During the warm Summer months, Eric likes smoothies for breakfast after a morning workout. Not only are they refreshing with their icy coolness, but they also have a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, & fat needed post-workout and they are rehydrating. His current pick uses almond milk and almond butter along with a few dates, some banana, and a touch of honey.

When making this particular smoothie, it is necessary to soften the dates before blending them. This can be done either hours in advance or right before making the smoothie. Soaking the dates in the almond milk ahead of time is less work, but it means remembering to do so before bed the night before making the smoothie. The other softening method requires covering the dates with boiling water, but that adds an extra step to the morning prep work. Either way, this smoothie is a perfect start to his day!

Almond Date Smoothie

Almond Date Smoothie (adapted from bhg.com)  Time Required: 10 minutes + chilling time, Makes 1 12-ounce serving

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup (4) medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 small banana
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions:

In the smoothie cup of the blender, combine the almond milk and dates. Cover and chill the container overnight.

Overnight method for hydrating the dates.

Or to save time, place the dates in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them stand for 10 minutes. Drain the dates and allow them to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.

Quick method for hr\ydrating the dates.

Add the banana, almond butter, and honey to the milk and dates in the blender cup.

Add the nut butter, honey, & banana to the blender cup.

Cover and blend the ingredients for 30 seconds or until they are smooth.

Blend the drink until it is smooth.

Add the ice and blend again until the drink is smooth.

Add the ice and blend until smooth.

Serve immediately.

A delicious summer breakfast!

What a great way to start the day!  ~Linda

Almond Date Smoothie (adapted from bhg.com)  Time Required: 10 minutes + chilling time, Makes 1 12-ounce serving

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup (4) medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 small banana
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions:

In the smoothie cup of the blender, combine the almond milk and dates. Cover and chill the container overnight.

Or to save time, place the dates in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them stand for 10 minutes. Drain the dates and allow them to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.

Add the banana, almond butter, and honey to the milk and dates in the blender cup. Cover and blend the ingredients for 30 seconds or until they are smooth. Add the ice and blend again until the drink is smooth. Serve immediately.