Looking for a quick and easy Christmas neighbor gift? This snowman soup comes together in minutes and is a fun and festive way to spread holiday cheer. Just add hot water to this vanilla milk mix and you have a creamy, comforting warm drink for those cold winter nights!

Plus, check out our step-by-step video tutorial! It’s so easy and only 4 ingredients! Basically just dump everything in a bowl and whisk to combine, then package up the powder mix to share with friends and neighbors with instructions for how to make it. We have included an adorable printable in the recipe card with the instructions!

Now this might be a little grim, but picture jolly ol’ Frosty or Olaf getting too close to the warm fire or accidentally finding themselves in San Diego in the winter and melting into a puddle of sweet and delicious goodness. Snowman soup!

It tastes like the vanilla steamer from Starbucks with a hint of cinnamon and it is a family favorite! It’s a great alternative to hot chocolate or wassail for a warm holiday beverage.

Ingredients for Snowman Soup

You’re just 4 ingredients away, well 5 I guess if you count water, from the most delicious warm holiday beverage! Here is what you will…

• Powdered Milk: Acts as the creamy base, giving body and richness when mixed with hot water or milk. It replaces fresh milk for shelf-stability and convenience.
• Instant Vanilla Creamer: Adds extra creaminess and a hint of vanilla flavor, enhancing the sweetness and smooth feel of the drink.
• Sugar: Sweetens the mix and balances the richness of the milk. It ensures the flavors are cozy and comforting rather than flat or bitter.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy vanilla. It gives the mix depth and a little seasonal flair.

A single batch of this recipe makes about 24 servings, so you can scale up or down depending on your needs!

How to Make Snowman Soup

There’s not really much to this recipe which is why it’s such a great neighbor gift for the busy holidays.

1. Pour all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk until everything is combined.
2. Divide into smaller jars to give to neighbors or store in an airtight container in a dry place for your family.
3. Print the cute instructions and attach it to the small jars for the cutest holiday neighbor gifts.

Combine 1/3 of the cinnamon vanilla milk mixture with 1 cup of hot water and stir to combine.

The complete instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Toppings for Snowman Milk

We love to top this warm vanilla milk with whipped cream and a sprinkle of more cinnamon. A little hit of nutmeg never hurt anyone either! Other delicious toppings would be mini marshmallows, caramel or white chocolate chips.

What to Serve with Snowman Soup

Assuming you all are like me and my family, a warm vanilla steamer goes best with some cookies. Some of our favorites are…

• Best Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
• Molasses Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Christmas m&m Cookies

How to Store Snowman Soup

The powder for hot vanilla milk should be stored in an airtight container in a dry place. It will keep for up to a month or two as everything is shelf stable.

If you have already combined the vanilla milk mix with water, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm it back up in the microwave.

Spread some holiday cheer with this simple and festive snowman milk gift idea! This fun DIY project is perfect for giving to neighbors, coworkers, or friends during the Christmas season.

More Christmas Neighbor Gift Ideas:

• Muddy Buddy Christmas Mix
• Christmas Pretzel Hugs
• Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Watch How to Make Snowman Soup

Cozy up with a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate. This easy recipe will have you sipping on a dreamy, creamy, chocolatey drink in no time. Plus, check out our video tutorial for the perfect cup every time!

Hands down the best homemade hot chocolate! No more taking a couple of sips and throwing the rest away, you’ll gulp down every bit of this one! The taste of real chocolate in every gulp!

Cade and Hot Chocolate

Oh Cade, you and your hot chocolate obsession are ridiculous. I’ve personally never cared that much for hot drinks, apple cider, hot chocolate, tea, bleh. I like ice water, aren’t I lame? But after moving to Utah and experiencing winter for 9 months of the year I’ve really started to enjoy homemade hot chocolate.

This hot chocolate is made out of love for Cade because he loves hot chocolate. He grew up eating cocoa and toast. He actually dips buttered toast in the hot chocolate. Are you kidding me? It gets soggy, sweetheart! I don’t get it!

We had a chocolate fountain at our wedding (don’t judge it used to be cool) which used a mix of milk or semi sweet chocolate and white chocolate which was just dreamy so I knew I wanted to go with a combination again. And of course, whole milk and heavy cream add to the creaminess, but the real secret is the sweetened condensed milk.

Cade is all about that in his drinks and even cereal thanks to his time serving his mission in Brazil (yes even his cereal and Brazilian lemonade and gosh darnit jello, and even his lime pie all call for it thanks to Brazil.)

What is the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?

Hot chocolate is made from melting real chocolate and mixing it with milk, cream and/or water. It is usually more creamy in texture and more rich in flavor. I like to think of it as real hot chocolate.

Hot cocoa is make from the cocoa powder and sugar mixture combined with either hot milk or hot water.

