Today was beautiful except for the 45 MPH windy gusts! My car tends to handle like a billboard in those conditions while my hair turns into a ratted poof. Thank goodness I used an entire can of hairspray to plaster it back into a bun … okay, only half. To add to today’s challenges, I’m completely out of protein powder for my smoothies – the horror! I was supposed to receive more Monday, but the shipment was delayed a day and I had to get MacGyver with my smoothie this morning. I could have just threw in additional hemp and chia seeds, but I pulled the bag of Trader Joe’s Peanut Flour from my pantry instead.
It’s protein to calorie ratio isn’t too shabby compared to hemp protein powder, so I dumped 1/4 cup into this mornings smoothie.
Along with collard green leaves, carrot, frozen banana chunks, stevia and a little cacao powder to make it a chocolate peanut butter-like smoothie.
The end result wasn’t bad, it had a mild peanut and chocolate flavor that was slightly sweet while still being a well rounded breakfast. This isn’t something I’m gonna do a lot, I’m actually reducing my peanut intake and finally received my Vega shipment today. But, hey – it worked to bridge the gap.
After eating heavy leftovers for lunch and snacking today, I was craving a light dinner which usually means a monster salad and a great opportunity to try a new dressing – Gena’s Savory Sunflower Seed Dressing.
Instead of the agave nectar, I used a pitted medjool date which made the dressing a little darker in color. I also opted for dill seasoning over basil because I adore dill in salads.
It was perfect for coating a monster salad.
Looks a lot like a creamy ranch dressing, but tasted way better I’m sure!
The verdict? Wow, it was wonderful with a rich savory and slightly sweet flavor and just perfect with dill. My husband also liked it and even packed some of the leftovers for his lunch tomorrow. It was simple to throw together in the Vita-Mix, I always have sunflower seeds and the rest of the ingredients on hand. So, if you haven’t yet – give this dressing a try!
I saw that recipe on Gena’s site and love anything with sunflower seeds so i know i’d dig it!
Glad you macguyver’ed up your smoothie…LOL! And hey, whatever works, right!
Happy that your Vega arrived tho, now you can smoothie it up properly tomorrow :)
You need to try Gena’s recipe, it’s great!
The smoothie was actually a good treat, good to know I have backup protein powder. :-)
The Vega was interesting, I’ll be reviewing it later today.
I just got some PB2 … maybe I’ll try that with collards and cacao nibs this morning … love getting ideas from you!
Beautiful shot of the dressing coming down on the salad.
I added 2T PB2, 2T hemp seeds to 1 cup water and handful of ice cubes, collard leaves, and cacao nibs. Delish! Thanks for another great idea!
Awesome, glad you liked it! I tried a Vega product in my smoothie this morning and will have an interesting review of it later, but I think I liked the peanut flour in my smoothie better. :-)
Thanks, it was a fun experiment and I love a lot of your ideas.
I’m having fun playing with my macro lens and pour shots. :-)
I lol’d at “ghetto smoothie” – sounds pretty good though!
I found myself thinking just yesterday– I should use my peanut flour in smoothies!!! I have a whole bag and have yet to even open it– I think I’m a little lost with it.
It was hard for me to get started with the peanut flour, I can confidently say it does not work with socca! :-P But it does make decent pancakes and smoothie protein powder. :-)
I am just green with envy every time I see TJs PB Flour on a blog – I have yet to try and it now you’re showing it to me in a ~smoothie~?! What a great idea!!
Your pics look delish girl :D
I’ve heard peanut flour can be purchased on Amazon if there are no Trader Joe’s in your area, it’s a fun product to play with because it does have a peanut butter flavor with less fat and more protein.
isnt gena brilliant!? her recipes are always delicious. i like that peanut flour in oatmeal and dressings. never tried it in a smoothie before…might have to give it a shot.
Okay, flippin’ weird. I literally just walked into my kitchen to make Gena’s dressing – WITH DILL INSTEAD OF BASIL – but before I started, I stopped by your blog to see what you’re up to! Creeeeepy. :) So glad to hear that the dressing turned out well. I was thinking of using a date instead of agave, too!
Great idea on the smoothie!!
Hehe, that’s too funny! I’m usually quick to try any new recipe Gena makes because they’re so good. And I think the date made it a little more thick and creamy which is all good. :-)