Healthy Spiced Apricot Shake

Though you can technically find apricots year round, this stone-fruit is at its peak in the summer. I’m partial to beautiful Blenheim apricots, which are common on the west coast, but there is a wide variety of apricots to choose from, many of which will be harvested right through the end of August.

As an added benefit, each little apricot supplies you with approximately 13% of your daily Vitamin A and 6% of your daily Vitamin C for only 16 calories! So enjoy a few out of hand or in this easy, cool and creamy smoothie.

Healthy Spiced Apricot Shake
Yields 1 generous shake

The cashews in this recipe add a wee bit of protein and healthy fats, but more importantly, they amp up the creamy factor! This recipe is naturally Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, and optionally Sugar-Free.

• 3 Ripe Apricots
• 1 Small to Medium Frozen, Ripe Banana (see sub options below)
• 1/2 to 3/4 Cup Milk Alternative (I use unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/2 Ounce Cashews, Ground in Spice Grinder
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Flaxseed (optional)
• 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• Pinch Salt
• Sweetener to Taste (see below)
• Ice (optional)

1. Place the apricots through salt in your blender, give it a few pulses to break things up, and whiz away until smooth (start with just 1/2 cup of the milk alternative and add more if desired once the mixture is smooth).
2. Taste test and blend in sweetener to taste. If a frostier treat is in order, blend in ice to desired consistency.

Sweetener – This really is a matter of taste and depends on how ripe / sweet your fruit is and if your milk alternative is sweet at all. I added 1 teaspoon of honey, because I love honey (use agave for vegan) with stone fruit. You could add your sweetener of choice (perhaps 1 to 3 teaspoons) or for an all-fruit vibe, add a soft pitted date.

Go Green – Toss in one or two fistfuls of baby spinach. It changes the color, but not the taste.

What are your favorite ways to spice up your shakes?

Alisa Fleming is the founder of the largest dairy-free website, Go Dairy Free, and author of the best-selling special diet book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living.

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