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Recipe: PB-Banana Coffee Smoothie

pb-banana coffee smoothie in a glass with the ingredients around it

🧋 I know this recipe sounds weird for a few reasons, but trust me, it’s DELICIOUS and it makes a quick & easy light breakfast on the go.

  1. The peanut butter: I was skeptical too, but it goes really well with coffee

  2. Yes, that’s regular ground coffee, not instant. It gives a nice “crunch” to your smoothie.

TIP: If you want to boost the staying powder of this smoothie, add ½ to 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder! 🍌

Makes 1 smoothie.

 

Ingredients:

  • ½ tbsp ground coffee 

  • 1 tbsp peanut butter

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) of your milk of choice

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) brewed coffee, chilled

  • ½ frozen ripe banana (the riper, the sweeter)

  • ice, as needed to thicken

  • OPTIONAL: Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to sweeten if necessary

 

Directions:

  1. Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add more ice (if it’s too thin) or milk (if it’s too thick) to reach your desired consistency. 

  2. Serve immediately and enjoy!


Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by nata_vkusidey from Getty Images 

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Recipe: Lemon Almond Green Beans

👩‍🍳 This easy recipe elevates green beans into a sophisticated and tasty dish.

Makes 4 servings.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) green beans

  • ½ cup (60 g) slivered almonds

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

  • Salt & pepper to taste

 

Directions:

  1. Steam the green beans: Add about an inch of water to the bottom of a medium pot and place a steamer basket over it. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. 

  2. Add the green beans and cover, reducing the heat to medium-low. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, until the green beans reach your desired level of tenderness. Remove the steamer basket from the heat and let the beans cool for 5-10 minutes.

  3. While the beans are cooling, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the almonds and lightly toast, about 2-3 minutes. The nuts should be lightly brown but not scorched. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  4. Add the olive oil to the skillet and let heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the green beans, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the lemon juice has reduced. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Serve & Enjoy!


Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by pixelshot 

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Recipe: Cauliflower Gnocchi with Beans and Sage Butter

😋 This recipe is packed with plant-based deliciousness.

Even though it’s a lower-carb version of traditional gnocchi, it still falls into the “hearty” category.

TIP: Make extra and have the leftovers for lunch.

Makes 4 servings.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil 

  • 1 12 oz (340 g) bag frozen cauliflower gnocchi

  • 1 15 oz (425 g) can white beans, rinsed

  • 1 Tbsp dried sage

  • 1 Tbsp water

  • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 4 big handfuls baby spinach

 

Directions:

  1. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in the beans, sage, and water. Cover and let simmer until the gnocchi are tender and the beans are heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

  3. Place 1 big handful of baby spinach leaves on each of the 4 plates. Serve the gnocchi over the spinach. Enjoy!


Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by luchezar from Getty Images Signature 

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