Vanilla Lemonade Smoothie

I started experimenting with making smoothies using a high-powered blender. I use a Blendtec blender, but a similar machine like a Vitamix will work. This particular smoothie is one of my first successful creations. I'll be sharing several other smoothies in future posts.

The vanilla used in the smoothie makes a big difference in the flavor. A vanilla extract suspended in glycerin will taste much better than one suspended in alcohol. For instance, Trader Joe's Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract works well, but I'm not sure they sell it any more. Villa Vanilla produces a "Vanilla Super Extract"--which is a 5X vanilla concentrate--that works well, but I cannot find it online (the label is black).

If you use an alcohol-based extract (e.g. Kirkland Signature Vanilla Extract), the smoothie may end up dominated by the alcohol flavor. In that case you may want to let the smoothie sit for a few minutes after pouring it into serving cups so that some of the alcohol can dissipate.

Ingredients

• Lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons, depending on desired tartness level
• 1/2 fully ripe avocado
• Approximately 3 to 6 heaping tablespoons cane sugar, depending on desired sweetness level
• 3 tablespoons vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free)
• Ice
• Water
• Desired amount of unflavored protein/collagen powder (optional)

Directions

1. Add the cane sugar to the blender. I typically pour until the pile of sugar until it reaches the top of the central post that holds the blade in the Blendtec.
2. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Add/Prepare the protein/collagen powder 
1. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that doesn't clump in cold water, add the protein/collagen powder to the mixture in the blender. (I use 2 scoops from this brand.) 
2. If using a brand of protein/collagen powder that does clump in water, mix the protein/collagen powder with about 16 oz. of (preferably cool or cold) water following the directions on the container and set the mixture aside. (I use 2 scoops from this powder.)
4. Add ice up to the 1-liter mark.
5. Add water (or the mixture from step 3.2) until about an inch above the 1-liter mark.
6. Set aside an additional glass/cup with water.
7. Blend until smooth. (The Blendtec has a "smoothie" button for this.)
1. Warning: If the blender starts to struggle or spin freely--meaning the blender is running but the smoothie mixture is not moving or is sluggish--immediately start adding water from step 6 until the smoothie mixture starts to flow again.
8. Pour, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Notes

Lemon Juice

When preparing the lemon juice, I try to use the lemon pulp as well. However, I also strain out the seeds, because I cannot eat them on my diet. I only keep the lemon pulp when I can separate it from the seeds without trouble.

Ice and Water

The ideal ice-to-water ratio will result in a smoothie which has the consistency of yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. If you find the smoothie is too watery then either add more ice next time or cut back on the water added. When there is not enough water then the blender will start to spin freely as mentioned in step 7.1.

Avocado

The ripeness of the avocado matters. If the avocado is not ripe, then the smoothie will be clumpy, will start to separate, and the flavor will be unsatisfying. If the avocado is ripe, then the smoothie will be satisfyingly creamy and will stay uniform for a long time--at least a half-hour.

I've attempted to use avocado oil in place of the avocado, but that particular smoothie doesn't have the right texture and starts to separate immediately. I've also tried to substitute coconut oil, but that also separates immediately and tends to be clumpy.

Isn't Vanilla a Seed?

On my diet I am supposed to avoid eating seeds, especially because I have found that I am sensitive to at least some nuts and most seeds--I get flu symptoms or rashes. However, vanilla flavoring is derived from the seeds of a vanilla plant.

What gives?

Most seeds are designed by nature to survive digestive tracts so that they can sprout somewhere else. Consequently, they contain chemicals which loosen the digestive tract and cause the food to move through more quickly.

Vanilla extract does not contain vanilla seeds. Vanilla seeds may or may not have the protective properties that other seeds possess. I haven't tried vanilla seeds so I haven't been able to see if they have an inflammatory effect on me.  Regardless, vanilla extract does not seem to generate an inflammatory response in my body, so I am fine consuming vanilla.