Ironically, it just so happens that a few months ago I happened to have purchased a Vitamix blender from Williams-Sonoma. Believe it or not, until today, I had not actually used it (what's wrong with me?!?!)! So, it was only fitting that my Vitamix's "maiden voyage" was taken by participating in Williams-Sonoma's "Juice Week"! In addition to carrying the Vitamix blender like I purchased, Williams-Sonoma also carries a great selection of other juicer options as well.
This juice was so simple to make and absolutely amazing! I really enjoyed using my Vitamix so much that I actually feel rather stupid for not trying it out sooner. It was actually fun to use! My version has a pre-programmed clean cycle which made cleaning it a breeze (it basically cleans itself). I used another pre-programmed "juicing" cycle to make my juice. My Lemon-Berry Juice consists of frozen wild blueberries, fresh cranberries, fresh lemon (pulp included), water, ice and a simple syrup made with stevia. It was just amazing, plain and simple. I snapped some photos below as well as included my easy peasy recipe. Enjoy!
 |
| Ingredients have been added |
 |
| Blending has begun |
 |
| Juicing away |
 |
| Ta-da! |
 |
| BEST. JUICE. EVER! |
Ingredients:
1 cup of chilled water
1/2 cup ice
1/2 lemon, peeled and cut into chunks (remove seeds)
1/4 cup frozen organic wild blueberries (I used Wyman's of Maine)
1/4 cup fresh cranberries (I used about 1 dozen)
Sweetener, to taste (I used 1 teaspoon NuStevia Simple Syrup)
Directions:
In a blender, add water, ice, lemon, blueberries, cranberries and sweetener. Cover and blend at high speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth.
*Note: If desired, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds can be added before blending. Approximately 7 grams net carbs and 5.5 grams sugar.
Hi GGC,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your W/S "gig"! :-)
This juice looks positively awesome! I don't think I could possibly cram one more piece of equipment into my kitchen, though! (After rearranging a bit, I was able to fit the Zoodle Machine into the last few square inches of cupboard space!) So, do you think the juice could be made in the Magic Bullet and then strained if it seems too "pulpy" after blending? The NuStevia product is interesting ... I'll have to look for it.
This looks absolutely delicious! i have a new Vitamix that I have been experimenting with and I will be making this tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHi CyberSis,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was surprised they contacted me and didn't know they even knew Gourmet Girl Cooks existed.
Yes, the Magic Bullet should work. The main thing is I might use crushed ice instead of cubes so you don't mess up the blades. Does your refrigerator by chance make crushed ice? If not, you can bang some with a rolling pin in a Ziploc bag.
Also, maybe chop the pieces of lemon up in dice size instead of larger chunks. I just peeled the lemon like an orange (removing the pith, etc.). I had never peeled a lemon before today! LOL By adding the lemon flesh and not just the juice as well as the ice, it gives it a little more substance...not a smoothie quality but more like an "Orange Julius"...do you remember having those? They used to be in a lot of shopping malls.
I've been experimenting a little with the "simple syrup" in cranberry sauce and even added some to baked goods (muffins or cookies, I can't remember). :-)
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it! I'm hoping to be using mine more frequently. We can be "Vita-buddies'... :-)
Hi GGC,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great suggestions on how to adapt the recipe for the M.B. I wonder how it would work to cut the lemon in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon ... hmm, you might need the assistance of a grapefruit knife, too. Probably easier just to peel it, like you did! :-)
Do I remember Orange Julius? Do I "ever*! :-)
Hi CyberSis,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure either way you get the lemon out of it's skin would work fine. Not sure if you ever buy lemons from Costco, but they were unusually beautiful today so I bought a bag of them. They are unusually juicy. I will make sure to use them in the days ahead for marinade, too.
Haha on the Orange Julius! :-)
Will have to try this on my Magic Bullet too. I don't think we have that Stevia syrup here in Australia, will try it with just stevia sugar.
ReplyDeleteHi Sami,
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it. I'm sure your stevia will work just fine! Just sweeten to your taste. :-)
Hi! Since you share so many wonderful recipes with us, I'll share with you for a change! Here's the smoothie I make for breakfast a few times a week:
ReplyDelete1 1/2c unsweetened coconut milk (the Tetra Pak kind)
1/2c or more water
A few tblsp plain kefir
2 mushrooms
1/2 a greenish banana (frozen)
A few chunks of frozen mango
1 tblsp raw pumpkin seeds
1 tblsp raw sunflower seeds
Blend for 30 seconds or so, then add:
Several good sprigs parsley
5 or 6 large kale leaves
1/3 of an English cucumber, cut in chunks
A couple of tblsp coconut oil
A couple of drops of stevia
Maybe a sprinkle of spirulina powder
Blend until everything looks nice and smooth and enjoy! I use half one day and save the other half in a glass jar for the next morning
Hi BarbP,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Is this a recipe you created? I would never have thought about adding mushrooms to a drink before. Can you taste them? Thank you for sharing! :-)
I did make this one up, through lots of trials. I actually really dislike cooked mushrooms, and I know they're a super healthy thing to eat, so I decided to try throwing them in my smoothie. You'd never know they were there! Give it a try! Even hubby has a glass on weekends, so you know that's saying something ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat I really want to try is that stevia syrup you have. I'll be in your country in a week's time so I'm hoping to find it somewhere (Sprouts, maybe?)
ReplyDeleteHi Barb,
ReplyDeleteI've only seen it via mail order (Amazon, NuNaturals, Netrition, Iherb, Vitacost, etc.). I don't think Sprouts carries it. I will look next time I go to Whole Foods to see if they might carry it. Possibly might be carried and independent health food stores also. :-)
That drink looks pretty good! FYI,there is actually a orange julius store in the frederick mall!I saw it a few months ago and had to have one! It reminds me of going to landover mall and getting those as a kid! Still tastes great!
ReplyDeleteToo funny! I haven't seen an Orange Julius in years! I'll have to look to see if they still have them around here! :-)
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! I am also a sugar free low carber and my brand new blender JUST came off the Fedex truck!! And I am so glad I scarfed up those cranberries after the Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteYAY! Perfect timing, right? Hope you enjoy it. I socked away the cranberries, too! :-)