Tropical Smoothie

April 30, 2013 By 14 Comments

Tropical Smoothie

I think spring finally arrived!

With the nicer weather here, we have been spending time outdoors doing yard work;  a lot of yard work.  Trying to keep an eye on the twins or play campfire with Eden near the fire pit roasting pretend marshmallows, I don’t get as much done as I’d like.  I keep telling myself that everything will get done, it just might take a little longer than I would like.  Oh well, Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Somehow by the beginning of June everything is in bloom and the yard looks great.

Tropical Smoothie

On top of trying to get the yard ready for summer, Mr. Mother Thyme had surgery yesterday, so I’m the only one that can really get the work done until he is back on his feet.  No worries, he is fine.  He had his gall bladder removed but he is home and recovering fine.  Hence, the bit of an absence from posting this past week.  Between the kids, yard work, playing nurse and also keeping my house running smoothly, I am literally whipping up meals and snacks quick.  This tropical smoothie is one of them.  It is light and refreshing, perfect for the warmer months.  I love to take it on the go to have outside to sip and enjoy while running around the yard or just relaxing and enjoying the nicer weather outdoors.

Print
Tropical Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Tropical Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 banana, peeled and sliced
  • 1 mango, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup ice (about 6-7 ice cubes)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smoothie. Pour and serve immediately.

You can also substitute the coconut water for 1/2 cup canned lite coconut milk for a creamier smoothie.

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Filed Under: beverages, smoothies

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

April 8, 2013 By 14 Comments

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie | www.motherthyme.com

How about a slice of cheesecake?  Better yet, what if it’s blended into a smoothie, definitely acceptable for breakfast.

If you love cheesecake, you will love this thick and creamy strawberry cheesecake smoothie.   You can even make a blueberry cheesecake smoothie swapping out the strawberries for blueberries, or even combine the two.  

The twins love this smoothie, although they love most smoothies I make.  I can’t always count on them eating their veggies, but I know when I make smoothies, they’ll drink them, even the ones I sneak veggies into.  Eden loves when she sees me take out the blender.  She gets so excited and says “smoothie, smoothie”.   Once I get ready to start the blender she plugs her ears;  it’s too cute.  Just her reaction is worth making a smoothie everyday.

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie | www.motherthyme.com

This makes one generous serving or two small smoothies, perfect for when you get the urge for cheesecake.  All you need is about five minutes and a blender for one tasty treat.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1-2 servings

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
  • 3 ounces light or fat free cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1-2 teaspoons agave nectar

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.

If needed, add a splash of milk while blending to thin it out.

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Filed Under: beverages, smoothies

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

January 1, 2013 By 13 Comments

orange creamsicle smoothie

Happy New Year!  A new year means new beginnings.  Time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.  I’m excited to look past the trays of cookies I probably consumed this holiday season, and not to mention my pants being a bit snug and start eating healthy again.  Whether you are looking to shed some pounds or maintain your weight, eating healthy should become a lifestyle not considered a diet.    

Being a weight-loss consultant in the past, the key to success whether you are maintaining your weight or looking to lose some extra pounds is portion control, exercise, and sleep.  I used to always tell my clients that our bodies are like cars, we need fuel to keep us going.  Our tank needs to be filled 5-6 times a day, so eating small, portioned controlled meals throughout the day will keep you going.  You should start with a healthy breakfast in the morning, usually within the first hour you wake up.  That is like adding fuel to the tank.  Believe it or not, that was hard for many.  Whether you are running late to work, getting the kids ready, many people found it hard to take a few minutes and eat a proper breakfast themselves.  Studies show, people that eat breakfast tend to lose more weight or maintain their weight than ones that don’t.  Bottom lines friends, eat breakfast. 

orange creamsicle smoothie

My favorite tool I like to use to help me count calories is My Fitness Pal.  It is a free online tool and there is also an app for your smartphone so you to can track all of your meals.  If you are looking to lose weight, you can plug in some information and it will let you know how many calories you can consume a day.  I am absolutely in love with this.  It is a great way to keep on track, manage your calorie intake and help you lose weight.  Oh, and did I mention the calorie counter is free. 

As you may know, I love smoothies.  So what better way to kick off this New Year, New You with a favorite of mine, an Orange Creamsicle Smoothie.  Creamy, smooth and gives your body a little boost of Vitamin C.  Best part, this smoothie is only 125 calories per serving, or 250 for the entire batch.  It requires just two ingredients plus a few ice cubes.  Even though it only requires two ingredients they “blend” so well making for one tasty smoothie.  You only need 1/4 cup of orange juice concentrate to make this smoothie.  What I like to do is take all the contents of the tube of concentrate and store it in a freezer safe container.  You can even divide it out into 1/4 cup portions so it is easy to pop in the blender.   

