Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

T. J.’s Super Smoothie

There’s no faster breakfast (or snack) prep than a smoothie. While you might be tempted to pick one up at a drive-thru or favorite coffee haunt, when you make it yourself you can enhance puréed fruits to boost their healthful benefits. My recipe is loaded with protein, thanks to the yogurt, and healthy fats from EVOO of course, but also from fiber-rich flaxseed. I love the frosty taste of a smoothie made with frozen fruit, but you do need some liquid to get it started in a conventional blender — that’s where your milk preference comes in. Drink up!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dairy or non-dairy milk 
  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt 
  • 1 banana or 4 ounces frozen banana slices
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries or mixed berries
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • Optional: stevia or your preferred sweetener, to taste

Directions

Fill your blender with the ingredients in the order given and process on high until the frozen fruit chunks are almost completely broken down. Taste and add your choice of sweetener if desired.

Yields 2 small servings

Santiago Slush

Olive oil, especially one with a sweeter flavor profile, pairs well with creamy ingredients like cream of coconut. Pineapple juice gives the cocktail zing, and a single leaf of fresh basil adds an herbal grace note. Very refreshing on a warm day! Garnish with a fresh pineapple spear, if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, preferably mild
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened cream of coconut, such as Coco Real or Coco Lopez
  • 1.5 ounces rum
  • 5 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1 fresh basil leaf
  • 2 ice cubes

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in the jar of a blender and mix on high until combined and frothy. Pour into a Spanish chato or other short glass. Garnish, if desired, with a sprig of basil.

Makes 1 drink, but can be multiplied as desired

Energy-Boosting Hazelnutty Banana Smoothie Recipe

Here’s a recipe from gut health expert Dr. Vincent Pedre’s The GutSMART Protocol. The gut plays a powerful role in whole-body health and this delicious smoothie will will brighten your mornings!

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup almond milk (carrageenan-free, unsweetened)
  • 1 teaspoon rice malt syrup or allulose
  • 1/2 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring
  • 4 teaspoons almond butter
  • 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped, plus 1 chopped hazelnut for garnishing
  • 2 Brazil nuts
  • 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks

Directions

Step 1

Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with the reserved chopped hazelnut. 

Yields 1 serving

Dreamy Creamy Cappuccino

Stronger in coffee flavor than a latte, cappuccino is great for an afternoon refresh or with dessert (switch to decaf if caffeine keeps you up at night).

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces or shots of espresso or strong coffee
  • 1 Master Foam recipe 
  • Cinnamon to taste (optional)

Directions

Pour the coffee into a low cup and top with Master Foam. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon.

Yields 1 serving