Spiced Apple Cider Smoothie

SPICED APPLE CIDER SMOOTHIE
(Vegan, gluten free options)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups apple cider or apple juice

1 cup yogurt (vanilla, plain, or apple cinnamon; use regular, vegan, soy, coconut milk, or your favorite yogurt)

1/4 cup milk or non-dairy nut milk, optional (omit for a thicker smoothie)

1 medium ripe banana (previously frozen is ideal but not required)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch nutmeg and/or cardamom, optional

sugar or sweetener (agave, stevia, maple syrup, etc.) optional and to taste

2 cups ice, optional and as necessary

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, except ice, in a large blender or Vita-Mix and blend until smooth and creamy, taking care any sweetener used has dissolved and is well incorporated. If desired, pour over ice or blend ice into the smoothie noting that this will water it down a bit; if time permits refrigerating or freezing smoothie to chill is recommending.

Tips: Pour excess portion(s) into glasses and freeze ahead for later (30 seconds in the microwave is what I do to thaw in a hurry); pour excess into bowls and freeze for apple pie frozen yogurt; or pour into Popsicle molds, paper cups, or ice cube trays and freeze for homemade frozen treats.

Optional: Add 1 to 2 ounces of Rum, Vodka, Marshmallow Vodka, Apple Vodka, Apple Schnapps, Gran Marnier or similar, per smoothie portion, or to taste. Or add 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla or plain protein powder. Use caramel sauce in the mixture or drizzled over the top before drinking.