There are times in your life when you come across something that truly changes the way you look at things. A few months ago our old trusty blender broke down and it was time to get a new one. As per usual I went into all the stores looking for a pretty but functional machine. This further led me to look at reviews on the internet and after 4 hours of research I narrowed it down to 3 machines.
The first was the Vitamix, which is the Holy Grail of all blenders and by far the best machine you can buy. But with the nearly $1000 price tag I felt I could not justify the spend. Maybe one day!!
The second was the Optimum 9900. A fantastic blender similar to the Vitamix with a $541 price tag. I considered buying this one but then came across the Omni Blender.
The Omni Blender V. Also similar to Vitamix and the Optimum but the price tag at $339 ( for the 2 litre Jug) seemed much more affordable. I researched this blender and studied all the reviews like an exam. I looked up demonstrations on You Tube and scoured their website. I came to the conclusion that this was the one for me. With a 3 horsepower motor, 38,000 rpm blade speed, BPA free 2 litre Jug and 6 stainless steel blade's. It also has automatic and manual functions and can blitz any hard fruit or vegetable to a fine smooth consistency.
Z informed me that he would buy it for me as an early Christmas present ( which made my day ). So I quickly ordered one from OmniBlend Australia. It arrived in 4 days with two e book recipes and a nutbag. Aestetically it looks very nice. I bought the red one but you can choose from black, white or cherry (which is the one I have). I liked that the staff were friendly on the phone and if you need parts you don't have to call someone overseas. You can get it all right here in Australia. The blender also comes with a 5 year warranty. That's more than a car!!
Suffice to say since my blender has arrived I have put it to good use!! I now make Green smoothies everyday. Z and I are already seeing the benefits. (Strange how its my present, but he's benefiting, so thoughtful my Z). I made a wonderful vegan dessert that took me less than 15 minutes. I made a Strawberry and yoghurt choc icecream and today I made a Healthy Hazelnut spread, so no more buying Nutella.
It really has been a change for the better. I have always been health conscious to a certain degree. Love my vegies and salads. But my downfall has always been the sweets; chocolate, biscuits and cakes. To say I have a sweet tooth is an understatement. While I was researching the blender I came across a few Raw Food consumers and websites which directed me to healthy recipes and alternative eating. I tried a few as I wrote above but I couldn't believe you could make a slice that tasted like caramel made out of dates. It had me hooked. I am now looking at overhauling my cooking and making changes... especially the sweet stuff. If I can keep away from refined sugars at least then its a start!
I am slowly learning you can get that hit of sweetness but it doesn't have to be detrimental to my health or my teeth. I am looking forward to many more experiments. Z actually said to me " You may as well sleep with that machine you love it so much" He may be right! At least it doesn't snore and definitely has more horsepower ha ha.
Below are a few recipe's I thought I'd share. If you don't have a blender you can use a Food processor. Hope you enjoy these as much as I am!
All the ingredients in these recipes can be found at Supermarkets and Health Food stores.
Green Smoothie
Recipe Courtesy of Omniblend & Me!
2 cups of Kale, or Spinach
2 Celery sticks chopped
1 large banana ( or two small chopped)
1 apple cored and chopped with skin on
1 pear cored and chopped with skin on
1 quarter lemon peeled but leave pith and remove seeds
1 heaped teaspoon of Agave nectar or honey
1 or 2 slivers of fresh ginger
2 cups of water
Method:
Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Start with water first then greens then remainder of ingredients. Blend for 60 seconds using a tamper stick ( if you have one). Otherwise pulse 3 or 4 times then blend for 60 seconds. Pour in a tall glass. ( You can add a cup of ice and use just one cup of water if you choose to drink it cold.) Have one of these at the start of each day and watch your energy levels soar! Try to use Organic where possible. Make sure all vegetables and fruits are washed thouroughly.
Recipe Courtesy of Wholefoods Simply.com
This is perfect if you are fasting or you want something that is dairy free and tastes delicious!
Be ready with a square 20cm cake tin spray lightly with oil and use baking paper to line the bottom. All these ingredients can be bought at any Health Food store or Health section of your supermarket.
BASE
2 cups dessicated coconut
1 tablespoon cacao/cocoa/carob
10 medjool dates, seeds removed
( I used Macro pitted dates from the Healthfood Section at Woolworths)
Blend or process until it all comes together, give it time, depending on the speed
of your blender / food processor, you may need to increase the amount of
dates used. Press the mixture firmly into a slice tin, refrigerate or
freeze and move onto next step.
FILLING
1 cup firmly packed medjool dates, seeds removed ( or the Woolies brand )
1 cup macadamias
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
(If you want a nut free version, use I cup hulled tahini, I cup dates)Blend until smooth, press over the base, refrigerate or freeze. Then go to next step. Make sure you have firmly pressed and evened out this mixture.
TOPPING
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons cacao/cocoa/carob
1/2 cup coconut oil
Blend until smooth and well combined, top
slice with this chocolate mix and refrigerate or freeze until set. Cut
into pieces and store in either the refrigerator or freezer.
Choc Hazelnut Spread.
Recipe Courtesy of Omniblend Australia
2 Cups Roasted Hazelnuts (No skin)
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (room temperature)
1 tablespoon of honey ( or Agave Nectar)
3 Tablespoons of Cocoa or Raw Cacao Powder
1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
Method:
When Hazelnuts have cooled rub between your hands to discard as many of the brown skins as possible. Process the nuts and coconut oil on Pulse until roughly chopped. Then on a low speed until they turn into nut butter. If you are doing this in a blender use your tamping stick. Add remainder of the ingredients and blend on low again. If in a processor, then on low for 15 seconds. You can leave it chunky if you wish. Spread this on any base you like or mix it through icecream. Yum!
Frozen Strawberry Yoghurt.
My own recipe
2 cups of Frozen Strawberries
1 cup of Greek Yoghurt or plain yoghurt
I teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
I tablespoon of Honey or Agave Nectar
Method:
Add all ingredients to your blender or food processor. Blend on low to medium until combined and a smooth consistency. Freeze for up to 3 hours and enjoy!
Banana Choc Mint Icecream
My own recipe
3 large frozen bananas
(sliced thinly and put in a zip-lock bag in the freezer, lined in a row separately. Do not overlap)
1/2 a cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk6 Squares of Dark Mint chocolate (you can use buds if you wish)
Method:
Let me know if you have tried any of these recipes. Would love your feedback!
Today's quote:
In Health there is freedom, it is the first of all liberties.
Henri Frederic Amiel
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