cbrm - what color is your smoothie?

I have a stack of cookbooks set aside to review and would like to make Monday, Cookbook Review Monday (CBRM). I can be challenged when it comes to keeping on task, but will give it a try. Where do all the books come from? From time to time Grandma sorts through boxes and sends some good stuff my way. Friends who know I like to curl up with a good cookbook will bring them to me. The UPS man often stops at the house with books from publishers or PR firms. Then there is the library sale shelf.

The local library has a few shelves of books that are offered for sale. The price of $.50 for softcovers and $1.00 for hardbacks make it easy to take a chance. Most of the books I bring home from those shelves are returned to be sold again, but I have kept some real gems. I do buy new books from time to time. As a rule they have been checked out from the library and well vetted before I purchase a copy and give up shelf space. Occasionally one will jump into my Costco cart while my back is turned. I know I am not alone in my love for good cookbooks and I hope CBRM provides a few books that you can't wait to read.

What Color is Your Smoothie?
by Britt Allen Brandon

Youngest Daughter is very conscience about how she will eat healthy while she is away at college. The fact that she is thinking about this now, when she does not leave until September, means it is important to her. One of my biggest tips for her has to do with color. I have told her that different color foods have different nutrients, and by making sure her plate holds lots of different colors, she will be fine. I guess I was not the first person to figure this out because here is an entire book based on "eating the rainbow".

What Color is Your Smoothie? is of course dedicated to drinks, but has good information about which foods contain which nutrients and what to eat to gain those benefits. The book begins with a section giving broad information about which color groups contain which nutrients. That is followed by a breakdown of each nutrient and why our bodies need these things. Then each fruit or vegetable is given a detailed description of why it is good for you. Lastly, the recipes.

The recipes are broken out by color. Looking for something to boost cancer fighting and high cholesterol? Turn to the Yellow section and find recipes such as Golden Goodness, with pineapple, ginger, maple syrup, and almond milk. Or Pineapple Pickers' Persuasion that includes bananas, cardamom, and coconut milk.

We love smoothies at our house and tend to just mix whatever happens to be around. Sometimes we make something great, often the mixture feels like it needs a little something more. After reading through this book I have a good idea of the flavor combos that elevate the humble smoothie.

If you have never added fruit, liquid, and ice to blender then this is the perfect book to get you started. If you love a good smoothie, this book will provide heaps of healthy ideas.

Comments

[kate]

Sadly, the boy in this house cannot stand most smoothies. Never has liked them - seems to be a texture issue.

[Anne]

One of my favorite meals. :)

[SunnyRaye]

mmmm Smoothies. May have to get this book. Rumor has it your grandmother is about to make another foray through her cookbooks!