You can have your metaphorical cake and eat it too with this Rosemary Orange Green Smoothie!  The blend of vegetables, fruits, herbs and nuts is full of deliciousness and nutritiousness that will surprise and delight your senses. It may look healthy, but it tastes more like a dessert in a glass. It’s too good to resist. Check it out.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the most nutrient-rich superfoods.  This dark green leafy vegetable is loaded with high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. It’s packed with powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds that help fight many diseases including cancer and heart disease. It’s a powerhouse food that helps support a healthy immune system, bone health and much more.

Avocado

Avocados contains 20 vitamins and minerals which put it on the list of healthiest foods to eat every day! They have so many health benefits that some call avocados Earth’s most perfect food.  The primary benefit of avocados come from their high Omega3 fats that keep our hearts healthy and our blood sugar levels stable. In addition, avocados help strengthen the immune system, maintain a healthy digestive system, and much more.

Rosemary

Rosemary is known to help improve digestion, enhance concentration and improve memory.  Further, rosemary helps slow down brain aging, and may offer other forms of brain protection. Rosemary contains anti-oxidant compounds that help fight free radicals, protect against cancer and macular degeneration, a serious eye disease in older adults.

Mulberries

Mulberries contain high amounts of iron and vitamin C, as well as potassium and vitamins E and K.  Rich in plant compounds such as anthocyanins, mulberries have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help fight and reduce the risk of many diseases.

Cashews

Cashews are a good source of potassium, folic acid, and vitamin E, vitamin K and vitamin B6. They are rich in minerals such as copper, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium, all necessary for normal bodily functions. Heart healthy cashews help reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Packed with antioxidants, cashews help fight and lower risk of many diseases.

Mushroom Powder

Mushrooms, one of Nature’s premier superfoods are loaded with nutrients, anti-oxidants, and more. These mighty fungi are rich in B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5) and niacin (B3) and Vitamin D. Mushrooms are an excellent source of many essential minerals such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorous. They also contain Choline, an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory.

MCT Oil

MCT oil is a supplement that contains fat with medium-chain triglycerides with many potential health benefits. Some of these health benefits include better brain and memory function, lowered blood sugar levels, and lowered cholesterol levels. MCT oil can also help provide sustained energy, reduce food cravings and help with weight management.

Orange Juice

Orange juice, rich in vitamin C, provides the citrus flavor that gives this smoothie its tangy punch. The spinach, raw cashews, avocado, white mulberries, and mushroom powder blend perfectly with the orange juice resulting in zesty burst of harmonious flavors.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is both an extremely healthy and a delicious natural source of hydration, based on extensive research in animal studies.  It’s possible that coconut water has anti-oxidant properties that may help prevent diabetes, prevent kidney stones, and support heart health. Further research on the benefits of coconut water is ongoing.

 Zesty Energy Boost Full of Deliciousness and Goodness

This Rosemary Orange Green Smoothie is an energy boost full of deliciousness and goodness that is irritable. It’s loaded with dense superfoods, mixed into a luscious silky smooth texture that’s bursting with zesty citrus flavors. It’s ideal for a quick and easy breakfast, an energy boosting snack or anytime treat. I hope you give it a try– it’s good food that is good for you.

Grace Notes

Smoothies are great companions for getting our daily requirements of healthy fruits and vegetables.  Nutrition experts around the world agree that consuming liquid food helps improve overall digestion and nutrient absorption. So drinking smoothies makes it easier to break down and more readily absorb nutrients.

Enjoy and Live Well with Zest!

Bev  xo

Written by Bev Hope

Reviewed by Board Certified MD

Rosemary Orange Green Smoothie

• Author: Bev Hope
• Yield: 2 16 oz servings
• Category: Drink
• Method: Vitamix/Blender
• Cuisine: Smoothie

Ingredients

• dried white mulberries 1/4 cup⠀
• raw cashews⠀1/4 cup
• baby spinach⠀3 cups
• mashed avocado 2 Tablespoons
• orange zest⠀1 teaspoon
• minced fresh rosemary⠀1 1/2 teaspoons
• mushroom powder 1 Tablespoon
• fresh orange juice⠀1 1/2 cups
• MCT Oil⠀1 Tablespoon
• coconut water ice⠀2 cups

Instructions

1. Add everything but the ice to the Vitamix.

2. Blend until smooth. ⠀

3. Add the ice and blend until frosty and smooth.

3. Pour into glasses. Garnish with rosemary, and orange zest. Don’t forget to save some rosemary for the garnish. ⠀

Notes

OPTIONS

Experiment with a variety of oranges, choose organic.

ADD-INS

Can also add a cup of fresh organic mushrooms.

Keywords: Smoothie, Green Smoothie, Orange, Rosemary, Vitamix, Blender,

⠀

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I call this the “Fastest Blueberry Crisp in the West”. You can prepare this yummy dessert in about 7 minutes. Thirty minutes later, you can pull it out of the oven. You will have a perfectly baked dessert with a bubbling juicy fruit bottom and a crispy golden in no time. To make it extra special, serve it warm with your favorite topping. It’s a modern, healthier Paleo style version of the old-fashioned classic blueberry cobbler. It’s packed with fruity, crunchy goodness you can’t beat!

My favorite dessert to bake for my family and friends my entire adult life has always been blueberry desserts. I’m a fanatic about blueberries for their taste and antioxidant benefits. I have alw

ays looked for ways to eat and share this wonderful fruit in all kinds of delicious, creative ways. Recently, I’ve turned my creativity to making gluten-free blueberry desserts that better fit with my anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. This is a great upgrade of my old-fashioned blueberry cobbler and crisp recipes I’ve used in the past.

