Smoothie with Apple Sauce Ice Cubes

Description

I know, I know, by now, we all know how to throw together a smoothie. I know you can and I believe in you! BUT have you ever tried making apple sauce cubes? They make a fantastic addition/short cut for your process, and it’s also a delicious and easy way to use up the old apples that came with your CSA box all winter. You can always count on apples in Nova Scotia. Apples and blueberries. So, without further ado, let’s use up those apples!

Ingredients

1⁄2 lb

apples, any kind (peeled and chopped)

water (enough to cover the apples in the pot)

1 t

cinnamon (optional)

1 1⁄2 t

brown or yellow sugar (optional)

Instructions

Peel and roughly chop apples, as many as you want, as long as you have a big enough pot. Add water, just enough to cover the apple pieces. Bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer and leave uncovered. When you can mash the apple pieces easily, add a pinch of cinnamon and some sugar, if you like. Let it simmer for 2 or 3 more minutes to let the flavours combine.
Mash the whole thing well and set aside to cool.
Once cool, pour the sauce into an ice cube tray (or two or three, depending on how much you made!) and put in the freezer for at least 3 hours.
Finally, pop the apple cubes out of the tray and store in a freezer bag or other freezer friendly container, to avoid freezer burn.

Notes

Smoothies!

(just in case you haven’t spent time with blended fruit as your only food source)

Smoothies are great because they’re fast and very forgiving. Also, with a bit of protein powder, they can actually be a complete meal-snack. I work with a Magic Bullet and I believe it is the best thing I ever bought myself in my university years. The little guy certainly came through at exam time!

Okay, so the basic principle is this: Two thirds frozen fruit and one third (coconut/almond/cow) milk and/or OJ+yoghurt+protein powder. Everyone has their preferences, so adjust the milk/juice to yoghurt ratio to make it thicker or thinner, depending on the way you like it.

Here’s my favourite way to do it:

I fill the cup two thirds full of frozen bananas, blueberries, and 2 APPLE SAUCE CUBES. Then I add a healthy dollop (2 tbsps) of Balkan-style yoghurt. Then I add a spoonful of protein powder and I top the whole thing off with either orange juice or coconut milk, whatever I have on hand. The other day I used lactose free chocolate milk, what a treat! Then I put the blade lid on, give it a hearty shake and blend. Done!

Depending on the time of year and what’s available, sometimes I’ll add halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mint or basil leaves, or some fresh strawberries. You do you! Enjoy!