Brazil Nut Smoothie
It has been crazy around here! The cookbook is in its final stages, and should be released in less than two weeks! I have been pouring all of my energy into the final stages, which has meant the blog has been a little quieter. But that will change tomorrow. All of the recipes and photos will be in the hands of the layout department, and the editor will be hard at work, so I can get back to work, here!
Lately, I have been enjoying Brazil nuts. They have a mild flavor that makes a beautiful nut milk, they can be substituted for almonds in many recipes, and they are on the less expensive side. Nutritionally speaking, they have a high selenium content which qualifies them as a “complete” protein. The fat in nuts are monounsaturated, or the “good” fat that is heart healthy. They also have copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin E.
Here is one of my favorite combinations, a cacao and banana smoothie made with Brazil nut milk.
Brazil Nut Milk Smoothie
SERVES 2
Brazil Nut Milk
- 1 cup Brazil Nuts
- 4 cups Water
Place in high speed blender. Blend well, Pour through a nut milk bag or cheese cloth. Refrigerate. This will only last a few days in the fridge.
Cacao Banana Pick-Me-Up
- 1 cup Brazil Nut Milk
- 1 cup Ice
- 1 Banana
- 1 tablespoon Raw Honey or Agave
- 2 tablespoons Cacao Powder
Place all ingredients in blender, blend until smooth.
Christine (The Raw Project) wrote on April 29, 2010
Brazil nut milk is great, I need to try that smoothie. I am careful not to eat too many because I’m a bit fearful of selenium poisoning, but I try to include them once a week or so.
Diane wrote on April 29, 2010
Brazil nut milk is my favorite one to use in smoothies, and I think pairs better with cacao than the almond milk, even! I’m taking iodine for my thyroid, high doses, and one of the recommended essential companion supplements is selenium. Some people supplementing with iodine use brazil nuts as their selenium intake each day. I spoil our neighborhood squirrels, and they occasionally get some of my brazil nuts…
Roxanne wrote on April 29, 2010
I’m thinking like Stacy. All this foreshadowing of your book is making my brain crazy with wonder. I’m in line to buy the first copy of your book…can’t wait to see what your editor does with your health induced recipies and stunning photography!!!
Thanks so very much for sharing your wondrous creativity with us 🙂
Susan wrote on April 29, 2010
Stacy and Roxanne,
The book will be available in both download and print. More on that in the next week or two. Yes, there are photos with every recipe, not in the center. As for price, I will announce that soon.
Stacy wrote on April 28, 2010
Hi Susan,
Could you please tell me how much your book will cost, and where we can buy it? How many recipes do you have in there, and do you have beautiful full color photos with each recipe, by the recipe, or are they in a center section not with the recipes?
I love the photos you have with each recipe, I’m so picture oriented, and when I see your photos, it’s a no-brainer for me to make “THAT” delicious looking whatever-you’ve-made 🙂
Thanks a bunch, Stacy
Zimt wrote on April 28, 2010
I have a question about this statement:
“Nutritionally speaking, they have a high selenium content which qualifies them as a ‘complete’ protein.”
What does selenium have to do with being a complete protein? Selenium is a mineral, not an amino acid. And I believe increased dietary selenium increases methionine levels in mammals (?). But brazilnuts are still relatively low in lysine. Does the selenium affect lysine levels in some way? Thanks. I just find the statement above really confusing.
Susan wrote on April 28, 2010
Stephanie: Selenium is a component of the unusual amino acids selenocysteine and selenomethionine. While it is toxic in large doses, selenium is an essential micro nutrient. Studies have shown it protects against cancer and also works as an antioxidant. Brazil nuts are considered to be one of the 6 healthiest nuts.
Lois wrote on April 28, 2010
…good one for the morning! looks rich and decadent!!