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Discovering Oregon’s Delights: From Snowy Peaks to Pinot Noir Paradise

March 8th, 2023November 11th, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Embark on a journey through Oregon’s diverse wonders, from majestic snowy peaks to the enchanting paradise of Pinot Noir vineyards. Discover Oregon and explore the beauty of the Beaver State with our guide to the best of nature and wine. Plan your adventure today!

Welcome to the breathtaking Beaver State of Oregon, where a world of adventure and natural beauty awaits every visitor. Nestled against the majestic Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, beach recreations and incredible wine for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family or as a couple, now is the perfect time to discover Oregon and all of it’s wonders.

We have family that lives in Oregon and I visited for the first time this year. We went in the winter months because we wanted to take the kids snowboarding for the first time. It was absolutely beautiful and we created so many incredible family memories.

We stayed in Portland and then headed to Black Butte for our skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Black Butte is located approximately 130 miles south-southeast of Portland. The distance can vary slightly depending on the specific starting and ending points within each location. The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. They do sometimes close the road if the snow or ice makes for dangerous driving.

Portland boasts serene gardens that captivate with their tranquility and beauty. When in Portland, be sure to add these outdoor adventures to your Discover Oregon travel itinerary and don’t forget to finish your day with a nice glass of Pinot Noir 😉

Explore the Ming Dynasty-inspired Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Lan Su, the blooming paradise of the International Rose Test Garden boasting over eight thousand roses, and the Japanese Garden with its five traditional gardens and pavilion.
Discover Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, sprawling across thirty-seven acres along the Willamette River. Embrace relaxation or indulge in more intense fun with activities like walking, biking, and even basketball. Don’t miss the Oregon Maritime Center and Museum, housed within the sternwheeler tugboat Portland, located at the seawall.
In the capital city, immerse yourself in the magic of the Enchanted Forest Theme Park. Encounter storybook characters brought to life, explore rides, a haunted house, and enjoy a water and light show. Experience the charm of an old west town, complete with a fort, Indian Caves, gold panning, underground tunnels, and a shooting gallery.
Venture to the Fort Clatsop National Memorial near Astoria, showcasing a replica of Lewis and Clark’s encampment. Explore exhibits, two theaters, and hiking trails in this National Park Service-run memorial.
For awe-inspiring views, visit the Hood River area and witness the majestic Columbia River Gorge. Marvel at spectacular waterfalls and explore nearby attractions like Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain with ski trails.
No visit to Oregon is complete without marveling at the beauty of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. Explore hiking trails and witness the nearly nine-thousand-foot Mt. Scott within Crater Lake National Park. Summer activities include fishing, camping, and hiking, while winter visitors can enjoy the park’s snowy wonders with proper precautions.

Alright, now let’s discover Oregon wine shall we?

Nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a paradise for Pinot Noir enthusiasts and a coveted destination for wine connoisseurs, this region beckons with its unique climate. Rolling hills cradle a multitude of vineyards and diverse grape varieties, captivating wine aficionados nationwide.

Proximity proves essential for exploring the charms of Willamette Valley, and its close proximity to Portland makes it easily accessible. Whether you’re a local seeking a brief escape or a visitor in search of a wine-filled adventure, Portland serves as an ideal hub, offering more than just exceptional wine.

A short, scenic drive southwest of Portland reveals the heart of Willamette Valley, once dominated by farmland but now flourishing with vineyards and tasting rooms. Over the past three decades, the wine industry has transformed the landscape, replacing struggling farms with vibrant vineyards.

At the forefront of Oregon’s wine scene is the renowned Pinot Noir variety, propelled to fame by the movie “Sideways.” Flourishing in Willamette Valley’s similar latitude and climate to Burgundy, France, where the grape originates, Pinot Noir thrives in this picturesque region.

Effortlessly plan your wine-tasting journey with the online tool on OregonWine.org, allowing you to search wineries based on location and tasting room availability.

During the warmer months, Willamette Valley springs to life with a virtual wine celebration every weekend. Various wine-related events, competitions, and tastings hosted by numerous tasting rooms create a vibrant summer scene. For the adventurous, consider joining a bike tour – just remember to use spittoons during tastings to maintain your biking prowess.

