Friday, May 25, 2007

A visit to the Islands....

Literally.. We went to Islands a few weeks ago to celebrate my in-laws 31st anniversary. They went to Hawaii last year, so this was in remembrance of that trip. I found out something new about Islands... they have a great drink menu inspired by the Tropics. You know why I didn't know... because I am so cheap that I can't stand paying 6.50 for a smoothie with rum in it!! And, yes, let's be honest, that is what a Lava Flow is.
Todd and I aren't drinkers (not that there is anything wrong with that!!) so Hannah and Todd haven't experienced the "you can't have that.. it is just for adults" line. Hannah wants to share everything.. so imagine her surprise when Grandma couldn't share her drink! If you know Hannah, you will know that her lower lip started to jut out, her brows furrowed, and there might have been a few fist pounds on the table...while I tried to tell her that I would make her a Hannah version when we went to the store next. She finally gave up the pity party and we enjoyed a nice (free.. thank you in-laws) dinner.
So, all that to say... here is my version of a Lava Flow. I think they call it a Volcano when there is an absence of rum!!

I added 1 can of coconut milk and about 4 cups of Coconut Pineapple juice together with ice. You can just use Pineapple juice... but I was at Henry's and they didn't have any. To make it a Lava Flow, a drizzle of strawberry syrup is supposed to suspend itself throughout the drink like lava (hence the name)... however, I am not that coordinated, so I just threw some strawberries in there. I am not a huge smoothie person, but this drink was a blend of creamy coconut swirling with flecks of strawberry, with the tiniest hint of pineapple, all icy chilled to perfection. I mean, yum!


A few little known facts about coconut...
- a substance in coconut milk has been shown to fight the HIV virus among others
- it promotes vascular (think veins) health
- it helps your skin look healthy and vibrant

A few little known facts about strawberries...
- they are packed with antioxidants
- they are an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber and a good source of iodine, B6, copper and others
- they protect against macular degeneration

Why do I tell you all this? Because I think it is important to feed our families healthy foods that taste delightful, and you can feel confident knowing this is a "chock full of health" dessert! Make the Volcano.. tell me what you think! :)

3 comments:

Lauren Faiai said...

mmmmm!! Sounds delish! I will have to try. I'll let you know how it goes! Is the coconut milk already sweetened? Or is the pineapple the source of sweetness?

Sarah said...

Coconut milk is slightly sweet, but it doesn't have any added sugar. I lucked out with the strawberries I guess. You might have to add a little sugar... :)

TK said...

I love coconut. Good to know the health benefits. Thanks

Friday, May 25, 2007

A visit to the Islands....

Literally.. We went to Islands a few weeks ago to celebrate my in-laws 31st anniversary. They went to Hawaii last year, so this was in remembrance of that trip. I found out something new about Islands... they have a great drink menu inspired by the Tropics. You know why I didn't know... because I am so cheap that I can't stand paying 6.50 for a smoothie with rum in it!! And, yes, let's be honest, that is what a Lava Flow is.
Todd and I aren't drinkers (not that there is anything wrong with that!!) so Hannah and Todd haven't experienced the "you can't have that.. it is just for adults" line. Hannah wants to share everything.. so imagine her surprise when Grandma couldn't share her drink! If you know Hannah, you will know that her lower lip started to jut out, her brows furrowed, and there might have been a few fist pounds on the table...while I tried to tell her that I would make her a Hannah version when we went to the store next. She finally gave up the pity party and we enjoyed a nice (free.. thank you in-laws) dinner.
So, all that to say... here is my version of a Lava Flow. I think they call it a Volcano when there is an absence of rum!!

I added 1 can of coconut milk and about 4 cups of Coconut Pineapple juice together with ice. You can just use Pineapple juice... but I was at Henry's and they didn't have any. To make it a Lava Flow, a drizzle of strawberry syrup is supposed to suspend itself throughout the drink like lava (hence the name)... however, I am not that coordinated, so I just threw some strawberries in there. I am not a huge smoothie person, but this drink was a blend of creamy coconut swirling with flecks of strawberry, with the tiniest hint of pineapple, all icy chilled to perfection. I mean, yum!


A few little known facts about coconut...
- a substance in coconut milk has been shown to fight the HIV virus among others
- it promotes vascular (think veins) health
- it helps your skin look healthy and vibrant

A few little known facts about strawberries...
- they are packed with antioxidants
- they are an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber and a good source of iodine, B6, copper and others
- they protect against macular degeneration

Why do I tell you all this? Because I think it is important to feed our families healthy foods that taste delightful, and you can feel confident knowing this is a "chock full of health" dessert! Make the Volcano.. tell me what you think! :)

3 comments:

Lauren Faiai said...

mmmmm!! Sounds delish! I will have to try. I'll let you know how it goes! Is the coconut milk already sweetened? Or is the pineapple the source of sweetness?

Sarah said...

Coconut milk is slightly sweet, but it doesn't have any added sugar. I lucked out with the strawberries I guess. You might have to add a little sugar... :)

TK said...

I love coconut. Good to know the health benefits. Thanks

 

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