Hot cocoa and hot chocolate are often used interchangeably as the name of a warm chocolate beverage even though they are technically different.

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate

• Heavy Cream: Adds rich creaminess and body, giving the hot chocolate a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Whole Milk: Creates a smooth, balanced base…creamy without being too heavy.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetens naturally while adding thickness and a silky, dessert-like consistency.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Bring deep chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
• White Chocolate Chips: Add extra creaminess and mild sweetness, rounding out the chocolate flavor.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Make the hot chocolate sweeter, smoother, and more kid-friendly.

How to Make Hot Chocolate at Home

1. Combine: Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot over medium heat.
2. Stir: As the chocolate begins to melt, stir occasionally and then reduce the heat to medium low. Continue to stir the mixture periodically until completely melted.
3. Serve: Top with whipped cream, marshmallows or sprinkles and pour into mugs or styrofoam cups to serve!

You can also find all the instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Can You Make Hot Chocolate in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours. Whisk it occasionally so that the chocolate melts. Once it is smooth and creamy, change the crockpot to warm and serve.

Is Hot Chocolate Good for You?

It may seem like an indulgence, but this chilly day treat actually has a whole host of health benefits.

Cocoa powder contains powerful antioxidants and many studies have shown its beneficial effects on heart health, insulin levels, memory and more.

Best of all? It just plain makes you happy.

What to Eat with Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing like reading the Polar Express, a tradition from my own childhood, enjoying hot fried donuts and homemade hot chocolate.

Annnnd now I’m craving donuts. Gosh darnit! I adore my Grandma’s spudnuts too.

A delicious muffin is also the perfect companion to a cup of hot cocoa! Our bakery style blueberry muffins are a popular recipe on the blog, as well as our Costco copycat pumpkin crumb muffins for the perfect fall treat.

Storing and Reheating Hot Chocolate

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator after cooling to room temperature. It will keep for 4-5 days. I don’t recommend freezing hot chocolate. The dairy products will curdle and lose their creamy texture.

It is best reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently until heated through.

Creamy and decadent homemade hot chocolate that will warm you up on a chilly day. With just a few simple ingredients, including real chocolate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

More Holiday Drinks and Snacks Recipes:

• Homemade Wassail
• Snowman Milk
• Reindeer Muddy Buddy Christmas Snack Mix
• Christmas Jello Popcorn
• Fudge Recipe
• Rolo Pretzels with M&M’s

Watch How to Make Hot Chocolate from Scratch

This traditional Wassail recipe has been handed down for generations! It’s one of the most comforting easy holiday drinks. It’s a delicious nonalcoholic warm cider drink with the cozy flavors of orange and apple with cinnamon and spices!

I don’t think there’s a single wassail recipe worth it out there except for my mom’s! It is so delicious. We excitedly make it as soon as it gets cold–and it’s a must when you’re sick. Nothing feels better on a scratchy throat than warm wassail. Yum!

And because we aren’t the biggest fans of cold weather, warm drinks are a definite must. Cade and the girls love hot cocoa and toast, I still have yet to try it as the soggy bread weirds me out for sure. I always stick to this dreamy wassail!

What is Wassail?

Wassail is the cozy version of apple cider.  Our recipe is made with cloves, apples, cinnamon, lemon, orange, ginger, and nutmeg and is a nonalcoholic wassail recipe. Scroll down to discover our secret ingredient! There’s one we didn’t mention!

It’s pretty flexible so feel free to add different amounts of juice or substitute other kinds that you like better. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients for Homemade Wassail

How many fruit juices can you put in a hot wassail recipe? We are out to set a record because it’s so dang good…including that secret ingredient I mentioned above! Here is all the ingredients you will need to make this irresistible holiday beverage:

• Water: the base of the wassail
• Sugar: I often cut this down or leave it out since there is a lot of sugar in fruit juice.
• Cinnamon Sticks: adds flavor
• Allspice: adds flavor
• Cloves: adds flavor
• Crystallized Ginger: adds flavor, you can also use a 1/2 inch chunk fresh ginger or a 1/2-1 tsp powdered ginger
• Unsweetened Apple Juice: grab a bottle at the grocery store
• Pineapple Juice: the secret ingredient, man it adds such a delicious flavor
• Unsweetened Orange Juice: you can squeeze your own orange juice or buy bottled unsweetened oj
• Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed is preferred

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Wassail at Home

Now that you’ve see how it’s made, let’s walk through the steps. It’s so simple!

1. Boil: Bring the water and sugar and a sachet of the spices to a boil in a large pot, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an hour.
2. Add: Remove the sachet and add the remaining fruit juices and stir together.
3. Heat: Bring everything to your desired temperature and serve either warm or cold.

Is Wassail Alcoholic?

