Avocado Smoothie

For those of you who have followed my blog since the beginning you probably have noticed that I have posted a few recipes I learned while on my mission in Brazil. This is another one of those recipes. I was first introduced to avocado smoothies in the MTC in Brazil. My teacher took us to a little corner shop that made smoothies of every fruit imaginable. He recommended the avocado smoothie. I thought to myself... "this is probably going to taste like guacamole in a glass!" But I gave it a try. And what do you know, I liked it! And today I would like to share this simple and delicious creation with you. :)

 

Avocado Smoothie

1 avocado 

(if you want tips on how to choose an avocado leave a comment) 

1 large banana

2 cups milk

3 Tbs. sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Remove the pit and skin from the avocado and place it in a blender. Now add the banana. Pour approximately 2 cups of milk in as well. (You can adjust the milk. If you like thicker smoothies add less milk, thinner smoothies add more.) Lastly, add the sugar and vanilla. (The vanilla is an addition Dustin and I like but not included in the traditional Brazilian avocado smoothie.) Blend until smooth and serve immediately! 

The end!

Nutty Granola

I love granola. Yumm... Yumm... Yumm... After I had Luke my Grandma Billie came to visit and she brought me some granola and I ate it every morning until it was gone. Then a couple months later she came again and brought some more and once again... I ate it every morning until it was gone. This is good granola people! Best part about it is it gets me to eat some oats! And don't worry if you are the type that needs to have fruit in the morning... just throw some berries on top and some milk and it is delicious! Or if you are the yogurt in the morning type... just sprinkle a little on top and you have a nice extra little crunch! Or just eat it as a snack whenever you want. Just eat it. Because it is good!

Nutty Granola 

6 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup slivered almonds, cashews, or pecans. (Or just mix a little of all three!)
1 cup butter-- 

**don't worry the butter is covering 6 cups of oats so each serving won't have any more than what you would spread on a piece of toast**
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Variations: sunflower seeds, flax seed, coconut, craisins/raisins.

1. Put the oatmeal, nuts, and coconut (optional) in a large mixing bowl. 

2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat melt the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is melted together. Pour over the oats and nuts until well coated. 

3. Pour evenly on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and stir the granola. Bake for another 12 minutes.

6. Let cool on the pan for 10-15 minutes.

7. Store in an airtight storage container after granola has completely cooled.