My first clue that something was awry should have been when I discovered that the protein powder was green. Olive green, no less. But I was feeling optimistic and it was plant-based after all, so what is a little chlorophyll? So there it went, into my delicious smoothie base in the best kitchen appliance ever: the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus. Economical, powerful, and pretty! (Everything I strive to be! Does that mean I have an appliance as a role model?)
First, the ingredients and tools (I forgot to photograph the spatula I used. Big deal.). Innocuous looking, aren't they?
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| Nothing scary about this cast of characters! Right? |
Now onto the recipe (and method):
- 1 banana (organic, non-Dole brand preferred... I'll write more about the Dole Corp. later)
- 1 plum
- 3 apricots
- 1/2 c. So Delicious brand unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/4 c. White Mountain brand non-fat Bulgarian yogurt (similar to Greek yogurt or kefir)
- 1 packet of original flavour Amazing Meal plant-based protein powder
Step One - Slice and dice fruit into manageable chunks (remove and discard pits/stones, duh); put into blender or food processor (also, duh).
Step Two - Add coconut milk and yogurt; pulse/blend until partially liquefied, but still a bit chunky.
Step Three - Add protein powder (contents, not envelope... although I'm not entirely convinced that would negatively affect the taste) and pulse/blend once more until desired consistency.
Step Four - Optional! Add sweetener of your choice: sugar (I prefer raw), honey (again, I prefer raw), stevia, agave syrup, or plain ol' white granulated sugar (which defeats the purpose of this being a healthy, non-crap-filled meal but suit yourself).
*Note: I chose not to add any sweetener because I simply didn't have any on hand. Raw honey or agave syrup probably would have improved the taste, but I guess I'll never know!
Step Five - Pour into some sort of glass, if you dare. Makes two approximately 8 ounce servings. Sadly...
Review:
As I mentioned above, I should have taken the greenish powder as a red flag but persisted on my mission entirely heedless of the likely unpleasant consequences.
At first all seemed to be going well... the fruit, coconut milk, and yogurt created a lovely bright coral colour when incorporated.
Then came the beginning of the end: the green powder lent its unfortunate colour to the previously appealing concoction. The smoothie now closely resembled scummy pond water. The protein powder also contributed a flavour that I can only describe as, "earthy and green in a manner not unlike compost." Not that I know what compost tastes like first hand (I could ask my dog Gatsby who partakes of it at every opportunity), but I certainly know how it smells and can use my imagination from there.
The first flavours that hit your tongue are surprisingly banana, plum, and apricot. Unfortunately this is followed by a lingering, bitter, compost-y aftertaste. That was the only incentive I had to finish my single serving. That and my refusal to be defeated by green sludge that has many healthful benefits (which it does; I can't knock it for that).
In conclusion, I may be willing to try the flavoured varieties offered by this brand... but the fact that I rinsed my mouth out with a 50/50 mixture of cider vinegar and water (which is also what I use as a cleaning agent around the house...) gives me pause.
P.S. I don't know why I included the recipe; I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
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