I love a warm, soothing bowl of whole grain porridge with lots of nuts and seeds and a refreshing smoothie with greens to give me energy for the morning.  These favorites of mine have some usual ingredients but with a few twists to give more protein and nutrient power.  The result is healthy deliciousness!

Buckwheat grout porridge is a hearty option with more protein than oatmeal.  Walnuts and pecans, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and ground flax provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber as well as crunch.  Lots of ceylon cinnamon and a pinch of cloves lend a sweet spiciness.  Other alternatives to buckwheat that I love are teff and steel cut oats.

My blueberry kale smoothie incorporates cannellini beans for extra protein.  Don’t worry, they don’t change the taste!  Blueberries and kale are powerhouses of antioxidants and fiber.  Banana gives it sweetness and butternut squash adds even more nutrients.  Matcha powder gives a burst of additional longevity promoting antioxidants.  

Try my easy porridge and smoothie recipes and you may be surprised at how tasty and satisfying they are!

Blueberry Kale Smoothie

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup frozen kale

1/2 frozen banana

2 tablespoons frozen butternut squash, cooked

2 heaping tablespoons canned cannellini beans

3/4 to 1 cup oat or soy milk

1/2 tsp matcha powder

shake of ceylon cinnamon

shake of ground ginger

1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)

1 tsp almond butter (optional)

Microwave frozen kale for 1 minute on high. Put oat or soy milk into a blender and then all remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth.

Spiced Buckwheat Grouts with Nuts & Seeds

3/4 cooked buckwheat grouts (from 1/4 cup dry)

chia seeds

hemp hearts

ground flax

walnuts

pecans

sprinkle ceylon cinnamon

sprinkle ground cloves

oat or soy milk

Soak 1 cup buckwheat grouts in water overnight.  Drain and simmer on low with 2 cups water.  Add other ingredients and enjoy!