Ok, so I’ve got a GREAT recipe for you today….and some dismal photos to showcase it. Let me explain. First, I ate too much of the subject during the process of creation…then, I couldn’t find a glass that would display the remainder in an attractive way…then, the whipping cream I wanted to dollop on top went bad! Sooooo, I’m just gonna tell you straight up, it’s in a ramekin cup….with a tailored straw.

Awful?

I was going to attempt to hide all of these facts, but isn’t the truth funnier? The recipe is still damn good, though, so I’m resting on those laurels in explaining all of this. Now, if you haven’t guessed by the post title, you may be wondering exactly what this is? Well, does anyone recall going to the mall for a slice of Sbarro’s pizza and an Orange Julius back in the day….amidst shopping at Contempo…while trying to emulate the ‘clueless’ Cher (and I’m not referencing the female half of the popular 60s duo)…anyone? Crickets. Well, anyway, this post is devoted to the revamping and veganizing of the italicized latter.

ORANGE JULI-ICIOUS

Adapted from this recipe

1 c. freshly squeezed orange juice plus a splash more (about 2 oranges worth)

1/2 c. coconut milk, I used the full fat kind

2 t. turbinado, spun in a coffee grinder for a few seconds to create a powder (all you sweet teeth out there may want to bump it up to 3 t.)

3/4 t. vanilla

zest of 1/2 an orange

First off, zest 1/2 of an orange, then extract the stated amount of juice. In an ice-cube tray, freeze about 3/4 cup plus the splash worth of the orange juice (it should amount to about 6 cubes). Put the remaining 1/4 cup and zest in the fridge, covered. Also, at this time, put an unopened can of coconut milk in the fridge.

This isn’t crucial, but it allows you to skim the coconut cream off the top and use it for another recipe, such as this.

Once cubes are frozen, deposit all the ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth.

Again, some of you may want to add one more teaspoon of sugar, but I was fine with two, so taste with two first! You may also try substituting the coconut milk for whole cow’s milk or goat milk, depending on your preference. It may even work with almond! If you try any of these, let me know how it comes out.

Aside from the execution problems, I hope you’re still intrigued enough to give it a try…based on your non-experience with Contempo…and the fact that it ROCKS!

Prepare yourselves for my first ’What I Ate Wednesday’ post, hosted by Jenn at Peas and Crayons. I think my biggest hurdle will be remembering to snap a picture of everything prior to eating it! Hopefully, though, I can get a bit more personal in my posts and get to know some of you better!

Is anyone else involved in WIAW? Let me know how you like it!

This post is linked up with Healthy Vegan Fridays, hosted by Gabby at The Veggie Nook. Head over there to check out some amazing vegan recipes!

Tagged: Smoothie, Vegan