Blues in the Night Smoothie

Recording “These Broken Tracks” in San Antonio, TX.  Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

The Blues

Musically speaking, the “blues” can take on many shades and tones. Some blues can be mellow, moody, or jazzy (B.B. King, Buddy Guy).

More progressive styles of blues feature blues-based guitar chord structures and riffs which can rock the house down (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Gaines).

ZZ Top’s “El Diablo,” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s version of “Crossroads” are two favorites that rock the house.

Blueberry (Vaccinium L.)

Blueberrycouncil.org states that blueberries are low in fat, packed with vitamins C and K, a good source of fiber, and an excellent source of manganese.

According to authoritynutrition.com, blueberries are the king of antioxidants, which protect bodies from damage by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.

Blueberries are believed to contain the highest antioxidant capacity of ALL commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.

Zero528 agrees that blueberries taste YUMMY! Especially in this purple-shaded “Blues in the Night” fruit smoothie blend. Add some peanut butter and WHOA!

Blues in the Night Smoothie Recipe

Yet another winning line-up of tasty ingredients. Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Minnesota “home” glass filled with the Blues in the Night Smoothie. Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Ingredients

• 1 large banana, peeled, and quartered
• ½ cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 scoop (provided in bag) of Vega Protein Smoothie-Viva Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Flax Seed
• 2 heaping Tbsp. Krema/Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup (or slightly more depending upon desired thickness) Almond Breeze Almond Milk-Original

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in a blender and mix until creamy
2. Serve immediately or freeze to enjoy later

Makes two servings!

“Enjoy and keep a good thought!” Bob P.

Credit where credit is due:

All images and photos © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Recipe inspired by P.L. Wiese

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Vegan Recipes

I started writing vegan recipes at an early age… lol!

Greetings and welcome in!

This entry represents my second blog post. I hope you’re enjoying the content of my blog thus far. Yes, I know I’ve only made one entry – Ha Ha.

At your convenience, please take a moment to navigate to my Home/About page and FOLLOW my blog. This action isn’t necessary to enjoy my blog, but allows email notification of each new blog as it posts.

Speaking honestly – I do not profess to be a master chef or baker or even the creator of some new batch of magically wonderful recipes, rather, to present options for preparing recipes which I have altered and/or slightly manipulated to vegan.

The products I use and promote in my cooking, baking, and across all the varied categories featured on Zero528, are those companies whose products I would have used regardless.

A brief list of the companies whose overall sustainability mission aligns with mine, include Clif Bar, Brooks Running, and Blue Diamond/Almond Breeze Almond Milk. And, least I forget,  my new employer… L.L Bean.

Stay tuned, as many posts (w/lots of photos) are in the vault getting ready to be launched soon. Thanks for your support.

Keep a good thought! Bob P.

Running . . . Adventure Awaits!

Running is something I used to do mainly because I liked being a member of the clean plate club and loved to eat a lot of sweets. I had previously raced a few 5Ks but as they say, “life happens.” And so, life did and is happening. At that time however, I reasoned that being active in this manner might counteract/offset my supposed need for ice cream and other yummy treats. Well, that didn’t work out so well.

I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors just for the simple sake of soaking in a beautiful day or exploring some place new, but it was rare that I just went out to “run” for the sake of running. I’m a competitor at heart, and my competitive spirit was recently rekindled – and that spirit has boosted my enjoyment of running (for pleasure, fitness, and competition). Barring any injuries, running is something in my life which is under my control.

People run for any number of reasons: to free their minds, reduce their anxiety and stress, or to be an active participant in life and soak in the grandeur of the great outdoors (thank goodness). It can be a solitary activity and others need and want that “alone” time, but I truly believe humans are social creatures. For me, I prefer the company/support of a good friend on the trail or close by. I do tend to walk ahead – so remind me not to do that but to walk/run beside my running buddy.

I was recently motivated to become a healthier me. I am now actively involved in a daily routine which has me running and racing 5Ks, and soon – trail running, 10Ks, half marathons, and eventually full marathons (look out Boston here I come).

Whatever the personal motivation might be to exercise, run, walk, jog, hike, sight-see, or bird-watch, I hope to see an increase in the number of people on the hiking trail or gathered together at the start/finish line on race day. No more procrastinating . . . after all, “Adventure Awaits!”

Keep a good thought! Bob P.

Just completed a 5K. Clif bar, bananas, and water . . . ah! Pic by P.L. Wiese.