Spiced Apricot-Cashew Smoothie
Two days before we had scheduled for a week-long vacation, my CSA delivered with the motherload. Figures. Not that I am complaining, but finding ways to use up bags of fragile greens in two days is no easy feat. And then there were the apricots. 5 lbs of Blenheims and Pattersons quickly nearing their peak of perfection. And then, when we returned, they gave us 5 lbs more!
With dozens (and dozens) of these little gems on hand, I thought they must make their way into my breakfast (and snack, and dessert (see my last post for apricot crumble bars), and …), so of course, a smoothie it was.
Since I was having it for breakfast, I didn’t opt for a super-sweet treat, but feel free to up the sweetener or play around with one of the sub options listed. Also, I see no reason why you couldn’t sub in another stone fruit if you don’t have ripe apricots available. Try peaches, cherries, or even nectarines!
Spiced Apricot-Cashew Smoothie
This recipe is Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, and optionally Sugar-Free.
- 3 Ripe Apricots
- 1 Small to Medium Frozen, Ripe Banana (see sub options below)
- 1/2 to 3/4 Cup Milk Alternative (I used Silk Almond Original)
- 1/2 Ounce Cashews, Ground in Spice Grinder
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Flaxseed (optional)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- Pinch Salt
- Sweetener to Taste (see below)
- Ice (optional)
Place the apricots through salt in your blender, give it a few pulses to break things up, and whiz away until smooth (start with just 1/2 cup of the milk alternative and add more if desired once the mixture is smooth). Taste test and blend in sweetener to taste. If a frostier treat is in order, blend in ice to desired consistency.
Sweetener – This really is a matter of taste and depends on how ripe / sweet your fruit is and if your milk alternative is sweet at all. I added 1 teaspoon of honey, because I love honey with stone fruit. You could add your sweetener of choice (perhaps 1 to 3 teaspoons) or for an all-fruit vibe, add a soft pitted date.
Tired of Bananas? – Try subbing the banana with your favorite dairy-free yogurt or two soft pitted dates. Or for a more indulgent shake, stick with just the apricots, double the cashews, add in ice, and extra sweetener to taste.
Go Green – Toss in one or two fistfuls of baby spinach. It changes the color, but not the taste.
Yields 1 summer smoothie
If you like this one, you might also like these recipes:
Bloggie Events:
I submitted this recipe / post to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays on Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free.
20 thoughts on “Spiced Apricot-Cashew Smoothie”
So thick! That looks like a post gym session smoothie
Don’t you just love the way that serendipity works?
The smoothie looks so thick creamy and delicious.
Awesome! Great flavor and nutritious. Bravo.
Cheers!
That does sound good. I’ll soak some cashews overnight for my smoothie tomorrow. I also freeze all my soft fruit for smoothies too.
YUM!! I love apricots, and I’d probably jut eat them all as is.
These look amazing! Who doesn’t love apricots?
I really hope you know how absolutely delicious that smoothies sounds! I love apricots but have never really thought about making a smoothies out of the, let alone spiced with cinnamon!!!! Mmmmm! That’s for the idea and recipe!
that sounds so good! i never thought of adding spices to smoothies… can’t wait to try it! i bet nutmeg would be great too.
I’m so glad to see a smoothie recipe that is still healthy! So many of them are loaded with fat or unnecessary ingredients. Way to go!
I never thought to put cashews directly in my smoothies, but what a good idea and great way to add extra protein. I’m loving experimenting with smoothies. Right now, I’m drinking one made with 1 apple, 3 kale leaves, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4″ piece of fresh ginger, squirt of agave, 6 oz water, and 4 ice cubes. Nice job, can’t wait to try your combo. And oh, if I got my hand on some nice blenheims, I’d definitely dehydrate them and make my own dried apricots!
Great smoothie idea – I love your use of cashews. I love cashews, but never would have thought to make them the star of a smoothie. Great flavor combos!
Great idea for using those apricots! I have a few from our organic box that are about to expire. . . tomorrow’s breakfast is now planned! 🙂
Ali – nutmeg is a great idea! I think it also pairs wonderfully with stone fruits.
Ellen – you are brave with all of those strong flavored greens, but I bet the apple contrasts nicely!
Yum! What a great flavor for a smoothie!
ooh, love the addition of cashews! and totally jealous of your csa… and apricots 🙂
omg i have apricots and bananas coming outta my ears about now, need to make this 🙂
Wow, what a great idea. I ll definitely try it.
YUMO! This looks absolutely incredible. I cannot wait to try this on the weekend =) Thanks for the recipe/tips.
Sounds delightful with some unique flavors.
Comments are closed.