Tropical Fruit Pops

Funny how my 3 year old asked Popsicle for breakfast.I don't blame him, the heat and humidity was intense and so was the thirst.And having enjoyed these the day before in mid afternoon heat,little buds assumed must be OK to eat them whenever thirsty.Not that these are no good to start the day,but he still had to take his milk and cereal for starters and pops for dessert.

Acai-Coconut-Papaya-Banana Pops
Papayas,kiwis,mangoes,bananas,pineapple,coincidentally had all the tropical fruits in hand to give a very tropical touch to the fruit pops.A real summer indulgence,you could enrich the fruit pops with variety of real fresh fruit puree ,deliciously adding a daily serving of all natural fruits and fiber in your diet,void of artificial colors or excess sugar.



Acai-Coconut-Mango-Pineapple Pops
Layering the pops in different fruit flavors seemed daunting at first,then figured that semi-freezing each fruit layer then proceeding with next layer and finally immersing the stick over the last layer and then freezing completely.Evidently the method worked beautifully,the vibrant pops caught my kiddos attention instantly and of course they were not satisfied with one.


Acai-Coconut-Kiwi Pops

Recipe : Tropical Fruit Pops

Ingredients
2 cups Acai Juice(or any concentrated fruit juice,Raspberry,Grape or Goji)
2 ripe Kiwi ,peeled
quarter of a medium papaya,peeled and cubed
1/2 ripe banana
1 small ripe mango
1/2 cup pineapple cut in cubes
1 cup coconut milk(sweetened with 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey)

Method
Puree the papaya and banana in a blender and set aside.Likewise puree the mango and pineapple together.Finally puree the kiwi.

Pour the Acai fruit juice in to the molds till 1/3rd full.Set in the freezer for an hour until set but not completely frozen.Now pour the coconut milk in the molds till 2/3rd full.Again set in freezer,for 30 minutes this time.Finally pour in rest of the fruit purees.Insert the mold stick and set in the freezer for 3-6 hours until completely frozen.Run the molds under warm water for 5-10 seconds for clean lift off.

Health Nut Challenge 6 : I Scream for Ice Cream : Join in the celebration of healthy frozen treats.Send in your best recipe before June 31st,find details here..

Genesis Today's -Happy Goji and Purple Perfection Shakes

The plethora of fruit juices in today's market is intriguing.Despite being aware of the super fruits that are latest buzz in the Health foods, it still is a bit of challenge to pick the right kind of super fruit juice ,one that's genuine and potent ,well, not anymore.My search for the perfect juices ends here with discovery of Genesis Today's range of super fruits juices-Acai,Goji and Resveratrol



What's so super about super fruits?
To say the least,these are super rich in nutrients,vitamins , minerals and antioxidants,that fight off the disease causing free radicals.

Crystal clear from the chart,Acai,Goji and Resveratrol have outstanding levels of antioxidants.

Genius at work,Dr.Lindsey Duncan,the founder and CEO of Genesis Today has been studying in the natural health products industry since 1983.He developed these healthful range of fruit juices using the best fruits on face of earth.Revered by celebrities , the Genesis today Super fruits juices are now accessible to common man at affordable prices ,in super stores like Walmart and Sam's club.



I was fortunate to be offered the samples of Genesis Today's Acai Berry,Goji Berry and Resveratrol juices.Here what my taste buds had to say :

Genesis Today's Acai Berry Juice
One sip and the sharp sweet berry flavor gets the taste buds tingling and the super rich antioxidants instantly give the energetic feel.Consistency is a bit like smoothie,but not as thick.

Benefits :The beauty berry from the Brazilian rain forest, is known to support healthy skin,hair and nails.Boost bodies energy levels.Helps control weight,soothe and calm the digestive system,stimulates the digestive organs to more eliminate efficiently waste from the body.


Genesis Today's Goji Berry Juice
Intensely orange,the juice has instant citrus punch,that relieves tension and gets you going with renewed energy.

Benefits :Hailing from China,the happy berry is known for mood uplifting,promoting healthy mind,memory and eye health.


Genesis Today's Resveratrol Juice
Tasted like a concentrated grape juice, totally rejuvenating.And for someone who does not drink alcohol,this juice with all the benefits of a wine without the alcohol, was truly beneficial.

Benefits:
Resveratrol is a naturally-occurring plant extract, in this case from the pulp and skin of grapes as well as Japanese Knotweed,known to support heart health,promotes youthful energy and appearance.Also known to support healthy inflammatory response of the body.