Enjoy this smoothie along with a healthy breakfast or enjoy as a mid-morning “snack”.   This probably doesn’t even require a recipe, so please don’t think I’m crazy when you see the recipe.  It is easy recipes like this that I often find that I then think to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”?  I hope you think the same about this one as well.

Check out some of my other favorite smoothies:

Black Forest Smoothie
Peachy Green Smoothie
Nutella Banana Smoothie
Banana Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

orange creamsicle smoothie

Print
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Yield: 2 servings (8 ounce each)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup non fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
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Filed Under: beverages, light and healthy, smoothies

Three Refreshing Seagram’s Ginger Ale Recipes

June 26, 2012 By 9 Comments


Nothing beats the refreshing taste of Seagram’s Ginger Ale to quench your thirst. Whether you just ran your first marathon, finished a project you have been working on, or accomplished a goal in your life, now it’s time to share your personal victories with friends while drinking an appropriately triumphant beverage — Seagram’s Ginger Ale.


My love of Seagram’s Ginger Ale goes back to when I was growing up. From my first invigorating sip, it would instantly bring a smile to my face. Moments like that deserve another crisp, refreshing Seagram’s Ginger Ale.

Through the years I always drank Seagram’s Ginger Ale. You can always enjoy it with no regrets as there is no sugar or caffeine.
One of the biggest milestones in my life was having the twins. During the entire pregnancy I drank Seagram’s Ginger Ale constantly; I craved it. And after a long day I would put my feet up, and Mr. Mother Thyme would bring me a nice, tall, effervescent, and invigorating glass of Seagram’s Ginger Ale and I would sit back and relax.

I had a successful and healthy pregnancy. And now almost two years later, I am so happy where my life is and how big the twins have grown and think it’s good to be me.

I am at a satisfying point in my life; I truly couldn’t ask for anything more. I have a husband who adores me and two beautiful children.

We are enjoying our first vacation with the kids at The Sagamore in the Adirondacks. We are spending quality family time, letting Mr. Mother Thyme enjoy a few rounds of golf in exchange for me to have some time at the spa, of course.

I often look at people who also appreciate where they are in life, who if I told them “It’s good to be you” would raise a glass of Seagram’s Ginger Ale and would reply “Yes it is”.



Come connect with me and other people who’ve reached a satisfying point in their lives on the Seagram’s Ginger Ale Facebook Page. Here you will find the Good To Be You (GTBU) app. You have to check out how fun this is. You can recognize your friends’ major milestones and moments by giving them one of their Facebook photos the GTBU Photo Stamp. Pretty neat isn’t it?

I am so excited about the new line of Seagram’s Sparkling Seltzer Waters. If I’m not sipping on Seagram’s Ginger Ale you can definitely find me drinking sparkling water. And with summer here you can stay hydrated with one of their five refreshing flavors; Original, Key Lime, Orange Citrus, Blackberry Raspberry and White Peach. What flavors do you look forward to trying?

When is the last time you had a float? I have not had a float in so long. It reminds me of when I was young, watching Grease for the millionth time.

With summer here, I created this Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale Frozen Yogurt Float. It’s super easy and is the best little treat to enjoy at the end of the day. Check out the recipe below along with a tasty cocktail of Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale and Prosecco and my Frozen Seagram’s Ginger Ale and Watermelon Pops.

What are some of your favorite recipes to make with Seagram’s Ginger Ale? Share your recipes below. Links welcome!

You can check out the full line of Seagram’s products by visiting their website and joining Seagram’s on Facebook. While there, don’t forget to check out the Good to be You app and celebrate a friend with giving them the GTBU Photo Stamp.




Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale Frozen Yogurt Float

Ingredients
Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale
Vanilla bean frozen yogurt
Whip cream for serving (optional)
Fresh raspberry for serving (optional)

Directions
Add desired amount of frozen yogurt to float glass. Pour Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale over frozen yogurt and fill to the top. Top with whip cream and a raspberry on top.

Serve with a large spoon and a straw.



Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale and Prosecco

Ingredients
Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale
Prosecco
Fresh raspberries

Directions
Pour equal parts Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale and Prosecco in champagne flute or desired serving glass. Add in fresh raspberries and serve.

You can also make a pitcher of this using equal parts of Seagram’s Raspberry Ginger Ale and Prosecco. Add in a pint of raspberries and have them soak in cocktail.