Why Gluten-Free?

Why go gluten-free? Gluten has become quite a controversial topic in recent years. Many experts claim that only those with celiac disease benefit from avoiding or eliminating gluten. But more research show that gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and smelt, can affect the intestinal wall. Specifically, it can cause “leaky gut”. This is when particles that are supposed to pass through the intestines break through the gut wall. Then these particles get into the bloodstream where they don’t belong. The particles can put pressure on your body’s immune response and cause inflammation. For anyone with auto-immune conditions, inflammation is a constant problem they have to manage. And “leaky gut” can make inflammation worse. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Helps Manage Inflammation

I’m dealing with my own autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease. My immune system, which is supposed to be protecting me, is attacking my own thyroid tissues. Graves’ disease is causing my thyroid to be overactive. There is not a specific diet to prevent or treat Graves’ disease. With Graves’ disease, certain foods should be avoided, and others should be eaten to help promote health and avoid inflammation. Food plays an important role in managing inflammatory symptoms. And it can be delicious! There are a ton of delicious anti-inflammatory foods you can include your diet. You don’t have to give up your favorite old-fashioned desserts and treats. All you have to do is cook with modern, healthier ingredients that fit with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Gluten-Free Ingredients You’ll Need 

Fresh Blueberries

I find fresh, preferably organic blueberries work best.  Blackberries or boysenberries can be mixed in for variety.  Blueberries and blackberries packed with antioxidants are an ideal food to help keep your immune system strong.

Almond flour and Tapioca Starch

These ingredients help form the base of the crispy topping. Almond flour, tapioca starch or arrowroot are ideal substitutes for traditional topping ingredients.  The best thing is that these replace the gluten containing ingredients found in most wheat-based flour recipes.

Walnuts

Chopped walnuts add the crisp to the crispy topping.  Walnuts are the primary anti-inflammatory ingredient in this delicious gluten-free topping.  Rich source of omega-3s, protein and fiber, walnuts provide many health benefits to this delicious dessert. 

Coconut Oil or Ghee

Melted coconut oil is ideal for the making the crispy golden crust. Ghee or grass-fed organic butter is a better substitute for butter.

Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds the sweetness that blends perfectly with the natural berry sweetness. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, is an ideal substitute for refined sugar in old-fashioned blueberry crisp recipes. Excess sugar and refined starches can boost production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Thankfully, there are many natural sweeteners that make these old classics even better desserts!

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice has always been one of my favorite secret ingredients in blueberry pie. It adds a little kick and punches up the flavor of the blueberries.

Cinnamon

A touch of cinnamon is the other secret ingredient that adds mysterious spiciness. It blends perfectly with the sweet crunchy topping.

Pink Sea Salt

Just a pinch or two of salt is all you need to add harmony. Salt bring out the best in the mixture of flavors in the topping.

Scrumptious, Delicious and Healthy Blueberry Crisp

You don’t have to miss the classic old-fashioned blueberry crisp family recipe anymore. This a simple gluten free blueberry crisp recipe with a crunchy topping that tastes like the real thing. It’s a twist on a favorite classic that fits a healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle.  For a quick and easy gluten-free dessert, baking fruit with a nutty topping, is the easiest way to go. This blueberry crisp is not only the fastest, but also the healthiest blueberry dessert recipe I know. And It’s so delicious, that we love to make it over and over all year long!

Grace Notes

Every time I make this blueberry dessert, I remember going blueberry picking with my young sons. We would fill up two big buckets.  The first thing we would make was always fresh blueberry cobbler. To cap off the day, we would read Blueberries with Sal. This classic children’s picture book by Robert McCloskey was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949. More than a decade later, I still get a boost of endorphins every time I make blueberry cobbler!  Imagine how many mothers and grandmothers have happy blueberry-picking memories too. Given that’s got to be the case, let’s bring on more blueberry cobbler! May happy blueberry memories continue. And may they be even better knowing there are healthier ways to serve our old-fashioned blueberry classics. 

I get satisfaction from the delight in my family and friends’ eyes when they dig into this scrumptious dessert. But more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live healthy happy lives. Try this twist on a classic dessert yourself. Share it with your family and friends and let me know what you think.

Enjoy and Be Well with Zest!

Bev

Written by Bev Hope

Favorite Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp

• Author: Bev Hope
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pints fresh blueberries, preferably organic
• 1 organic lemon, halved
• 1 cup organic almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch
• 1/4 cup of chopped organic walnuts
• 1/4 cup ghee butter or coconut oil melted
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches of pink sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and prepare 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Place the blueberries and half the lemon juice in the 9-inch square baking dish. Toss to cover the blueberries with the juice.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, make the crisp by combining the almond flour, nuts, melted butter, maple syrup, remaining lemon juice, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, spread the nut topping crisp mixture evenly over the blueberries.
5. Bake in over for 30 to 40 minutes until the crisp is golden brown. Check at 30 minutes.
6. Serve by itself or with your choice of gluten-free ice cream.

Notes

ADD-INS
Mix in blackberries or boysenberries, half and half with the blueberries.
Mix chopped Macadamia nuts with the chopped walnuts.

TIPS
Add a little extra maple syrup for extra sweetness or substitute organic honey as well.
Serve with ice cream, vanilla cashew milk is great.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup

Keywords: Dessert, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Blueberries, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Did You Make This Recipe? Are you a blueberry lover? What types of blueberry recipes do you want to see?

Tag #wellwithzest on Instagram @BevHope

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