Two days before we had scheduled for a week-long vacation, my CSA delivered with the motherload. Figures. Not that I am complaining, but finding ways to use up bags of fragile greens in two days is no easy feat. And then there were the apricots. 5 lbs of Blenheims and Pattersons quickly nearing their peak of perfection. And then, when we returned, they gave us 5 lbs more!
With dozens (and dozens) of these little gems on hand, I thought they must make their way into my breakfast (and snack, and dessert (see my last post for apricot crumble bars), and …), so of course, a smoothie it was.
Since I was having it for breakfast, I didn’t opt for a super-sweet treat, but feel free to up the sweetener or play around with one of the sub options listed. Also, I see no reason why you couldn’t sub in another stone fruit if you don’t have ripe apricots available. Try peaches, cherries, or even nectarines!
Spiced Apricot-Cashew Smoothie
This recipe is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, and optionally Sugar-Free.
- 3 Ripe Apricots
- 1 Small to Medium Frozen, Ripe Banana (see sub options below)
- 1/2 to 3/4 Cup Milk Alternative (I used Silk Almond Original)
- 1/2 Ounce Cashews, Ground in Spice Grinder
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Flaxseed (optional)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- Pinch Salt
- Sweetener to Taste (see below)
- Ice (optional)
Place the apricots through salt in your blender, give it a few pulses to break things up, and whiz away until smooth (start with just 1/2 cup of the milk alternative and add more if desired once the mixture is smooth). Taste test and blend in sweetener to taste. If a frostier treat is in order, blend in ice to desired consistency.
Sweetener – This really is a matter of taste and depends on how ripe / sweet your fruit is and if your milk alternative is sweet at all. I added 1 teaspoon of honey, because I love honey with stone fruit. You could add your sweetener of choice (perhaps 1 to 3 teaspoons) or for an all-fruit vibe, add a soft pitted date.
Tired of Bananas? – Try subbing the banana with your favorite dairy-free yogurt or two soft pitted dates. Or for a more indulgent shake, stick with just the apricots, double the cashews, add in ice, and extra sweetener to taste.
Go Green – Toss in one or two fistfuls of baby spinach. It changes the color, but not the taste.
Yields 1 summer smoothie
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I submitted this recipe / post to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays on Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.