When a hard workout wears on my enthusiasm, I envision a delicious recovery treat. Blueberry corn muffins and poached eggs over sautéed kale are regular post-workout snacks. But with the recent warm weather, I’ve been craving a smoothie.
After a pre-dawn swim, I opened the freezer to get some frozen berries. The blast of cold hit my sweaty forehead, reminding me that while the thermometer may have hit 65° F some recent afternoons, mornings in March are still chilly.
I’ll welcome that waft of cold air from the freezer come June. Meanwhile, I asked Melissa to devise a smoothie that won’t send my already frigid hands reaching into a bag of frosted berries. She suggested replacing flavorful frozen berries with nutmeg and cardamom, explaining that the warming quality of the spices intensifies as you drink.
After a two-hour bike ride, I dumped the ingredients into the blender along with a handful of chia seeds. Still in my bike kit, I sipped the creamy, fragrant blend and as promised, felt myself warming up.
—Bec
Banana Cardamom Smoothie
Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
1 small ripe banana
6 ounces 2 % Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
If using regular milk, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
1 teaspoon chia seeds
Put all the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
