Recipe: Fresh Fig, Kale & Almond Smoothie

For those of you who are teachers (like me!), or those of you with kiddos, it’s back to work & school time! Recently said goodbye to my summer & am back to early morning rising & a very busy schedule. So, I needed something quick, easy & nourishing that I could pour in a mason jar & drink on the go. A dear friend gave me some delicious figs from her tree & I decided to add them last minute to my favorite basic kale & almond smoothie. The result was rich, creamy deliciousness!

One of the most delightful delicacies of summer is a beautiful fresh fig! As they are elusive for most of the year, I always get excited when they begin to appear at the farmers’ market or in the produce department. Figs are lusciously sweet & an absolutely gorgeous hue on the inside. I am really attracted to colorful foods & figs are one of the most vibrant fruits around. Nutritionally, figs are an excellent source of potassium (a mineral that helps to control blood pressure), dietary fiber, phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants & vitamins A, E, & K. What a sweet & summery gift from mother nature.

One of the most delightful delicacies of summer is a beautiful fresh fig! As they are elusive for most of the year, I always get excited when they begin to appear at the farmers’ market or in the produce department. Figs are lusciously sweet & an absolutely gorgeous hue on the inside. I am really attracted to colorful foods & figs are one of the most vibrant fruits around. Nutritionally, figs are an excellent source of potassium (a mineral that helps to control blood pressure), dietary fiber, phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants & vitamins A, E, & K. What a sweet & summery gift from mother nature.

 

Fresh Fig, Kale & Almond Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients: 

• 1 packed cup chopped kale leaves
• 1 cup almond milk (homemade is richer)
• 4-5 fresh figs
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp. soaked raw almonds
• 1 date, pitted (optional)

Instructions: 

Blend all ingredients in a powerful blender until completely smooth. Drink Immediately.

 

Yum! This smoothie is wonderfully luscious & delicious. The flavor is subtly sweet, which I prefer, but if you like added sweetness, a date would be perfect. The combination of homemade almond milk, figs & frozen banana makes the smoothie rich & thick ~ like a healthy milkshake! My new morning favorite. Fresh figs will only be around for a few more weeks, so get ’em while they’re “hot” & enjoy!