MIXED MELON MANIA SMOOTHIE

My kids are big melon fans.  For this delightfully simple, nutritious and refreshing shake, I combined watermelon and cantaloupe.  However, there are dozens of melon varieties and you could certainly use your current favourite! The key is to use ripe fresh or frozen melon for optimal flavour.

I love to buy local fruit when available.  Watermelons are believed to have originated in Southern Africa, but have been grown in North America since the 1500s.  Here in Ontario, the season generally runs from July through September.

Cantaloupes have been grown in Canada since the 1980s and the Ontario season runs from mid-August to mid-September.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 2 cups melon (I like to use a combination of diced fresh cantaloupe and frozen watermelon)

• 1 cup steamed-then-frozen cauliflower

• 1/2 to 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat or light), adjusted to desired consistency

• 1 Tbsp white chia seeds (optional)

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

• Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, raw honey (non-vegan), pure maple syrup, or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste (optional)

• optional toppings: unsweetened shredded coconut and/or coconut chips, diced protein bar, or toppings of choice

If serving for a meal or more substantial snack, I recommend adding a protein boost.  Good options here include 1 scoop Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural protein powder or Further Food collagen peptides (non-vegan) or 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-vegan) or 2/3 cup silken tofu.