During the holidays, we are all busy shopping, cleaning, entertaining, crafting…you name it, most of us have done it these past few weeks. Now is when you need all the energy you can muster as you deal with all the craziness.
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali or any other holiday around this time of year, most of us are really busy.
The last thing you need is to fuss over breakfast every morning. Don’t get me wrong, a good, hearty breakfast is great once in a while but sometimes, I find that I am running out the door with nothing in my tummy.
Well, if you have a few things on hand at all times, this quick “pick-me-up” is great for breakfast or whenever you need a good protein boost.
Most of us have spices hanging around (you can look at this post to read up on everything about spices), so there are just a few more things to remember to grab at the store so you have them on hand at all times.
If you aren’t a banana eater, then scour your local grocer’s reduced produce rack…I generally don’t buy anything that is past it’s prime but when you need ripe bananas, this is the place to look. If you love bananas like I do, you will probably always have one on your counter that is a bit spotty (which is a tell tale sing that it is nice and sweet!!). Put them in your freezer and they will be ready whenever you need one (just defrost it for about 30 seconds – just enough to slip the peel off!).
Hemp seeds are high in protein and give you an added boost of fibre…always a good thing!
Peanut butter – only the natural kind – is so versatile so it’s always a great addition to your pantry. It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes (think Thai peanut sauce)…and a scoop in your morning smoothie will give it a wonderful nutty taste as well as a hit of protein to keep you full.
Finally, almond milk. I always have a case in my cupboard (I know it seems like a lot but it less perishable than regular milk and way easier on my stomach!). I’ve tried a few different brands of almond milk but Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is my favourite almond milk in a tetra pack (and it is the easiest to find). I use it in any recipe that calls for milk.
Want a smoothie with a different twist? This post shows you another variation of the same smoothie!! Try them both or switch it up and make your own!
So, now that you have the low-down on reducing your morning madness, whip up a healthy morning drink to get you on your way. Make a double or triple batch and leave it in your fridge…just give it a stir before you throw it back in the morning!
- 1/2 c Almond Breeze almond milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 tbsp hemp
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- dash of cinnamon
- cinnamon stick (optional)
- wonton gingerbread men (see below)
- small wonton wrappers
- cooking spray
- granulated sugar
- cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 350.
- With a cookie cutter, cut out gingerbread men from individual wonton wrappers.
- Place on a cookie sheet.
- Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake at 350 for 5 minutes.
- In a blender, puree almond milk, banana, peanut butter, hemp and spices.
- Pour into a glass.
- Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon
- Tuck in a cinnamon stick for a pretty addition
- Top with a Wonton gingerbread man
