As you know, I love going to foodie events and writing about them and sharing recipes. Duh…it’s what much of this blog is about! So when the Melissa’s Produce event around their Ojai Pixie Tangerines was called off, needless to say, I was incredibly bummed. It was going to be a panel discussing all the cool things you can do with these little gems and included these fantastic people on the panel: Ojai Pixie Association Growers, my new friend and fellow “Aging Ain’t No Thang” expert Patricia Greenberg, Certified Nutritionist and from the Ojai Valley Inn, Spa Director Kate Morrison and Chef Jayson Holzworth.
HOWEVER….not to be deterred from sharing these fantastic fruits, our hero, Robert Schueller, Melissa’s Produce PR Director sent those of us scheduled to be there a case of them to eat and play with! Yippee! There were a few delicious-looking recipes to make along with them. I made one of my own that I’ll share with you in a moment.
First I want to share how special these fruits are. They’re grown in Ojai, California, right by the coast. They’re picked when they’re ripe, so locals can enjoy them immediately! Of course, being a citrus fruit, they’re chock-a-block full of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. They’re super easy to peel and just the right size for a snack or to add to a dish without having to cut the segments up, making the dish look messy. They’re like healthy candy!!
Since I’m home and want to still eat healthy, I chose to make a smoothie. I looked around at what I had in the cabinets (cupboards for those of you NOT from the East Coast) and came up with a healthy, delicious recipe that gives you vitamins, fiber, protein and more. Plus, it’s really satisfying!
I made this with both vanilla and chocolate protein powders. Personally, I prefer the chocolate version. Who doesn’t love to dip fruit in chocolate? Plus, using vanilla flavored soy milk (or whatever milk substitute you choose), makes it taste like a milk chocolate shake! Enjoy and stay healthy!! #Melissasproduce #thefitnessgourmet #ojaivalleyinn
Tangerine/Banana Smoothie
A Delicious treat that's high in protein, vitamin C, minerals and fiber.
Ingredients
- 1C Vanilla Soymilk (or use whatever milk alternative you like best)
- 1 Ojai Pixie Tangerine, peeled and separated
- 1/2 Frozen Banana
- 1 large scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 3-4 Ice Cubes
Directions
- Step 1 Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Step 2 Start on low for 20 seconds, then move up to high to break up the ice cubes, 30-40 seconds until frothy and smooth. Enjoy!