Wassail is an old English mulled hot drink with mixed fruit juices, spices and may or may not contain alcohol. We don’t read alcohol, so I’m not well versed on alcoholic wassail, but I’m told that brandy, bourbon, or rum are all great additions.

Is Wassail Good For a Cold?

Because wassail is made with fruit juices and spices such as cinnamon and ginger, it can be soothing for a cold, and may even be helpful in easing congestion.

What Does It Mean if a Drink is Mulled?

The word “mull” means to heat, sweeten and flavor a beverage with spices. It is common to do with wine or cider. Mulling spices can include anything but often include cinnamon and cloves.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, this recipe works great in a slow cooker! Add all the ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Let it sit on the warm setting while serving.

Tips for Homemade Wassail

Flavors and smells become so engrained in our memories, and this wassail recipe is sure to become a family holiday tradition.

When it comes time to serve this homemade wassail, add some sliced oranges and apples, whole cranberries, star anise and cinnamon sticks to make it extra beautiful! It becomes both a decoration and a drink for everyone to enjoy!

If you want to keep wassail warm during a holiday party, pour it into a slow cooker and put it on the “warm” setting. It will be the perfect temperature for sipping throughout the night.

As this wassail simmers, it fills your house with the most wonderful festive scents. It screams Christmas and cozy winter nights!

For extra indulgence, top your cup of wassail with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Storing Homemade Wassail

Homemade wassail should be stored in refrigerator in an airtight container and it will keep for 4-5 days.

How to Reheat Wassail

To reheat it, use the microwave for a quick cup or warm it up on the stove top in a saucepan for more servings.

Warm up your winter with this delicious wassail recipe, perfect for holiday parties and cozy nights by the fire. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty and comforting drink that will please everyone. Break out the Christmas mugs and let’s wassail!

More Holiday Drinks and Snacks Recipes:

• Homemade Hot Chocolate
• Snowman Milk
• Reindeer Muddy Buddy Christmas Snack Mix
• Christmas Jello Popcorn
• Fudge Recipe
• Rolo Pretzels with M&M’s

Watch How Homemade Wassail is Made…

Freezing fruit can provide an easy way to make delicious and nutritious smoothies. Learn how to properly freeze fruit and create better smoothies with these tips and tricks.

One thing that I’ve really been working hard on this year is having a healthier breakfast. I was always a die hard cereal girl which is totally fine, but I was missing out on a lot of nutrients that could help me have a better, more energized day.

So, I started drinking green smoothies with a little protein or doing breakfast parfaits with granola (or oatmeal but summer is generally more about the smoothies.), but I quickly realized three things which is why we are doing a post on how to freeze fruit and make better smoothies.

Smoothie Musts

So if I’m going to be having fruit smoothies for breakfast, I have some thoughts…

1. I need a little fruit in my smoothies to love them, otherwise it is too bland or bitter for me. Plus everyone needs a little fruit in their lives.
2. Making smoothies is expensive. I know a lot of people that eat the whole foods diet or are big on fresh produce swear it’s not bad, but it is expensive. So my solution was to start buying things on sale and freezing them because it allowed me to still incorporate fresh fruits into the smoothies, saved us money!
3. I like my smoothies thick like a shake and not thin like a juice, so using frozen fruit thickened up the texture of my shake without adding ice cubes.

I’ve compiled a list of fruits that freeze well, but the how-to is quite easy. The most important part about this, other than actually freezing is to buy fresh fruit when it’s on sale at the grocery store, and buy a lot. That way you can freeze fruit at it’s cheapest and overall save money versus buying frozen or fresh fruit that’s not on sale.

Is It Cheaper to Freeze Your Own Fruit for Smoothies?

Yes! I’m looking at a bag of frozen sliced bananas right now at Smith’s. It costs $2.99 for a 16 oz bag (or 1 lb). In comparison, fresh bananas cost $0.25/lb, so let’s say you buy 2 lbs of bananas since you will need to remove the peel. That will only be $0.50 for bananas and little bit of work peeling, slicing and properly freezing them.

Here’s another example for strawberries. A 10oz bag of frozen strawberries costs $2.99. You can get a 1 lb (or 16oz) carton of fresh strawberries for the same price, so you get almost 1/2 lb more of strawberries for the same price. You can get fresh strawberries for even cheaper than that when they are in season or on sale.

How to Freeze Fruit for Smoothies

Peel (if needed), remove stems, and rinse the fruit well, chop into small chunks or slices and dry with paper towels. Next, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay the fruit out flat in a single layer, trying to keep a little space between each piece. Now place the tray in the freezer for 3 hours or up to 1 day. Remove the fruit and place in ziploc freezer bags, pressing out all the air and sealing shut. Now the fruit will keep for 6-9 months.

Do You Have to Defrost Fruit Before Adding It to Smoothies?

