Iron-rich Gingerbread Smoothie

This recipe can be made as a cool, creamy smoothie or a warm, cosy bowl.

This isn't your average breakfast. Blackstrap molasses brings a rich, almost caramel-like depth and a serious iron boost, while cinnamon and ginger add a little warmth and spice to keep things interesting. Stir in a scoop of collagen and it becomes a meal all on its own.

Makes 1 serve.

With 1 Tbsp molasses = 6-6.5 mg iron per serve

With 2 Tbsp molasses = 9.5-10 mg iron per serve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (ideally not fortified with calcium)

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 1 - 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses (to your taste)

• 1/3 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

• pinch of salt (optional)

• 1 serve collagen (optional but recommended if having as a main meal)

METHOD

1. The night before, combine all the ingredients in your blender jar and stir briefly so everything is mixed.

2. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. This soak isn't strictly required, but it softens the oats so they blend up smoother and creamier.

3. When you are ready to eat, blend on high speed until the oats are completely broken down and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

For a cold smoothie: Pour it straight into a glass, add your toppings, and enjoy!

For a warm smoothie: Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat and warm it to a simmer. If it's thickened up too much, stir in a little extra almond milk to your liking. Once it hits the temperature you want, pour it into a heat-safe glass, add your toppings, and enjoy.