Sweet Potato Smoothie

This Sweet Potato Smoothie turned out tasting amazing and just like pumpkin pie! ​I accidentally bought canned sweet potato puree a while ago and finally looked up a fun recipe to put it towards. I froze the remaining sweet potato puree in a 1/2 cup freezer tray and actually enjoyed this smoothie more using the frozen sweet potato. I personally only used 1/2 cup of coconut milk and added a scoop of vanilla protein powder instead of the hemp hearts. It's certainly been a tasty post workout drink or snack, and can easily be a great breakfast option as well. Tastes like pumpkin pie, packed with nutritious ingredients and anti-inflammatory spices, I mean what's not to love? 

Sweet Potato Smoothie
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato , tightly packed
• 1 cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 to 3 Medjool dates , pitted
• 1/2 inch knob of fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon hemp hearts (optional, for added protein; or add a scoop of protein powder)
• ice , as needed to thicken

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the sweet potato, milk, 2 dates, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and hemp hearts, if using. Blend until very smooth.
2. Taste the mixture, then blend in another date if more sweetness is desired. Once smooth, add in a heaping cup of ice cubes and blend until they are totally broken down. You can add more ice if you'd like a thicker shake, but keep in mind that more ice will dilute the overall flavor.
3. Serve chilled right away.

Notes:
If you’d prefer to skip the dates, feel free to use any other sweetener you like. I’ve made this smoothie with a frozen banana instead, and with a splash of orange juice, and it’s hard to go wrong. 
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Original recipe found here