No and I actually prefer to add then fruit in totally frozen. It helps the smoothie be thick and creamy without adding ice. I don’t mind adding ice to a smoothie, but if I can avoid it, I do. It melts quickly and can water the smoothie down.

Fruits for Freezing

Here are some fruits that are great for freezing:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Marionberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Papaya
• Cherries (pits removed)
• Blueberries
• Avocados
• Peaches

Smoothie Recipe

Here are some of our favorite smoothies and the ingredients you need to make them. They all use frozen fruit. We love having all our fruit prepped ahead of time so we can just toss them in with some sort of liquid and maybe some vegetables and blend it up for the best smoothies! We highly recommend using a Blendtec blender!

• Cold Bust Smoothie: Orange Juice, Spinach, Orange, Baby Carrots, Frozen Bananas, Frozen Pineapple, Apple and Vanilla Protein Powder
• Raspberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie: Frozen Raspberries, Frozen Pineapple, Frozen Bananas, Coconut Extract, Coconut Milk and Honey or Agave
• Peach Berry Protein Green Smoothie: Almond or Coconut Milk, Vanilla Protein Powder, Spinach, Frozen Mixed Berries, Frozen Bananas, Frozen Peaches, Granola, Chia Seeds and Almonds
• Pineapple Orange Banana Green Smoothie: Spinach, Frozen Banana, Frozen Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, Milk and Chia Seeds
• Protein Green Smoothie Granola Parfait: Milk, Spinach, Frozen Mangoes, Frozen Bananas, Almonds, Vanilla Protein Powder and Granola

When you freeze fruit ahead of time, you are prepped to make creamy smoothies for healthy and filling breakfasts every day of the week!

This cold buster green smoothie recipe is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system, hydrate your body and send those winter colds packing!

Green smoothies were all the rage a while ago and still are, but I never really thought they were that big of a deal. And then I realized that with all of those vitamins packed into a smoothie we would actually be giving ourselves the proper nutrition that we are recommended in getting. So, we started keeping a full supply of spinach and fruits and sure enough, not only did we start feeling better but we weren’t getting sick.

I hate winter. I know, lots of people love it and cannot wait to get outside and enjoy all that the snow has to offer, but I hate it. Strong word? I seriously dislike it I guess. I am learning to really enjoy skiing, but I still freeze to death and cannot last very long out there. But the major reason I don’t like winter is because we all get sick and pass it around over and over again all winter long. I freeze all winter which I’m sure keeps me sick.

You don’t have to pass a cold around all winter. Last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold and this cold buster green smoothie was a huge help! Keep scrolling to the end to see other products we love to help us survive winter colds.

What Makes a Green Smoothie?

The definition of a “green smoothie” can be quite ambiguous but the basics of a green smoothie are:

Leafy Greens + Liquid + Fruit

Then, of course, you can add other ingredient to add protein and more nutrients. Keep scrolling below to see suggestions for the best types of leafy greens, liquids and fruits. We also want to highlight what makes this recipe specifically a cold buster green smoothie.

Ingredients in a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

This smoothie is unique in that we chose specific items to kick the cold right where it hurts:

• Spinach: adds great fiber, vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as iron, folate and potassium
• Orange Juice: isn’t just about the vitamin C it’s also about staying hydrated
• Orange with Peel: really slam dunk the vitamin C and the peel contains 4 times more fiber than the fruit itself, it has anti-inflammatory properties and may even help reduce harmful LDL’s
• Baby Carrots: great for killing germs in the mouth and helping with digestion
• Banana: gives the body natural energy which is something you are lacking when sick, and it helps the smoothie be extra creamy
• Frozen Pineapple: adds flavor and helps thicken the smoothie when it’s frozen
• Apple: adds flavor and natural sweetness
• Ice: helps thicken the smoothie without adding sugar or extra calories
• Optional: add a scoop of protein so our body has the nutrition needed for energy

NOTE: We avoid dairy completely as it encourages mucus production. In fact, we skip the dairy entirely while sick.

The measurements for all of these ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

Making the best green smoothie recipe couldn’t be easier! Just toss everything in the blender and blend until smooth. We are 100% loyal to our Blendtec blender. I’ve tried them all, and there just nothing that gets the job done better than Blendtec. Use our discount code (Ohsweetbasil10) for 10% off!

I’ve read other people say do blend the greens and liquid together first before adding the fruit, but I honestly haven’t noticed a difference so I just add evereything at once.

Variations and Substitutes

For a true cold buster smoothie follow the recipe as written, but you can totally switch things up to find your favorite blend. Here are some ideas:

Leafy Greens to Use

• Spinach
• Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Collard Greens
• Beet Greens

Liquids to Use

• Almond Milk
• Coconut Milk or Coconut Water
• Oat Milk
• Dairy Milk
• Water
• Fruit Juices
• Cashew Milk
• Soy Milk
• Greek Yogurt

Fruits to Use

• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Avocado
• Banana
• Raspberries
• Mango
• Blueberries
• Apple

Add-Ins

• Protein Powders
• Chia Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Almonds
• Collagen Powder
• Almond Butter
• Peanut Butter

Can You Use Frozen Fruits in Green Smoothies?

