Banana-Beet Smoothie

This is a quick and simple recipe for anyone and also a healthy alternative to a fast-food snack in the morning if you do not have time for breakfast. The benefits of this smoothie include a great source of folic acid, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6. The banana-beet smoothie makes a great healthy combo for your body! I make this on most mornings or on some early evenings when I'm not too hungry for dinner.

Ingredients:

1 banana (medium-sized)
1/2 cup of sliced beets
1/2 cup of orange juice
6 oz plain, non-fat organic yogurt

Directions:

* Pour the juice in the blender

* Add the banana, sliced beets and yogurt in the blender

* Blend until you get a smooth texture

Helpful hints & more:

**For this recipe, I use canned sliced beets (make sure " no salt added" is written on the can! ) but you can opt for fresh, non-canned beets.
**Do not use flavored or low calorie yogurts as they contain too much sugar or artificial sweeteners, neither of which, in my opinion, are good for your health!
**To change up the taste, you can use orange-mango juice or even pineapple juice

Mango Creme Brulee

I  took a trip to downtown Fredericksburg this weekend and happened to come across a little restaurant called " The Soup & Taco Etc".  There was a little board outside the restaurant with the day's specials and desserts, which included mango creme brulee so I had to go in and give it a try!!!  

As I gently used my spoon to break the thin layer of caramel over the creme, I came across the smooth, yellow,  mango cream and I can say that the first bite was magical!  It was rich, creamy and you could really taste the mango!  I do not have the recipe but I will search for it and test it and when I get it right, I will be sure to post it for you to try it!! So, if you are ever in downtown Fredericksburg, visit the soup and taco etc ( 813 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA) and try the mango creme brulee! 

PS: I was dessert hopping so I only tried the mango creme brulee!  :-)