3 ounces water
- 1 cinnamon tea bag
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Dash sea salt
- 4 ounces vanilla almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (“scoop” varies by brand)
- A few ice cubes
- Optional Garnish: dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon
In mug, boil water in microwave. Let tea bag steep for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place apple slices in a microwave-safe dish and stir in brown sugar, spices and dash of salt. Microwave mixture on high for 3 to 4 minutes; stopping once to stir. Stick in freezer to cool for a few minutes.
Remove tea bag from mug and add almond milk to help cool liquid.
Add tea-milk mixture, apples and protein powder to blender jar. Pulse mixture until smooth.
Add ice cubes and continue pulsing to achieve the desired consistency. Garnish with a little dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon for an extra treat.
Yield: 1 smoothie
Tip: I often steep the tea and cook the apples the night before, so they are already chilled for the morning. Also, you can make a warm smoothie by omitting the ice cubes and an ounce or two of liquid. Sounds weird, but it’s really good – like drinking pie! However, NEVER make the smoothie with very HOT ingredients, this can be dangerous – the lid can fly off or the glass can crack and explode.
I love the sound of this smoothie. I can’t wait to try it. My smoothies usually taste the same: banana, frozen mango/berries, almond milk, coconut milk yogurt, protein powder, whatever fresh fruit I have on hand.
I probably use frozen banana about 75% of the time, I like the creamy texture it gives
I usually always put spinach or kale and some form or protein.
I love spinach and kale . . . . but have never been brave enough to put in a smoothie!
if i can’t have apples, can i use mango? I bet it would be tasty! All your smoothies are! well… so i imagine
. . . . . ooooh, mango pie!
I LOVE LOVE my HAMILTON BEACH!
This is my first experience with a HB blender, I love them!
i’m a huge fan of apple pie smoothies! yum! and that’s awesome you can take the cup and go – totally agree with you – one less dish to wash is a win in my book!
I love apple pie so much, it’s what I request for my birthday “cake” !
I love adding spinach and strawberries for a veggie/fruit combo in almond milk with a frozen banana!
That sounds so good — especially because I love a good spinach strawberry salad!
I like protein, strawberries and mangoes in my smoothies! I feel tropical all year round 😉
Sounds like you should be sitting on a beach somewhere!
I enjoy peanut butter/almond butter with cinnamon, protein powder, dates and a banana blended up for lots of protein energy!
I’ve never put a nut butter in my smoothie — thanks for the idea!
I love the idea of using the cinnamon tea bag in this recipe. I am sure it gives it a really great flavor. Like others, my smoothies are typically frozen banana, berries, etc. and that can get pretty boring. I will have to get adventurous and give this smoothie a try. Thanks for sharing!
I love that you used a cinnamon tea in this smoothie. It looks amazing!
Good luck with your upcoming races!
thanks for the well wishes!
I love the idea of the Cinnamon Tea!
I need to WAKE UP in the morning!
Mango, yum!!
Sounds delicious! I rarely make smoothies but should give this a try.
You do have a lot going on!!
Good luck in your races (are you using the half as a training run for the marathon?).
Bananas or berries yummo!!!
I love protein, yogurt, vanilla almond milk and fruit – all kinds!
Plant Fusion Protein Powder and Spinach are always a must!
I like a tropical smoothie sometimes using coconut water, a touch of lemon juice, frozen pineapple, peaches and mango!
Kefir berries & chia seeds – thank you.
I like to put blueberries, raspberries, and/or strawberries in my smoothie.
I like acai with apple juice and bananas.
I love to put chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds (lol, is there a theme here?) but also greens like kale and spinach. I totally need to make a smoothie today!
I put chocolate milk, muscle milk and bananas and strawberries
I like strawberries and bananas in my smoothies.
Anything mixed with banana or Greek yogurt is heaven to me!
I love vanilla yogurt, fresh peaches and a hint of cinnamon in my smoothies.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I’ve been wanting to make smoothies for my family as a healthy alternative to snacks during the day. I’d love to win this so I could start. We love banana and berry smoothies!
My favorite smoothie is Kefir, mixed berries, sugar-free jam, and flaxseed oil.
I like chia seeds or kale
SPINACH!!!!! Nutritious and tasty with any fruit
I love to put fruit juices and pieces of fresh fruit in my smoothies. I have started to add some soy protein as well.
I like to use peanut butter and bananas. I will add honey for sweetness now and then. For another kind I use jello pudding mix, flax seed, and vegetables.
I like bananas and strawberries.
Protein milk bananas and strawberries sometimes yougurt
I’ve gotta have banana…and girl you look great!
thanks Erica — I always put about a 1/2 banana in no matter what also, just makes it creamier
I love to put greek yogurt in my smoothies
Bananas or berries.
I like Strawberries and Bananas
Avocado cucumber and almond milk!
In my smoothies I really like adding fresh ginger.