Plate & Escape: Summer Farmers Market Smoothie Bowl

Plate & Escape: Summer Farmers Market Smoothie Bowl

Oh, sweet summertime, how we’ve been longing for you! With your bright shining sun, long days and – most importantly – your seasonal produce! Is it just me, or does your diet automatically become healthier come warmer months? I’m just constantly surrounded by fresh ripe berries, bright leafy greens, colorful summer squash, and more. The raw deliciousness is a no-brainer.

So while perusing the market this week, I was inspired by an abundance of colorful produce: tuscan kale, speckled zucchini, plump blueberries and peaches. What could I make that was satisfying and delicious, while still preserving the raw, ripe flavors? Enter: the Summer Farmers Market Smoothie Bowl. After stumbling across a bag of crispy, golden local granola, I knew this was the answer. I scooped up one giant zucchini ($1.50), a quart of peaches ($3), one bunch of tender kale ($3), one container of blueberries ($4.50) and a small bag of granola ($6) and off to the blender I went!

Now, I know leafy greens in your smoothie are a tale as old as time these days. They create a superhero-esque green hue and pack a punch with protein and vitamins. But you may be wondering: what the heck are you doing with a zucchini? Let me tell you. An absolute perfect way to bulk up your smoothies without adding the extra sugar and fat of additional fruits like banana or avocado: steamed zucchini! When you get it home from the market, wash it and chop it (into coins or spears, whatever you prefer) and cook in a steamer basket for 5-10 minutes over a pot of boiling water. Then let the zucchini cool and pop it in the freezer in an even layer. Once it’s frozen, throw it in an airtight container or bag. Then next time you’re looking for a little extra bulk, toss a few pieces into the blender. It’s absolutely tasteless against the fruit and extras you’ll be adding, you’ll never even know it’s there.

When it comes to smoothie recipes, items and amounts are almost completely interchangeable. It’s a great way to empty out your crisper or freezer, so don’t be afraid of trying different fruits and greens in there. But here’s how I made the Summer Farmers Market Smoothie Bowl:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped, steamed, then frozen zucchini
5-6 tuscan kale leaves
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (reserve half for garnish)
1 + 1/2 small peaches, diced, fresh or frozen (reserve the additional 1/2 for garnish)
3 tbsp plain greek yogurt (or any yogurt you prefer)
1/2 cup milk (use any milk you prefer – whole, almond, flax, coconut, etc.)
3 tbsp granola

Instructions:

  1. Add the zucchini, kale, half of the blueberries, 1 peach, yogurt, and milk to a blender. If you don’t have any frozen items in there, throw in a small handful of ice. Blend just until smooth – about 30 seconds. If you are having a hard time blending, add a little more milk.
  2. Pour smoothie mixture into a cereal bowl.
  3. In three even lines, gently add the second half of the blueberries, the addition 1/2 of diced peach and granola to the top of the bowl. If they sink to the bottom, feel free to add more.
  4. ENJOY!

So if you’re ready to go shopping for all these delicious ingredients, get to your nearby GrowNYC Greenmarket! Or, if you want a taste of heaven straight from the tree, book your spot on our Dutchess Fruit Farms & Berry Picking Tour coming up on July 28th and 29th. Our hop on/off looper shuttles will meet you at the station on both days so you can make a day trip or a whole weekend getaway out of your journey! Explore the culinary mecca and historic town of Rhinebeck and visit the bountiful pick-your-own berry and fruit farms of Dutchess County. Pending fruit availability, stops could include Greig FarmRose Hill Farm and Mead Orchards. Pick blueberries, peaches and more to your heart’s content. Plus, explore the friendly petting zoo and stocked farm market at Kesicke Farm.

Book now: //escapemaker.com/packages/reserve-dutchess-fruit-farms-berry-picking-weekend-with-hop-on-off-shuttle/

 

 

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