Vitamix Giveaway

Vita-Mix have featured their 5200 super blender on a number of popular TV programs. They featured on the Martha Stewart show ”The Martha Stewart Show” is an hour long daily series that informs and inspires viewers on subjects from cooking and entertaining to crafting and gardening, hosted by Martha Stewart.

And then, Vita-Mix featured on the Ellen Degeneres show ’12 Days of Giveaways’ and actually gave away over 300 of their 5200 Super Blenders on the show.  This episode will no doubt flight in South Africa, but who knows when so here is a photo clip of the Viamix giveaway.

And then, Vita-Mix Corporation gave Colleen and Michael of Healthmakers one of the new Brushed Stainless Model 5200.

Now this is a Super Blender that you could REALLY get passionate about. Between looks and performance i’m not sure what the world has to offer that could beat it.

Go and check this beauty out at www.healthmakers.co.za. Just search for brushed stainless.

Another Healthmakers approved product that will be in stock mid August 2011.

 

Pet Food Recipes with Vitamix

National Pet Month was celebrated in the UK and the USA in April this year.  South Africa for some unknown reason does not set aside a period of time to honour our pets that bring so much joy to so many, old and young.

Vita-Mix Corporation the manufacturers of the Vitamix 5200 Super Blender put together a few amazing recipes to spice up the life of your dogs, cats, horses, kittens and puppies, as their offering for the 2010 National Pet Month. As this was something quite unusual, I thought I would share them with you.

All-natural, homemade Vitamix Pet Treats…

are perfect for everyone in the family, including your pets. Fresh from the Vitamix test kitchen, these easy-to-make recipes are not part of any special pet diet, but are veterinarian-approved for pet safety. Instead of paying for packaging, additives and preservatives, make these healthy pet treats, with natural ingredients and love, in your Vitamix. Your pets will be begging for more!

About the Vitamix^® Machine

The Vitamix machine has the power to perform a wide variety of food processes and does them faster and more effectively than most ordinary kitchen appliances. It does everything without a single attachment and is easily cleaned in seconds.

Most importantly, Vitamix uses whole foods in every recipe. Our machine has the blending power to break down ingredients, so your body can quickly take advantage of their nutritional benefits as well as receive a natural boost of energy.

Here’s just a sample of what else this amazing machine can do for you:

• Make juice from fresh produce in under a minute
• Create hot soup from scratch in just five minutes
• Make healthy, delicious frozen treats in 30 seconds
• Grind whole grains and knead dough in one easy operation
• Chop vegetables in an instant

Veterinarian Approved

The great recipes found in this blog post have been reviewed and found to be pet safe by Dr. Thomas Wood of the Lorain Animal Clinic, located in Lorain, Ohio. The clinic provides comprehensive pet care including internal medicine, nutritional counseling and dental care.

Dr. Wood did his undergraduate work at the College of Wooster and his post graduate work at The Ohio State University. He has been a veterinarian since 1987. Dr. Wood is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Before changing your pet’s diet consult your veterinarian.

Look at this wonderful variety of recipes for your pets. Including 6 recipes for Dogs, 5 recipes for Cats and 2 recipes for Horses.

Dog Treats

Gluten Free Liver Treats

2 cups (160 g) old fashioned oats4 ounces (112 g) raw liver (chicken or beef)1 egg2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses or agave3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 180 C

2. Place oats into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds to create oat flour. Pour into a mixing bowl and set aside.

6. Place the remaining ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 30 seconds. Pour over oat flour and mix ingredients to create a dough.

10. If rolling out dough, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch (.6 cm) to 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 8-12 minutes depending on size for a crisp biscuit texture.

OR

Spread the dough into an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes for a chewy treat. Cut to desired shapes and sizes when cool.

OR

Pipe or drop “kisses” by spoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes depending on size.

Note: Store the chewy version of these treats in the refrigerator.

 

Frosty Strawberry Treats

1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries 1 (6-ounce) container plain yogurt

1. Place ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

Note: Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat. Suggested Serving: 1-2 treats daily.

Peanut Butter and Yogurt Kibble Sauce

Yield: 4 cups (960 ml)

2 cups (293 g) dry roasted peanuts 4 cups (960 g) plain low fat yogurt

1. Place peanuts into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

4. In 1 minute you will hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change to a low, laboring sound. Stop machine and remove lid.

