Natural Ways to Flavour Water

I love these ideas for perking up plain water from Donna Hay, particularly the suggestion of sliced green apples and mint leaves. New Zealand is pretty hot at the moment so I can't wait to give some of these drinks a try soon! You can read more at Donna Hay

image: Donna Hay

Homemade Dried Fruit and Herb Tea

I spotted this recipe on Whole Foods Market's site and had to share. I like the idea of making my own tea from scratch and using nourishing and 'ultra-good-for-you' ingredients. There's stomach soothing ginger, refreshing and cooling mint and fennel as well as dried cranberries (or apricots) and citrus zest. I always have lemons around the kitchen but I might try switching the orange zest for clementine zest as they will be in season December and January, here in the UK.

If you'd like to try making this tea for yourself or as a lovely homemade Christmas gift, you can view the recipe at Whole Foods Market. They also have a downloadable gift tag to go with it.

Enjoy your weekend!


image: Whole Foods Market

Healthy Winter Warming Drinks - Part Two

Vegan Eggnog - Elana's Pantry
For a nog without the egg, try this rather luscious recipe that will be much more aromatic and refreshing to drink.
View recipe at Elana's Pantry

Mayan Hot Chocolate - Natural Health
Okay, this drink contains a sweet potato but it sounds intriguing and exotic, so I'd give it a try.
View recipe at Natural Health

Hot Christmas Punch - Tana Ramsey
This drink will pack a flavour punch but without the alcohol. Several juices and spices are used to create a festive drink that is perfect for everyone.
View recipe at UK TV's Good Food

Spiced Apple Cider Kanten - Natural Health
Everyone will be wanting refills of this fun drink made with a dash and splash of coconut milk and agave nectar.
View recipe at Natural Health

Spiced Hot Chocolate with Orange - Whole Foods Market
Use your vegan milk and chocolate of choice in this recipe that has been spiced up with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and orange zest.
View recipe at Whole Foods Market

Stamina Tea - Body + Soul
To feel your best during the holiday season, try making this 'homemade herbal chai' drink made with dried ginseng, ginger and licorice root.
View recipe at Whole Living

Healthy Winter Warming Drinks - Part One

Cinnamon, Orange, Honey and Rosebud Tea
- Ching-He Huang
The dried rose buds make this drink sheer prettiness in a cup! Oranges, cinnamon and honey are the only other ingredients you will need to create this gorgeous winter drink.
View recipe at Delicious

Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate - Body + Soul
This delicious and decadent drink has to be good for you with dark chocolate, soy milk, cayenne pepper and spices.
View recipe at Whole Living

Chai Tea with Soy Milk - Martha Stewart Living
During winter, every time is Chai time! The combination of spices such as cinnamon, cloves and fresh ginger really do warm the soul.
View recipe at Martha Stewart

Mulled Cranberry Cocktail - Whole Living
What could be more Christmassy than this? Its fun, festive and delicious. I'd personally switch the sugar for your natural sweetener of choice and then sip away. Merry Days!
View recipe at Whole Living

Hot Cocoa with Almond Milk
- Martha Stewart Living
Few things are more comforting than a cup of hot cocoa. Try making your next one with this recipe using almond milk and cinnamon sticks (and maybe switch the sugar for agave or something similar).
View recipe at Martha Stewart

Mulled Apple Juice - Emma Lewis
So simple yet so sip-tastic! You only need five ingredients for this Christmas time drink.
View recipe at BBC Good Food


Fancy a winter song to accompany your winter drinks? Just press play to be whisked away to a winter wonderland!

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

Tomorrow: More Healthy Winter Warming Drinks (including vegan eggnog).

Delicious Dairy-free Smoothie Recipes

There is something about a well made, delicious, dance on your taste buds kind of smoothie that appeals to so many people, especially during summer. When the weather is too hot outside, just step inside, say hello to your blender and then create one of the following icy cold, non-dairy wonders. These are so good and you will not be able to avoid making those slurpy straw noises at the end as you try to capture the last sips of sheer loveliness.


