Pineapple Banana & Coconut Cream Smoothie
I can’t get enough slurpy goodness here in Aruba.
When it’s hot and humid and I’m literally a hot mess these go down so well.
I try to take inspiration in what I eat and drink based on the local surroundings. Most of the U.S. is cold right now and I know that drinking a cold smoothie in Minnesota in December may not be on your to-do list.
But since I’m on the Equator, I may as well lots of smoothies and enjoy the flowers.
They’re real.
I picked them from a flowering shrub in my front yard.
Please don’t ask me what the name is. I have no idea other than to call them pretty.
And very, very orange and very, very vibrant!
I almost need sunglasses looking at the pictures of them. Sorry about that.
But better than looking at icicles, right?
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Pineapple Banana & Coconut Cream Smoothie
1 banana (previously frozen is ideal but not essential)
1 c pineapple (I used canned in juice, but fresh would be great)
1/2 c coconut milk (canned, fresh, cream of coconut, or coconut creme concentrate)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 c ice cubes
1/4 c sugar, optional or to taste (or honey, agave, sugar, stevia, vanilla NuNaturals stevia drops to taste)
The remainder is optional:
1/3 c additional fruit (such strawberries, mango, peaches, plums, nectarines, papaya, honeydew, cantaloupe, etc.)
1/4 c yogurt
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 scoop neutral or vanilla flavored protein powder
top with a handful of coconut flakes, granola, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, raisins
For a pina colada add 1 to 2 ounces rum (dark rum, light rum, Malibu)
Blend everything in Vita-Mix, Magic Bullet, or blender until smooth.
Yields: Approximately 12 ounces. Store extra in the freezer and remove from freezer long enough to soften before drinking the leftover portion.
Note: if you are not a ‘coconut person’ or don’t have it on hand, simply use regular milk, cream, vegan milk, nut milk, soy milk, etc.
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If today’s smoothie recipe looks similar to the Peaches and Coconut Cream Smoothie I made last week, it is.
I just swapped out the peaches for pineapple.
Not rocket science but I’m on vacation.
I pleased to report that the Peaches and Coconut Cream Smoothie I posted last week was the Foodista Drink of the Day for December 13, 2011
Thanks for the award, Foodista
And now, I need some more of the pineapple smoothie. It’s so creamy and sweet and coconutty and just slurpable. Basically a virgin pina colada.
I may twist Scott’s arm and add some rum to our smoothies after we put Skylar to bed. We’re living on the edge with homemade pina coladas. Don’t you know it.
And after one smoothie spiked with rum, you could put me straight to bed. I have become the quintessential lightweight that can get drunk from one pina colada.
I used to laugh at people like me.
Questions:
Do you drink smoothies in the winter? Or hot coffee or hot tea in the summer?
How “seasonally appropriate” are you when it comes to your beverage choices?
In the winter in cold climates, I am not big on cold beverages because I just get so chilled (for hours) after drinking them.
But on vacation when I’m sweating buckets like when I made Crack, yes, bring on the cold smoothies to cool me down.
And I can chug hot coffee, year round. I don’t have any issue with that. Even if it does mean I am pouring sweat in the summer. That’s what deodorant is for.
Winner of the Chobani Yogurt Giveaway announced next post
We almost have identical smoothies today! I drank it yesterday and then shivered my way through the rest of the day. I even jacked the heat up to 70 after telling you I don’t put it past 68 the day before and was STILL cold! They’re delicious but I think I need to leave them for summer time around here.
Those flowers are absolutely gorgeous!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:10 am
when I saw that smoothie on your post today I was like…wait…she’s gonna be chilled for hours (or days!) after that thing. lol
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Those flowers are simply gorgeous. Love that intense pop of color. That looks like the perfect drink for a beach vacay. I’ve made something similar (only added vanilla run LOL).
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:07 am
vanilla rum…oh yes please! :)
I have college memories of Malibu rum. lol
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I’m ALWAYS drinking tea — hot or cold out. Smoothies, I can’t really do when it’s cold — we keep the heat at 58ish here so I try to ingest only warm things! But, I feel like I’ve been seeing a lot of pineapple on the blogosphere lately…makes me crave it!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:06 am
58F? IN the house?! I’d die. Or need to go sweater shopping! :)
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I drink smoothies and hot coffee all year long :) This sounds amazing girl. Can I come hang with you?
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:06 am
any time girl! 2012 girls trip down here. how fun would THAT be!
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I want one of THOSE for breakfast…YUM!
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Beautiful photos!
Brooke
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:04 am
thanks, Brooke.
Merry Xmas to you and the fam!
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Congratulations on the award!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:04 am
thanks!
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Take me to Aruba with you next time, please?
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:04 am
any time girl! I’m thinking girls trip, 2012. How fun would that be! My house down here is a 3 BR/2 BA. Just bring the rum :)
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Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 7:08 am
I can handle that! I’ll bring the rum and leave the baby with hubs. :)
What a beautiful picture of the beach! I am living vicariously through you. Happy to come to your site every day and get some WARM inspiration (I will take that with me on my outdoor run today!). I drink smoothies year round. That is our breakfast! It’s always something a little different. Today it was ground flax seeds, carrot, cuke, avocado, orange, rice protein powder, cinnamon, a little soy milk and frozen bananas. Yum! Best way to start the day :) Unless it’s on a beach!!
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That smoothie makes me waaaant it!
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Can’t even dream of drinking a smoothie right now eek! But if I were slaving over cooking some crack myself I might be down, haha loved that line.
