I have been doing a lot of research, writing and speaking on super-foods, and Kefir is definitely on my list. I am so excited about Frozen Kefir by Lifeway because it has is only 90 calories per 1/2 cup serving, 18 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber. It is also 99% lactose free, all natural and gluten-free. In addition, it is packed with 10 probiotics which rev up your immunity and are great for digestion. My kids absolutely went wild over the strawberry, especially in this Strawberry Kefir Smoothie. With only 3 ingredients, you will have a refreshing and healthy smoothie perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack or light dessert.

I get a lot of questions about probiotics. What are they? Probiotics, which literally mean “beneficial to life,” are live cultures that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Most probiotics include the live active cultures often added to foods like yogurt. Researchers have studied bacteria extensively and considerable evidence indicates that there are several strains of essential good-for-you bacteria that have an ability to promote healthy gastrointestinal functions. Lifeway Kefir contains seven to ten billion CFU’s of 10 strains of bacteria, plus ProBoost, an exclusive pair of clinically proven probiotics to balance your body’s ecosystem, support digestive health and immunity. That’s 12 live and active cultures per cup to produce a wide array of health benefits. You can find Lifeway frozen Kefir at Whole Foods.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to drink more Green Smoothies.  I am having so much fun with my Blendtec blender, and I loved this recipe for Green Smoothie. Even my son, Zachary, who is 10 years old, drank an entire glass. If you’re skeptical, just try it. It’s my newest favorite recipe for breakfast or afternoon pick me up.

Check out 10 awesome health benefits of drinking Green Smoothies below:

1. It boosts your energy level

2. Adds fiber to your diet which aids in digestion and eliminates toxins.

3. Reduces mood swings

4. Promotes weight loss

5. Stabilizes blood sugar levels

6. Increased antioxidant intake which helps protect against diseases

7. Helps with healthy, radiant skin

8. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables

9. Reduces unhealthy food cravings

10. Enhances the immune system

I first made this recipe for Peppermint Milkshakes on my blog in December of 2008 when I literally threw three ingredients together in a blender for my kids instead of taking them to get peppermint ice cream. Since then, I have been making these religiously for parties and for my 3 kids. It has been one of the most heavenly requested recipes from my children’s friends who have come to my house and tried them. Whenever I’m invited to a holiday party, I typically get asked to make these. This past sunday night, I made them for 28 people, and it was beyond an absolute hit. So many requested me to post the infamous recipe one more time so they can make them for their family Christmas events. Here it is…Enjoy!

Okay…my kids are obsessed with Peppermint Hot Chocolate. The past few weeks we have been visiting Starbucks more than often to savor their craving. Since I have been working on my Christmas list, I decided to create my own homemade version of Peppermint Dark Hot Chocolate Mix that will make the perfect holiday food gift. I used dark chocolate instead of milk or semisweet chocolate, but feel free to use your favorite. It has been said to lower blood pressure, work as a powerful antioxidant and even help release endorphins to boost your mood. It’s super easy and inexpensive to make, and everyone loves it.

I hope everyone has had a great holiday weekend. Did you go shopping? I am so excited about sharing my recipe for Acai Pomegranate Smoothie (my kid’s favorite). It tastes great, and it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants. Now, I can’t wait to announce my Blendtec Blender giveaway: One lucky winner will receive the Total Blender Combo including the Fourside and Wildside Jar, a $474 value. This blender is my newest all-time favorite all-in-one kitchen appliance. Not only does it make the best smoothies, but I have used it to prepare dips, fondues, ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, soups, milkshakes and even bread dough.

My kids have been making smoothies and milkshakes daily, and I feel great letting them try different fruits and yogurts to create new concoctions. Whether you’re in college, single or have a family, using a Blendtec is a great way to stay healthy this time of year. The winner will be able to choose a white, red or black model, and this is one of the best holiday presents ever.

To enter this giveaway, follow the steps below. Winner will be chosen by random.org on Thursday, December 1st, at 9 a.m EST.