Smoothie Cubes - image above
(Sara Buenfeld from Good Food Magazine)
Before I get to the recipes, I thought these incredible looking fruit smoothie cubes deserved a mention as they will come in handy for any smoothie occasion. Such a great idea for busy people on the go that still want ultra healthy drinks. You just need to puree your favourite fruits or the best organic fruits in season and then freeze them in an ice tray. This recipe suggests adding them to your smoothie with a banana and some dairy devils, but you could just switch them for your favourite almond, soy or oat milk and yogurt.
See recipe at BBC Good Food




Cherry-Berry Tea Smoothie (from Martha Stewart Living)
The picture and ingredients in this smoothie look and sound divine! Frozen sweet cherries, grapes, blueberries, silken tofu and rooibos tea (available at most supermarkets or health food stores). This drink is so good for you that you will be positively glowing after one glass!
See recipe at Whole Living




Banana Mocha Non Milk Shake (by Eat Healthy)
Coffee lovers or just anyone after a shake with attitude will lap this one up! There's espresso, cacao nibs, ground cinnamon and frozen bananas. Creamy, thick and bursting with flavour.
See recipe at The Healthy Eating Site




Strawberry-Banana Tofu Shake - Body + Soul
Another tremendously healthy shake that can be stored up to three days in the fridge. You can also mix and match the fruit ingredients depending on what is in season or what you have in the house.
See recipe at Whole Living




Jamie Fruit Smoothie (Jamie Oliver, image: David Loftus)
I was pleasantly surprised to see Jamie Oliver had this exciting and unusual dairy free smoothie. Along with the fruit there is coconut milk, lime and cardamom. Sounds a little Thai and definitely worth a try!
See recipe at Jamie Oliver




Low Fat Green Tea, Honey and Nutmeg Smoothies
(David Lieberman)
You just need to substitute the vanilla frozen yogurt here for your favourite non-dairy brand and then all you need is two more things: green tea and honey!
See recipe at the Food Network




Strawberry Almond Smoothie
(by Adina Niemerow, photograph - Ellie Miller)
A pretty pink smoothie containing figs, frozen strawberries, almonds and coconut water.
See recipe at Food and Wine




Avocado Pear Smoothie - from Martha Stewart Living
I know some people are surprised to think of using an avocado in their drinks but try it out before you diss it. After all, avocado is technically a fruit and it will make your smoothie ever so creamy and exotic. The pear juice, honey and vanilla really compliment the other ingredients.
See recipe at Whole Living



Two of my Tried and Tested Favourites
Firstly, if you haven't tried smoothies with frozen bananas then 'oh, my goodness' you need to stock up on some organic, fair trade 'nanas now because your smoothies are about to get creamy and turn it upside down kinda thick! Just peel the banana, break into small pieces and freeze in whatever container you have. Always try and keep a stash in your freezer (with frozen berries).

Banana Berry Heaven
I have been sipping on this for years and years. You can use either orange juice or apple juice (about 250ml) and then just toss into a blender as many frozen berries and frozen banana pieces as you desire. It is pure health and happiness in a glass.

Banana Thick Shake
This one is so simple but so satisfying. Just use 250ml of your favourite dairy free milk (or homemade almond milk) and add lots of frozen banana pieces and a dollop of honey (or agave syrup) to sweeten. Next, decide whether to enjoy with a straw or spoon!

Cafe Gratitude - I Am Luscious - Raw Chocolate Smoothie
I stumbled across this smoothie from Cafe Gratitude's menu and it sounded so delicious that I had to mention it here! Unfortunately, I can't make it to their cafe today in San Francisco but I will try and replicate a similar glass of heaven here at home. Their drink has: hazelnut milk, figs, dates, raw cacao & vanilla
Visit Cafe Gratitude

Need a Glass Straw with your Smoothie?
I just got my glass straws last week from GlassDharma and they are magnificent. The coloured ones are so pretty and you can tell they have been made with such great care. Protect your health and teeth by avoiding icky and disposable plastic straws and try using these glass straws if you can. Here is some more info on the straws if you are interested.