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This Spiced Fall Fig Smoothie uses either fresh or dried figs, fall spices and vanilla for a healthy and indulgent fall treat or meal!
There are some things that I expected when I started a food blog. I expected to work hard, cook often, take photos and write. There are many things that I did not expect, such as the amount of time I would spend on social media instead of actually cooking, taking photos and writing. But the most wonderful and unexpected thing about blogging is the friendships I have formed with other bloggers. This came at a time when I needed it most, and I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to me. One of the amazing bloggers I’m so happy to call my friend is Alyssa at Everyday Maven.
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Everyday Maven focuses on healthy recipes and whole ingredients, so it is right up my alley! Her recipes are creative and delicious, and are often gluten and dairy free. Alyssa has teamed up with Faith Gorsky of An Edible Mosaic to create an awesome eBook, BLEND: Healthy + Indulgent Smoothies . Naturally I was thrilled when they sent me a copy to review! If you have been a reader for awhile you know that I love a good smoothie, and I like my smoothies to be full of healthy ingredients and no sugary junk. So it is just my luck that this book is chock full of delicious smoothie recipes that are made from whole ingredients, and are plant based, allergy friendly and have no refined sugar! Peanut Butter + Jelly, Brownie Batter Swirl, Banana Nut Bread and Double Green Pear, I’ve got my smoothies covered for the next few months.
Not only that, but it has pretty much all the information you need to make the perfect smoothie. I wish I had this when I was a smoothie newbie! But even if you are a seasoned smoothie maker, there is some great information in the Basics section to improve your smoothie game. Did you know that adding your ingredients in a certain order will make blending easier? There is also a useful chart showing when certain produce is in season and if it freezes well.
When I started looking through the book I had a hard time choosing the recipe I wanted to make for my review. But I was drawn to the ones using figs, because I LOVE figs! And despite my love of figs, I never would have thought to put them in a smoothie before. I was debating between the Vanilla Fig and the Fall Spiced Fig, but after a trip to the store revealed that fig season is not quite here yet, I went with Fall Spiced Fig. One thing I love about this recipe is that it has an option for using dried figs, so even if the elusive fig season isn’t around, you can still make it! Of course, I think it would be even better with fresh figs, and you better believe as soon as I get my hands on some I’m going to be trying it.
The Fall Spiced Fig smoothie tastes kind of like a fig newton with some extra warm spices thrown in. It’s a nice alternative to the pumpkin everything that will be surrounding you during the Autumn months (like, say, a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie?). I think it would make a great breakfast smoothie or afternoon snack. You will definitely want to freeze your fruit for this, as you know I am very much an advocate for freezing fruit in smoothies for the best taste and texture. If you are using fresh figs, be sure to freeze them first, if you are using dried, just freeze the banana.
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Spiced Fall Fig Smoothie
Ingredients
If Using Fresh Figs
- 3/4 cup 185 ml plain, unsweetened almond milk (I used vanilla)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 ripe medium figs stems removed, quartered, and frozen
- 2-4 ice cubes
If Using Dried Figs
- 3/4 cup 185 ml plain, unsweetened almond milk (I used vanilla)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup 3 ounces/85 g dried Black Mission figs coarsely chopped
- 1/2 medium banana peeled, chopped into 4 pieces, and frozen
- 6-8 ice cubes
Instructions
For The Fresh Variaton:
- Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed and process until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving glass; serve immediately.
For The Dried Variaton:
- Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed (except banana and ice cubes) and process until smooth.
- Add banana and ice cubes, blend until smooth
- Transfer to a serving glass; serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe from BLEND: Healthy + Indulgent Smoothies
This recipe looks delicious, Meghan! Rather something I would have as a dessert after lunch than a typical breakfast smoothie 🙂 I wish you good luck with other recipes!
Thank you John! Yes, I drank it more as an afternoon snack 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I completely completely understand what you are saying Meghan!! When I started my blog I had no idea how much time would be spent on social media, no clue at all. It’s amazing, actually, how much time it is. However, despite that, like yourself, I have met some wonderful people (such as yourself) through it all and really enjoy our chats and it’s lovely to share an interest such as food and blogging.
I love figs and we get them around here only rarely, but when we do, watch out! So, this smoothie is definitely up my alley and so unique. I bet that book is awesome if this is a snapshot of it. Pinned!
Yes! I think one of the best parts about blogging is the friendships! It is so fun to have met you and others to share the journey with! We get figs for what feels like a slit second here, so we are inthe same boat. Thanks so much for the pin dear!
Awwww Meghan! Thank you for the great review and the kind words. I can’t wait to see you again soon. Alyssa xo
Thanks so much friend! xoxo
How would you describe figs to a fig newbie? I’m slowly crawling out of my terribly picky eating hole and I love trying new things but would usually prefer to know what to expect before I eat one, lol. This smoothie looks really great though and definitely a welcomed alternative to pumpkin spice everything 🙂
Hmmmm…. The only problem I could see for a picky eater might be the texture? This is coming from a recovering picky eater here 🙂 The flavor is pretty subtle with fresh figs. With dried figs they are stronger. Kind of like dates? They are really unique, so it is hard to explain. But I love them! Thanks Jessica!
I love figs too, but would have never thought to throw them in a blender and whirl. This looks so tasty and sweet. I’m not familiar with Everyday Maven….I’ll have to check her out!
Oh I bet you would love her Annie! And thank you, I have never thought to blend up figs before either, but these were so good! I can’t wait to try it with fresh figs.
This looks so delicious!! More interesting than so many smoothies out there. I don’t want fall to happen yet… but yum haha.
I know Natasha! I’m not trying to rush fall in yet, I just couldn’t resist this one!