Caramel Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Ketose liquid all-natural Sweetener Product Review!)

I've been crazy over smoothies for years. 

And this time of year is perfect for using pumpkin to whip up something up in the blender!  This treat is great for breakfast, lunch or even a bedtime snack!

I was sent a bottle of this lovely Ketose liquid sweetener to create a recipe and this is where I 'landed'. 

This is a very tasty all-natural sweetener, but is somewhat sweeter than the honey we use in our evening tea. To me, it doesn't have an aftertaste at all and certainly sweetens things up nicely. 

From their label: KetoseSweet+ contains allulose - a rare natural sugar found in maple syrup, figs and raisins. It is a safe, low-calorie, low-glycemic sweetener...with just 5% of the calories of regular sugar...it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. 

It has NO Alcohol Sugars and is a Clean Sweetener.

And direct from their website: KetoseSweet+™ combines allulose, highly purified Reb A and monk fruit extract to deliver an all natural sweetening solution for a variety of applications. Superb browning makes it ideal for Bakery Applications. Superior flavor contributes low calorie sweetness to a variety of foods. Sweeter than sugar, KetoseSweet+ adds just .4 calories per gram.

I have to ask....WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???  

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I used this to sweeten our butternut squash for dinner and it tasted wonderful! 
Just be cautious when using as it is pretty sweet....

I have not used Splenda in years.  I find it causes a lot of intestinal upset. And it isn't natural!  Normally I use xylitol for sweetener when baking, since hubby is diabetic, and I am borderline.  I have already fallen in love with this wonderful product!!!! 

I mixed up this 'healthy' smoothie, but as always, I love all the options you can have when whipping up smoothies in the blender. 

I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you could use 2% or even canned coconut milk if you prefer. 

I also used vanilla Greek yogurt, but if you find the seasonal Pumpkin Pie yogurt or even Caramel, go for it!  I'm sure those ingredients would only make the recipe 'pop'.  (And you could add less sweetener because they do have sugar in them). 

I used a half teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of caramel extract.  You can certainly adjust those to your liking also...using all of one or the other. 

I love quick and easy...you can be sipping this one down within minutes of deciding to make it!  You sure can't go wrong with that.  Even sip it on your way to work or school if need be!

This makes one large, serving or 2 smaller ones.  It is very filling and I've enjoyed it a few times already since creating it.  Recipe can be easily cut in half or doubled if desired. 

You'll feel pampered as this is an indulgent treat! 

And if you're interested, go to this website...KetoSweet+...and ask for a free sample!  You'll be hooked in no time at all. 

CARAMEL PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE

2/3 c. milk 

(almond or coconut, your choice)

1/4 c. pumpkin puree

1/4 c. unsweetened (Greek)(or vanilla, caramel or pumpkin) yogurt

 1 banana, sliced and frozen

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. caramel extract

(or a full teaspoon of either kind) 

2 - 3 tsp. Ketose Sweet liquid, adjusting to taste

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie seasoning (or cinnamon if you prefer)

(click here for a recipe to make your own p.p.s.)

4 or 5 ice cubes

whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnishing

Combine milk, pumpkin, yogurt, banana, extract, sweetener, and pumpkin pie seasoning in blender.  Whir for about 30 seconds.  Add ice cubes and whir another 30 seconds.  (Add more liquid now if you prefer). Pour into a tall glass or divide into 2 servings.  Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with seasoning. 

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Flashback Friday - Perfect Peanut Butter & Chocolate Treats for Valentine's Day (Including a Naturally Sweetened Treat)

AND WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

I've got some 'Sweets for the Sweet' for this special Valentine's Day ahead...


Oh so irresistible...you'll need to share so you don't devour them all yourself! 

Quick to make...and only 5 ingredients!! Run to the kitchen now! 

No Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Squares

Everyone will go wild over this simple 'gooey' cake - what a FABULOUS way to say...I LOVE YOU! 

Crockpot Hot Fudge (Peanut Butter) Cake

These yummy treats are NATURALLY SWEETENED...
No Sugar Added!  SO good! 

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Treats

Everyone will go wild when you make this fabulous cookies! 

They have pudding in the mix...reese's pb chips and candies too! 

Peanut Butter Cup Pudding Cookies

Chocolate Coconut Chia Smoothie (no sugar added)

An easy, rich and creamy protein shake to get your day started...

And it's DE-LISH too! 

It will help boost your energy any time of day!

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CHIA SMOOTHIE 

1 (14 ozs) Cocozia Chocolate Coconut water

1 Tb. chia seeds

1 frozen ripe banana

(peeled, sliced & frozen) 

1/2 c. ice

1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt

2 Tb. salted almond (or peanut) butter

1 Tb. flax seed meal

1 Tb. honey or agave nectar, according to taste 

Add coconut water and chia seeds to blender; allow to stand for 5 - 10 minutes so seeds will expand. (they help keep you feeling full).

