I can’t believe it has been over 10 days since I last wrote a post for this blog! So sorry, everyone! Summers do tend to keep us all busier than at other times of the year. Last week, when I probably would have written a post, found me visiting my sister in Alabama. All my guys were gone for the week, and I found myself totally alone for the first time in over 24 years. The first day or two really were not so bad…no responsibilities was actually sort of nice! However, I am a people person, so I made arrangements for the dog and set out on my journey. Making that 6-hour drive alone when I was in my 20s never bothered me; but now that I am older I realize that I like company when I drive. Anyway, I had a marvelous time getting to visit with my sister, her two daughters, and her 5 grandbabies. The men in her life were gone for the week, too! I stopped to see Barbi on my way home and had a great few hours with her, too!
Today is a sad day in the Gardner kitchen. My faithful food processor, which I bought used over 24 years ago, died this morning. I was in the middle of chopping up ingredients for a 3rd batch of salsa when it refused to turn on. I switched the plug to a different outlet and made sure I had all the parts on correctly, but it just wouldn’t work. Saddness. I had to finish the job by using the mini processor that came with my blender.
The other day a friend of mine shared her recipe for Green Monsters and oatmeal smoothies. I have heard of green monsters before, but didn’t have a recipe for them. Kate was saying how good they are and how convenient they are to grab and go when in a hurry in the mornings. I’m not usually in a hurry in the mornings, but love these just for a change from the norm. They are also great for these hot summer days!
The oatmeal smoothies recipe can be found here: http://www.theyummylife.com/Oatmeal Smoothies. I made the Pomegranate Blueberry Smoothie which is just amazing!
Green Monsters:
1-2 tbsp. whole flax seeds
1 frozen banana
1-2 tbsp. peanutbutter
2 big handsful of spinach
1-1/2 c. milk
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth! Kate uses almond milk instead of cow’s milk and said it tastes great!
The Cookbook Experiment 