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I’m definitely still drinking my green smoothies! Rather than doing mango/coconut or something else light and fruity, though, my go-to has been pumpkin/cinnamon/peanut butter. Its warming and filling and delicious.
With the exception of my smoothies, I’m seasonally appropriate with my beverages. Iced tea and coffee in the summer, hot tea and soy lattes in the winter. There’s nothing like hot tea + snuggie + christmas lights + snow falling outside. :)
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You don’t have to come up with rocket science type recipes when you’re on vacation! In fact, I’m amazed that you’re doing all these posts while you’re away!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:20 am
thanks for the praise…some days I wonder about my own posting schedule…Lol.
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I don’t care what the season … I drink hot and cold stuff all year round.
Gorgeous flowers!
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I understand! Slurpy goodness is the only way to go out there! haha This sounds lovely.
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I love your Aruba posts, especially the sunny pictures! They’re a nice little reminder that sunshine and warmth still exists in the world. I really struggle with winter, but beachy pictures warm me from the inside.
As for drinks, by choices are very seasonal. I still like cool water in the winter, but I like to drink herbal tea, and you’ll never catch me drinking a smoothie in the winter. Brrr.
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:19 am
winter is hard, very hard, on me. I understand the struggle..hang in there!
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Congrats on the award!! When are you going to pull all your recipes together into one smart little cookbook? Could be a great Holiday gift for next year, I’m just saying….
I have my daily kale smoothie year round. I don’t put in much ice because I don’t like a super cold and icy smoothie.
I am a HUGE coffee fan and have my 2 cups every morning. I prefer it warm but in the summer I may spring for an afternoon iced coffee from Peets Coffee. LOVE their coffee.
I love a warm chai tea in the fall and winter, that is my afternoon treat!
Cheers!
Jackie
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Hi Averie! Congrats on the award. When are you going to compile all your recipes into a cookbook. Could be a great Christmas gift for next year, just saying….
I drink a kale smoothie everyday, winter or summer. I don’t put to much ice in as I don’t like super icy and cold smoothies.
I have 2 cups of warm Peets coffee every morning but may splurge on an afternoon iced coffee in the summer. I just can’t have my breakfast without coffee. It just makes breakfast all the better :)
Jackie
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Peets is always a winner…for.sure.
Thanks as always for your support & praise!
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Wow, could these photos get any more gorgeous!?! I don’t think so. That drink sounds fabulous aaaand I’d love to be at that beach right now. :)
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Thanks, Caroline!
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I eat ice cream, drink smoothies and eat overnight oatmeal cold year-round. Although I may have blankets and coats on while I do so. I just can’t get enough! I can’t stand hot drinks, so I can’t say that I drink them at all, let alone when it’s hot out. I’m also not a fan of soup, which is really just a hot drink with chunks.
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:17 am
“which is really just a hot drink with chunks.” <– so true and you make me LOL :)
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Amber K replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 11:58 am
I love it when the truth is funny, lol!
This is really close to one of my favorite smoothie recipes – I add a bit of mango, too.
If I’m in the mood for a smoothie, nothing else will cure that craving. Which means that I’m usually drinking a smoothie will sitting at home and wearing a winter jacket. My husband thinks I’m crazy!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
I have a mango-ish one too I think in my recipe arsenal…I just throw stuff in the blender and hope for the best :)
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I am pretty certain those are hibiscus flowers. :-)
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — December 14th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
I don’t think they are but I am no botanist! haha
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Love pineapple in smoothies!! I drink a smoothie everyday and it doesnt affect me, but I drink hot tea later in the day to warm up.
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Hi! I gotta tell you, it is seriously impressive that you are posting new recipes and pics on vacation!! *high five!* And I love that I don’t have to miss reading your updates :) have so much fun!
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oh yum! this sounds wonderful, full of all my favorite things
beautiful photos too!
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Holy yummy smoothie! The combo of those flavors happen to be my 13 year old’s favorite. I showed him and he asked for it for dessert after dinner tomorrow night…that way I have time to get a few of the ingredients!
I drink a frozen coconut water or green smoothie every day, although I wear a sweatshirt and hold onto two microwavable hot packs while I do! LOL! :-) I also drink hot coffee at any time, even when it is 100 degrees out!
Congratulations on the award, Averie. You deserve it for sure!
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This smoothie sounds wonderful and love the pics with the flowers! I drink smoothies in the winter and hot coffee in the summer, so I guess me beverages aren’t too seasonal. But I do tend to drink more tea in the winter.
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Looks delicious. I love coconut anything and I’m totally fine with drinking a smoothie in December :)
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I live in Thailand so it is also hot and humid here. I REALLY wish we had a blender in our house though. It’s not one of the appliances we got when we moved.
I LOVE all the stuff in those smoothies though and would LOVE to at least find a friend with a blender to make them.
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Love, love, LOVE this!! :)
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I just made the Pineapple banana coconut smoothie. AMAZING!!
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Averie @ Love Veggies & Yoga replied: — January 27th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Aww, thanks! Glad you liked it :)
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I’ve had this page marked for ages to make and finally made it tonight. So good! I normally use frozen fruit, but I didn’t pre-freeze any of the fruit here, so it was a little thinner than I normally like. Next time I’ll fix that. Still very yummy. I’ve been looking for a recipe like this for ages, and it didn’t disappoint!
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Averie @ Averie Cooks replied: — April 27th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
so glad it worked and it’s a keeper for you!
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I just started making smoothies in the morning. I love them! It’s a great way to kick off the day. I like this combo.
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Yum! Can’t wait to try these. :)
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