Yes, and you absolutely should! In fact, almost all my fruit for smoothies and my greens are frozen when I add them to my smoothie. Check out my post on how to meal prep smoothies. It not only saves time but it also helps my mornings be more stress free!

Can Green Smoothies Replace Vegetables?

Smoothies are a great way to get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables but they shouldn’t replace whole fruits and vegetables. Blending vegetables actually starts to break them down and you lose some of the nutrients that you would get if you ate them whole. Bottom line…don’t skip the whole veggies!

Can You Taste Spinach in Green Smoothies?

If you have the proper ratio of leafy greens to other ingredients, you will not be able to taste the spinach at all! Follow this recipe for the best flavor!

Is a Green Smoothie Good for You?

Drinking Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get nutrients and stay hydrated. Consuming Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get vegetables in your diet.

But, there’s a catch…you have to watch your fruit intake as they still have sugar and carbs so people can take something healthy to not so healthy. Making a healthy smoothie takes some attention and conscientiousness.

Will Cold Buster Green Smoothies Give Me Energy?

Cold Buster Green Smoothies can provide you with lots of healthy calories, that your body can convert to energy.

Can Cold Buster Green Smoothies Be Frozen?

Yes, Cold Buster Green Smoothies can be easily frozen.  I recommend taking it out of the freezer to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Most likely, it will still be frozen in the morning. Set the jar on the counter and it will thaw in about an hour or so.

Will a Green Smoothie Keep Overnight?

Yes! You can blend your cold buster green smoothies ahead of time and store your cold buster green smoothies in a sealed container for 1 to 3 days in the fridge. … Fresh is always best, but a 2-day old cold buster green smoothie is still way better than a bag of the Cheetos.

How to Fight a Cold

Air Purifier 

We went ahead and got a Honeywell Air Purifier. One is upstairs and the other downstairs. They run day and night all year round and I swear it’s been helping to keep out the nasty.

Simply Saline

Cade cannot handle a Netty Pot but many people love it. Instead we use Simply Saline. As soon as you feel the sniffle get out your saline and keep things cleaned out. You’d be shocked how much it will help. We even use the Little Remedies one for kids and it has blown our minds with how much better they get with it.

Zicam Nasal Spray

I hate nasal spray. I also hate taking those nasty vitamin c or zinc tablets to fight a cold. And do they even work? I wasn’t feeling like they were. Until I found Zicam Nasal Spray. Immediately when I get the tickle I take it and Cade is quickly following suit as he sees how well it works. I even travel with it now. It’s the only clinically proven nasal spray to shorten a cold.

Aquafor

Blowing your nose and a stuffed up nose that requires you to breath from your mouth all day can lead to chapped noses and lips. I love this little Aquafor tube. It’s all I use for chapstick now, but it’s great on noses that are being blown too much too.

All of this just comes from Amazon to my house and most is around $4. I’m lazy like that, but you can always watch a store for sales too.

And that’s it! What little tricks do you have to beating the winter colds? Green smoothies are a great way to start your day in a healthy way, and if you are trudging through bleak winter days trying to fight the latest cold bug, give this cold buster green smoothie a try!

More Smoothie Recipes

• Freezer Prep for Green Smoothies
• Chia Peach Berry Protein Smoothie
• Raspberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
• Orange Berry Protein Smoothie
• Pineapple Orange Banana Green Smoothie
• Protein Green Smoothie with Protein
• Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

Cold Buster Fruit Leathers

A snack is a great way to get the kids healthy again!

Green Smoothie Pancakes

Pack all the good stuff into a pancake!

This almond joy protein shake is totally healthy but you’d never guess it by how delicious it is! Chocolate Protein, Milk, and some add ins!

I used to be one of those girls that wouldn’t go near protein shakes.

And back then I actually had a pretty good reason as they used to be pretty darn chalky and nasty.

Things have gotten much better for flavor (I prefer vanilla, the hubs- chocolate) and better consistency as we use a Blendtec now, but the second reason I didn’t drink them was because I thought it would make me bigger which I didn’t want.

I couldn’t have been more WRONG and now I’m a firm believer in protein to:

• Lose Weight if needed
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Tone and Tighten
• Gain Strength

If you want to hit any ONE of those above, you need to start introducing more protein into your diet.

I’ve posted about protein a few times like these protein crepes and these steak tacos with grilled pineapple  but this almond joy protein shake is especially awesome.

I’m so glad that I’m in such a great partnership with Fisher Nuts that they let me do this post that’s a little different than the normal nut post.