Seagram’s Ginger Ale and Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients
Seagram’s Ginger Ale
fresh cubed watermelon and juiced in blender
bite size watermelon chunks

Directions
Depending on size of popsicle holder pour equal parts Seagram’s Ginger Ale and watermelon juice in holder. Add in watermelon chunks and freeze.


Disclaimer- I was compensated by BlogHer for my time writing this post but the review and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: beverages, reviews

Frozen Yogurt Shamrock Shake

March 14, 2012 By 8 Comments

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It’s that time of year again, St. Patrick’s Day.  Are you looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?  Or maybe a four leaf clover? 


I remember when I was young I knew it was Spring and St. Patrick’s Day when my parents would get me a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.  It was once a year and it was a treat.  

Since then every year around this time I always think of that delicious shake.    I love that shake and have to admit I would treat myself to one throughout the season but I wanted to create a healthier version so indulging on one of those creamy and minty shakes can be enjoyed with less guilt. 

Stop by Mothertime Marketplace to find out more about this enjoyable treat.  And if you are in the Western New York area, the Mothertime Marketplace sale is this weekend!  This Saturday is Kid’s Day and I along with many other will be there with lots of activities for kids.  I will be hosting a cookie frosting table for kids so stop by and say Hi!  Look forward to seeing you there!  

And now for the shake, click HERE for more details!  





Filed Under: beverages, desserts, shakes

Meyer Lemon Prosecco with Limoncello

December 30, 2011 By 5 Comments

Cheers!  Happy New Year!  Well, it’s almost a New Year.  I can’t believe another year has come and gone and we are embarking on another year.  It is time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with a brand new outlook, goals and resolutions.  

It has been an enjoyable holiday season allowing myself to indulge on holiday treats but with the New Year approaching, time to get back on track and begin eating healthy again.  I look forward to a New Year creating new recipes for everyone to enjoy.  

I thought it would only be fitting for today to share a cocktail to ring in the New Year.  I enjoy wine but I admit I’m bit of a lightweight.  I tend to drink Moscato d’Asti, which is not only my favorite but its also low in alcohol so I can enjoy sipping on wine while entertaining without falling over.  If you haven’t had Moscato d’ Asti before its an sweet Italian sparkling wine that is fragrant and full of flavor.  My favorite brand of Moscato is Natale Verga Moscato d’Asti which is refreshing and bursting with delicious flavors of peaches and apricots.  A must try if you enjoy sweet wines.

This cocktail I am featuring today does not incorporate Moscato d’ Asti but Prosecco, another Italian sparkling wine.  Unlike Moscato d’ Asti which is sweeter, Prosecco is a dry sparkling wine and is very similar to champagne.  

Since I tend to lean towards sweeter drinks, I thought not only adding in Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur to this but also Meyer lemons.  This makes for a crisp and refreshing lemon spritzer perfect to enjoy ringing in the New Year!  

Wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year!

Cheers!  


Meyer Lemon Prosecco with Limoncello

For 1 serving

Ingredients
1/2 cup Prosecco, chilled
1 tablespoon Limoncello, chilled
2 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice (about 1 Meyer lemon)
1/2 teaspoon pomegranate juice (optional)
Mint leaves for garnishing (optional)
Pinch of sugar for garnishing (optional)

Directions

In a fluted champagne glass combine prosecco, limoncello and Meyer lemon juice.  Stir and serve chilled.  

Optional- Dip mint leaves in Prosecco then in to sugar.  Place sugared mint leaves in glass.  

Add a splash of pomegranate juice (1/2 teaspoon)  for extra color and flavor.  



Notes-
Mionetto II Prosecco Sparking Wine and Caravella Limoncello was used in this recipe.


Filed Under: beverages, entertaining, wine

Hot Caramel Cocoa

November 10, 2011 By 7 Comments



Nothing beats sitting down in the middle of a crazy afternoon, taking a minute for yourself and enjoying something warm to drink.  Or after a long day at work, dinner is made, the dishes are done, and the kids are in bed, curling up on the couch with a good book and snuggling up with a warm nightcap.
This is a ritual of mine every night.  After the twins are tucked in to bed, I spend some time with my husband.  He usually retreats to bed well before I do.  After I finish my chores for the day, I look forward to sitting on the couch and making a cup of tea.  I often drink a chai tea at night or in the chilly winter months a hot cup of cocoa can ease the winter blues.
I was looking forward to experimenting with a variety of caramel recipes.  One of them I shared a few weeks ago, Oven Baked Caramel Popcorn.  I was interested in making some caramel apples for Mr. Mother Thyme’s birthday soiree that I have talked about a few times. I made these for little goodies guests could take home.  I had them wrapped in little bags, making them cute favors after a fun evening.   I made the caramel from scratch but had a few caramel candies on hand in case I needed a back up.  Fortunately the back up didn’t have to come in play but I had these caramels that needed to be used which made me think of creating this Hot Caramel Cocoa.

