Persimmon Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

'Tis the season everything is pumpkin flavored, even my favorite breakfast. I've been loving persimmons in my smoothies lately because of the texture and natural sweetness. Something about them just cried for pumpkin, so I went from there and came up with this winner.

Persimmon Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Serves 2

1/2 cup plain kefir (or your favorite yogurt)

1/2 cup milk, or milk substitute (I use homemade unsweetened almond milk)
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 persimmon
1 banana
Juice of half a lemon
Small strip of lemon zest
Small hunk of fresh ginger

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
1/2 cup – 1 cup of ice (depending on your blender and whether any of the fruit is frozen)

Blend it all together and you have sweet, tart, fresh pie in a glass! For breakfast!!!

Summer Shake

There may be fog out my window, but I have sunshine in my glass. I've stumbled upon the perfect summer smoothie.

8 ounces fresh orange juice
1 fresh or frozen banana, chunks
2-4 tablespoons light coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
small handful ice, optional - only needed if none of the fruit is frozen

Blend in the magic blending machine and voila! Summer in a glass!