Cilantro Lime Spritzer

  When the spring and summer weather rolls in, I like something more refreshing to drink on the patio, but nothing too sweet.  This is as simple as it sounds, a spritzer made with fresh herbs and seltzer.  I like to experiment with different herbs.  This one is made with lime and cilantro.  Other combinations that work well are strawberry and basil, orange and mint, and lemon and rosemary. 
Try it out! The straw is paper and compostable :)

Tip: I love growing herbs on the patio, then I just pull what I need when I need it! 

Healthy tip; Cilantro is a great detoxifying herb, and so is lemon/lime.  Use it for liver support.

Ingredients:

• 2 sprigs of fresh cilantro
  
• Ice
  
• Seltzer water such as Perrier
  
• a splash of "limemade" or 1/2 fresh squeezed lime (depends on if you like sweet)
  

Recipe:

1. Fill the glass or jar with ice
   
2. Fill the seltzer and leave about 1 inch room at the top
   
3. Add the herbs
   
4. Add the splash of either juice or fresh squeezed fruit.  If you are using fruit you cannot squeeze (like strawberries for example), then muddle them a little in a bowl and add on top.
   

Refreshing!

Almond Butter Blackberry Smoothie

    I like mixing together similar colors to create a bright smoothie recipe.  This recipe is a play off of peanut butter and jelly, using blackberries and almond butter together. I thought chia seeds, plums, and broccoli would also support the "purple" theme.  You can substitute out the almond butter with peanut butter or any other nut butter. I like to stick vegetables in my smoothies for fiber and to keep the sugar/fruit content low.  The healthy fats like avocado make it creamy instead of a high glycemic banana. Kids will love this too! 

Tip: If you use frozen berries, they will keep longer in the freezer and then you won't have to use ice in the smoothie.

Healthy tip: Packing your morning smoothie with protein from nuts and a protein powder will keep you full for hours prior to lunchtime. 

​Ingredients: 

• 1 cup "purple broccoli" or regular broccoli
  
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blackberries or blueberries
  
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  
• 1/2 purple plum
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1/4 avocado
  
• 1 handful ice
  
• 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder (optional) 
  
• 2 Tbsp of almond butter
  

​
Recipe: 

1. Mix all ingredients in the blender together until smooth. 
2. Pour into a glass. Mix 1 Tbsp almond butter into the smoothie.  Top the smoothie with the other Tbsp of almond butter.  Add a berry for garnish.  Enjoy!