Delicious Raw Holiday Energy "Shot Blast"

Happy Holidays Everyone!  Last weekend, here in northern coastal Maine, we received our first snowfall of the season - a beauteous white blanket 7 inches thick.  Truly sets the tone for Christmas, for sure.  But, the shoveling of my walkways and decks reminded me that my cardio training has not been up to par and that my energy stores need to be stoked.  So, on that note, today's blog will be about how to infuse your body with a quick burst of energy - healthfully.  And, during this busy Holiday Season, who couldn't use a bit more energy?  Right?

In my bestselling book, Raw Energy In A Glass: 126 Nutrition-Packed Smoothies, Green Drinks, and Other Satisfying Raw Beverages to Boost Your Well-Being (Storey Publishing, c2014), I wrote a chapter called, "Raw Shots: A Quick Blast of Energy".  What the heck is a raw shot, you ask?  These are small, uncomplicated, quick-to-make, energy elixirs, usually a half-cup of liquid or less per serving, that deliver a rapid shot of power!  In addition to being the perfect afternoon pick-me-up for both adults and children, many of these little "energy rush" drinks are wonderful to serve at parties.

They can be made in large batches a few hours ahead of time and stored in decorative liquor or wine bottles in the refrigerator - chilled and ready to excite the palates of your arriving guests.  Attach a custom, colorful label to the bottle describing your "healthy home brew."  It's fun to watch the reaction on people's faces when they taste your wares!

The darker purple beverages in the photo below (the ones with the dark flecks) represent today's recipe:  Deep Purple Vibrations Shot.  Please give it a try - it's most delicious!

Deep Purple Vibrations Shot

A feel-good, look-good drink if there ever was one!  Simply made using only dark purple, antioxidant-rich grapes blended with tart lime juice, it will quench your thirst, lift your energy, and, with abundant natural sugars, satisfy a raging sweet tooth.  Most kids love this drink, especially if you give it a goofy name, like Purple Monster Juice.  Beats a box of pasteurized juice any day!

Highly alkaline and energetically cooling, grapes will help the body eliminate excess heat and acid.  Enjoyed on a regular basis, the anti-inflammatory action will help soothe achy joints, too.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup dark purple, seedless grapes
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Directions:

1.  Place the grapes, lime juice, and salt, if desired, in a blender and blend on high until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.

2.  Serve immediately, complete with all of the fiber, as I do, or strain through a mesh strainer to yield a more clarified beverage.  Mix with a splash of carbonated water to make a natural, yummy sparkling soda!

Yield:  2 servings

A Good Source Of:  antioxidants galore, plus vitamin C, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, natural sugars, and fiber (if you don't strain it out)



Note: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and the recipe adapted from her book, Raw Energy In A Glass (Storey Publishing, c2014).  The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge.  All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles.  She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this recipe/information.  It is for educational purposes only.