Maple Walnut Coffee Smoothie + BLEND E-Book Release

photo by Faith Gorsky, reprinted with permission

What do you do when you find out that two of your food blogging friends are releasing not just one, but TWO E-Books? You join in the fun, that's what! In this case, those friends are Alyssa from Everyday Maven and Faith from An Edible Mosaic. They've teamed up to create two gorgeous E-Books focusing on Artisanal Smoothies (and I have the sneaking suspicion that there are more to come).

Now, I am a smoothie-lover. Especially during the hot months, but also for those mornings when I just don't have the time or the motivation to make much else. I grew up with that motto. You know the one. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And I still believe that. Sometimes, you've just gotta take that breakfast in a power-packed liquid form.

I know that some people think smoothies are boring - but they don't have to be. Alyssa and Faith demonstrate that beyond a doubt. BLEND has been a labor of love for Faith and Alyssa. Being smoothie-obsessed themselves, they had a common interest in artisanal smoothies, and the desire to take smoothie-making to the next level - elevate it, if you will. They've been up countless nights for the last year and a half developing, photographing, and refining recipes and flavors until they were just right.

BLEND smoothies use anything from a few super fresh simple ingredients, to a well-thought out combination of a pinch of spice and a dash of extract to achieve their balanced flavor profiles. All of the pantry staples can easily be found in any health food store, and most regular grocery stores, if you don't already have them on hand.

Not only are all BLEND smoothies made with clean, easy-to-find ingredients, but they are also dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan in most cases.

The first book, BLEND: The Basics, is packed with tons of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your smoothies, including how to wash fresh produce, flash-freeze fruit, make sure your smoothies come together as quickly as possible without sacrificing their artisanal flavor. There's also information on how to put together a "smoothie kit" - plus much, much more!

This book is being released today (June 21, 2013), and the best part? It is FREE until July 5th! After that, it will cost $7.99. (So yeah, GO GET YOUR COPY NOW!)

The second book, BLEND: Artisanal Smoothies for Food Lovers, Summer Volume 1 is a compilation of 25 summer and fall-themed smoothies such as Gingered Apricot, Minted Strawberry Melon, Vanilla Fig, and Concord Grape + Greens (YUM!).

This can be purchased now for $9.99.  After July 5th, Summer volume I can still be purchased separately, or as a bundle with The Basics for $14.99.

Now, how about seeing one of their delicious, nutricious, artisanal smoothies first-hand?  I wouldn't mind waking up to this every day.

Maple Walnut Coffee Smoothie

A thick, flavorful, vegan smoothie packed with oats, walnuts, dates and a caffeine kick!

by Faith Gorsky & Alyssa Brantley, reprinted with permission

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: beverage breakfast vegan dates nuts oats

Ingredients (1 smoothie)

• 2 tablespoons walnuts
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) plain, unsweetened almond milk
• 1 packet (or 1/2 tablespoon) instant powdered coffee
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 packet stevia
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Medjool dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 6-8 ice cubes

Instructions

Add the walnuts and oats to a blender and pulse until they form a powder.

Add all remaining ingredients (except the ice) into the blender and process until smooth.

Add the ice and pulse until pulverized.

Transfer to a serving glass; serve immediately.