When I think of the holiday season, I focus on my sense of smell. The scent of cinnamon, ginger, and sugar coming from people’s homes; it’s a time for cooking and baking. It reminds me of my childhood when my mother baked for hours in the kitchen.

The sweets, the breads, the cookies, and all of those delicious, sugary treats will undoubtedly fill your belly this year—as will mine. However, I asked myself how those holiday flavors could be achieved using a healthier alternative when we’re not feasting on their more filling counterparts during the onslaught of holiday parties. I turned to my friend, Heather Scott—founder of the San Francisco smoothie company Purple Plant Blends—for a recipe to share.

“We have the great privilege of working with amazing registered dietitians who live to help people become healthier through proper nutrition,” she says. “This really inspired us to create delicious, holiday classics—like a Gingerbread Man cookie—in a healthier, smoothie form!”

Gingerbread Man Smoothie

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon organic ginger powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2-3 drops of vanilla extract
• 1 medium to large sized organic banana
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 to 1-1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 4-6 ice cubes

Method
Blend all ingredients on high for about 30 seconds. It will be smooth and chilled.