Add remaining ingredients and blend until frothy. Divide between 2 small glasses; serve immediately. 

Or, if you prefer, freeze mixture into popsicles. 

*Disclosure:  This post includes my amazon affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase, but when you do through one of my links, I will make a small percentage on the sale. Thank you for supporting my site.

Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (no sugar added)

Healthy Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

Lowfat Pina Colada Smoothie (no sugar added)

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Chocolate & Peanut Butter Treats (Naturally Sweetened)

M-M-M-M-M-M-M!!! 

This is one very satisfying sweet treat, especially while I'm trying to drop a few (few? teehee) pounds. 

I need chocolate...and I need something sweet...while I try to cut way back on carbs.  I added the crisp cereal to the top layer because I'm all about crunch!

I don't have to feel a bit guilty about enjoying this wonderful snack.

I so adore the smoothness you get when you use coconut oil. 

I sweetened this with agave nectar...feel free to use honey if you prefer. 

CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER TREATS

(NO SUGAR ADDED)

3/4 c. natural salted peanut butter

1/4 c. coconut oil

2 Tb. agave nectar, or raw honey

Warm peanut butter and coconut oil together until melted. (A few seconds in the microwave does the trick) Stir in agave and pour into mini muffin pans (about 24) or just a small pan. (The oil keeps them from sticking). Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the second layer. 

Chocolate Layer:

2 Tb. coconut oil

2 Tb. butter (nor margarine)

2 Tb. agave nectar, or honey

2 Tb. unsweetened baking cocoa

about 1/3 (brown) rice krispies cereal, optional

 

Melt coconut oil and butter together; stir in agave and baking cocoa, stirring until smooth. Add cereal; stir to coat. Pour over top of peanut butter layer. Place in freezer for about 15 more minutes...they should be ready for you to enjoy!  Store in the refrigerator.

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You may also like these no sugar added recipes...

Thick Homemade Caramel Chocolate Sauce  

 

Lazy "Healthier" Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

 

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Homemade Energy Snack Bars

I love making these healthy treats.  It's easy to use what you have and whip up something wonderful and handy to munch on. 

SO simple!  Just toss everything into the food processor and let it do the work for you.  And I love that it only takes minutes to make too!

I've always been wild about 'sticky' treats...the dates 'bind' everything together and these taste so much better...are more frugal...than anything store-purchased!

And not with all those additives that you can't pronounce! 

I just don't think you can beat 'Naturally Sweetened'!!

Another awesome thing about this kind of recipe is you just add what you want, and how much you want to get the texture you want! 

GOTTA LOOOOVE THAT! 

Thanks so much to Paula of Call me PMc for sharing this sensational and versatile recipe. 

HOMEMADE ENERGY SNACK BARS 

1 c. dates

1 c. lightly salted almonds

(I used mixed nuts)

1 c. dried cranberries

1 Tb. chia seeds

1 Tb. flax seeds

1 Tb. wheat bran, optional

1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional

1/4 c. unsweetened coconut, optional
(I really like the coconut with the cranberries)

2 - 3 Tb. agave nectar or honey

Line 8" X 8" pan with parchment paper.

In food processor, pulse dates and nuts until chopped into medium pieces. Add cranberries, chia and flax seeds, wheat bran, protein powder and coconut and agave. Pulse 5 or 6 more times until ingredients are combined. 

Add ingredients to prepared pan. Press down firmly. (Use a square of parchment or waxed paper on top so it won't stick to you). Refrigerate a couple of hours; then cut into pieces. (They'll cut better when they're chilled). 

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.

You can wrap them individually and pop into lunches for a healthy snack. 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You may also enjoy

No Bake Energy Bites

Apricot Almond Truffles

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Copycat Starbucks Orange Cake (GF & Naturally Sweetened)

I've been making a number of 'Copycat' recipes lately, have you noticed? 

I was intrigued by this one for 3 main reasons...

It's Gluten Free...(uses almond flour)...is sweetened with agave nectar...and it's unusual, in that you boil 2 whole oranges for over an hour, and then grind the oranges, along with all the other ingredients, in the food processor.  

Not much work involved...MY kind of recipe! 

If you like orange peel, you'll LOVE this cake.  If not, you'll have to pass this one up! 

Truthfully, I've never had Starbucks Orange Cake, but you can be sure I am ELATED that now I can make it home and enjoy more than one piece!

Along with my Starbucks Caramel Frappaccino Light if I want!!!!

I wrapped each piece of cake in saran wrap and froze them.  They were just as tasty and moist when thawed as they were when I first baked them.