Accommodations in Oregon wine country are abundant, with many wineries hosting charming bed and breakfasts. Imagine waking up surrounded by vineyards, savoring a delicious breakfast while soaking in the fragrant scenery. YES PLEASE!

Beyond the delightful tastings and breathtaking landscapes, partake in unique experiences like grape stomps during the wine-making process. Winery tours provide insights into the production process, showcasing how factors such as grape upbringing temperature and wine storage conditions contribute to diverse flavors.

Whether you’re a Portland local or a visitor planning a trip, ensure you schedule a weekend getaway during the sun-kissed days of spring and summer to explore the wonders of Willamette Valley and Oregon Wine Country.

The history of winemaking in Oregon is as rich as the state itself, producing some of the finest wines in the country. No trip to Oregon is complete without a visit to at least one of the picturesque wineries in the region!

Here’s a curated list of top wineries in Oregon, each renowned for producing exceptional wines:

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
Address: 15771 NE Ribbon Ridge Rd, Newberg, OR 97132
Penner-Ash is celebrated for its small-lot Pinot Noir and Viognier, showcasing the unique terroirs of the Willamette Valley.

Archery Summit
Address: 18599 NE Archery Summit Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
Archery Summit produces elegant, handcrafted Pinot Noir, known for its vineyard-specific bottlings and complex flavors.

Domaine Serene
Address: 6555 NE Hilltop Ln, Dayton, OR 97114
Domaine Serene is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

Stoller Family Estate
Address: 16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
Stoller is known for its sustainably farmed wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir.

King Estate Winery
Address: 80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405
King Estate is recognized for its organic and biodynamic practices, producing a variety of wines, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

Argyle Winery
Address: 691 Highway 99W, Dundee, OR 97115
Argyle is famous for its sparkling wines, particularly sparkling Pinot Noir.

Adelsheim Vineyard
Address: 16800 NE Calkins Ln, Newberg, OR 97132
Adelsheim is a pioneer in the Oregon wine industry, specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals.

Keep in mind that details like addresses and prices may have changed, so it’s always a good idea to check the wineries’ websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Embark on a journey through these exceptional wineries and savor the distinct flavors that define Oregon’s winemaking excellence.

Have you been to Oregon? What is one of your favorite Oregon Wines?

How To Make a Mini Blueberry Galette

March 8th, 2023April 26th, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

If you are looking for an easy-to-make dessert that is filled with your favorite in-season fruits, a galette is it! This blueberry galette recipe only has 7 ingredients and is ready in about 30 minutes.

A few months ago…for fall, I made the most beautiful Apple and Pear Galette for Stemilt. I fell in love with how easy galettes were to make and the fact that since you only use one pie crust, you can save on the calories…Or make two 😉

What is a galette?

A galette is a French pastry. In general, a galette is a flat, round pastry that is typically made with a simple crust. The crust is usually folded up around a sweet or savory filling, often made with fruit or vegetables.

Sweet galettes are often filled with fruit, such as apples, pears, or berries, and are typically served as a dessert. Savory galettes, on the other hand, can be filled with a wide range of ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, ham, or sausage, and are often served as a main course.

How do you make a galette?

To make a galette, you simply take your pie crust and put your favorite fruits into the center and leave a little room around the edge so you can fold them up.

Folding up the edges in a simple pattern gives your galette a fancy look after it’s baked.

SO easy!

Now that Florida blueberries are coming into season…one of my favorite seasons 😉 I decided that a Blueberry Galette was in order. And these mini ones are just too cute…I mean who can resist an individually sized dessert stuffed with in-season blueberries? Not me!

When are Florida blueberries in-season?

Florida blueberry season typically runs from late March to early May, with peak harvest time in April. However, the exact timing of the season can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. It’s always a good idea to check with local farmers or markets for the most up-to-date information on when Florida blueberries will be available. Personally, I look to Noble for my updates on the New Crop Florida blueberries 🙂

Blueberries are good in so many recipes! I have a bunch here on the blog, so if you went blueberry picking and ended up with more than you think you can use, here are a few of my favorite blueberry recipes:

And, you can freeze blueberries! It’s super easy and a fantastic way to make sure you always have your favorite blueberries on hand for baking and snacking.