I’ve noticed huge changes in my body, both health-wise and in my tone and shape since hopping on the protein shake bandwagon.

I tend to have protein:

• Before or after working out in the morning
• As a meal replacement
• A snack between meals

If I do a really strenuous workout I’ll always have it afterwards to help rebuild and strengthen my muscles so I can be toned instead of flabby skin.

Most of my morning shakes are made green smoothie style:

• spinach
• almonds
• a little milk or coconut/almond milk
• fruit

But occasionally I want something that tricks my body into thinking I’m eating/drinking something more indulgent.

This protein shake was totally the idea of my friend and owner of Cardio Barre (see my post on 6 moves for toned and tight thighs). She told me that she loves to mix coconut yogurt, chocolate protein powder and almonds for a healthy snack that tastes like an Almond Joy.

Pretty much she’s a genius. Pure genius. I immediately knew that Cade would be all about having his protein shake taste like a candy bar. It all starts with coconut yogurt, protein powder, and almonds.

I add a splash of milk so it’s drinkable and ice because I knew he’d love it thick like an ice cream shake. Just blend everything up and serve immediately. If you really want to make it like a candy bar you can add a little coconut, chocolate shavings and almonds on top. It really does taste fantastic and almonds are such a great source of vitamins, protein and can even lower your cholesterol! Booyah!!

Can Protein Shakes Be a Meal Replacement?

Protein shakes should be made to provide, as much or more protein, as ordinary food, but with fewer calories.

Protein shakes can be a healthy meal replacement.

What Is The Difference Between Greek Yogurt and Regular Yogurt?

Greek yogurt has been strained 3 times which removes most of the liquid.

This is what makes Greek yogurt thicker and smoother.

Greek yogurt has a stronger flavor and is higher in protein.

Can Greek Yogurt Be Frozen?

You can freeze Greek yogurt without altering its nutritional benefits.

Eating thawed Greek yogurt is just the same as eating it fresh, although freezing it will change its texture a little bit.

Almond Joy Protein Shake

6 Moves for thighs like a dancer without ever dancing

Peanut Butter Apple Breakfast Cookies

Can I let you in on a little secret? We might be food bloggers, but we totally have smoothies for dinner all the time. This kid friendly chocolate banana smoothie bowl will knock your socks off!

We’ve started this little tradition thanks to our friends, Dave and Sarah. We have smoothies for dinner all the time, especially during the summer. Actually, we have smoothies and popcorn, don’t judge. Hear me out on this kid friendly chocolate banana smoothie bowl then we double dog dare you to do the same with your kids.

Tag us @ohsweetbasil #ohsweetbasil on instagram or twitter with your creations, or better yet, join us in our VIP Facebook Group to share your pictures and recipes.

Smoothies for Dinner

Tired of the dinner complaints and endless talking about Fortnite?

No, I don’t really know what that is, but my friend brought it up that her boys and their friends were playing, “Fortnite” and I was in the dark enough to say, “oh they are building forts?! That’s so cute for teens!”

Wrong.

After watching a funny youtube of a mom listening to her son go on and on in the car about Fortnite I thought a quiet meal as a family might be exactly what you need!

In fact, your kids may not talk at all while they are busy eating this Kid Friendly Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl and sometimes silence is priceless.

Can Smoothies Replace a Meal?

Smoothies make kids think they are getting ice cream or at least a treat when it’s really packed with good things. Sometimes being a sneaky parent is being an awesome parent.

You don’t have to say, hey Billy did you know that one out of two kids is lacking nutrients and that more than half of kids under 9 aren’t getting enough Potassium and Vitamin D?

Nah, just say, Hey Billy!! Want to play Chopped for dinner? I’ll get out some frozen fruits and such and you get to create your own smoothie, best one wins!!

What to Serve with Smoothies

Oh, and the popcorn, look there’s no cool reason there. I just feel more fulfilled when I eat a  variety of textures so drinking my dinner isn’t as satisfying as having something to crunch as well.

Our Kid Friendly Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl is our daughter’s creation (that girl is going to take over my job soon) and while I tend to go green smoothie with berries like this, How to Fight a Cold Bust Green Smoothie I have to admit that this peanut butter mood chocolate smoothie was pretty amazing.

Can Smoothies be Frozen?

Smoothies can be frozen for up to 2 weeks if you place it in a sealed container, so if you’re wondering how to store smoothies, just pop it in the freezer! When you defrost the smoothie, instead of using the microwave, just set it out on the counter and let it rest for 10 minutes and you should be able to start eating it with a spoon. Wait a little longer if you prefer to drink it.

Freezing Berries to Look Frosty

Our daughter is not only into smoothies being frozen for quick breakfasts, but we taught her about freezing berries for photos (just freeze in a single layer and then softly blow on them to get the frosty look).  Now she’s obsessed with keeping some in the freezer for our smoothie competitions so she can make her smoothie look the best. And as long as the blueberries don’t come rolling out of the freezer when I open it I don’t mind at all.