I was amazed! that after such a long baking time, how could it possibly be so moist??, but it is!!! In fact, it's SUPER moist!!

The ONLY thing I changed was to use regular sea salt, not the celtic sea salt called for in the recipe. 

I suggest to begin checking for doneness after 35 minutes...it browned rather quickly. 

For the simple recipe & ingredient list, go to Elana's Pantry..
she has some other FABULOUS Gluten-Free recipes there too! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

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Leader Enterprise - August 1, 2012 - cooling drinks

Because I've been enjoying and sharing many cooling drinks this hot summer, I decided to share many with you here (my newspaper community) as well. Even when it's too hot to bake, I still have a need to create, and this is one way to fulfill that need and 'chill' at the same time. Hope you'll find at least one or two that satisfy your taste buds as well.

A milkshake is a blend of milk and ice cream, and sometimes a flavored syrup (some people make chocolate milk shakes by mixing vanilla ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup).

A smoothie is a pureed mixture of fruit, ice, and either juice or yogurt. I make sure I always have some frozen fruit on hand so I can make a smoothie any time the idea hits me. I line a cookie sheet with waxed paper, spread cleaned berries or sliced bananas on the waxed paper, freeze until firm, then place in a ziploc freezer bag. This way the fruit doesn't stick together and you can use just as much as you'd like. And you don't have to add ice either.

RASPBERRY LEMONADE SMOOTHIE 

3 pieces of ice, broken into smaller pieces

1/2 c. frozen raspberries

1/2-3/4 c. water

1-2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 

2 tsp.honey (or liquid stevia)

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Start with 1/2 c. water and add more after you've blended the smoothie to get the consistency you'd like. If you let the blender stand just a few minutes most of the seeds will drop to the bottom. Just stop pouring before you get to that part. Yield: 1 serving 

LOWFAT PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE 

{NO SUGAR ADDED}

2 c. fresh or frozen pineapple chunks

(canned in its own juice is fine too)

1 c. unsweetened canned coconut milk,light

1 banana

1 c.ice, slightly crushed

optional: 1 tsp. rum extract

In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with (unsweetened) coconut flakes and enjoy. Don't drink too quickly cause you'll freeze your brain! 

SKINNY OREO SHAKE                    

1 c. 1% milk

2 reduced-fat Oreo cookies

1 Tb. Oreo dry pudding mix

(I used sugar free cheesecake)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 c. ice cubes

garnish: 1-2 Tb. Reddi Whip topping

Add all the ingredients, except garnish, to blender. Blend on high until smooth. Serve at once. Top with Reddi Whip and a crushed cookie. Yield: 2-1 c.servings 

Flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance--many dieters have found that flaxseed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.

BLUEBERRY BANANA FLAXSEED SMOOTHIE

2 TB. whole flaxseed

(I used 2 TB.flax seed meal)

1 ripe banana*

1 c. blueberries

1/2 c. fat free Greek Yogurt

1 c. skim milk

1 TB. honey

 1/4 tsp. almond extract

6 ice cubes

*(I used frozen banana pieces and little ice)

Place the flaxseed in a blender and blend until it is ground fine. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Garnish with blueberries. Yield:2 servings 

We really love this green tea recipe and enjoy it often.

From Harvard Health Publications,these facts about green tea: Green tea's health benefits are largely due to its high content of flavonoids-plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants. Green tea is the best food source of a group call catechins. In test tubes,catechins are more powerful than vitamins C & E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appear to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder. Additional benefits for regular consumers of green and black teas include a reduced risk for heart disease.  The antioxidants in green,black and oolong teas can help block the oxidation of LDL(bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol and improve artery function. A Chinese study published recently in the Archibes of Internal Medicine showed a 46-65% reduction in hypertension risk in regular consumers of oolong or green tea, compared to non-consumers of tea.

NO CALORIE SWEET GREEN TEA

10 green tea bags

6 + 4 cups water

1/2 tsp. liquid stevia

(if you prefer sweetening with sugar or splenda, begin with 1/4 c. and sweeten to taste)

Unwrap all the tea bags; hold together with a clothespin. Clip to side of glass pitcher and pour in 6 cups of boiling water; allow to steep for 5-7 minutes. Squeeze out bags with wooden spoon. Add liquid stevia; add 4 cups cold water. Stir a few times to blend; refrigerate a couple of hours before serving over ice.

This oatmeal smoothie has been a very popular recipe at my blog.

NUTELLA/PEANUT BUTTER-BANANA-OATMEAL SMOOTHIE

1/4 c. dry oats

2 bananas, sliced and frozen

1/4 c. nutella (or peanut butter)

3/4 c. milk

Put oats in blender and blend until powder-y. Add remaining ingredients and blend until there are no more chunks of frozen banana. Garnish with fresh banana slices if desired. Yield: 2 servings

COPYCAT ORANGE JULIUS

1(6 ozs) can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

1 c. milk

(we are loving unsweetened almond milk!)

