Vitamix Spinach Dip

I don't remember the last time I had spinach dip. I've been lactose intolerant since 15, so I haven't had anything remotely creamy and delicious as this. Every holiday dinner there is this big bread bowl with spinach dip and I always have to pass. Not anymore! I've got my own vegan version with yummy garlic and rosemary bread to boot. This makes me happy. :)

This is the first recipe I have made from the Vitamix cookbook. All the other things that have been through it so far, I've churned straight out of my memory or imagination. I've never really been a fan of cooked spinach. The look and sour taste always got to me as a kid, so I have eaten it fresh or juiced since. Today I traveled back to that childhood dinner where I would play with the green goop and made it yummy. It was simple and a quick route to an appetizer before dinner tonight.

What You Need
16 oz (1 bag) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 cup light mayonaise
3/4 cup Tofutti sour cream
1 slice lemon, seeded and peeled
2 cloves garlic, peeled
Dash of salt and pepper
Makes about 2 cups

What You Do 

• Preheat oven to 350*
• Thaw your spinach on the counter or in the microwave on defrost for 5 minutes. 
• Drain in a strainer, pushing down with a paper towel to get all the excess liquid out. 
• Place all ingredients in the Vitamix and turn to variable 1 for 15 seconds.
• Turn to variable 4 and use tamper to mix everything together. 
• After all is mixed and creamy, about 3 minutes, take out and pour into a baking dish. 
• Cook for 25 minutes. 

Enjoy with garlic or rosemary bread. I used a sourdough roll from Trader Joe's.

• Butter all bread slices with Earth Balance. 
• Top with garlic pepper and paprika for garlic bread. 
• Top with rosemary and paprika for rosemary bread. 

Use your favorite spices and get creative.
Suggestions: oregano, dill, basil


What is your favorite appetizer during the holidays?

Cookies N' Cream Milkshake

I love cookies n' cream ice cream. I used to read this blog called Chocolate Covered Katie that would have almost every recipe use her Vitamix, so I went back to it after I got mine. The reason I left it  was because the recipes looked beautiful but never came out tasting good. It was very...off. So I thought I'd give it a chance one more time. 

I looked up her ice cream recipes and it said to freeze almond milk in a shallow dish with a little sweetener, then pop the blocks in the vitamix and you will have ice cream. This is false information. This gives you an iced milk, which is extremely icy and doesn't even ball up and get creamy like ice cream.

I had to take matters into my own hands. I froze soy milk, coconut yogurt, boxed coconut milk, and agave in a glass ziploc dish. Two days later I popped that in my vitamix with a couple teaspoons of guar gum (a natural thickener) and it came out soooo good! It was definitely oh-my-gosh good. I added in 6 Peanut Butter Newman-O's to kick it into over drive. I could have just eaten it with a spoon, but Mr. Organnix wanted a milkshake, so I added in extra coconut milk and gave it a whirl. We both enjoyed our desserts with a straw and cookie on top. :)

I didn't measure out anything so I can't give you a recipe just yet. I will be making this again soon and adjusting things here and there, so a recipe is on it's way. I started this by trying to make vanilla ice cream...but then got all Nixie on it and turned it crazy. haha.

If you have a vitamix or ice cream maker, I would suggest having some fun and experimenting with different frozen milks! The experience and end product are very rewarding.

Question!
What is your favorite ice cream or milkshake flavor?