Tried it Tuesday 6/2 – Vitamix Love

I’m back! And I’m linking up with Sara from Lake Shore Runner for her Tried it Tuesday!

Don’t forget to vote for me here for the Cover of RW! #StillGoingOn…

Hokay. I have some exciting news to share. I have a baby. And by baby I mean a Vitamix. We are absolutely, 100%, head over heels in love. She is beautiful, shiny, and new. Her name is Bertha because she chops, dices, minces, blends, and purees EVERYTHING. #Beast

Hello beautiful!

I really struggled with what type of blender to buy. I appreciate all of your suggestions and feedback, but since I’m the most indecisive person ever, it has taken me roughly a month to take the plunge. It came down to 1. Does this blender do EVERYTHING I want? and 2. Will this blender need to be replaced in a year? As any type-A person would do, I spent weeks, yep… plural, researching the pros and cons of pretty much every blender sold.

Although overly expensive, I took the plunge and bought the Vitamix. There are so many great options out on the market, but for someone with a small kitchen, and zero time to deal with replacing kitchen appliances, I caved and spent the money on Bertha. I also now have no excuse to pay for said acai bowls and smoothies. I can just make them at home! Also it self-cleans. So that’s a plus.

I bought my Vitamix on Saturday and since then I have made: 2 batches of the most delicious date balls (vegan and paleo), asparagus lemon fettuccine, and an obligatory acai bowl. Because let’s be real, that’s why I bought it.

I am super excited to start experimenting with smoothies at home. My new kick (and really overpriced, expensive habit) has been getting smoothies with espresso or cold brew coffee in them.

Since the date balls were an absolute hit (read: completely polished off within 3 hours of making)… Here’s the recipe I used to make the most delicious date balls on the planet… super simple, super healthy, and a fantastic source of fuel pre or post workout.

Simple Vegan Paleo Date Ball Recipe:

Finished product. Half Cocoa covered, half plain. #Addicted

Ingredients:

• 2 cups walnuts, or other nut/seed of choice
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 cups soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. Blend the walnuts and coconut until crumbly. Add in the dates, coconut oil, vanilla and sea salt and blend again until a sticky, uniform batter is formed.

Pre-Ball : )

2. Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons, then roll between your hands to form balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (I used tin foil), then place in the freezer to set for at least an hour before serving. Store the balls in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for an even longer shelf life. (I prefer them frozen, myself!)
3. I also rolled some of them in cocoa powder before putting in the freezer – gave them a more chocolatey taste… I also plan on rolling some in shredded coconut or PB2 in the future!

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This question makes me feel quite old but, what’s your favorite kitchen appliance?

Do you ever rationalize that an expensive purchase will offset your costs in the long run?

What would you add to date balls? Any special/secret ingredient??

What’s your favorite go-to post workout snack? You know the one to quell the hanger while you make your actual meal… I’d have to say these date balls are really hitting the spot. Before it used to be granola… #Boring