So I mentioned (I think) that you can buy herbs in balk at WF, which is when I found the balk teas and bought the Lavender as well. Well, I decided to make a smoothie last night. Since my sleep schedule was so off it was late and I was hungry, I had 2 meals throughout the day but I didn't want to end on anything that would make me feel real full, so I decided on a smoothie. I had a frozen banana and some pineapple left over from my cleanse so I thought hey, why not. Then I thought, hmm.. I wonder what would happen if I added this lavender? Then I thought about how it's always a good idea to have a source of fat when cooking/using lavender in food, as the essence will bind to the fat. So I thought hey, I have those individual packets of coconut butter... And that's how this was born! It's delicious and takes you to a warm summers day even in the middle of January (or February as it is now)! It's also beautiful to admire; the yellow, white, and purple layering effortlessly.
This would make a great breakfast or dessert...
What you need for Pineapple-Lavendar Bliss:
(serves 1)
-1 frozen banana, broken into chunks
-Pineapple (this really depends on how pineapple-y you want it.. I wanted it more subtle, so I used about 1/3 cup of pineapple I'd say).
-1 Pitted Medjool date (optional)
-1 Tbs of Coconut Butter (I buy the individual packs sold at WF or any health food store. Great for if you only use once in a while or to use as a frosting type, as you can cut a corner after it warms up, leaving it to pour like frosting).
-LAVENDER! (This is optional, but was the whole point in why I am posting. I bought mine from the bulk section at WF(usually I get a huge bunch of lavender from the Farmers Market, but for me there is no market right now sadly) You could also use (the edible kind) a drop or two of lavender extract if you have it.
Optional:
Vanilla
Non-Food Necessities:
-High Speed Blender
Directions: (Skip 1st step if you already have a frozen banana)
1. If you don't have a frozen banana on hand, cut it into about 4-5 pieces and freeze in ziploc bag. You will have to wait an hour or two until it freezes.*TIP*: When I buy bananas, I always buy a few that are ripe, and those I immediately open up and freeze in a big ziploc bag. Or if I have a banana that over ripens before I am able to use it, I peel it and freeze it. The more brown spots, the more nutrients and cancer fighting friends your body will receive. As found in recent studies in Japan. Here is a link to an article I found with some of the findings, though I can find the real report on my professional scholar sites if someone would like: Banana a day keeps those cancer cells away So don't throw them out!
2. In a blender, throw in the broken up frozen banana, pitted medjool date, pineapple, and a couple ice cubes.
3. Blend until creamy.
4. Pour into a glass and toss in some unsweetened coconut shreds.
5. If you buy the individual packets of coconut butter, first warm up (I just heat up a cup of water and put it in there for about 30 seconds)
6. Cut one corner
7. Squeeze into glass, it should come out like frosting- about a tablespoon. If you get it from a jar but still want to squeeze it out, measure out a tablespoon into a small snack ziploc bag, heat up by rolling it between your hands, then cut a corner and squeeze.
8. Take a tsp or so of edible dried lavender buds, roll between your fingers before sprinkling over the coconut butter.
Eat with a spoon and enjoy! The coconut butter hardens on top of it, sort of similar to a creme brûlée, which is where the spoon comes in handy to break it up and eat it with the smoothie.
pineapple banana smoothie with coconut butter shell adorned with
lavender
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