It is now Day 2 of the Deliciously Ella 14 Day Challenge and I’m on to another recipe review. I will actually be posting two recipes today: one for the Deliciously Ella Apple Pear Spinach Detox Smoothie, and another for the Deliciously Ella Quinoa Fritters and Beet Carpaccio (found in her first cookbook). You can see my review for the latter two recipes here.
What is great about springtime is the fact that produce is becoming more and more abundant, and I can start stomaching smoothies again!! I am so happy about this, as I much prefer to have smoothies in my diet. However in the colder months, it is next to impossible without shivering all day, ha ha. I was really excited to try this recipe, especially because of the fresh juice in it. I would suggest making the juice in advance, so that you aren’t hauling out the juicer and the blender at once – but it is up to you!
Here is my detailed review of the recipe below…
- Ingredients = 4.5 stars
There were four ingredients in this recipe, with an abundance of add-ins if your heart desires. Most of the produce can be found year round (at least where I am from). The additional ingredients are a bit harder to source depending on where you are, but I found them all fairly easily in one grocery store. That was the only reason it lost half a point. The recipe caters to many diets as it’s gluten free, nut free, vegan (without honey) and refined sugar free.
- Preparation = 3.5 stars
Because you have to juice the fruit before hand, I would give this a lower star rating. You could just use apple/pear juice storebought however, but it takes away from the nutritional benefits.
- Cost = 4 stars
The cost is fairly low for this recipe, especially if the produce is in season. The only ingredient that can be on the pricier side is avocado, and the optional ingredients.
- Time – 4 stars
Again, the only reason I take this down in time is the fact that you have to juice the fruit, which adds more time in prepping the ingredients, and also with cleanup.
- Appearance – 4.5 stars
A beautiful bright green smoothie develops from this recipe, which I love. It is not an appearance everyone enjoys, but I definitely feel healthy drinking it! The appearance would change somewhat depending on your blender abilities.
- Taste and Texture – 5 stars
This had a really nice taste and texture, especially with the avocado to add creaminess to the smoothie without compromising sweetness.
- Satiety Level – 4 stars
The smoothie was filling with the avocado, however I think it would really benefit with the optional hemp powder if you wanted the extra protein content. It has a high amount of calories, and lots of natural sugar from the fruit as well (see nutritional info)
- Longevity – 4 stars
This recipe can last overnight in the fridge, but you do compromise the nutritional benefits from the fresh fruit. I recommend storing in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, so that you can shake it up then next morning.
Overall, this recipe scores just over four stars, or 86%.
Has anyone else made this recipe? If so, please comment! I would be interested to see what you think.
