Strawberry Orange Ginger Smoothie

Fresh ginger gives this smoothie a refreshing and delicious taste.

The healing properties of ginger are similar to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), therefore, it can regulate biochemical pathways which are activated with chronic inflammation. Adding ginger to your daily diet can soothe the aches and pain associated with aging. If you wake up with stiff joints or sore hands, this smoothie in the morning may put a smile on your face.

Ingredients

~1 cup orange juice.

~1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk

~1 tsp grated ginger root

~1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

In a blender, combine orange juice, milk, ginger root and berries. Puree until smooth. Serve cold.

Excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and anthocyanins (antioxidants in berries).

Tip: turn this into your daily serving of Omega-3 by adding a teaspoon of Carlson’s The Very Finest Fish Oil, Orange or Lemon Flavor. Adding the Omega-3 EPA/DHA rich oil boosts the ginger's inflammation balancing power and you'll be supporting heart, brain, and vision health too! And I assure you this taste award winning oil is never fishy. Try it you'll be hooked!

Dark Chocolate~Orange Martini

Now I'll admit I haven't made this yet...but the weekend is upon us! And really...what's not to love about this little sip of orange-chocolate deliciousness? Remember...dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body. A little bit of dark chocolate (think Dove dark chocolate bar) daily gives you the antioxidant flavonoid compound epicatechin which promotes the elasticity of blood vessels and healthy circulation.

A small daily serving of dark chocolate helps support: 

•   healthy blood pressure levels

•   reduced LDL cholesterol levels

•   reduced risk of blood clots

•   increased levels of pleasurable endorphins such as phenylethylamine

•   increased levels of the good mood neurotransmitter serotonin

Dark Chocolate~Orange Martini 

(Adapted from Food Network's Chefs Recipe)

Mix 2 tablespoons each raw turbinado sugar and finely chopped dark chocolate on a plate. Use a chefs knife with a rocking motion and grind up a dark chocolate bar. Dove will do nicely...perfectly ok to nibble a bit as you go. Combine 2 ounces each chocolate liqueur and vodka, 1 ounce chilled espresso, 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice and a strip of orange zest in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake well for 10-15 seconds. Run a slice of orange around the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip it in the sugar-chocolate mixture. Strain the cocktail into the glass and garnish with an orange wedge.

I was thinking this would also be delicious if you went raspberry instead of orange...I'd use Chambord instead of the orange liquor, leave out the espresso...( Oh does that mean more vodka?) Moisten the rims with the berries for extra flavor and float a couple of fresh berries in the glass..I'll try it and report my findings...