Not only do blueberries taste great, but they are really good for us! They aren’t called the king of antioxidants for nothing!

Blueberries are considered a superfood because they are packed with nutrients and have been linked to a range of health benefits.

Rich in antioxidants: Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from harmful molecules known as free radicals. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
May improve heart health: The flavonoids in blueberries have been shown to improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.
May help control blood sugar levels: Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
May have anti-inflammatory effects: Blueberries contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.

Overall, blueberries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.

Ready to get baking? Let’s make some mini blueberry galettes, shall we?! Oh, by the way, if you don’t want to make these mini…you can make it as a big one, just don’t cut the crust into circles…the rest of the directions would be the same!

Print Recipe

Mini Blueberry Galettes

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Course: Breakfast/Dessert, Dessert, Dessert/Snack

Cuisine: French

Keyword: blueberries, blueberry, dessert, dessert recipe, desserts, galette, pie

Servings:

Calories: 319kcal

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

1 ¼ cup Blueberries
¼ cup Sugar
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1 Lemon zest and juice
1 Egg
1 pie crust I used store bought
1 tbsp Brown sugar
fresh mint leaves for garnish optional

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°
In a small bowl; mix blueberries with sugar, corn starch, juice from the lemon and 1 tbsp of lemon zest.
Roll out the dough, cut out circles.
Put the blueberry mixture in the center of each circle dough.
Using your fingers, start flipping up the edges of the dough.
Crack open the egg into a small bowl and lightly beat it.
Brush the edges of the dough with egg and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375° for about 35 minutes.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Things High School Seniors Should Know – And Their Parents!

February 22nd, 2023August 1st, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Learn from a mom that’s there RIGHT NOW! Here are some things your high school senior needs to be doing, and your high school junior should be preparing for. There is also a Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code, so don’t miss this opportunity to save! This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

Things High School Seniors Should Know – And Their Parents!

In just a few months my baby boy will graduate high school and head off to college. I honestly don’t have any idea where the time went, and I will happily admit that every cliche you heard like “Don’t blink, it goes so fast” or “Before you know it they will be off to college” is 100% true.

And I did everything I possibly could to hold off the inevitable.While my friends were having their kids think about what they were majoring in, what colleges they wanted to go to, and having them look at the requirements for the Common App (details on what that is below!) I was holding onto those last few high school days by letting him still be 17 and taking as many vacations as possible so he could (read so that I COULD) let him still be a “kid.” Because adulthood is LONG, because he will work for the rest of his life, because he have plenty of deadlines and adult-things to do for the rest of his life…why rush it?!

Would I change any of it? Absolutely not. Memories were made. But, I did learn a few things…a few things that while I will still let my daughter enjoy every last second of her “childhood” before she gets ready for college, I will start planting a few seeds to make our jump into “Holy crap we gotta do this, this and this” a little bit easier.

That being said, I thought I would share the things that we crammed in that definitely would have been easier if I wasn’t avoiding the fact that my baby boy was no longer a baby.

I also included details on why these steps are important and how to be ready for senior year of high school and beyond.

Things we didn’t do until fall of senior year of high school, but you should do before:

Discuss potential college majors. While we always knew what his interests were, we didn’t really research what a major could be.

Look at the colleges that may be of interest and see if they have those majors. Steven is interested in either Mechanical Engineering or Architecture, which narrowed down which colleges he should apply to.

Filling out the Common App. You can start doing this July before senior year of high school.

College tours. Where my kids go to school, they get several excused absences for visiting colleges, get out there! Honestly, the colleges that my husband and I loved, the kids weren’t a fan of. *Keep your opinions of colleges and the campuses general, let your kids make their own decisions.

Important Things High School Seniors Should Know

Things I did do that helped tremendously:

Went to the informational session that our high school had about things to do and college application deadlines.

Opened a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan. Open Enrollment is ends April 30th.