Which Vegetables for Smoothies

Many vegetables can be added to smoothies, even chocolate smoothies as the flavors hide quite well. Try using; spinach, kale, power greens, carrots, celery, beets, and even squash and zucchini can be added.

Which Fruits for Smoothies

We love to use bananas for potassium and to make a thicker, creamier smoothie. Berries, oranges, pears, peaches, plums, mango, pineapple and even cherries and pomegranate seeds are great to add into smoothies for antioxidants, vitamins etc.

Kid Friendly Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

This kid friendly chocolate banana smoothie bowl is so stinking easy to make. Our daughter threw chocolate milk, PB2 Powder, chia seeds, frozen bananas, spinach, and then tops everything off with whatever fruit we have on hand. This time because we did it like a chopped competition where everyone had to make the smoothie the best looking smoothie ever, she added a drizzle of peanut butter. Gotta say, and I know I’m going on and on, but I’m just so proud of her and without even knowing it she was taking care of her body too.

Maybe this mom thing isn’t about having it all together. I guess it’s about trying every day to just establish good habits and then doing a whole heck of a lot of winging it. 🙂

Smoothie RECIPES

• Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt
• Freezer Prep Green Smoothie Protein Shakes Prep
• Protein Green Smoothie Parfait
• How to Freeze Fruit to Make Better Smoothies

Kid Friendly Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

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This frozen strawberry lemonade post is sponsored by Wholesome Organic Stevia.

The months are getting warmer and I’ve been looking for healthier frozen treats recipes to beat the heat. This Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is our favorite, and is ready in 2 minutes!

Do you remember on our Oh Sweet Basil Facebook page a month ago how I asked you to guess what dessert our daughter had requested for her birthday? This was it. Well, actually she requested slushies, who in the world knows why she wanted a slushy when she could have cake or brownies, but this frozen strawberry lemonade totally ended up being awesome.

I have a lot of friends and family members who don’t or can’t use sugar and instead use Wholesome® Organic Stevia and they are always asking me to make something refreshing that isn’t watermelon ice (apparently that’s the go to if you can’t have refined sugar) for those summer BBQs, so I was all over partnering with them to make a healthy spin on a summer drink.

Is Stevia Safe?

Yes.

It’s a better alternative to artificial sweeteners and may help with glucose tolerance.

It’s safe to say that when consumed in reasonable amounts, stevia is a good natural sugar substitute.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t totally sure how this would all turn out as I’ve had a sweetener that left a gross, bitter taste in my mouth so I’m probably overly picky when it comes to using a product like this. And if it didn’t work we knew we wouldn’t do the recipe, but it totally did! I’m so excited to tell my uncles that using Organic Stevia for a healthy lifestyle because it’s Organic, Non GMO, Vegan & Kosher and it actually tastes good!

A lot of frozen lemonades wanted lots of water and ice, and I get it, water for the lemonade and ice for the frozen factory, but we didn’t like it. Why would you use ice when you can throw in frozen berries and get 1. more flavor and 2. extra vitamins from the berries?! Plus, it fluffs up more and it looks pretty which totally matters, at least to me.

You literally just throw everything in a blender, lemons, water, frozen berries, Wholesome Organic Stevia and blend until smooth! It’s so refreshing. It’s thick and creamy but without the calories and craziness of ice cream and it’s just flat out delicious.

If you want to try it we got you a little link to their coupon and online store.

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade In 2 Minutes

Looking for the perfect drink for a party, try this Party Punch Recipe!

Lindy’s Lemon Ice- The Good Water

This is the best drink ever to serve at parties or showers and it’s made with water, ice, lemon and citric acid!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wholesome Stevia. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wholesome Stevia. The opinions and text are all mine.

Did you know that oranges can help you to have a happier and healthier day? Our bright orange berry protein shake proves it!

Why Are Oranges Good for You?

Sweet, juicy oranges make a delicious and healthy snack or addition to a meal.

A whole orange contains only about 85 calories and has no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

And, of course, oranges are well known for their vitamin C content.

Oranges are low in calories and full of nutrients, they promote clear, healthy, skin and can help to lower our risk for many diseases as part of an overall healthy and varied diet.

An orange has over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids.

Many of these have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects.

I’ve had to be dairy free for our last two babies and while they grow out of it they really struggle as infants. It’s actually a good thing because it’s taught me a lot about what others have been through because our second I had to also go off of soy, nut products, chocolate, gluten and more. Yes, more. Anyway, I’ve found that there are amazing products out there and actually, like all things I’ve found that balance in all things is so important so while you don’t have to go dairy free you can certainly incorporate great products into your diet that actually bring even more nutrition to your daily meals.

