Ingredients
1 cup pecans,
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder,
3 tablespoons Golden Syrup or agave,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1 1/2 cups almond milk,
2 teaspoons vanilla,
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon,
1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Using the Bottom Blades in the Ninja Ultima Pitcher, add the pecans and PULSE to finely chop.
- Add cocoa powder, golden syrup, and salt and PULSE 5 times. Select Speed 3 and flip the switch to START. Slowly increase to Speed 8 and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Add almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon and ice to Pitcher. Select Speed 3 and flip the switch to START. Slowly increase to Speed 8.
Customize Your Drink
Our recipes are awesome, but maybe you’d like to customize a drink that’s all your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out our suggestions for creating your own signature super juice or smoothie! (All recommendations based on a 12-ounce beverage.)
Make it Thicker
Try adding one of these ingredients for a creamier drink and to boost the nutrition profile as well:
- 1/4 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons avocado
- If you think avocados are only for guacamole, think again!
- Ideal for greens drinks, avocado adds good-for-you monounsaturated fat with only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons.
- Florida avocados (the larger, smooth skinned ones) have slightly fewer calories and fat compared to the smaller California varieties.
- 1/4 tablespoon chia seeds
- In white and black varieties, chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. Rich in protein, these tiny seeds deliver potassium, magnesium, calcium, and manganese.
- Chia seeds are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fats and can contribute to your daily fiber needs in a big way. Their ability to absorb liquid is what thickens the drink, but don’t use more than the recommended amount -- your drink will turn into a gel!
Add chia seeds in with other ingredients before blending, or make a chia gel that you can keep on hand in the fridge and use as needed. How to Make a Chia Gel
Combine 4 tablespoons chia seeds with 2 cups water or other liquid, such as coconut water. Voila – after 10-15 minutes you’ll have a gel! Use a tablespoon or two of gel to thicken drinks to your desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week.
Check out Ninja® Healthy Living
Our Healthy Living site features articles, recipes, and interactive tools to help you live a healthier life!
Make it Thinner
The thickness of a blended drink will depend on a few factors, such as whether or not ice is used, and whether the fruit is fresh or frozen. If your smoothie isn’t sip-able, you can add one of these healthful ingredients to thin it down just a bit.
- 2 tablespoons green tea or chamomile tea
- 2 tablespoons of coconut water
- Add a small amount of a high-moisture food, such as celery, lettuce, cucumber, lemon or lime
- Add some water---important to re-hydrate!
- Unsweetened almond milk to add richness---great with tropical fruits!
Check out Ninja® Healthy Living
Our Healthy Living site features articles, recipes, and interactive tools to help you live a healthier life!
Make it Sweeter
Our recipes have been designed to rely on fruits and other ingredients that provide as little natural sugar as possible. Until your taste buds get accustomed to drinks that are less sweet (and it will happen over time), if needed, add one of these ingredients to hit the sweet spot:
| Sweetener | Recommended
Amounts | Characteristics |
| Agave | 1 tsp | - Sourced from the root of the agave or yucca plant, has a high fructose content
- Because agave is processed through the liver it has no impact on blood sugar, can impact triglyceride levels |
| Dates, Dried Figs & Raisins | 1/2 date, 1/2 fig, 20 Raisins | - Dried fruits provide very concentrated, natural sweetness, only need to use a small amount! |
| Honey | 1/2 Tbsp | - Distinct, rich taste
- Opt for raw, organic honey |
| Lucuma | 1/2 Tbsp | - A subtropical fruit available in powder form found at most health food stores that offers a fragrant taste along with sweetness
- Can be used as an emulsifier to combine vegetables and fruits with fats in blended drinks |
| Maple Syrup | 1/2 Tbsp | - Obtained from the sap of the maple tree
- Concentrated sweetness, only need to use a small amount |
| Stevia | 3/8 tsp or 1/2 packet | - An herb available in powdered or liquid form with zero calories
- Different brands are made from different parts of the plant, which may taste a bit different |
| Yacon Syrup | 1 Tbsp | - Sourced from a South American tuber and available in syrup or powder at health food stores
- Does not spike blood sugar and offers half the calories of table sugar |
Check out Ninja® Healthy Living
Our Healthy Living site features articles, recipes, and interactive tools to help you live a healthier life!
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