FEED YOUR FLAME SMOOTHIE (vanilla coconut & ginger)

I looove this spiced-up vanilla coconut shake.  It tastes rich, creamy and decadent — with a little fiery kick from fresh ginger — but is actually free of refined sugar and loaded with veggies, fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, too!

Ginger and turmeric are in the same plant family, Zingiberaceae, and both have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for millennia.

Ginger has a fresh, fragrant and slightly peppery taste.  It is well-recognized as having anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, analgesic and pro-digestive benefits.  Research also suggests that consumption of ginger can boost immunity and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cashew or other nondairy milk

• 1/2 cup canned organic full-fat coconut milk

• 1 cup steamed-then-frozen cauliflower

• 1 frozen banana

• 2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein powder

• 2 Tbsp cashew butter

• 1 Tbsp or more grated peeled fresh ginger, adjusted to taste

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon

• optional 1/4 tsp ground turmeric plus a pinch of black pepper (not used here)

• optional Lakanto sugar-free monkfruit sweetener, stevia, or sweetener of choice to taste

• optional toppings: Giddy Yoyo raw cacao nibs, bee pollen, or toppings of choice