My point is just that we’ve felt better, healthier and more energized by making a few small choices in our diets. Protein, which I’ve talked a lot about is one of those choices and one thing we get emailed about a lot. Like, a lot. Everyone wants to know what we use and I’m happy to say that we’ve found a protein powder that is awesome and you’ll be so excited to learn who makes it!

Burt’s Bees™ is doing the protein thing!! I’m crazy picky about my protein and I actually really like this one. It’s dairy free, soy free, gluten free and non GMO. Plant based proteins are more sustainable which is always a plus, but in the end all I really care about is that it’s great to help maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone and of course that it’s delicious. And the biggest thing for me, it’s not chalky or gritty. That is hands down my biggest pet peeve with protein shakes. This one is silky and wonderful, promise.

Loving what they have to say, “The bees take only what they need and they leave their environment better than they found it. So taking our cue from nature, Burt’s Bees Protein+ shakes are formulated with 70% organic ingredients and plant-based protein, requiring fewer natural resources for production and having a less harmful impact on nature– reinforcing our purpose to connect people with the beauty, wisdom and power of nature.” They only take what they need. Can you imagine if we all took cues from that line?

I learned long ago that oranges are important for the immune system but even just the scent can actually help you to have a happier day. I even have a little orange oil that I occasionally rub on the back of my neck and almond oil for my face on days I don’t wear makeup. That’s most days actually, but either way it’s a great start to my day, just like a good breakfast. This orange berry protein shake is packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E for a radiant and healthy body, skin and yes it’s even good for hair. Nutrition is linked to everything which is why our family tries to make good habits that will pay off as we age.

Are Protein Shakes Safe During Pregnancy?

Experts recommend women who are pregnant and nursing to take a minimum of an extra 25 grams of protein a day.

Protein supplements are a great way to get that extra protein, but are protein shakes and powders safe during pregnancy?

The short answer is yes.

One or two servings per day is perfectly fine as long as it isn’t the only source of protein for the day.

Orange Berry Protein Shake

Protein Green Smoothie Parfait

Our most popular green smoothie!

Cold Buster Green Smoothie

I’ve been fighting this cold for weeks, time to bust out this smoothie! 

Chia Peach Berry Bowl

I love a good smoothie bowl and this is the one we make almost every week!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt’s Bees. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is it, the recipe that will be more refreshing than lemonade and an easy way to not waste produce. Grape slushy for the win!

School has started and it’s still blazing hot here in Utah. I’m all about occasionally having a special little something for the kids to come home to and this Grape slushy is one of our absolute favorites. And it happens to come from one of my current favorite cookbooks, Fast to the Table Freezer Cookbook by my sweet friend, Becky from The Vintage Mixer.

This cookbook is everyone’s dream because I hear over and over again how there just isn’t time to get dinner on the table and the older our kids get the busier they get so I can totally relate. Becky gives you freezer friendly recipes and frozen food shortcuts that will save you gobs of time BUT you guys, they are waaaaaayyy better than your average freezer meals. These ones have loads of flavor and don’t end up all weird tasting like many frozen meals.

How Long is Food in the Freezer Good?

As a general rule of thumb, frozen food will keep for three months in a standard home freezer before starting to show signs of freezer burn.

This is true for raw meats, cooked meats, prepared foods, breads, and anything else you might think of freezing.

The cookbook is hands down one of the most beautiful I’ve laid my eyes on but the recipes are real recipes. Recipes I already make for my family and love like, banana waffles, mashed potatoes, roasted chicken and then a few that really shake things up like, beef and potato handpies, chicken and black bean and corn enchiladas. Plus, don’t forget dessert, salted caramel brownies on a stick and even brown sugar peach pie. Good mercy.

This grape slushy takes only two ingredients and I chose it because we buy the big bag o’ grapes from Costco and sometimes life happens and we are left with half a bag starting to turn wilty. Now I pop them in the freezer and then blend them up with a little coconut water and oh my sweet deliciousness!! It’s so refreshing and so delicious. I had no idea that frozen grapes were so good!

Are Grapes Good for You?

Polyphenols are known antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body.

The grape skins and pulp contain the most polyphenols.

They also have the highest antioxidant abilities.

Grapes are good for you, in large part thanks to their polyphenol content.

You know I don’t blog about cookbooks very often. So few are really worth it in my opinion. They are often too complicated or the recipes don’t turn out. I am loving Fast to the Table and you can click the link to buy one for yourself!

Is Coconut Water Good for Hydration?

While coconut water is low in calories, rich in potassium, and fat and cholesterol free, the evidence that it is actually better than plain water for simple hydration is unfortunately lacking.

Compared to typical sports drinks, coconut water has fewer calories, less sodium, but higher amounts of potassium.

Grape Slushy

Lindy’s Lemon Ice

Italian Soda

Basil Mint Lemonade