I've really been trying to mix up my breakfast as of late. I got into the habit of eating a bagel with more cream cheese than bagel represented on my morning plate and thought it was time to lighten it up. Most mornings for us begin at home and I'm able to linger over my 3-4 cups of coffee - but some mornings are a little hectic and this pick me up does the trick - it both fills my belly and fuels my body. I keep bananas sliced in serving sizes in the freezer ready to go...

PICK ME UP

2 bananas (sliced and frozen)

1/2 c. almonds (sliced and roasted)

1 t. salt

1 T. honey

1/2 c. brewed espresso (chilled)

1/4 c. half+half

5-6 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth - you may need to stop, stir and start it again as those frozen banana slices can be stubborn little things. Pour into a tall chilled glass and enjoy! Do you have a favorite morning pick me up?

And a few notes…

- My new title Gem and Stone is now available for pre-order - lots more exciting news about that title coming soon.

- I’m thrilled to start contributing to Design*Sponge on a regular basis. Ashley’s column has always been one of my favorites and I’m so happy to be working with her on it now. Our first post together is up today right here!

- So my birthday was last week. I was pretty lucky to have Ashley and friends throw me a ridiculously amazing Southern potluck – you can see the menu here – I felt more than a little spoiled by it all and so blessed by new friendships.

- And a little someone is turning six today so you might see a triple chocolate cake on the blog next week – if all goes as planned!

Have a beautiful weekend…

Comments

[Cinnamon]

Oooo. That is all my favorite ingredients in one drink. Yummy! Two quick questions, if you have time:

What do you use to make espresso at home?

And do you mind if your images are Pinned? I've been doing it already, but I should've asked first! My apologies.

[jen a]

cinnamon - as long as you are pinning directly from the blog - yes, pin away - thank you for asking!

we use a stove top bialetti (as pictured above) and love it!

[Clarisse from Ramblingmuse.com]

Wow... not to sound mean or anything but does that even taste good? I have recently seen all sort of morning shakes/ smoothies and they just make me want to go back to good old omelettes or other egg dishes. Just saying...

http://www.ramblingmuse.com

[jen a]

clarisse - ha! i wouldn't drink it if i didn't like it ;) everyone's palate is unique - some people can throw back kale smoothies with gusto - i on the other hand don't like them at all. to each their own!

[tifanie]

love the metal straw...

[kale]

I do love a good bagel with heavy amounts of cream cheese, but I suppose it does weigh me down more than pick me up. This looks like a delicious meal on the go!

[jen a]

thanks tifanie - it was a leftover from a shoot years ago - i just love it!

kale - me too - but daaaamn it's delicious ;)

[Paige]

This looks great! I used to make a similar smoothie, except instead of almonds and half and half I used about 1 cup of soy milk. I can personally vouch that the flavors blend well!

If you have time, try checking out my cooking blog--some of its pretty decadent but I try to incorporate healthy stuff on occasion! These muffins may meet your healthy breakfast needs: http://www.perennial-blog.com/2012/03/pineapple-upside-down-breakfast-muffins.html

[Megan Custy Lee]

Mmmmmm, enjoying this as I type. I only used 1/4 t. Of salt and added some whey protein powder to conteract the affects of that much espresso, I don't love feeling jittery;) it's delicious and I feel like this could easily be enough for two people. Thanks for the yummy idea!

[Molly Alone]

this sounds delish! love the idea of coffee and bananas!

[Thyme (Sarah)]

That 'pick me up' looks delicious. My son is always asking me to fix him some sort of 'smoothie' for breakfast and I just haven't gotten around to it. Congratulations on your new role with DesignSponge.

[Hillary Butler {Fine Art}]

This with your avocado toast sounds like the PERFECT breakfast to me. I'm an espresso junkie so what better way to have it more often! Thanks for sharing!

[Sukaina]

Made this today and turned out great....Thanks.

PS: Love the metal spoon/ straw?