This date and almond smoothie challenges the fruit-based smoothie trend. It’s so rich and satisfying, it’s more like drinking a milkshake than a smoothie (minus the ice cream).
Most smoothies I’ve seen are fruity. Sure, they might have some good-for-you stuff in them, like a dollop of nut butter, a handful of fresh spinach, or maybe some protein powder or hemp seeds to up the nutrition factor, but their predominant character is fruitiness. At least the ones I usually make, where raspberries or strawberries tend to predominate.
But a couple of years ago I came across a reference to a date-based smoothie on the blog Simple Bites, here, which took me over to the blog Autumn Makes and Does, which in turn led me to Serious Eats, where I had to click on another link to get to the recipe. Sheesh! But that’s how it goes in the online world sometimes. Now, the funny thing is that I’ve never made that particular recipe, but it did inspire me to come up with my own date-based smoothie. I made it two years ago, liked it, and thought about it from time to time, always intending to revisit it.
I’ve been on a bit of a date kick lately, and if you read my last post (oh, I hope you did!) you’ll know I have a serious amount of almond butter in the fridge, not to mention some almond milk that I made earlier in the week as the base for chia seed pudding and other good stuff. This all put me in mind of that date smoothie, so I decided to make it again, incorporating the almond butter and almond milk.
The resulting drink is redolent of dates, with a whisper of cinnamon from the almond milk. The almond butter adds richness and texture, and the vanilla a heady perfume and flavour.
Although it’s not thick, this smoothie still seems substantial. I just got my ice maker hooked up (that only took nine months), so the next time I make it I may add in two or three ice cubes, just to see what that does. But really, I don’t feel I have to. This smoothie is just a lovely, lovely drink. It’s incredibly nutritious, but feels like a decadent, exotic treat.
And, my cats loved it! When I set my empty glass down, Chili was very interested. So, I poured the dregs from the blender into the cat dishes, and he and Kalonji lapped them right up. I’m not setting up a smoothie bar for my cats, but I will share.
Date & Almond Smoothie
Date & Almond Smoothie
© Marlene Cornelis/Urban Cottage Life 2016
1 Serving
- 2 soft Medjool dates, halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1-1/4 cups almond milk
- small pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in the container of your blender, then process until smooth and frothy. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Delicious can be easy!
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