I experimented with this recipe two ways, one using caramel candies on hand, the other making caramel.  Both ways are delightful, but I prefer making the caramel from scratch, and honestly it doesn’t take that much more time to do it that way.  I actually thought preparing it from scratch versus unwrapping a bunch of caramel candies and melting them was easier.

Below I will share both versions, but the outcome either way is fantastic!  If you are a caramel lover, you will be in bliss when enjoying a hot cup of this on a cold winters day.


Hot Caramel Cocoa
(Click HERE for a print friendly version)
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 tablespoon cocoa 
2 cups milk
Directions
In a medium saucepan combine butter, sugar and corn syrup of medium heat, stirring occasionally as butter melts.  Bring to a boil and stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until color is golden brown.  Reduce heat to low and gradually add in milk stirring after each addition.  Continue until all milk is added then stir in cocoa.  Bring heat back up to medium until heated to desired temperature, stirring occasionally.  
Carefully pour in to serving mugs.  Garnish with marshmallows, whip cream, chocolate shavings or drizzle with caramel. 


Hot Caramel Cocoa (using caramel candies)
(Click HERE for print friendly version)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon cocoa
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons water
20 caramel candies, unwrapped
2 cups milk
Directions
In a medium saucepan combine cocoa, sugar and water over medium heat until sugar and cocoa is dissolved. Reduce heat to low.  Place caramel candies in microwave safe bowl and cook on 50% power for 1 minute until caramel is smooth and melted.  Pour in to cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.  Gradually add in milk, stirring after each addition until all milk is added.  Bring heat back up to medium until heated to desired temperature, stirring occasionally.  
Carefully pour in to serving mugs.  Garnish with marshmallows, whip cream, chocolate shavings or drizzle with caramel. 
Notes and Tips-
You can make this the day before and store it in a Quart size mason jar.  When ready to serve, pour in to a saucepan or microwave safe bowl and reheat.
This recipe was made with whole milk but you can substitute for low fat or skim milk for a lighter version.
If you don’t have loose cocoa, you can use 1 tablespoon of cocoa from the cocoa packets.  Store the remaining unused cocoa in a small container to reuse to make this again.
Pour 1/2 cup of coffee to a 1/2 cup of the Hot Caramel Cocoa for a Caramel Coffee. 



Shared on-
Everday Tastes (It’s a Keeper Thursday)
Around my Family Table (Turning the Table Thursday)

Filed Under: beverages, caramel, cocoa

Nutella Banana Smoothie

August 23, 2011 By 21 Comments
Nutella Banana Smoothie

I am so honored and thrilled that today Mother Thyme is featured on Yummly as a Featured Food Blog.  If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out at HERE.  

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook I posted yesterday a picture of a smooth and creamy Nutella and Banana Smoothie.  It was so good and delicious I have to share the recipe with you.

You may also know from previous posts I love my smoothies.  They are filling and delicious I have one about every day.  Being a busy mom its simple to whip up a smoothie to enjoy in one hand  while I am feeding the kiddos in another.  

I have shared before my Blueberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie which is delicious.  Since I am on a bit of a Nutella kick I switched up my usual smoothie and created this.  It reminds me more of almost a milkshake of sorts than a smoothie.  Super delicious!  

If you have some Nutella hanging around in your pantry.  Add a few ingredients to your blender along with some Nutella and give this smoothie a try.  If you do, let me know what you think of it!  

(p.s. If you are checking out the brownies in the pictures, those are Nutella Brownies too.  Check those out HERE).  

Nutella Banana Smoothie

Print
Nutella & Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
  • 1/3 cup Nutella
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  1. In a blender combine ingredients in order and blend on highest setting until desired consistency.
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Nutella Banana Smoothie




Happy Cooking!
Filed Under: beverages, nutella, smoothies

Banana Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

June 28, 2011 By 1 Comment
Banana Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ripe and delicious blueberries are in season and priced to sell.  Time to stock up on blueberries.  Blueberries are chopped full of antioxidants and a great source of nutrition.  They are delicious to munch on alone, for pies, to add in to your morning oatmeal or my favorite; Banana Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie.

Print
Banana Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 medium banana, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup of ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Add ingredients in the above order listed and blend until desired consistency.
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Filed Under: beverages, recipes, smoothies