Had Steven apply at his favorite colleges before the application deadline. Don’t wait until last minute.

Take the SAT/ACT as many times as they want and encourage study sessions.

Apply for financial aid. Many students and their families will need financial assistance to pay for college. High school seniors should research the various options for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Are you in Florida? You must apply for the Bright Futures scholarship as well.

Found a photographer that would take senior pictures that will forever be in our hearts. They may cost more, but they will go the extra mile. I cry every time I look at his pictures…they are soooooo him.

Things Parents of High School Seniors Should Know

Things to consider:

Attend college fairs and events. High school seniors should attend college fairs and events in their area to learn more about the colleges they are interested in and meet with admissions representatives.

Things we are doing now:

Preparing for dorm life. If your child will be living in a dorm, they should start thinking about what they need to bring and start shopping for the necessary items.

Talking about college regularly. What friends got accepted where, are there any schools we should revisit, what dorms do you want to stay in, will you bring a car, will you work. Make this transition a part of regular conversation so it’s not something “scary”, but exciting and “normal.”

Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code

Why visiting colleges is important:

Get a feel for the campus culture. Visiting a college campus can give your child a sense of the atmosphere, the student body, and the overall culture of the college. This can help them determine if it is a good fit. Remember to let your child make their own opinions, the one we liked best was not one Steven liked!

Learn about academic programs. You can attend information sessions or meet with professors and academic advisors to learn about the college’s academic programs and what courses are offered in your area of interest. One college we visited (and loved the campus!) didn’t offer his potential major.

Experience campus life. Visiting a college allows you to experience what life is like on campus, such as the availability of dining options, recreational activities, and student housing.

Get a better understanding of the location. It is important to know what is around the campus and what kind of community the college is located in. Are there convenient stores, restaurants, or shopping centers nearby? How is the public transportation system?

Evaluate the college’s resources and facilities. You can tour the campus to see the classrooms, libraries, computer labs, and other facilities that you will use as a student.

Meet with admissions representatives. College visits often include meetings with admissions representatives, who can answer your questions and provide more information about the college and its programs.

Visiting colleges is an important way for high school students to gather information and make informed decisions about their future. It can also help you narrow down your list of colleges and provide you with a better understanding of what to expect when you attend college.

Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans Promo Code

What is the Common App?

Oh, let me tell you….We decided that we would have a party when Steven completed the Common App! It is something that you have to set aside time for on a regular basis. There are questions after questions, essays (yes more than one) and then there’s additional things you have to do for specific colleges. It’s a LOT. Don’t rush it and do a little at a time.

The Common Application (commonly referred to as the “Common App”) is an online college application platform that allows high school seniors to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one application. It was created to simplify the college application process and make it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges with a single form.

Here’s how it works: High school seniors create a single profile on the Common App website, which includes their personal information, extracurricular activities, test scores, and other relevant information. They then use this profile to apply to any of the more than 900 colleges and universities that accept the Common App. This eliminates the need to fill out separate applications for each college, saving time and reducing the stress of the college application process.

The Common App also has a number of other features designed to make the college application process easier, such as the ability to request transcripts and letters of recommendation, to upload essays and other documents, and to track the status of your applications.

Overall, the Common App is a valuable resource for high school seniors who are applying to college. By streamlining the application process, it makes it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one form, reducing the time and stress of the college application process.

Why saving for college is important:

It’s never too early (or too late) to start saving for college, as the cost of higher education can add up quickly.

Start as early as possible. If you’re a new parent, starting to save for college as soon as possible can help you stay ahead of the game. We purchased a Prepaid Plan for Steven when he was just 6 months old and one for Sadie when she was 5. Both Prepaid Plans have been paid off for years and are ready for use!

Set a savings goal. Determine how much you want to save and create a plan to reach your goal. This can help you prioritize your savings and make it easier to stick to your plan. Florida Prepaid has college plans made for you, giving you the opportunity to save in a way that’s best for you. Plans start as low as $45/month.

When you are ready and have about 15 minutes, you can get started with Florida Prepaid here. You’ll be glad you did. I promise. Still have questions about Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans? Be sure to check out these Frequently Asked Questions.

Learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans online and feel free to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up to date with information on Open Enrollment but get tips on college and more. You can also give the Florida Prepaid College Board Customer Service team a call, the Florida Prepaid College Board phone number is 1-800-552-4723.

Be sure to follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

How To Pair Wine With Charcuterie

February 13th, 2023February 13th, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for the perfect wines to serve with your perfect charcuterie board? Here is how to pair wine with charcuterie, along with tips for building the perfect charcuterie board. While this post is sponsored by Noble Citrus, my love for charcuterie and fantastic wine is my own.

There’s just something special about putting some of your favorite foods on a board. So simple, right? But oh so perfect! The best part about making a charcuterie board is that you can put just about whatever you want on it; from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, chocolates, seriously, the sky is the limit! And, of course, the perfect beverage to go with your charcuterie board is wine. Let’s be honest, wine is the perfect accompaniment to most meals and snacks in my opinion 😉

Charcuterie boards have become a staple at gatherings and events, providing a variety of delicious snacks and treats to mingle over while sipping on your favorite wines. Not only are snack boards visually appealing, but they offer a variety of flavors and textures that make them the perfect pairing with wine. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a large party, a charcuterie board is a great way to add some sophistication and amazing snacks to your event.

How to make a charcuterie board

Making a charcuterie board is simple and can be done with just a few ingredients. Start by selecting a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts. Arrange them on a wooden board or platter in an attractive manner. Make sure to include a variety of textures and flavors, such as soft and creamy cheeses, crunchy crackers, and juicy fruits. You can add some greenery, such as basil or rosemary, to the board to add color and texture. Finally, arrange the items in an attractive and visually pleasing manner, leaving space between each item so they are easily accessible.

For this one, I arranged the fresh fruit (Juicy Crunch tangerines, Florida strawberries, and blueberries) to make a flower-type shape, it was super simple and just a matter of arranging them in a circle. You can watch me assemble it here on Instagram. After the fresh fruit was laid out, I added in the meats, cheeses, crackers, olives and chocolates. There was actually a pre-made charcuterie kit in the deli section at my local grocer that was on sale, so I grabbed that and just arranged it on my board in the way I thought was prettiest!

How To Pair Wine With Charcuterie boards

How to pair with charcuterie

Wine and charcuterie boards are a match made in heaven. When you have a variety of options on your charcuterie board, it can be hard to decide which wine to pair with your charcuterie board. Since the beautiful fresh fruit are the star of my snack board, I served Charles Krug Limited Release Chardonnay and Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc.

I love Sauvignon Blanc, and I especially love it paired with this charcuterie board because the light to medium-bodied wine displays vibrant, finely balanced acidity with notes of lime and grapefruit on the nose and flavors of citrus and passionfruit on the palate. The wine was cold fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks to further its wonderfully aromatic bouquet and delicate flavor profile. Making it perfect to sip on while snacking on the tangerines and nibbling on the mild cheeses.

The Limited Release Chardonnay is crafted from pristine fruit, night-picked by hand, whole-cluster pressed, and aged in French oak. It displays a bright bouquet of lime and citrus blossom. Sur lies aging adds structure, a toasty creaminess and hints of minerality married with peach, lime and citrus notes preceding a long supple finish.

When selecting wine to pair with your board, consider the flavors and textures of the meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. A good rule of thumb is to pair wine with the strongest flavor on the board. For example, a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, would pair well with strong-flavored meats. Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, are also a great option for charcuterie boards, as they offer a light and crisp taste that complements the flavors on the board.

Best Wines to serve With Charcuterie boards

Why I love adding tangerines to charcuterie boards

Tangerines are a great addition to charcuterie boards for several reasons. First, they add a pop of color and brightness to the board, making it look even more pretty. Second, they offer a sweet and tangy flavor that balances out the saltiness of the meats and cheeses. Third, they are a great source of vitamin C, which makes them a healthy addition to the board. Finally, Juicy Crunch tangerines are easy to peel and eat, making them a convenient snack for guests to enjoy.