I was also suggested 2 super nutritious shake recipes to concoct with the juices.You seriously cannot get enough of these,would definitely want to make them every day ,with a hearty meal or to satisfy those in-between-the-meals cravings.
Goji Happy Shake

Ingredients:
• 12 oz. Goji Berry Juice
• 12 oz. frozen strawberries
• 1 organic banana
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 oz shot liquid Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (15 g)
• 1 scoop Genesis Today ™ 4Fiber
Directions:
Place all items in blender and pulse using ice crusher. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Benefits:
Daily use of this shake will render amazing effects in five areas:
1) Mood enhancement
2) Eye health benefits
3) High ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)
4) All essential and non essential proteins through bio-available delivery of the
Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (liquid)
5) Less bloating, better digestion through Fiber completely absorbed by body


Purple Perfection Shake

Ingredients:
• 6 oz. Acaí Berry Juice
• 6 oz Resveratrol Juice
• 1 organic banana(or 1 Plum)
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 oz shot liquid Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (15 g)
• 1 scoop Genesis Today ™ 4Fiber
Directions:
Place all items in blender and pulse using ice crusher. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Benefits:
Daily use of this shake will render amazing effects in five areas:
1) Improved energy
2) Improved mental/cognitive function
3) Improved hair, nails, and skin
4) Improved cardio health
5) Less bloating, better digestion through Fiber completely absorbed by body


Supreme Snack!
Besides the Super fruit juices,I was also sent a pack of Genesis Today's Dark chocolate Acai Pudding.



Decadence of chocolate combined with tart sweet berries makes this a luscious pudding.Chocolate contains theobromine, which triggers endorphins and serotonin to give you a euphoric, joyous feeling, plus many essential vitamins and minerals.And with 0 grams of fat and sweetened with pure sweet cane juice,the pudding is nothing less a guilt-free snack.



Learn more about Genesis Today's phenomenal products at the official website.Depending on how you feel,the product finder helps you find the right kind of super fruit juice. There are also money Saving Coupons,print them here.

Pomergrante Plunge and Acai Berry Boost, super fruit smoothies

In response to consumer demand for healthier beverages packed with powerful nutrients, Tropical Smoothie Café today introduces its new menu category of Supercharged Smoothies that contain pomegranate, goji and acai (pronounced AH-SAH-EE) at all 250-plus franchise locations. These super fruits, known for their exceptional antioxidant and nutrient-rich qualities, will be blended into six new smoothie offerings.
Tropical Smoothie Café’s new Supercharged Smoothies menu includes such fun-sounding and flavorful treats as Island Intensity, a combination of ripe blueberries, strawberries and bananas loaded with acai; Get-Up-and-Goji, ripe and juicy peaches, oranges, bananas, yogurt and goji; and Pomegranate Plunge a mix of ripe bananas, strawberries, and cranberry juice with pomegranate.

Super fruits such as pomegranate, goji and acai have their roots in ancient civilizations, typically eaten for their health and medicinal benefits.

* Acai – a berry from the rain forests of Brazil with an abundance of antioxidants. The fruit has been used for thousands of years to boost energy and vitality, strengthen the immune system and provide a host of vitamins.


* Goji – this tiny fruit from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet has been used for centuries for its 18 amino acids, concentrated beta carotene and 21 trace minerals. It has 500 times the vitamin C of oranges and has been known to aid in weight loss.

* Pomegranate – native to the Mediterranean region, the fruit has been used for its antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits as well as a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin. Regular consumption of pomegranate also has been known to lower blood pressure.

Recipe courtesy Tropical Smoothie Cafe`
Pomegranate Plunge

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup Pomegranate arils
1/2 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water
1 ripe Banana
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.


Acai Berry Boost
1/2 cup acai juice
1 ripe Banana
1/4 cup Pomegranate arils
1/4 cup blueberries
4-5 Strawberries,hulled.
*2 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
3/4 Cup Water


*one can skip the sugar to keep the smoothie low in sugar or can also use other sweeteners like stevia(liquid 3-4 drops) or Agave nectar(1 tablespoon)

Method
Blend all the ingredients to a smooth consistency.Serve

The fruity delights are my entry for Sanghi's Fall in love food event,focusing on fruits this month.

About Tropical Smoothie Café
Established in Destin, Florida in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, toasted wraps, gourmet sandwiches and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ranked 127 out 500 and rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, the concept currently has over 270 locations in 33 states with four locations in India. Plans call for more than 300 locations by the end of 2008, and an additional 100 by the end of 2009. For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com or call 888-292-2522.