Malted Maca Smoothie

This is a deliciously rich and smooth non-caffeinated energy drink/milkshake. It features the malty-flavoured maca: a rainforest herb, member of the potato family and important part of the traditional Peruvian diet for over a thousand years!

Don’t let its ancient history deceive you…maca is a very relevant contemporary superfood. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps support your body’s stress hormone producing glands. When we have high output that could deplete us, maca helps to “refill” our energy stores. It provides a good supply of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, enzymes and essential amino acids, all necessary for fueling the body when undergoing strenuous exercise or stress.

In this chai-like smoothie, the dates and vanilla lend natural sweetness and balance out maca’s natural bitterness, the cinnamon adds anti-oxidants and a nice spice, and the almond milk and butter provide more protein, good fats and a creamy smooth finish.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups almond or other nut or seed milk (see how-to below)

• 4 dates, pitted

• 2 Tbsp almond or other nut or seed butter

• 2-3 tsp maca powder (to taste)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 4-6 ice cubes

• pinch of sea salt

• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder or cocoa nibs (optional)

The version without chocolate is my favourite, but the addition of some cocoa nibs or powder makes it more dessert-like with a little cocoa/caffeine boost. I am sure no one will complain!

Instructions

1. Measure and add nut milk (or blend from nuts you soak the night before)

2. Add the dates, nut/seed butter, maca, vanilla, cinnamon and ice, and blend again until smooth.

3. Optional mix & match toppings: cinnamon, a few sprinkles of ground cocoa powder or nibs, sliced almonds, cinnamon stick.

Yield: 2 servings

Got an injury or sore muscles? Try this Amazing Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie while you recover!

Easy nut milk

You can make the nut milk yourself.

1. Cover nuts or seeds with 1 inch of water.

2. Store in the fridge 8-10 hours.

3. Drain nuts and rinse in a colander.

4. Place the nuts or seeds into a high-powered blender

5. Add 1 cup water for every ¼ cup nuts and blend until very smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.

If you are just making nut or hemp milk, you would normally strain the pulp through cheesecloth. But for this smoothie, I like to leave all of the good fiber in the blender, add the rest of the ingredients and just blend again.

They are now ready for being whipped into creamy smoothies, nut milks, sauces, desserts and spreads!