5. Add the yogurt and secure lid.

6. Select Variable 1.

7. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

8. Blend 30 seconds or until smooth.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this sauce.

Tip: This sauce may be frozen in ice cube trays for a cool treat on a hot day. Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat

Beef Stew Kibble Gravy

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

4 ounces (112 g) beef chuck, in 2-inch cubes 2 medium carrots, sliced 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium beef broth 1/2 baked potato 1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum (optional)

1. Cook the beef, carrots and broth over medium heat until the beef is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add potato through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the potato.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this gravy.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) Serving Amount: Under 20 lbs. 1-2 Teaspoons 20-50 lbs. 1-2 Tablespoons • 50-100 lbs. 2-5 Tablespoons

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Puppy Muffins

Yield: 18 standard sized muffins or 36 mini muffins

1 1/2 cups (300 g) wheat berries or 2 1/4 (270 g) cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 large apple, quartered, seeded 1/2 cup (120 g) plain low fat yogurt 1/2 cup (120 ml) water 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or agave syrup 2 eggs 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. If making flour, place wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and add the baking soda and baking powder. Mix dry ingredients well to combine.

6. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

10. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

 

Dog Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Cat Treats

Tuna Bites

1 egg1 (6-ounce) can chunk light tuna in water2 tablespoons (28 g) popcorn kernels or 1/4 cup (40 g) cornmeal1/2 cup (100 g) wheat berries or 3/4 cup (90 g) whole wheat flour

1. Preheat oven to 180 C.

2. If using whole grains, place popcorn and wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and reserve.

6. Place the egg and tuna (with liquid) into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix ingredients to form a dough. If rolling out dough for cutting, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling.

10. Roll dough out 1/4-inch (.6 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 10 minutes for chewy treats or 20 minutes for crunchy treats.

OR

Spread dough in an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) pan evenly and bake for 15 minutes. Cut into desired shapes when cool.

 

Chicken Florentine Kibble Sauce

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (4-5 ounces)2 medium carrots, sliced2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth1/2 cup (98 g) cooked brown rice2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, steamed1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum

1. Cook the chicken, carrots and broth over medium heat until the chicken is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add rice through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the rice.

7. With machine still running add the cooked spinach through the lid plug opening and blend until lightly chopped.

Note: Treat your pet with Continental flair by mixing one or two tablespoons of this sauce with their kibble.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) • Serving Amount: 1 teaspoon

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Soft, Chewy Treats

1 cup (140 g) cooked beef or chicken 3/4 cup (180 ml) low sodium broth or water 1/4 cup (17 g) dry milk powder 1/4 cup (28 g) wheat germ

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) square pan

2. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool and cut into desired shapes.

Note: A nice, soft chewable treat for kittens and seniors alike.

Cat Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Horse Treats

Carrot Cookies

Yield: 24

2 medium carrots sliced1 apple, quartered2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 cup (80 g) oats1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a cookie sheet.

2. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to pressthe ingredients into the blades.

6. Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.

7. Drop by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until brown.

 

Bran and Molasses Muffins

Yield: 12 standard sized muffins or 24 mini muffins

3/4 cup (180 ml) rice milk1/2 cup (120 ml) molasses2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/2 apple, cut in half1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 1/2 cups (87 g) wheat bran1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl to combine. Set aside.

3. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

4. Select Variable 1.

5. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

6. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

7. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

8. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives

 

For more information about making these and other treats go to: Healthmakers

Extracted from Vitamix Pet Treats and recipes reprinted with permission of Vita-Mix® Corporation

 

Green Smoothies in India

Gee I never realised that i would miss my green smoothie as much as I did. It went something like this. Before we left for India I had to consider just how I would make a green smoothie without my Hi-Blend or my Vitamix super blender. We were going to be away for the whole month and I knew without any doubt that it would be difficult to survive without my Green Smoothie for all that time. First was how to replace the super blender to produce something that would resemble a Green Smoothie I also knew that I could Never achieve the level of creaminess of my regular smoothie but that was still an acceptable compromise. I did a test drive on various stick and personal blenders and finally settled on taking a powerful 400 watt stick blender and a seed grinder to pre-grind the seeds and nuts.