Charcuterie boards are a great addition to any gathering. When selecting wine to pair with your board, consider the flavors and textures of the meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. When making a charcuterie board, don’t forget to include Juicy Crunch tangerines, as they add a pop of color, flavor, and health benefits to the board. And don’t forget the wine!

What is one of your favorite wine parings?

Learn more about Juicy Crunch online and be sure to follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with all things Noble Tangerines.

Make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more healthy living tips, healthy recipes, things to do and more.

Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie

January 30th, 2023September 1st, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Ready in just a few minutes, this Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie is nutritious, delicious and will remind you of a milkshake…but it doesn’t have all the fat and calories! While this post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition, my love for smoothies and healthy living are my own.

You all know I love a good smoothie. Well, my kiddos are officially on the smoothie bandwagon now too! My daughter is in track and cross country, then most days she goes to the gym too. My son is constantly working outside and goes to the gym a few times a week too.

And as soon as they both get home from the gym, they both want a protein shake. Now, I will admit that they both love the ease of the blender ball thingies, but at least once a week, they want a little more to their protein shakes. This is where an easy smoothie recipe comes in 😉

I am all about adding in some extra nutrients to my smoothies, but to make one that the kids would make again and again, I needed to make sure it was thick, creamy and a little sweet…almost like a milkshake.

Well, avocados make your smoothies super creamy and add little to no flavor to your blended deliciousness. What avocados do add to your smoothie is vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. Avocados also provide lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids…you know, the healthy fats that are good for us.

Bananas add that touch of sweetness to your smoothie, but they also make it creamy. Bananas are a good source of potassium, and they also have fiber and several antioxidants.

It’s mint to be aware of the benefits of fresh mint! This leafy herb is more than a delicious garnish or flavor enhancer. Mint is an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin A, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage. It also contains a decent amount of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body and keep energy levels up. Mint leaves are also high in fiber, which promotes digestion and regularity. Plus, mint is good source of calcium and magnesium, minerals that help keep bones strong. So, not only do fresh mint leaves make this protein smoothie extra tasty…it’s a healthy ingredient to add!

I used milk (Florida Milk to be exact!) in this mint chocolate smoothie not only because milk is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, it also lends to making your protein shake extra creamy and delicious.

Now, why are my kids dedicated to having a protein shake or a protein smoothie after each workout? Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps repair tissue, build muscle, and make enzymes. So, making it a pretty good option to have after a good workout…a protein shake is also a great idea if your daily diet doesn’t consistent of a good amount of protein.

Why do I love having Naked Whey Protein Powder available for the kids (and me!) to make their protein shakes and protein smoothies?

Chocolate Naked Whey is sourced from small Northern California and Idaho dairy farms. Their cows are grass-fed, free roaming, and raised without growth hormones like rBGH or rBST. Each serving of Naked Whey Protein Powder includes 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

How to make a Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie

I also love that Chocolate Naked Whey is completely free of additives and artificial sweeteners. Naked Nutrition is proud of the fact that they are committed to shortening the steps between their farms and us.

And I absolutely love supporting any company that supporters our farmers. Farmers are absolutely amazing people that go to work EVERY SINGLE DAY just to make sure we can eat. They haven’t met all of us, but yet, they work for us. To provide for us. Farmers are amazing. Thank a farmer. Support the companies that support farmers.

Alright, you all ready to make that Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie? Let’s do it! Oh, you will notice I used fresh mint, but if you have mint oil, you can totally use that, I’m just not positive of the conversion of fresh herbs to oil…but if you use mint oil, you probably do 😉

How to make a Mint Chocolate Protein Shake

Wait…one more thing, I wanted to let you know that neither of my kiddos would eat an avocado on it’s own and my son won’t even eat a banana, but both loved this smoothie!

Print Recipe

Mint Chocolate Protein Shake

Ready in just a few minutes, this protein shake tastes just like a mint chocolate milkshake but it's much better for you!

Prep Time3

Course: Breakfast, Breakfast or Snack, Breakfast/Snack, Protein Shake, Smoothie

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy recipes, healthy, milkshake, protein shake, protein smoothie, smoothies

Servings:

Calories: 568kcal

Author: Tracy