1 c. water

1/3 c. sugar

(or liquid stevia to taste-2 drops=1 tsp.) 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

12 ice cubes 

Put all the ingredients into the blender. DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE LID ON! Process until blended and frothy. Pour - relax and enjoy every sip. Yield:4 yummylicious servings 

PARLOR COFFEE FLOAT

Serves 2

1 1/2 c. strong brewed coffee, chilled
1/4 c. chocolate syrup
1/4 c. half-and-half
1 c. chocolate or coffee ice cream
Whipped cream, to serve
Maraschino cherries (optional) 
In a blender, combine the coffee, chocolate syrup, half-and-half and 1/2 of the ice cream. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into 2 tall glasses and top with a scoop of the remaining ice cream.Top with whipped cream and a cherry, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 301 calories;112 calories from fat (37 percent of total calories); 12 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 43 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber; 107 mg sodium.

Copycat Orange Julius {Healthy Option}

Stay tuned...next week I'm going to have Drink-A-Thon week 2...lots of yummy healthy beverages to help you keep cool....and healthy! 

Oh how I love me an Orange Julius!☺

I remember when I tasted my first.  We were stationed in San Bernadino, California in the early '70's, and we REALLY splurged on our tight budget and tried one of these at the mall.  

I.WAS.HOOKED!! 

So when I came across this easy treat at The Country Cook I nearly ran to the kitchen because. as usual with my good blogging buddy Brandie's recipes...

I had everything on hand!! 

As usual, I reduced the amount of sugar by a tad, so if you want it sweeter, well...you know what to do.  

Oh my!  This is so satisfying and delicious...and so much cheaper than you'd pay at any Orange Julius stand. 

COPYCAT ORANGE JULIUS

1 (6 ozs) can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

1 c. milk

(we are loving unsweetened almond milk!)

1 c. water

1/4 c. (white or powdered) sugar

(or liquid stevia to taste...2 drops = 1 tsp.) 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

8 - 10 ice cubes 

Put all the ingredients into the blender. Process until blended and frothy. Pour - relax and enjoy every sip. 

Yield: 3 - 4 yummylicious servings 

Now..ORANGE you glad I shared this??  *-*

Linked to Freedom Fridays
Melt in your mouth Monday
Recipe Sharing Monday
Foodie Friends Friday
Ingredient Spotlight: Citrus
Meal Plan Monday

Naturally Sweetened Lemonade

I'm sure you've heard the saying...

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMONADE!

When that happens, I'm here with a terrific recipe to make some tasty satisfying lemonade!

I have become SOO fond of Brenda at Sugar-Free Mom. She's impacting my life in a positive, and healthier way.

Having a hubby who is diabetic, I've learned to use healthy options in my baking.

Brenda is leading me in a more natural way to healthy foods and I am excited about this journey toward good health.

I tried this naturally sweetened lemonade the day after I saw it posted at Brenda's website. I have made it several times since and just served it to company recently.  They loved it also!

After all - enjoying lemonade is a refreshing way to cool down when the temps warm up.

And all this fresh lemon juice is good for you!

Hubby wanted to go out the day after I first made it and get more lemons!

Give it a 'twist' and a try....

Besides water, all you need are 2 ingredients!

And it's an extra special treat for those of us who are counting calories or counting WW points...

GET THIS!!  A glass of this awesome drink is only 9 calories and

0 (Yes, ZERO!) WW points!

 9 CALORIES PER SERVING!!! 0 POINTS!!!

(Brenda also has a simple recipe for Naturally Sweetened Strawberry Lemonade - click here

Don’t waste anything because once the lemons are squeezed (I saved some of the zest to put in the freezer too)  you can throw the rinds in your garbage disposal and have a clean-smelling kitchen.

WA-LA!

NATURALLY SWEETENED LEMONADE

6 fresh lemons, juiced

1 sliced lemon to add to glasses when serving, optional 

(original recipe says to add to pitcher, but we found it made the lemonade bitter) 

1 teaspoon liquid Stevia, lemon drop

(I used vanilla stevia)

(If you prefer using sugar, dissolve in hot water before adding)

2 quarts of water

1 cup ice cubes

Slice lemons in half, squeeze out juice into a bowl, remove seeds. Add juice to a large pitcher.

Add 2 quarts of water to a pitcher.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of stevia. Taste to decide if you want more or not.

Refrigerate until ready to serve; serve over ice and enjoy!!!

Linked to Gooseberry Patch Roundup - Fav Fruit Dishes
Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
Fit & Fabulous Friday
Foodie Friends Friday
Weekend Potluck