The smoothie package looked like this:

A pack each of almonds, cashews, macadamia, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Barley green powder, raw cacao powder, hemp seed powder, and maca powder that I decanted into enough single smoothie packs for the anticipatednumber of smoothies that I could make.
A packet of dehydrated kale in case of emergency where I could not get any greens.
A sharp knife (had to remember to put it into the suitcase going into the hold otherwise it would be confiscated, just like another 2 pen knives that I forgot to transfer).

We stayed in Mumbai one night so breakfast was a milky tea and a rubbery parathas. The next breakfast was in Delhi where the selection for breakfast was sweet milky tea, porridge and milk, toast and butter or toast and jam. Mmmm, to eat or not to eat, that was the question. I chose the toast and jam and tea.  I am a firm believer that the benefit or the detrimental effect of what we eat relates to our state of mind and intention, so, being wheat and dairy intolerant, I had the choice of focusing on the problems of the wheat bread and the dairy in the tea or to see it as great food that my body would lovingly accept to nourish me and remove the pangs of hunger. So, before taking the first bite, I waved my hands over the toast and said “Green Smoothie, Green Smoothie”. This was a bit like looking for a miracle similar to Aladdin saying A b r a c a d a b r a!

Our next breakfast offering was a simple Indian breakfast of wheat porridge, buffalo milk, brown sugar, toast, butter and jam. It was now 3 days without a Green Smoothie and I was beginning to have withdrawal symptoms. I had managed to accumulate a bit of fruit so was contented with a fruit , nut and seed smoothie knowing that I would be into my greens Very soon.

DAY 4 A Green Smoothie at last! We found green leaves in abundance and the limited variety of fruit was fresh and of good quality so we made some simple Green Smoothie combinations such as:

Pawpaw, Banana, Naartjie, Apple, Lime, seeds and nuts and one of the additives and a load of spinach leaves. It was pure heaven! For 6 days we delighted in a big jug of Green Smoothie where flavours were altered by increasing and reducing the quantities of fruit and the variety of additives

DAY 10 The train journey to Delhi certainly did not offer Smoothies in the menu and no, please don’t ask me what we had for breakfast.

Day 11 Another bread and jam and milky tea which means another day without a Green Smoothie and more Abracadabra

DAY 12 The first day at the Ayruvedic Centre and guess what? Not even an Ayruvedic Smoothie for breakfast. Well that didn’t last long, I quickly convinced the Doctor that I REALLY needed Green Smoothies

DAY 13 Request for green leaves were met with general confusion about what I was looking for. The kitchen manager agreed to go and bring back green leaves from the market. Based on this, we enjoyed a fruit smoothie, upgraded with some raw cacoa, seeds and nuts.

DAY 14 To my absolute amazement the trip to the market proved unsuccessful. Can you imagine no green leaves! I mean absolutely No Green Leaves!! After some investigation I established that the Indians in the province of Kerela do not eat green leaves. So, what now? How do you make a Green Smoothie without green leaves? Oh yes! I remembered that in my bag of tricks was a bag of dehydrated kale – not truly a green smoothie because quantities were limited and these had to serve my salad upgrades too.

DAY 15 Today I added some Barley Life to the smoothie which gave it a definite green tinge. It wasn’t really a Green Smoothie, but that green tinge just made me feel better.

DAY 16 Great excitement today! I established that the leaves from the ‘drumstick’ tree are edible so guess what? Today I was in celebration, the first Green Smoothie in 5 days. Mmmm, it looked like a green smoothie and tasted like one – Just So Delicious. How can I explain the passion.

DAY 17 Another delicious drumstick smoothie. And I am told that drumstick leaves are very nutritious.

DAY 18 What a shock! Today my Ayruvedic detox started in ernest and Green Smoothies were no longer on the menu.

DAY 19-26 NO GREEN SMOOTHIES – Say no more!

DAY 27 Intense persuasion convinced the Doctor that I Really needed to get back to Green Smoothies so this morning I found some more drumstick leaves and savoured my first Green Smoothie in 9 days AND today we took an auto-rickshaw to the nearest town of Kottayam and low and behold, in a little vegetable shop I found and bought a bunch of one of two bunches of green leaves.

DAYS 28-32 We enjoyed not only Green Smoothies with green leaves
and our usual additives but now we had a Kerela
touch to things with the addition of what is known as tender coconut.
Oh, it’s great to be back home with my Vitamix Super Blender and enough home grown greens to make all the smoothies I like.

If you have any stories of passion about your green smoothies please share them, we would love to hear them.

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