1. Follow Alison Lewis on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know

2. Like Ingredients, Inc. on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know

3. Follow Alison Lewis on Pinterest  and leave a comment letting me know

 4. Follow Blendtec on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know

5. Like Blendtec on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know know

6. Join the Blendtec Mailing list and leave a comment letting me know

7. Join the Ingredients, Inc. email list and leave a comment letting me know

8. Tweet about this giveaway by mentioning the following or something similar:  check out @alisonlewis @Blendtec giveaway just in time for the holidays

Basil is a wonderful herb to use year-round, but its growth season is during the summer months. Here are some tips on how to store it for later use. Storing basil in the refrigerator isn’t a long-term solution, but it works great for short term. Just place it in a glass of water and change the water daily. Freezing is a popular method of storing basil. Place 1 tablespoon basil in an ice cube with water and freeze. When you’re ready to use it, just take out an ice cube, and use it in your recipe. Another way is to place the leaves in a food processor with a little oil, and then place it in an airtight container. See my friend, Kalyn, from Kalyn’s Kitchen for more great information on this tutorial. You can freeze basil for up to 6 months if you use a properly sealed container. Here are a few of my favorite gluten-free recipes using basil such as Quinoa with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

Kaniwa with Lemon, Basil and Tomatoes

Game Day Basil Bloody Marys

My kids started school earlier this year (in mid August), and I was amazed while driving carpool the first week that one of the children in my car asked my son, “What are you going to be for Halloween this year.” Halloween seemed so far away, but as the weeks have been going by, I have started seeing pumpkins on doorsteps and even decorations going up. The other day, I had a friend ask me to suggest some Halloween recipe ideas for her Halloween party she’s planning. I offered a few ideas that I saw online, and I thought I would share them. Fall is honestly my favorite time of year, so I hope these creations will get you fired up about Halloween this year. These Spider Petit Fours (above) are from the talented, Amanda, from “I am Baker”. I can’t wait to make them!

Halloween Candy from One Charming Party

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Pumpkins by Bakingdom

Halloween Snack Mix by Munchkin Munchies

Wicked Witch Cupcakes by Martha Stewart Chocolate

Candy Corn Truffles from My Recipes and Sunset Magazine

Spider Cupcakes from Bakerella

Pumpkin Beverage Cooler idea from Southern Living

Happy football season to everyone! We are excited about the Alabama/Penn State game and Auburn/Mississippi State tomorrow. I thought I would share this fun game-day recipe for Basil Bloody Marys. I made these on television a couple of times last year for some tailgating shows, and I thought they would make the perfect tailgating drink for this weekend’s games. This recipe rocks-just try it and you will see. Enjoy the weekend!

Welcome to Virtual Shower for Maria and Josh from Two Peas & Their Pod. I have never been a part of a virtual baby shower, but when Marla from Family Fresh Cooking and Lisa from With Style & Grace, invited me to be a part, I was so excited! Maria is expecting a baby boy in a few weeks, and a group of blogger friends have come together to celebrate this surprise virtual shower for Maria. The secret is finally out, so I hope you will enjoy my Fruity Punch which is super healthy and filled with some of my favorite fruit juices. (Feel free to add vodka if you wish.) I hope you will check out the following other fabulous bloggers involved in this great day for Maria. We are so looking forward to your first child and baby boy! Check out:

Savory Bites

Truffle Popcorn With Style Grace

Baby Peas & Cheese Frittata  Family Fresh Cooking

Nutella Berry Bruschetta Reluctant Entertainer

Drinks

Lemon Balm Infused Lemonade Simple Bites

Mini Pistachio Smoothies She Wears Many Hats

Lemongrass Soda Food for My Family

Homemade Real Fruit Punch Heather’s Dish Watermelon

Agua Fresca Georgia Pellegrini

Salad  

Pasta Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Aggie’s Kitchen

Desserts

Fresh Lemon Cream Tart Dorie Greenspan

Blue and Chocolate Cake Balls Tidy Mom

Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing What’s Gaby Cooking

Lavender Shortbread Cookies Mountain Mama Cooks

Oven Baked Cinnamon Apples Dine and Dish

Decorated Sugar Cookies Sweetapolita

Orange Fruit Dip Barbara Bakes

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches Picky Palate

Nutella & Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies Cookin’ Canuck

Blackberry Tartlets Add a Pinch

Baby Blue Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Cups Kevin and Amanda

Petit Fours with Fondant Pea Pods Bake at 350

Baby Button Cookies Recipe Girl

Mud Cups with Gummy Worms Recipe Boy

Baby Pea Shower Cake I Am Baker

Craft

How to Make a Diaper Cake Centerpiece Our Best Bites

Handmade Sweet Pea Cards Wenderly

Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse. Recently Tufts University conducted a study of 60 various fruits and vegetables and found that blueberries rated the highest for their antioxidant capabilities. They have been linked to great health benefits and are said to help prevent alzheimer’s, prevent urinary tractions, improve aging and eyesight and more. This refreshing summery beverage is a cinch to make with only 4 ingredients. It’s a hit with adults as well as the kids.